Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

Porto-Novo - The capital

Museé Ethnographique de Porto Novo

This is an interesting museum that takes an intensive look into the past of Porto Novo’s kings. Displaying a good selection of fetishes, old Yourba king masks, costumes, and some musical instruments, this is definitely worth the CFA1,000 Entrance fee.

Palais Royal du Roi Toffa

This former residence of King Toffa is now officially called Musee Honmé. CFA 1,000 is the entrance fee. This well maintained, rather simple, palace is a nice look into how African royalty really lived. 1883 was the year King Toffa signed the treaty with French, agreeing to hand over land. The kingdom of Porto Novo was one of the longest lasting in Africa, lasting up until 1976.

Museé da Silva

Celebrating Afro-Brazilian influence on the city, this fairly new museum offers a lot of variety. The museum grounds consist of a traditional house, a small library, an open-air cinema showing French films, and a hotel.

Avrankou

Zēkpon in nearby Adjarra is a sacred voodoo temple of water.

Several sacred forests where traditional festivities take place.

Gogounou

After the Bariba party in Nikki, Zougou-Panterossi(21k west of Gogounou) hosts another Bariba fete. Horse riding, kings parading, folklorique groups dancing - CULTURE! The date changes yearly, but is always in April.

Grand Popo - Beach resort town close to the Togolese border

The Beach

Grand Popo has a beautiful beach front. Be careful about swimming though as the ocean current is very strong and all beaches are swim at your own risk.

Hounkounnou Village

Gbècon

Hévé

Allongo

Avlo

Bouche du Roy

Where the Mono River meets the Atlantic Ocean

L’île du sel

Traditional fabrication of salt

Mangroves

Pêche de gambas

Traditional fishing of prawns

Kétou

The Royal Palace

Located at the far end of town in the direction of Bohicon. The current king speaks French and is very open to visitors. Please show the utmost respect for him and ask before taking any pictures. Note that you should not shake his hand and that you must remove your shoes before entering the palace.

The Sacred Door or 'Akaba Idenan'

This site is one of few remaining examples of traditional military fortificatrions in the region. A visit to the site will provide you with interesting insight into local history. The door was at one point the only entrance to town, and is therefore protected by large fortification ditches and high walls. The site is also the center of the Orisha/Voodoo cult of Ketou. A number of shrines and traditional Yoruba statues can be found within the compound. As this is a very sacred site, it is best to see the king before visiting. He will take a small fee (500-1000 CFA) and will provide you with a guide. You may encounter some hassle from locals when visiting. You do not need to give them money but do deal with them tactfully, without getting angry. This always makes matters worse, wherever you may be in Benin.

The Sacred Garbage Pile, known as 'Aitan Ola'

This is certainly a unique site, well worth a visit. It is a major Orisha shrine, established in the early days of Ketou's history. The mound of garbage actually stands above a sacred charm, said to offer protection to the kingdom in time of war. When it was first buried, locals were given strict instructions to cover the charm with anything they could find - hence the garbage. The site is located nearby the Royal Palace and also offers the opportunity to discover some of the more traditional and 'authentic' parts of Ketou.