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

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
18 hours ago
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Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
6 days ago
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The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
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The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
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Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
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