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This trip explores Ouidah, the birthplace of voodoo, the floating city of Gavie and Abomey, home of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey. This kingdom was formed out of a mixture of various local ethnic groups on the Abomey plain. Historians theorized that the insecurity caused by slave trading may have contributed to mass migrations of different groups to modern day Abomey. Stay in one hotel for the trip and you'll do day trips to see all of the major sites of Benin. Your private guide and driver will help you in discovering this amazing little known country.
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Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Cotonou The name 'Cotonou' means 'the mouth of the river of death' in the local Fon language. At the beginning of the 19th century, Cotonou (then spelled Kotonou) was merely a small fishing village. Originally dominated by the Kingdom of Dahomey, in 1851 the French made a treaty with the King that allowed them to establish a trading post at Cotonou. From then on, the town developed quickly to become the largest harbour in the region. Drive from Cotonou, Benin to Accra, Ghana. (3 hrs) The Novotel Orisha Cotonou is a 3 star hotel enjoying a seaside location in the centre of Cotonou, close to the two major convention and events centres, the Palais du Congres and the CIC. The hotel offers 110 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and two bars. The hotel also features a private car park, a swimming pool and a tennis court. The hotel has 2 restaurants that feature both French and local specialties. Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou. |
Cotonou |
Novotel Cotonou |
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Day 2
Cotonou Drive to Abomey, the historical capital of the great kingdom of Dahomey. Visit the Royal Palace and the museum, a site boasting some ancient artifacts and relics from several centuries. These objects provide a glimpse into the historical past of the local people and their traditions. After this unique experience, travel back to Cotonou for an opportunity to explore the local merchant market place. Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou. |
Abomey |
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Day 3
Cotonou Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou. |
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Day 4
Cotonou Enjoy this sensational visit to Ganvie (the village on water), commonly referred to as the Venice of West Africa. Witness firsthand, the people of Ganvie carrying out their daily routine as vendors in dugout canoes make transactions with one another and with tourists. Try shopping amongst the local vendors in the floating market whilst taking a relaxing canoe ride on the waterways of this exotic 300-year-old village. After lunch, drive through the multicolored center of the administrative and commercial capital of Benin to view it’s many statues and monuments. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Novotel Orisha Cotonou. |
Ganvie Village |
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Day 5
Cotonou Your private guide will transfer you between the airport and hotel. Depart from Cotonou international airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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East Africa
'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
