Arrivals - 

Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport, Contonou, Benin 

We will collect you anytime day or night.

Today, we embrace the relaxed pace of African time. 

We will start by enjoying a leisurely breakfast with serene views of the estuary and perhaps an early dip in the pool.

Then we'll set out to explore some of the fascinating sights and museums in Cotonou, taking in the city's vibrant history and culture at a laid-back, unhurried pace.

Let's share a celebratory Welcome Dinner together tonight.

B,L,D

We are off to Porto-Novo today, it is very close and a whole different world.

When we arrive we will take a guided walk to explore the colonial, Afro-Brassilien and traditional neighbourhoods and including the fetsich market.

Porto-Novo boasts a fascinating and dynamic collaboration between traditional Voodoo culture and contemporary artists.

 Many artists are invited to revitalize or reinterpret Voodoo shrines, creating an exciting fusion of ancient spirituality and modern creativity. 

The result is captivating work that breathes new life into these sacred spaces, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and contemporary art.

B,L,D

Today feels truly magical - almost like stepping back in time or into an entirely different world. 

We’ll begin the day by exploring the Black River, La Rivière Noire d’Adjarra … a great opportunity to practice some French along the way!

The Village of Adjarra is full of artisans and we will take time to explore and appreciate them and the musicians as well.

Then onto our hotel in a sculpture garden in Abomey, visiting the Royal Palaces of Abomey on the way.

B, L,D

There is so much to discover in the historic town of Abomey. 

Our journey begins with a visit to the weaving center within the personal palace of the King Agonglovo. 

Later, we'll explore the Vodun Chameleon Cathedral and the starting point of the infamous "Road of No Return."

 In the afternoon, we’ll take part in an appliqué class with Mrs Accalgoun, where you'll learn techniques inspired by the traditional methods used in creating the costumes for the Egungun fetish ceremonies.

We are invited to a Egungun Fetsish Ceremony tonight, seeking blessing for the Ancestors.

B,L,D

We are driving to Ouidah via Ganvie.

As we climb in the boat to cross the lake it will feel like to are sailing into a magical land, again.

Ganvie is built on stilts over the water, boat is the only way around, small boats cross the lake with tiny sails made out of patched fabrics - all simply facinating.

Beaded costumes and banners are traditional in this area, we hope to visit Tousie's aunty to take a class and make a small medallion.

B,L,D

Ouidah is often considered the spiritual capital of the Vodun religion and was the centre of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

We have the chance to visit the Python Temple - it is up to you how close you get to the Pythons. Learning about the Temple is very interesting and the Pythons are lovely.

We will visit The Gate at the Road of No Return, learn a little about the history of the slavetrade and appreciate the sculptures of  Egungun Spirits  who now stand at the gates to welcome the return of the Souls Ancestors whisked away a long time ago. 

There is the peaceful Secret Garden to visit and the Zinsou Foundation.

 The Zinsou Foundation was establiseh in 2005 - in their words,

 "Our fundamental Mission, since June 2005, is simple and ambitious: to share with all our populations the pride of the cultural creations of our continent, Africa, and to make dialogue these creations with the world. "

Then we drive across to Possotome on the banks of Lake Aheme for a relaxing afternoon.

In the evening we will experience a Zangbeto Ceremony, these protective Spirits only come out after dark and protect the village.

B,L,D

We head west into Togo today, 

We are staying in a rural village, reknown for its basket weaving. 

A slow day to soak up village culture.

B,L,D

Hint - when trying to say the name of our town today- the "K" is silent. Don't break your mouth trying to say it!

Our afternoon will be busy at a local wome's training centre, taking a workshop to print with black mud on cloth dyed with local herbs.

A restful evening and perhaps a dip in the pool.

B,L,D

Start the day with a Botannical Walk up on the mountain above Kpalime.

Visit the studio of Kosi Agbo, this talented artist works in a few mediums, today he is leading us in a workshop usng inks derived from the forest.

The afternoon is free to relax and take it easy around the pool at our hotel.

B,L

We are heading into Lomé today, it is a bit of a dusty old town but boy does it have some hidden treasures.

The Palais Museum is a gem and where we will start.

You will hear about the inspiring women traders the Nana Benz, after the museum we will head into the Central market and their cloth market. 

This comes with a warning!! Mountains of neatly stacked African Wax Prints and keen traders.  Tell yourself you are "Helping the Local Ecconomy- almost charity" as you explode your suitcase.

In the afternoon we will visit the studio of Jean Koumy, you will have admired some of his murals in our travels around town.

We stay tonight at a beachside resort and sleep to the sound of the waves lapping the shore.

B,L,D

This moring we haed a little out of town to a small village where the Tradition of Honouring Twins is held in high regard.

The Ewe People in Togo, and the Fon in Benin, follow a twin cult. Twins are regarded as the chosen ones of the spirit powers. Their amazing closeness, which is believed to survive even death, is stressed.  

We will have this fascinating cult explained is a small village, as well as the cance to explore.

Their major crop is pineapple and you will be treated to some of the sweetest pineapple ever.

In the evening let's share a Celebratort Farewell Dinner togther.

B,L,D

Departures from 

Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé, Togo

We will drop you to the airport to meet your flight.

B