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"To Benin and Back" is a memoir written by Chris Starace (me) a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin from 1995-1997. It is a collection of stories and anecdotes about what it's like to live, and travel in Benin while getting to know the people and culture intimately. It has received many positive reviews- see www.tobeninandback.com
I have found Travla pills invaluable when travelling, to avoid upset stomachs and diarrhoea. I have now taken them for 5 trips and they have worked each time. They work by creating a layer of friendly bacteria in your stomach that prevents other bacteria getting through.You take 2 a day with food, starting 1 week before you travel and while you are travelling. What a find! Cost in UK £8 per pack but worth it.
If you visit a village it is nice to give gifts to people. Children in the poorer villages always appreciate pens and sweets. I also like to take something for the women such as brightly coloured patterned hair clips. I usually carry them in my daypack just in case of an unexpected village visit. All these are light to carry around and don't take up much luggage space.
The currency in Benin and the other French speaking West African countries is the CFA. The CFA is linked to the Euro so this makes prices in all countries that use the CFA quite expensive. At the time of my visit I got 650 CFA to 1 Euro. Mineral Water varied between 300 and 600 CFA and a meal between 3000 and 4000 CFA. This was in good quality hotels/restaurants. If you're on a budget you can certainly reduce this by going to cheaper places. However, it's not as cheap as other African countries by any means.If you want to see a Voodoo ceremony or get a Fa reading you will need plenty of extra cash! I spent all my cash on these sort of experiences but didn't regret it - although had none left for souvenirs!
You pack only the bare necessities such as clothing and hygeine products. Transportion is very limited and you do not want to have to carry any excess luggage. The climate is very humid and warm. Wear very comfortable shoes as you will be doing alot of walking. Bring a basic first aid kit. Film and other camera supplies are limited so bring everything taht you need.
Mosquito net. Important. Money: French Francs. The currency in Benin hasa fixed exchange rate to FF, so you get the bestout of your money. In fact, it is quite hard tohave US Dollars or German DM exchanged once youare in the country.
just the necessary and a good camera with batteries it is very hot in the dry season NB: take always with you a bottle of water pills for water, medication for malariaIMPORTANTimunization for Yellow fever, Typhoid, etc... (mainly if you go in the north and in the forest). batteries and films in a cold box(electricity 220 volts) les paysages sont merveilleux surtout avec le coucher du soleil...
take light dress in dry season take a lot of stuff against mosquitos,pills to sterilize waterNB: watch carefully the water and salads (amibes) you must wash VERY carefully salads and fruits before eating.
Take tough and durable luggage. USE LOCKS!!! Bring very light clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, light colors. Good shoes help in places.You can by traditional clothing there. I highly recomend wearing that. It is light, and very comfortable. Take malaria medication (strongly don't recommend Larium. Strongly recommend Doxicylcline)-it's a must. take sun screan - the Equatorial sun is brutal. all current is 220v, so if you need to charge a digital camara, make sure you have a converter or you will ruin your camara. Take sunglasses
Do bring a mosquito net - most cheap (and not so cheap) hotels have only a fan which is not good enough if youre prone to get bitten (and there are mosquitos everywhere).
Ibis Cotonou Cotonou
1 Review and 13 Opinions Hotel Ibis Cotonou in Boulevard de la Marina is the cheaper alternative if you can not afford to...
Novotel Orisha Cotonou (Bld De La Marina.) Cotonou
25 Opinions
Hotel du Lac Cotonou
1 Review and 14 Opinions This lovely hotel sits on the edge of the Lagoon and my room overlooked it quite literally – the...
Reviews and photos of Benin attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Benin sightseeing.
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Q: I shall be travelling through Ghana, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso very soon. Any advice on what I should or should not wear...
A: Hi I am assuming from your VT name that you don't usually favour skimpy clothing? Well, just in case I am mistaken, this is not the part of the world to venture out in...
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