We will start our Benin Travel Tips by talking about this country. Previously the country was known as Dahomey till 1975. The name Benin comes from the Bay of Benin. The Republic of Benin is a widely spread state in West Africa, from north to south. It is located to the east of Togo and Nigeria to the west.
The area also surrounds northern Burkina Faso and Niger, southward Bay of Benin. It also touches the Gulf of Guinea. The nation occupies a land of approximately 112,622 sq km. Benin has 10 million inhabitants. It presents several lavish sites and temples of the previously mighty Dahomey Dynasty.
This nation exists in its nature. Thanks to its rich wildlife the National Parks are a must-visit. The capital and biggest town of Benin is Porto-Novo. The city is also known as the Slave Coast from the 17th century.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Benin
- Pythons Temple
- Dantokpa Market
- Etoile rouge
- Ouidah Museum of History
- Royal Palace, Porto-Novo
- Lake Ahémé
- The door of No Return, Ouidah
- Fidjrosse-Center
- Foundation Zinsou
- Sacred Forest
- Pendjari National Park
- Lagune de Cotonou
- Cotonou Central Mosque
- Da Silva Museum
Languages
French is Benin’s official & main language. Around 50 regional tongues are used in the nation today. Fon is the main commonly used ancient dialect heard in Benin. Fon and Yoruba are particularly popular in the southern part of Benin. While in the north Bariba, Fulfulde, and some native tongues are used.
In Benin, English is becoming increasingly relevant as an international language. This has also taught at the region’s high education. The majority of individuals in the Travel & Tourism industry understand & speak English.
Currency & Banking
The primary & national currency of Benin is the West African CFA franc. The currency code is XOF. Bank issues note in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000. Whereas, Coin comes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 250, and 500.
Visa cards and MasterCard in Benin are commonly endorsed. In large areas, you can surely locate an ATM in Benin. But in small towns, ATMs are rare. According to Benin Travel Tips, Please keep some USDs handy for the emergency.
Benin Tourist Visa
Indian needs a Visa to Travel Benin.
Documents Required for Benin Visa
- Valid Passport
- Application Form
- 2 Passport size photo
- Travel Itinerary
- Medical Requirements
Best Time to Visit
Benin’s ideal period to explore is the fall. Autumn takes place from late July to early September. This is the tourist-friendly season in this country In the country during this period it’s dry and calm, otherwise, it stays warm and sticky. The monsoon period is a brief time from September to November.
The major precipitation falls in April to July months. Winter is a season that should be skipped from December through March. A dry Sahara air recognized as Harmattan passes with a thinner dust cloud near to this period that reaches nearly all of Benin.
Time Zone
The Time zone in Benin is GMT+1.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 112
- Fire: 118
Internet
Internet speed in Benin is slowest and prices are economical. You need to buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over Benin. All you need to have is the passport to get the sim card in this country.
MTN Benin and Moov Benin are two major internet service providers in Benin. The Places with free Wi-Fi connection are airports, restaurants, hotels. You might face a poor connection in some of the areas of this country.
Electricity
The Normal voltage is 220 V and the normal frequency is 50 Hz. The electric plugs and sockets are of form E in Benin. Form E is from French origin. This type also works with form C and with form F if it has an extra pinhole.
You can use your electric equipment in Benin if the normal voltage in your region is between 220 240 V. Benin Travel Tips advise you to carry a travel adapter to stay connected with the world.
Climate
Benin’s weather is strongly tropical. In the south, with a lengthy dry period from November to March. Whereas the dry period between July and August is narrower. While A brief monsoon period takes place during September and October.
However, the major downpour falls from April to June. The mean daily temperature is 31 ° C (89 ° F), and the lowest temperature is 24 ° C (75 ° F). However, This country does welcome visitors all year round, anyway.
Reasons to Travel Benin
- Royal Palaces of Abomey
- Pendjari National Park
- Royal Palace, Porto-Novo
- W National Park
- Ancien Pont
- Stade de l’Amitié
- Cotonou Central Mosque
- Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception
- Musée en Plein Air de Parakou
- Ganvie The Venice of Africa
- Relax on the Beach at Grand Popo
- Yoruba Masks
- Visit hippos in lokossa at lake doukon
- Dassa Zoume Catholic Pilgrimage Site
History
Benin has a longstanding rich history. Benin is a legacy of many empires. This was Dahomey’s headquarters, one of the major African empires of medieval origin. The Abomey Empire was established in 1625. Porto- was originally established in the late 16th century, after which it was renamed Adjacé and then Hogbonou.
Dahomey’s rituals deeply insult the feelings of several Europeans of the 19th generation. While The nation achieved freedom in 1960 after French West Africa was dissolved. In its first years of freedom, Dahomey has a troubled history. In 1975 they changed the name of it from Dahomey to Benin.
Packing Tips for Benin
- Running/Trail shoes
- Important Documents- passport & Travel map
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Power Charger
- Travel Adapter
- Insect Protection
- Toiletries
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Tickets and travel documents
- Swimsuit
- Medicine Kit
Is it safe to Travel Benin?
No, Benin is not so safe country to Travel. According to Benin Travel Tips Please don’t travel to this country without a local guide. However, This country is a country that is prosperous and peaceful and yet its people are very sweet and welcoming. In Benin, public transportation is particularly dangerous.
Public transport has been the target of robberies. There are also dangerous hang-ups on highways where coaches are occasionally stopped. The criminals threaten travelers or assault them. While Pickpocketing and trying to steal away belongings are regular issues in Benin’s roads. Be prepared to keep your bags closely beside you. Frauds are common in all of Benin.
You should particularly take care When it comes to ATM scams. It is not at all a good country for solo Women Travelers. While Kidnappings also happens in this region. However, When you are moving please eliminate dimly lit and desolate areas. Please avoid walking unaccompanied in dark areas.
Conclusion
However, If you need more information about Benin Travel Tips ??? Call us at +918860284198 or contact us at [email protected].
FAQs
Good Things about Benin?
1. Wildlife 2. Beaches 3. Sculptures
Bad Things about Benin?
1. Crime 2. Bad healthcare 3. Poverty
Weird Things about Benin?
1. People think that photo steals their soul. 2. It has two rainy and two dry seasons. 3. Refusing food is considered Rude.
Benin Travel Restrictions?
Benin is closed for tourists. All borders & air travel is not allowed for visitors.
How many states in Benin?
There are 12 states(departments) in Benin.
