Lot 79, Parcelles C Et D Tokplegbe PK6, Cotonou, 0
Check Rates and Availability
of people enjoy staying here
2 Opinions
Zemijan's motorcycles in Cotonou
Zemijan's motorcycles in Cotonou
Obama beach, Cotonou
Obama beach, Cotonou
Anyone living or lived in Cotonou? Just wondering what is the cost of living there, such a groceries and entertainment.
Do not know of anyone actually LIVING in Cotonou, but our VT member janiebaxter has visited there, and is familier with the area.
Have a look at her Cotonou page:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/e3981/1d7806/
Cotonou is actually the largest city in Benin, and houses most of the government, which is kinda misleading as the capital is Porto-Nove. It has a thriving port as well as a busy industrial center. You probably know this already. I have only gone through the city, and understand it is now twice the size from when I was there, at around a million residents. As it has been a while, I really cannot comment on the cost of living there. Sorry, which I could be of more help.....good luck!
Ave van Vollenhoven is one of the main streets in the centre of Cotonou. The street cut through the city from Jonquet on the western side of centre to Grand Marche (Dantokpa Market) and the the bridge over Lagune de Cotonou on the eastern side of the city. It is easy to orientate when you are in this street. Look after the concrete water tower called "Chateau d'eau Maro Militaire", and you know you are in the middle of the street.
Like everywhere in West-Africa, hishing to someone, when you wants his attention, is very common.
In West-Africa there is also a special way of handshaking with a fingerknip. Learn it, but don't use it with traditional or older woman and with old men. It's to them to choose for it.
And when you shop it's ofcourse very usual to bargain. However it isn't normal if you have to bargain for food and drinks and in the luxury stores. Further on: don't be offended if fathers or mothers want you to marry their daughters, because they want them to go to the western world. Some African friends will also try to bring you a girl for f*cking, even kids or their sisters. It's a sign of friendship. I am homosexual, so I didn't accept any of the many offers, but it's no problem if you want to accept one (but be careful with AIDS and I don't think that its a good idea to f*ck kids) .
It's sandy everywhere and most of the women/girls I saw wore flip flops. I like sandals with a bit of height since the sand can be a couple inches deep.
I'd recommend a light overshirt for sun protection if you're fair skinned.
If you'd like an outfit in the local style have it made in Cotonou. The cost is much better than what you would pay in Italy or the U.S.--where I have inquired. There are many stalls with fabric in the main market. There's a pricier specialty store near the shop where a huge line forms to buy bread. Have to find out what the address is. Word is cotton fabric from England is better than that from the U.S. I think you have to see and feel for yourself.
Ganvie is 18km North of Cotonou and is well worth a visit if you are Cotonou - it is one of Benin's best tourist attractions, yet is not really crowded with tourists. Boats depart from the Lakeside village of Abomey-Calavi which is a short drive from Cotonou, by car, taxi or taxi motorbike. Tickets for boats are available at the office by the jetty.
25,000 people live permanently houses built on stilts on Lake Nakoue. The whole life of the town is lived on and in the water and a trip to Ganvie is absolutely fascinating. The town was established here during the slave trade. The local King took advantage of a rule that states the Kings of Dahomey, who were capturing slaves, could not pursue their enemies over water as the Juju (magic) would work against them and also the lake was out of range of their guns. So the King took his people to safety and the town has stood on the Lake ever since.
My trip was pre-booked and our motor boat was covered to protect us from the sun. We passed the many fish farms along the journey to Ganvie and many people coming and going from Ganvie to Abomey-Calavi to sell fish or to buy goods sold at the lakeside or in the market.
We were welcomed to Ganvie by a boatful of local men singing. Then we toured the main street, the floating market and a few of the side streets before going to have a look at 2 other smaller Lake Villages of So-Zouko and So-Tchonhoue. We ate a delicious lunch at the hotel Germaine, which also has rooms, before returning to Abomey-Calavi late afternoon.
More info and tips are on my Ganvie page.
Cotonou is the largest city in Benin with 1.2 million inhabitants. It is also the economic capital of Benin. The city is very spread out and more westernized than other West-African cities. The streets in Cotonou are wide and crowded. A lot of Zemijan motorcycle taxis are cruising around in the streets with their yellow waistcoat.
Sponsored Links
Near DICHOTEL
Cheapest in Cotonou
Q: Tour guides "Will be one day in Cotonou May 2010, can anybody recommend tour guides? Thank you"
A: "Hi Our VT member janiebaxter has travelled extensivly in Africa, including Benin , and has made a page about Cotonou. Regarding the guide, maybe you could email Janie..."
Latest Cotonou hotel reviews
Sponsored Links
Check Rates and Availability (from our partners)
