The Top 4 Road Trips in Benin

Often overlooked, the small stretch of West Africa known as Benin is best explored by car.

Bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo and Burkina Faso to the west, and Niger to the north, Benin offers experiences as rich as its neighbors. Discover Vodou traditions in Ouidah, delve into the history of the Dahomey Kingdom in Abomey, and visit the famous watermen in the “Venice of Africa,” with surprises and stunning sites at every turn.

We’ve curated four road trips that highlight Benin's attractions, including the stunning beaches of Grand Popo, the vibrant capital Porto Novo, and the lively streets of Cotonou. Fasten your seatbelts!

1. Vodou Journeys

The Most Remarkable Drive in Benin Cotonou–Ouidah; 38 km (2 miles); 1 hour 30 minutes

With its stunning ginger-colored beaches and bustling markets offering everything from plastic sandals to goats, Cotonou is the perfect place to get acquainted with Benin. To dive deeper into its Vodou heritage, take the RNIE1 road inland and prepare for surprises. Vodou – or Vodun – is a faith that intertwines medicine, philosophy, and justice, embodying the belief that everything is spirit. Along this route, you may encounter individuals carrying animal carcasses or Vodou priests conducting rituals, and vibrant dance performances are not unusual. Vodou originated in Ouidah but spread to the Americas and Europe during the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

If you embark on this road trip at the start of the year, you’ll have a higher chance of witnessing Vodou ceremonies as locals gear up for Fête du Vodun on January 10, a nationwide celebration centered in Ouidah. Stop in Pahou to experience the lively, often dusty market—a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy refreshments like fresh pineapples, peanuts, cashews, bottled water, and street food such as àkàrà (fried black-eyed pea cakes) while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of shouting vendors, honking motorbikes, and lively bargaining.

From this point, the newly constructed two-lane Pahou–Ouidah road greatly accelerates your travel. Stop by the 4-hectare Sacred Forest on the outskirts of Ouidah, where wooden statues of Vodou deities—often depicted as anthropomorphic figures—are nestled among the iroko trees and medicinal plants. Once you reach the town, make sure to visit the Ouidah Museum of History to delve deeper into Vodou culture.

2. The Lake Nokoué Circuit

The Most Picturesque Road Trip in Benin Porto Novo–Ganvié; 37 km (23 miles), 2 hours

The most breathtaking road trip in Benin winds around the beautiful Lake Nokoué, connecting Porto Novo to Ganvié via the RNIE1 and RNIE2. These rugged dirt roads are dry and dusty, filled with potholes, so it's important to drive carefully. As you travel, keep an eye out for the white-crested tiger heron and the African openbill, and enjoy various views of the sparkling 16,000-hectare lake before reaching Ganvié, known as the “Venice of Africa.”

This stilt village, the largest of its kind in Africa, attracts many tourists. Begin your day early to make the most of your time in Ganvié, allowing you to engage with locals and learn about their traditions. Local guides also offer boat rentals for exploring the lake.

Tip for Planning: There are limited stops on the route to Lake Nokoué, so be sure to refuel in Porto Novo before you set out.

3. The King's Route

Ideal road trip for newcomers Grand Popo–Abomey; 147 km (91 miles), 3 hours

As you travel north from the sandy shores of Grand Popo, Benin transforms into a different landscape. You'll see fields of yam and maize, grazing livestock, and women and girls balancing large water containers on their heads as they stroll along the roadside. Leaving behind the hot beaches and salty ocean air, the environment shifts to cooler temperatures with lush forests and thick green canopies enveloping the terrain.

Follow the RNIE1 and then switch to RNIE4 towards Abomey, the capital of the historic West African Kingdom of Dahomey, which reigned from 1625 to 1894. The RNIE4 is the longest dirt road you'll encounter, filled with potholes, and is best navigated outside the rainy season (May–November). Make sure to fill up on fuel as there are few stops along the way.

Abomey, one of Benin's most culturally significant sites, features winding streets adorned with numerous temples and palaces that reflect the nation’s heritage before the impacts of slavery and colonialism. Don’t miss the Musée Historique d'Abomey and the Epic of the Amazons, where you can learn about the customs and traditions of the Dahomey Kingdom and explore their ancient royal palaces.

4. A Journey from Capital to Capital

Ideal road trip for contrasting the ancient and the modern Abomey–Porto Novo; 131 km (81 miles), 3 hours 30 minutes

Traveling from the historic capital of the Dahomey Kingdom to today's modern capital offers a vibrant tapestry of green scenery, dotted with homes, schools, churches, and bustling communities. Upon reaching Porto Novo, explore significant historical sites such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Grande Musee de Porto Novo, and Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature. The Afro-Brazilian architectural styles found here were influenced by the transatlantic slave trade that spanned over 400 years.

This route starts as a dirt path before transitioning to a paved road halfway through. Although it has numerous potholes, it's easier to navigate than many other rural roads. You'll also find plenty of gas stations along the journey.

Driving tips for navigating Benin

• Avoid relying on Google Maps for navigation in Benin, as its accuracy can be questionable.

• You can rent a car in Benin, but hiring a local driver is often more advantageous due to their knowledge of the roads.

• Plan your road trips for the dry season (December–February). During the rainy season (May–November), road conditions can be tough due to flooding, hidden potholes, and long stretches without roadside facilities.