Benin Explorer
5 Days
from
$1,155
to
$1,405
per person*
Highlights:
Benin
(Cotonou)
Trip Start/End:
Cotonou
/
Cotonou
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.
Accommodations
Novotel Cotonou
Novotel Orisha Cotonou - Cotonou
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Benin
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Visa Processing generally takes 3 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $100 for a Single Entry Visa and $120 for a Multiple Entry Visa. Visas are not routinely available at the airport. Visitors to Benin should also carry the WHO Yellow Card (“Carte Jaune”) indicating that they have been vaccinated for yellow fever.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you contact the Embassy of Benin for the most current visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/benin.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Porto Novo (administrative).
Government: Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960.
Language: The official language is French. However, many ethnic groups have their own languages: Bariba and Fulani are spoken in the north, Fon and Yoruba in the south. Some English is also spoken.
Religion: 35% animist/traditional, 35% Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) and the majority of the rest are Muslim.
Time: GMT + 1.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +229.
Mobile Telephone: Some roaming agreements exist. Coverage is limited.
Internet: Public access is available in Cotonou.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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.
Stay in the know: Subscribe to our newsletter to have our hand-picked trips & specials delivered to you!