FROST Photo Tours is proud to present you with a Benin Photography Tour in West Africa. This carefully crafted photography tour reveals stories of python temples, stilted lake villages, secret mask societies and Voodoo traditions. The country comprises of 42 ethnic groups and lacks a religious majority. Benin is bordered by Nigeria to the east, Niger to the north, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Togo to the west. This Benin photography tour explores the very best photographic opportunities that the country has to offer and is perfectly timed to experience the renowned Voodoo Festival, located in Ouidah every year on 10th January. The festival is a fascinating cultural treat commemorating the recognition of Voodoo as the official religion of Benin since 1969. The celebration includes performances, rituals, large banquets, and sacrifices that draw fetish priests, traditional chiefs, voodoo healers, and onlookers from far and wide. Devotees assume the identity of gods, dressing up and transforming into them as they dance to the rhythmic drumming with the realm of the magical close at hand. This is the ideal Benin photography tour for the intrepid traveler interested in remote places and cultures.
Your journey begins in Benin’s largest city, Cotonou, where you will be met by a FROST representative at the airport on arrival. At dinner, we will discuss your upcoming journey and share ideas for inspiration before your Benin photography tour officially begins.
After a short overnight stay in Cotonou, we will depart early and make our way to Ganvie, a large lake village known as the 'Venice of Africa,' built on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué. After exploring Ganvie by boat, you will head back to Cotonou, visit Africa’s longest wall mural, and spend sunset at the impressive Amazon of Dahomey statue.
The following morning, we will visit a legendary Python Temple in Ouidah and stop at the Gate of No Return monument. We then arrive at your beach oasis for the next 3 nights.
From your tropical base, we travel out to experience one of the main highlights of this Benin photography tour—the Voodoo Festival in Ouidah and pre-celebrations at a secret location. It’s here that we first lay eyes on the Egunguns—men draped in elaborate materials representing the spirits of departed ancestors. These mysterious living works of art are both fascinating and ominous—an incredible experience that you will never forget! This is one of Africa’s most authentic festival experiences. It can get chaotic at times, with endless music, dancing, and movement as the streets come alive!
After the hustle and bustle of Ouidah, we head east for a day of post-festival activities and privately arranged photographic sessions at the best locations for photography. These intimate experiences away from the crowds are another great highlight to look forward to on your Benin photography tour.
We will visit the Holi and Fulani people at small villages en route to our next destination, where we will photograph the mask culture of the Gelede and Egungun. We aim to learn about, experience, and document the mask attire here in a less crowded environment.
In true ‘FROST Photo Tours’ style, we visit a remote northern location few have been to, documenting the Bariba (or Batonu) Horsemen. Known for their elaborate adornments and majestic demeanor, the Batonu Horsemen are a sight to behold. After one night, we return south, where we'll photograph the mask culture of the Gelede and Egungun.
Next, we travel to Abomey where we'll spend two nights exploring the region. Here we will walk through fetish markets and visit the unique Chameleon Church - an experience like no other and the perfect time to learn about the Voodoo religion and its symbolic rituals. We visit a Voodoo priest before making our way to a Zangbeto mask festival. Zangbeto masks are the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night. They form a secret society charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring safety and security.
After exploring Abomey, we will make our way back to Cotonou on Day 12, we’ll reminisce about your Benin photography tour along the shores of the roaring Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy your last morning in Benin before transferring to the airport for your international departure.
US$13,495 per person based on a small group size limited to 4-6 participants hosted by FROST photo tour leader Kirsten Frost. There is no single supplement charge for this tour.
We pride ourselves on offering top-tier travel experiences with extensive lists of inclusions for all our tours to mitigate surprise costs so you can focus on the experience while we handle the rest. This tour includes:
To confirm your reservation, we require a signed booking form and a 40% deposit of the tour fee.
Complete the booking form below to begin your journey.
Trusted ground teams in remote destinations
Responsible Travel Code of Ethics
Exclusive Small-groups Only
SATIB Insured & Global Rescue Partner
Extensive Tour Inclusions
Dedicated Private Photographic Guides
Ethnographic & Wildlife Photography Specialists
Thank you so much for the most amazing time in Benin! As you know, it was our first time in West Africa. This tour was an incredible introduction to the region and so different from what we've experienced with you in Ethiopia's Omo Valley, Kenya, and Namibia. It's truly unique and not a trip one cannot simply "Google" - we appreciated the seamless logistics, prompt email replies, and material to keep us informed and dreaming pre-departure.
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