5 Reasons Why You Should Take a Trip to Benin Republic

Benin Republic is fast becoming a favourite travel destination among Nigerian travel enthusiasts (especially those based in border cities like Lagos). The country is no longer being seen only as a used car shopping haven but also as a place to go kick back, relax and escape crazy city life for a while.

If you have never considered visiting this country, here are five reasons why you should.

1. It is relatively affordable to visit…

auberge de grand popoWith as little as a N1,000 (Naira), you can find yourself in Seme, one of the towns between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. Depending on how you choose to travel, you can have a good time without leaving a gaping hole in your pocket.

You can explore different sites and enjoy relaxing days on beautiful beaches for only a fraction of what it would cost you in several other places. And who doesn’t love cheap thrills?!

2. Proximity to other countries…

LomeIf you have dreams of exploring countries in West Africa, Benin serves as a good starting point. You can take a day trip to Togo and explore a bit of Lome or use it as a stopover for a trip to Ghana.

As I mentioned in this article, getting to Accra from Lagos can be quite the journey. Breaking the trip in cities like Ouidah or Grand Popo certainly makes the experience more enjoyable.

3. Benin Republic has the best wildlife safari option in West Africa…

warthogsAnother reason to visit Benin is for the wildlife safari option available in her Pendjari National Park. This park is arguably the best the region and is definitely worth visiting if you love safaris. Granted, it is no Serengeti or Kruger but the safari experience feels pretty much the same.

The entire experience, from game drives to anticipation for a sighting to camping in the heart of the Savannah is very exciting. It makes the journey there worthwhile.

4. An opportunity to experience a different culture…

python temple ouidahVisiting places away from home provides an opportunity to learn and connect with people. I am constantly fascinated by how much there is to learn about the similarities and differences between the culture there and here in Nigeria. Especially seeing as we are very close neighbours.

Ganvie marketIt’s also interesting to see where Nigeria ends and Benin starts. You can literally tell the difference as you move further away from the border towns. Benin is also the closest country to Lagos, Nigeria, where French is the official language, so getting to visit and practice my French is always a plus.

(Well, except when I travel with Mark. Then, I’m just plain lazy)

5. Ease of touring sites…

Ganvie womanIn my opinion, it’s relatively easier to tour sites in Benin than it is to do so in Nigeria. Like Nigeria, Benin’s tourism is far from perfect, however, visiting similar sites is less of a hassle compared to Nigeria. You only need to visit Makoko (Nigeria) and Ganvie (Benin) – two very similar attractions – to understand what I am talking about. While the latter is pretty straightforward to tour, the former can be a nightmare.

In essence, this ease of exploring sites definitely makes it an attractive destination to visit.

So, what do you think? Have I convinced you to add Benin Republic to your wanderlust list yet? – or Nah? PS: you’re not allowed to say ‘Nah’ 🙂

and 

Have you visited Benin before? Tell me about your experience…

8 comments

    1. Oh it is.. or rather, it used to be before the great fall of the Naira. I’ll look forward to reading about your trip if you do get to visit.

  1. Cheers to you for promoting travel in Benin! With that said, I heard there are two safari options here in Senegal that look more interesting than Pendjari to be honest – Banda and Fathala. Hopefully I can check one if not both out before I leave so we can shamelessly boast about our “alternative” Seregenti and Kruger lolol || http://www.lorikemi.com

    1. Haha, please do. We need more alternative safari options in our zones that match Serengeti and Kruger!

  2. Yessss to all the reasons to visit Benin! I have visited Benin and it’s a really nice place

  3. PS. You’re not allowed to say nah…that actually made me laugh out loud!
    I have been thinking about going somewhere outside Nigeria that will be (extremely) affordable after my internship, and this has jumped to the top of ze list. Thank you for the recommendation, Amarachi!
    http://www.desireuba.WordPress.com

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
I travelled for hours from Geoje to visit Sucheon and am pleased to report that it did not disappoint! 💙✨️

At 4pm, when I visited, the themed gardens were sparsely populated. Coming from Japan, where many beautiful places are often filled with tourists, this was a pleasant surprise! 🌼

I visited in spring and caught the last of cherry blossom petals on the trees but it was really the tulips 🌷 that took the spotlight. I explored various themed gardens and my favourite were the Korean and Netherlands Gardens.

Overall, this place was an absolute delight! I definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area!
I travelled for hours from Geoje to visit Sucheon and am pleased to report that it did not disappoint! 💙✨️ At 4pm, when I visited, the themed gardens were sparsely populated. Coming from Japan, where many beautiful places are often filled with tourists, this was a pleasant surprise! 🌼 I visited in spring and caught the last of cherry blossom petals on the trees but it was really the tulips 🌷 that took the spotlight. I explored various themed gardens and my favourite were the Korean and Netherlands Gardens. Overall, this place was an absolute delight! I definitely recommend a visit if you're in the area!
24 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
Story Time ⏰️
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The beautiful places that made me fall in love with Japan 💙
The beautiful places that made me fall in love with Japan 💙
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Urgent decision needed! 🙏🏽 Help me out!
Urgent decision needed! 🙏🏽 Help me out!
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
✋🏾Before you go skincare shopping in Korea, you should get this FREE skin analysis done, especially if you're a novice like me!

🫒 I went to Olive Young during my last visit and walked out with nothing! I was so overwhelmed! 😰

This time, I decided to get a skincare analysis done first. I got mine done at the Mixsoon store (Olive Young has it too) It was quite detailed and 100%💲FREE, plus it took only a few minutes.

Would you try this? 💬⏬️

#kbeautyskincare #skincaretips #travelhacks #koreanskincare
✋🏾Before you go skincare shopping in Korea, you should get this FREE skin analysis done, especially if you're a novice like me! 🫒 I went to Olive Young during my last visit and walked out with nothing! I was so overwhelmed! 😰 This time, I decided to get a skincare analysis done first. I got mine done at the Mixsoon store (Olive Young has it too) It was quite detailed and 100%💲FREE, plus it took only a few minutes. Would you try this? 💬⏬️ #kbeautyskincare #skincaretips #travelhacks #koreanskincare
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Will I ever be able to fly economy again?😭

Just kidding. Find me in 43G next flight! Manifesting another upgrade though!✨️🧘🏽‍♀️
Will I ever be able to fly economy again?😭 Just kidding. Find me in 43G next flight! Manifesting another upgrade though!✨️🧘🏽‍♀️
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍

Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
Can't get over this view! 😍😍 Mount Fuji - stunning from every viewpoint!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
I recently took a Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong trip and if you plan to replicate an itinerary like this one, here's the sequence I recommend to applying for your visas. 

Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
I recently took a Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong trip and if you plan to replicate an itinerary like this one, here's the sequence I recommend to applying for your visas. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
When in Hong Kong!

An exciting way to see parts of the city is to ride the tram to The Peak.
When in Hong Kong! An exciting way to see parts of the city is to ride the tram to The Peak.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • On the Road to Japan – Again!

  • Lazy Days in Mahé: From Rough Beginnings to Paradise

  • 7 New Romantic Korean Dramas I’m Binging This Spring!

  • A Planning Timeline for a Trip to Japan!

  • DIY: How to Apply for an e-visa to Hong Kong

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close