Excursion Ouidah, voodoo capital of benin tour at Cotonou

The town of Ouidah is known as the religious capital of Benin to the numerous festivals with singing, chanting, drumming and dances that take place here. Historically, Ouidah was also one of the busiest of the West African slave embarkation points and is therefore full of important, difficult history.

Depart Cotonou, Benin's de facto capital city for a one hour drive to Ouidah, dubbed the voodoo capital city of Benin. On arrival, visit the Sacred Forest of Kpassè. This shaded wood is where still stands the tree into which Kpassè was deified over four hundred years ago. It also features many voodoo shrines and numerous voodoo scupltures.

Proceed on to the Museum of History, a former Portuguese slave fort that saw hundreds of Africans deported to the Americas during the Atlantic Slave Trade. Drive from the fort to the Pythons Temple, dedicated in honor of the pythons which, according to legend, protected Kpassè during his exile into the sacred forest.

Make the return trip to the ship in Cotonou.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (approximately 800 meters) with some steps to negotiate at the Museum, making it less suitable for guests with walking difficulties.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Ouidah, Sacred Forest of Kpass