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Just north of Cotonou is Ganvié, a town of 12,000 inhabitants who live in bamboo huts on stilts several kilometres out on Lake Nokoué. In the 18th century, the Tofinu people built the village as protection against the aggression of the Fon and Dahomey kingdoms. Now, houses, restaurants, shops and even a hotel are built 2m (6ft) above the water. Very early or at dusk are the best times to visit Ganvié. The locals object to up-close photography, so be sensitive to their wishes.
Although Cotonou is not the official capital city of Benin, it still houses the more econimical powers of the country. It is more developed and tourist-friendly than the official capital, Porto Novo, which lies 32km to the east. It also has a crowd of bright, upbeat bars and nightclubs along the Jonquet strip. The clubs feature US, West African and even Cameroonian beats.
Shop in the Grand Marché de DantokpaLocated in Cotonou, the Grand Marché de Dantokpa is a popular area for tourists. Here you can buy a wide variety of items, ranging from blank cassettes, food and radios to monkey's testicles and voodoo love fetishes ;)
One of Benins biggest tourist attractions must be the town of Ganvie near Cotonou. It has a population of about 12000 people living in bamboo huts on stilts several kilometers from seashore on Lake Nokoue. Since the whole town is build on stils you find also the hotel, post office etc. built on wooden sticks about two meters above sea level.
Have a look in Cotonou, Benin's biggest city. It lies between the ocean an a lagoon, and offers a wide range of the experiences of an african city. Like for excample the large market view on this picture.
very impressive and large museum for dahomey..ask for the guide Rose who explainsin French everything very clear
Those huge spotlessly white four-by-fours, with pretty blue signs and enormous antenna, never stop to rescue you from the over-crowded bush taxi, and you never stop staring longingly at them.
Ganvie is the famous city on poles in the water. I've been there as a kid, but I can't find pictures from there. It is a must see place if you're in Benin!
Novotel Orisha Cotonou (Bld De La Marina.) Cotonou
51 Opinions
Hotel du Lac Cotonou
1 Review and 23 Opinions This lovely hotel sits on the edge of the Lagoon and my room overlooked it quite literally – the...
Ibis Cotonou Cotonou
1 Review and 26 Opinions Hotel Ibis Cotonou in Boulevard de la Marina is the cheaper alternative if you can not afford to...
Reviews and photos of Benin attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Benin sightseeing.
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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