Benin is a fun-filled country that has a lot to offer traveling families: stunning beaches, fascinating history, incredible national parks, and more. If you have children and are considering an affordable, family-friendly African country to visit that’s off the beaten track, Benin is the best bet for you.
Is Benin good for kids?
Benin is a culturally rich place with lots of natural attractions, making it a great place to explore with kids. Benin has fantastic tropical weather that can be enjoyed all year round, and the impeccable beaches are beautifully quiet—potentially, you and your family will have the beaches to yourself. You can also take the kids to see wild animals at Pendjari National Park.
Benin is the birthplace of Vodou, and a visit here can teach children about how people in different parts of the world live and expose them to different customs that are foreign to their own. If you are keen on your kids learning about hidden African history, they can discover the West African kingdoms that once ruled the land and the country’s once-strong ties to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Overall, it’s quite easy to visit Benin with children, especially older kids. If you have smaller children, bringing a stroller would be beneficial. Moreover, it is noteworthy that when you are traveling in Benin, opting for the upgrade in place of the budget travel approach is wise. Spending a little extra money will ensure that you and your family can enjoy comfortable amenities like toilets and restaurants in safe areas.
Where are the best destinations to visit with kids?
The best destinations to travel with children are Grand Popo, Ganvie, and Pendjari National Park. If you are traveling with teenagers, make sure you check out Ouidah.
Best things to do in Benin with kids
Take a boat ride in Ganvie
The “Venice of Africa,” officially known as Ganvie, is a must-visit destination with kids. It’s the biggest stilt village in Africa, and its history traces back to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as a refuge for those fleeing from slavery. Go for a day trip to Ganvie—located only 9 km away from Cotonou—and immerse yourself in the local culture. Ganvie has a population of 20,000 people who practice fishing; kids can join local fishermen to learn how to fish or opt for a bird-watching excursion; Lake Nokoue is home to spectacular birds like the African Openbill and White-Crested Heron.
Relax on Grand Popo’s beaches
If you want to have a stress-free holiday, make sure you visit Grand Popo for the ultimate relaxation. Grand Popo is best enjoyed during the low season in February to April or September to November, when the weather is just right, prices are good, and it’s easier to meet locals. However, even if you visit during busy periods, you will practically have the beaches to yourself. Take the kids to Bouche du Roy, where the river meets the ocean. If you would like your children to have more of a cultural experience, visit Lac Ahémé, where women collect salt, and you can learn about the traditional farming methods of the Beninese.
Book a safari in Pendjari National Park
Pendjari National Park, home to lions, hippos, elephants, and buffaloes, is a remote, 2,755 sq km reserve that is the perfect place to take children to observe wildlife in Benin. It’s advisable to organize a tour guide in Porto Novo or Cotonou with a travel company or your hotel—never get a guide at the site—and consider renting a 4X4 vehicle to enjoy the spectacular views of large land mammals and reptiles. Remember to carry a hat, wear sunscreen, and take snacks and water on your family excursion.
Best things to do in Benin with teenagers and tweenagers
Explore Ouidah
Ouidah, the birthplace of Vodou, is definitely out of the ordinary and a fascinating place to take older children so they can learn about Vodou culture. Take the teens to the Temple of Pythons, where numerous pythons slither around in preparation for Vodou rituals, and visit the Musée de la Fondation Zinso to learn more about Benin’s colonial history. The last stop of your Ouidah odyssey should be the Route des Esclaves, which follows an enslaved person’s experience from being sold as a commodity in the slave market to the Door of No Return, a monument that honors the lost enslaved people of Benin.
Wander the cities of Porto Novo and Cotonou
These bustling and vibrant cities make up the beating heart of Benin. While it may be a bit overwhelming to sightsee with younger children here, you can easily venture into these cities with teens. Visit the Grand Marché du Dantokpa and the Artisanal Centre in Cotonou for souvenirs, or head to Porto Novo to see Jardin Place Jean Bayol, which features colorful gardens and a statue of the first King, Eweka. Thus, afterward, make your way to Fidjrosse Beach for a stroll—you’ll meet many locals and vendors selling food, making it a great place to swim and spend quality family time together.
Planning Tips
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around with children; similarly, staying at luxury hotels will enhance your family experience. Benin can be explored in a week or a week and a half due to its small geographical size.
Avoid exploring alone, especially if you don’t speak French—Benin is a French-speaking country. Therefore, it’s vital to have a guide who will show you the best things to do and see.
If museums aren’t your kids’ interest, stick to the beaches, which have numerous activities for young ones to enjoy, such as boat tours, snorkeling, diving, and fishing tours.
