Cotonou: all 9 tours and excursions for your cruise

Discover Ganvie, one of the largest lake villages in Africa lying in Lake Nokoué. Depart Cotonou, Benin's de facto capital city for a drive to Abomey-Calavi. Board local canoes across the Nokoué Lake to Ganvie, a massive stilt village. The village was created in the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries as a means of the Tofinu people to avoid the Fon warriors who were part of the slave trade, capturing people for sale to European traders. The Tofinu people made these waters...

Explore the storied history, traditional lifestyle and unique religion of Benin during this full-day excursion to Ouidah and Ganvie. Ouidah, Kpasse Sacred Forest, History Museum Depart the pier for the drive west to Ouidah, the 'Voodoo City' of Benin. Upon arrival, visit the Kpasse Sacred Forest, a wooded area dotted with voodoo sculptures, and observe a brief ritual dance. Leaving the forest, re-board your coach and head to the Museum of History, a former Portuguese slave...

The town of Ouidah is known as the religious capital of Benin to the numerous festivals with singing, chanting, drumming and dances that take place here. Historically, Ouidah was also one of the busiest of the West African slave embarkation points and is therefore full of important, difficult history. Depart Cotonou, Benin's de facto capital city for a one hour drive to Ouidah, dubbed the voodoo capital city of Benin. On arrival, visit the Sacred Forest of Kpassè. This shaded...

Discover the vibrant city of Cotonou, plunged into constant traffic chaos caused by thousands of zemidjans (moto-taxis) wearing purple or yellow uniforms. As a consequence, the city follows the rhythm of the traffic lights pausing and restarting those zemidjans all over the city. Enjoy the intense show as you explore this fast-paced city. On your half-day tour, make a visit to the Zinsou Foundation, the first private Beninese foundation dedicated to Contemporary African Art founded...

Our Destination Experiences Team is currently finalizing the Shore Experiences to provide with the most immersive and authentic programme. As soon as the Shore Experiences are available for booking in MY SILVERSEA guests will be notified via e-mail.

Experience the local lifestyle and traditions of Cotonou and Ganvie during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion. Abomey-Calavi and Ganvie Stilt Village Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Abomey-Calavi. Upon arrival, embark a motorboat for a cruise on Nokoue Lake en route to Ganvie, Africa's largest stilt village. On arrival begin your guided tour along the narrow alleyways between the stilt houses and take in some local entertainment....

Discover Porto Novo, an old Portuguese town where one can still admire colonial architecture and colorful markets including a large traditional herbal market. Take a city tour that sends you past the highlights of Porto Novo, including the ethnographic museum with its collection of tribal masks and statues, the Great Mosque famous for its baroque style, and the old palace of King Toffa. There is time to visit the Musée Ethnographique de Porto Novo, an interesting museum...

Discover two important area landmarks of Benin, the village of Ganvie and the Sacred Forest in Ouidah. Ganvie is the largest and most beautiful African stilt village with approximately 25,000 inhabitants, of the Tofinou ethnic group, who build their huts on teak stilts and cover the roofs with a thick layer of leaves. The village's principal economic driver is fishing, and through this and other activities, the village has been able preserve its particular customs and the environment. Despite...

The town of Ouidah is known as the religious capital of Benin to the numerous festivals with singing, chanting, drumming and dances that take place here. Historically, Ouidah was also one of the busiest of the West African slave embarkation points and is therefore full of important, difficult history. Depart Cotonou for a one hour drive to Ouidah, considered the voodoo capital city of Benin. Take a history-filled guided walking tour of the Slave Road of Ouidah. Highlights of the...