Your journey into the heart of West Africa begins with your arrival in Cotonou, Benin’s bustling economic capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your FROST Photo Tours representative and transferred to your hotel to unwind after your travels. That evening, over a welcome dinner, we’ll introduce the photographic themes for the tour and answer any final questions before our Benin photo tour unfolds.
The following day, we explore Cotonou’s vibrant energy, including an excursion to Ganvie—Africa’s largest stilt village, often called the "Venice of Africa." As we drift through its waterways by boat, you’ll capture everyday life in this remarkable floating community. Later, we visit Africa’s longest street art mural and end the day photographing the imposing Amazon of Dahomey statue at sunset, honoring one of the most legendary all-female armies in history.

We journey east towards Porto Novo, Benin’s capital, known for its relaxed atmosphere and rich history. Here, colonial Portuguese architecture stands alongside vibrant West African street scenes, offering compelling documentary photography opportunities.

A highlight of this Benin photo tour is an intimate encounter with the Egungun masqueraders—mystical figures draped in elaborate, colorful costumes representing the spirits of ancestors. Their rhythmic dances and striking presence provide mesmerizing moments to capture spirit-in-motion imagery, with FROST tour leader on hand to guide your creativity.
Spend two nights soaking up Porto Novo’s authentic energy, practicing street and portrait photography against the backdrop of the city’s iconic Afro-Brazilian mosque and lively markets.

After two fascinating days in Porto Novo, we continue our journey northward, stopping en route at a small village to visit the Holi and Fulani communities. These encounters on our Benin photo tour offer a window into traditions such as intricate body scarification, tattoos, vibrant attire, and sacred rituals.

Our destination is a town steeped in rich culture. From here, we embark on a unique excursion further north, a thriving trade hub and home to the Batonu Horsemen. This is one of the photographic highlights of our Benin photo tour: a private session with these dignified warriors and their elaborately adorned horses. On Day 7, we return southwards to revisit dynamic mask cultures, focusing on the Gelede and Egungun societies in more private, less crowded settings.

Our journey continues to Abomey, once the royal seat of the Dahomey Kingdom. We explore the town’s rich cultural and spiritual tapestry, starting with a visit to its unique fetish market. Here, dried herbs, animal relics, and symbolic objects offer a glimpse into traditional healing and voodoo practices—perfect subjects for documentary photography.

You’ll also experience the Chameleon Church, a fascinating fusion of symbolism and faith, before attending a Zangbeto mask festival. 

Next on your Benin photo tour, we make our way to Ouidah, considered the spiritual home of voodoo. Here, we visit the sacred Python Temple and follow the historic Slave Route, culminating at the haunting Gate of No Return monument. These moments offer powerful storytelling opportunities, connecting past and present through your lens. The adventure winds down at Grand Popo, a serene beach retreat along the Atlantic coast. 

After a leisurely breakfast in Grand Popo, we travel back to Cotonou for our final night together. We’ll share highlights from the trip and celebrate an unforgettable experience of culture, tradition, and storytelling through photography.

It’s time to say goodbye to Benin. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cotonou Airport for your international departure.