Benin Road Trip

The Benin Road Trip is a great way to explore the beautiful country of Benin. Starting in the bustling city of Cotonou, the journey takes you on a winding route through the towns of Comé, Abomey, Djougou, Parakou, Bohicon and Porto-Novo, covering a distance of approximately 1496km over the course of 13 days. This road trip is best enjoyed during the dry season, when you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, lush nature and UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. However, be aware that the roads can be narrow and in overall poor condition, so it is best to drive with caution. Despite this, the Benin Road Trip is an unforgettable experience, offering a high level of enjoyment and memories. Suitable for all drivers, it can also be managed on a fair budget.

Cotonou is the largest city in Benin and the perfect starting point for your Benin Road Trip adventure. From the bustling markets to the white-sand beaches, there is something for everyone in this vibrant port city. Start your journey by exploring the many sites of Cotonou. Tour the cultural heart of the city, the National Museum of Benin, and learn about the history and culture of the country. For a more active experience, head to the beaches of Fidjrossè or Akpakpa and take a dip in the warm waters. For a taste of the local cuisine, visit one of the many restaurants in the city. The closest international airport to Cotonou is Cadjehoun Airport (COO), located just 10 kilometers away. If you plan to explore the region by car, you can rent one at the airport for your journey. For the more adventurous, head east to Abomey, the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. Here, you can explore the ruins of the royal palaces and the vibrant markets. To the north, you can visit the Pendjari National Park to spot elephants, hippos, and other wildlife. No matter your destination, Cotonou is the perfect starting point for your Benin Road Trip. With its culture, vibrant markets, and stunning beaches, Cotonou has something for everyone.

Start your road trip in Cotonou, Benin and experience the beauty of the scenic drive to Lake Ahémé. The 63 km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and will be an unforgettable experience. As you drive, you will be surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Be sure to take advantage of the many photo opportunities that come with such a beautiful landscape. Once you arrive at Lake Ahémé, you will be able to take in the beauty of the lake and its surrounding area. The lake is home to many species of birds and wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching and nature photography. You can also take a boat tour of the lake and explore the many islands that make up the lake. Finally, your journey will end in Comé, where you can explore the city's many attractions. From the old city center to the vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in Comé. Be sure to take some time to explore the local markets and sample some of the delicious local cuisine. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please see the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready to explore the beauty of Benin? Then join us on a road trip from Comé to Grand Popo! This 25 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be delighted by the scenic road that awaits you. Along the way, you will pass by the picturesque villages of Comé, Kpomassè, and Kponou, each with its own unique charm. You will also be able to admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the coast. When you arrive in Grand Popo, you can take a stroll on the beach and enjoy the fresh breeze of the ocean. You can also explore the local markets and buy some souvenirs to take home. For a more adventurous experience, you can go on a boat ride and explore the nearby islands. The beauty of Benin awaits you on this road trip! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and join us on this amazing adventure!

Embark on an amazing road trip from Grand Popo to Abomey, two of the most interesting places in Benin! This 147km journey, which takes less than 3 hours, will take you through some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the country. Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush and vibrant vegetation of the region. As you drive, make sure to keep an eye out for some of the UNESCO Heritage sites along the route. These sites are a great way to learn more about the history and culture of Benin. When you reach Abomey, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient city, which has a rich history and culture. Make sure to check out the Abomey Palace, the former home of the Kings of Dahomey. You can also visit the Abomey Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the kingdom's past. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the ultimate road trip from Grand Popo to Abomey!

Embark on a road trip adventure from Abomey to Pira! This 227 km journey will take you fewer than 9 hours to complete, and you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Benin. Start your journey in Abomey, the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom, and explore its rich history. Don't forget to visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Abomey Historical Museum. Continue your journey to Ouidah, the birthplace of Voodoo. Visit the Temple of Pythons, the Sacred Forest, and the Door of No Return. Head to Grand-Popo, a small fishing village on the Beninese coast. Here, you can explore the beaches and the Grand-Popo Market. Finally, arrive in Pira, a small town located in the heart of Benin. Here, you can visit the Pira Market, the Pira Waterfall, and the nearby villages. Keep in mind that there may be a lack of gas stations along this route, and some sections of the road may be narrow. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip experience? Start in Pira, Benin and take a 150 km drive to Djougou and you will be there in fewer than 3 hours. Along the way, you will find some of the most interesting places to visit, such as the Pira Market, the Pira Lake and the Koussoukoin Waterfalls. The Pira Market is a great place to buy local souvenirs, while the Pira Lake is the perfect spot for a picnic. The Koussoukoin Waterfalls are definitely worth a visit, as they are the highest waterfalls in Benin. Finally, end your journey in Djougou, where you can explore the Djougou Grand Market, the Djougou Grand Mosque and the Tchadou Mountain. The Djougou Grand Market is the perfect place to buy local crafts, while the Djougou Grand Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Benin. The Tchadou Mountain is a great spot for a hike and offers amazing views of the surrounding area. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start in Djougou, Benin and drive 129 km to the Pendjari National Park. With fewer than two hours of driving, you'll be able to explore the beauty of the park, an amazing wildlife sanctuary. It's a great place to spot elephants, warthogs, monkeys, antelopes, and much more. Plus, the roads are very scenic, so don't forget to take plenty of photos. From Pendjari National Park, drive to Tanguieta. It's a great place to explore the culture and history of the region. You'll be able to visit a few historical sites, as well as some of the local markets. Plus, the people here are very friendly and welcoming. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled while on the road. You never know what you'll see. This is a great stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Tanguieta to Parakou? This 265 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, so you can take your time to explore the amazing attractions along the way. Start your journey in Tanguieta, where you can visit the Great Mosque and the old market. Then, travel to Nikki, the capital of Borgou, and visit the Nikki Grand Mosque. On your way to Parakou, make a stop in Natitingou to visit the Tchaourou Grand Mosque. Finally, your journey will end in Parakou, the largest city in the region. Here, you can visit the Grand Mosque, the largest in Benin, and the bustling local markets. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Embark on this exciting journey and explore the beautiful attractions of Tanguieta, Nikki, Natitingou, and Parakou!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Parakou to Savè? This stage of your journey is only 161 km long and can be covered in less than 3 hours. Get ready to explore the beauty of Benin, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures! On your way, make sure to stop in Parakou and visit the Grand Marche de Parakou, the largest market in Benin. You can also explore the city’s historic churches and mosques. As you make your way to Savè, you can stop in Nikki and visit the Nikki Grand Mosque. At Savè, you can explore the local markets, enjoy the scenery of the nearby hills, and take a dip in the local waterfalls. This is only one of the stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, enjoy your road trip from Parakou to Savè!

Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip from Savè to Bohicon? This is one of the stages of a larger tour and it covers a distance of 130km, with a driving time of fewer than 2 hours. Start off your journey in Savè, where you can visit the beautiful Savè Lake, a great spot for birdwatching. Then, you can explore the many historical monuments and sites of the city, such as the Savè Royal Palace and the Savè Slave Market. On the way to Bohicon, be sure to stop in Zogbodomey, where you can visit the Kabié Shrine, a sacred site of the local people. You can also explore the beautiful Grand Marche, one of the largest markets in Benin. Finally, you will arrive in Bohicon, where you can visit the traditional Zoungbodji Shrine and the nearby Fon's Palace. You can also explore the many cultural sites, such as the Grand Mosque and the Grand Marche. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

Are you ready to embark on an amazing road trip from Bohicon to Porto-Novo? This stage of the tour will take you through some of Benin's most fascinating places! The drive will take you around 4 hours and cover 161 km, so it's a great way to see the country and take in its beauty. In Bohicon, you should visit the Grand Marche de Bohicon, a vibrant market offering a wide range of local products. You can also explore the impressive architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. On your way to Porto-Novo, you should stop in Abomey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the ancient palaces of the former kings of Dahomey and admire the traditional architecture of the area. You can also visit the sacred lake of Lake Nokoué, where you can take a boat ride and observe the local wildlife. Finally, you will reach Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin. Here you can visit the Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo, the largest mosque in the country. You can also explore the lively streets of the city and visit the Grand Marche de Porto-Novo, where you can find a wide range of local products. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey and explore the beauty of Benin!

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Porto-Novo to Cotonou? With a distance of just 39km and a driving time of less than 1 hour, this is one of the most scenic routes in Benin. As you start your journey from Porto-Novo, make sure to visit the Grand Mosque and the National Museum of Porto-Novo. As you drive along the beautiful coastal road, you will pass by the picturesque villages of Abomey-Calavi and Abomey. Don’t forget to take a few pictures of the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, when you reach Cotonou, you can explore the popular attractions like the Cotonou Cathedral and the Cotonou Central Market. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a thrilling road trip from Porto-Novo to Cotonou!

Cotonou, the biggest city of Benin, is the perfect ending point for the “Benin Road Trip”. Located in the south-eastern part of the country, Cotonou is a vibrant city that offers a plethora of interesting places to visit. From the Dantokpa Market, where you can find everything from spices to clothes; to the Grand Marché, a large market where you can buy traditional African items such as jewelry, sculptures and fabrics; and to the many religious sites such as the Cotonou Cathedral, the Eglise du Sacré Coeur and the Gbégamey Royal Palace, which is home to the kings of the Fon people. For those traveling by car, the city is well connected with the rest of the country via a network of roads and highways. Upon reaching Cotonou, you will find plenty of parking options around the city center and the beaches. There are also several car rental companies, making it easier for travelers to explore the region. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is located in the capital of Benin, Porto-Novo, and is served by several international airlines. Its IATA code is PNR. From the vibrant markets and religious sites to the stunning beaches and car rental companies, Cotonou offers travelers an exciting and unforgettable experience. Make sure to plan a few days of your “Benin Road Trip” to explore this fascinating city.

We hope that our Benin Road Trip has become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse stopovers of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a number of elements to bear in mind to turn your road trip into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidayers considering renting a vehicle or camper rental in Benin.
When you’re sightseeing around Benin, you should remember about the local traffic rules. When moving around Benin in a car, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any price. The legal alcohol limit for drivers is very low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 50km/h, around the city streets may lead to speeding offence. Around rural areas, you can travel at the maximum allowed speed of 90km/h. On motorways, 90km/h is the allowed speed that you should stick to in Benin. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase the safety.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that interests you, the amount of money that you have to pay for your travel expenses will differ. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
If you go for the budget option, you need to pay the maximum of 200 EUR for fuel to cover the planned 1,496km across Benin. Economy accommodation options can cost travellers more or less 682 EUR. Travellers who opt for this option will spend approximately 312 EUR on food and restaurants. If you also choose the cheapest rental car offer, you will pay approximately 1,404 EUR. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to approximately 1,194 EUR without vehicle rental and 2,598 EUR with vehicle rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 275 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to around 1,199 EUR. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost more or less 468 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car can expect a cost of approximately 1,755 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 3,697 EUR for drivers who would like to try car rental and 1,942 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 5,277 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,942 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. If you are planning on hiring a premium car, you will pay about 2,574 EUR. In the premium version of the itinerary, the fuel cost will equal as much as 363 EUR. Holidaymakers who are considering top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay about 624 EUR for restaurants and food and around 1,716 EUR for overnight stays.
Our adventure will also be excellent for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this means of transport, the expenses are roughly 2,925 EUR. Camper fans will spend more or less 400 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Tourists who are interested in camper hire should expect to pay approximately 715 EUR for accommodation and more or less 312 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above details in a simple manner.
The part of Benin presented in our Benin Road Trip is great to be explored between November and April. There are plenty of beautiful road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. We hope that the great diversity of trips will surely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers.