Table of Contents
Introduction
Living in Africa has been an absolute dream, and travelling the continent has left me in absolute awe. I recently travelled to the Benin and Togo for a long weekend with Ajala Travel Tours, and it was everything that I needed. If you’re looking to explore more of Africa, then this Benin and Togo weekend travel guide is everything you need. This Benin and Togo Weekend itinerary will give you the experience of everything from cultural history, nature, food, and cross-border discovery.
I took a red-eye flight (at 1 am in the morning ) with Moroccan Airlines from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco to Nigeria, which was around a 4-hour flight and landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. From there, I was picked up at around 6.30 am and driven straight to Benin. The journey was relatively smooth and took around 3/4 hours. If you would like to do Benin and Togo over the weekend this is your Benin and Togo travel guide
Related post: A Beautiful Day at Ganvié Village, Benin: Africa’s Floating Village
Entry Requirements for Benin and Togo
If you hold a British, American, or Canadian passport, you are very likely going to need a visa to visit these West African gems:
- Benin: Check the Benin eVisa portal or use iVisa to simplify the process.
- Togo: Visas are available on arrival for many nationalities. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
However, if you are like me and hold a Nigerian or other ECOWAS passport:
- You can travel visa-free across these countries for up to 90 days. However, (you may need to bless them – if you know what I mean). Carry ID and ensure you comply with entry checks.
Must-knows for your Benin and Togo
- Currency – It’s also worth noting that both Benin and Togo use the West African CFA franc (XOF), and while some places accept cards. I would always suggest carrying cash, especially for local markets and rural areas.
- Language -The official language in both countries is French, but you’ll also hear local languages like Fon in Benin and Ewe in Togo.
- Adapters -When it comes to charging your devices, both countries use the European-style plugs (types C and E) with a 220V voltage, so it’s worth packing a travel adapter if you’re coming from outside the region.
Cross-Border Road Trip Tips
- Travel during daylight for safety, preferably morning to avoid traffic.
- Arrange a reliable driver in advance, as there are a lot of border stops. I can share the driver’s details. Just DM me via Instagram or TikTok.
- Carry your yellow fever card and passport (ECOWAS travellers may not need a visa).
- Bring cash for border fees and roadside purchases.
- Have water, snacks, and a first-aid kit on hand.
Exploring Benin
Where I Stayed
Casa del Papa Resort & Spa – A relaxing beachfront resort, ideal for unwinding after a full day of sightseeing and activities. You can book the hotel here.
What I Did in Benin
- Ganviè Village is known as the “Venice of Africa,” and it really is a gem. The lake village is located near Cotonou and was founded in the 16th/17th century by the Tofinu people escaping European slave traders. Today, it’s the largest lake village in Africa, home to over 20,000 residents. A boat ride through the community gives you a deeper appreciation for its resilience and history.
- Python Temple. The Python Temple is sacred in Vodun (Voodoo) spirituality and is associated with the deity Dangbé. Visitors can hold and see the snakes up close and learn about the role they play in spiritual life.
- Door of No Return & Benin Amazone Statue. These landmarks commemorate the region’s painful past in the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the strength and resistance of the Dahomey women warriors.
- Street Art & Cultural Sites. There are vibrant murals throughout parts of the city created by Black artists. They offer a modern, creative expression of Benin’s identity.
- Shea Butter & Clay Massage. You can also unwind with a traditional massage experience with clay, you are then given a massage using shea butter.
Everything I Ate in Benin
Benin had a unique food culture. Here are a few dishes worth trying:
- Amala with Gbekouin sauce – this was my favourite, it reminded me of the Nigerian egusi.
- Red eba with fish stew
- Chicken with onions and spices
- Yovo doko (fried dough-like treat, a bit like puff puff)
Togo Guide
You can cross the border from Benin into Togo, which is pretty smooth, but you will need a trusted driver to do this and have some cash in case you need to pay for a visa.
Where I Stayed
Onomo Hotel, Lomé – A clean, modern hotel that’s great for short stays and very central. You can book the hotel here.
What I Did
- Womé Waterfall (Kpalimé. It is a stunning waterfall, located about 3-4 hours from Lomé. This peaceful natural site is tucked near the Ghana border. It’s about a 4km hike to reach the falls, and entry is 10,000 CFA (about £10). I had the entire waterfall all by myself and enjoyed a peaceful swim in the fresh water. Read: A Perfect Solo Day at Cascade de Womé Waterfalls, Togo: What to Know Before You Go
- Cooking Class. One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food. In Togo, I cooked with a local host and made fonio, a type of millet popular across West Africa. We paired it with king prawns, and I helped prep okra, onions, peppers, and parsley. For the starter, I fried slices of sweet potato and squash, served with bissap (hibiscus juice). It was such a wholesome and grounding experience.
- Independence Monument (Monument de l’Indépendance). Located in the heart of Lomé. It was designed by the famous Togolese artist Paul Ahyi. The monument features a white bust of a woman holding a cooking pot, a powerful symbol of strength and freedom. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it’s a must-see landmark offering historical context and a tranquil moment in the capital.
Everything I Ate in Togo
Togo had such comforting dishes that I absolutely loved (my hips didn’t). It was full of flavour and tradition. Here are a few worth trying:
- Fufu with peanut soup was a highlight. I even got to pound the fufu myself, and the soup was rich and nutty.
- Guinea fowl (Guinea phaue), well seasoned to perfection with crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Sweet potato and squash fritters, cooked by moi, and served as a starter during the cooking class.
- Fonio with prawns and sautéed vegetables, fonio has a nutty taste and was beautifully paired with fresh herbs and big prawns/shrimps.
Other Travel Resources
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick reels and specifics of my visit to both Benin & Togo
- Always carry some cash, both countries use CFA.
- Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- You can use Viator or GetYourGuide if you want specific tours in Benin and Togo; however, the tours are quite expensive. I would advise sticking with a driver, or I can suggest a tour guide.
- I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
Final Views on Benin and Togo
Although the trip was only a short weekend, it was perfect to get a taste of other West African countries that were Francophone, like Senegal.
I was able to see so much and reflect on the cultural richness of these two countries. Having dual nationality gave me the flexibility to travel with ease, and I’d absolutely recommend this route to anyone wanting to explore more of West Africa off the beaten path. I will certainly be going back for a few days if possible.
Whether it’s your first time in the region or a return visit, Benin and Togo offer unforgettable insight, beauty, and soul.
Looking forward to the next series?
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Speak soon,
MBV
