Wildlife Safari
While most of Africa is known for the animals, especially the Big 5, Benin is rich in history and culture. People are less concerned with safari and fascinated by the slaves route. The Voodoo religion and other historical influences are more popular than the wildlife, but there are some animal attractions in Benin.
There are two national parks that have a range of wildlife including cheetahs, hippos and crocodiles. Pendjari is normally only open between December and June and accommodation is available in the park in peak season. Fly to Cotonou and take either of the two buses that have daily services to Tanguiéta. The trip takes 8 hours and the fee is 9 000 f CFA, but once you reach the park you can walk around for hours once you have settled in your room. About ten kilometres from the park entrance, Tanongou village is known for its wonderful waterfalls and visitors can sleep in village huts designed for this eco village. During the day a guide will show you the sights of this village and at night folk group "Tinfi" of the village perform cultural and traditional dances under the stars.
The most popular attraction is the wildlife observation ecotourism (safari and others) and game hunting for trophy hunters. The Pendjari Biosphere Reserve also offers canoe rides and walking tours for the active participants.The ‘W’ National Park straddles the frontier region between Niger, Benin and Burkina Faso and is less developed and so for the moment, the animals roam between three countries.
