Portrait by Richard I'Anson - Benin and Togo photography with Richard I'Anson, Benin

Portrait by Richard I'Anson | Richard I'Anson

Celebrate the soundtrack of West Africa - Benin and Togo photography with Richard I'Anson, Benin

Celebrate the soundtrack of West Africa | Joli

Voodoo dolls in a market in Togo

Benin and Togo photographywith Richard I'Anson

A small group journey capturing the Vodoun Festival, sacred rituals, and cultural heartlands.

Benin, Togo

13 Days from

Trip Code: RIBT

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Essential Information

Duration

13 Days

Activities

Photography
Festivals
Cultural Immersion

Accommodation

13 day trip
12 nights hotel

Meals

12 Dinners
11 Lunches
12 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 2 / 10
Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Travel in a small group led by Canon Master Richard I’Anson, with expert guidance and photographic insight throughout
Witness the Vodun Festival in Ouidah, the spiritual tradition we know as “voodoo,” where rituals honour supernatural forces in colour, drums and chants
Explore mud architecture villages, the stilt town of Ganvie and UNESCO listed Tamberma Valley
Meet artisans and traditional craftspeople - weavers, blacksmiths, potters and palm wine makers
Conclude in Lome, Togo’s vibrant coastal capital, with Atlantic breezes and sunset cocktails by the sea

Overview

Led by Canon Master, author and internationally acclaimed travel photographer Richard I’Anson, this photography journey through Benin and Togo offers rare insight into two of West Africa’s most visually compelling countries. Over 13 days, you’ll document a wide range of subjects, from early morning fishing scenes and vivid markets to the powerful Vodoun Festival and remote village rituals. The itinerary includes canoe trips through swamp forests, encounters with traditional weavers and blacksmiths, and striking examples of West African mud architecture. With Richard’s guidance and support, you’ll deepen your photographic skills and leave with a diverse portfolio of images that capture the region’s cultural and visual richness.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is a guide only. Our aim is to make the most of photographic opportunities as they arise, especially during festivals and local ceremonies, which may shift in timing and location.

The Vodun Festival is not a single set event but an expression of culture, celebrated across many villages and communities over several days. We’ll adapt as we go, guided by local knowledge and real-time access, to ensure the richest experiences and best photographic chances.

There will be some longer travel days, but we break these up with rest stops and roadside moments of interest. Accommodation is varied, from comfortable hotels to a more basic guesthouse stay in Ganvié, where the experience of photographing life in a floating village is unlike anywhere else.

In West Africa, flexibility and an open mind are essential - this is a truly adventurous destination, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, located on the Atlantic coast between Lake Nokoue and the Gulf of Guinea. While not the capital (that’s nearby Porto Novo), Cotonou is the country’s commercial hub - fast paced, energetic, and filled with contrasts. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, we gather for a group meeting to discuss the photographic focus of the trip, go over gear checks and meet our local team. Overnight: Hotel du Lac, Cotonou

Meals: D

As we depart Cotonou, we’ll pause to photograph two landmarks - the vibrant Mural Wall, showcasing contemporary West African street art, and the Amazone Statue in honour of the legendary Agodjié: the all-female warrior army of Dahomey. Then on to Ganvie, a remarkable stilt village set in the shallow waters of Lake Nokoue. Founded by the Tofinu people in the 17th century to escape slave raids, the village remains home to around 40,000 residents who live, trade and travel entirely by boat. It’s one of the largest floating communities in Africa. We travel by wooden pirogue through the narrow canals of Ganvie to photograph daily life on the water, and explore the various neighbourhoods, schools and shops, returning again late afternoon to photograph sunset over the lake. Overnight: Auberge Chez M, Ganvie

Meals: B,L,D

The morning is spent at Ganvie’s floating market, where locals trade everything from fresh fish to firewood from their dugout canoes. We then journey south toward the coast, travelling to Ouidah, a town with a complex history and deep spiritual roots. Once a key point in the transatlantic slave trade, Ouidah is now recognised as a centre of Vodoun culture. We’ll also visit Ouidah's Temple of Pythons, where sacred snakes are revered, and the Sacred Forest of Kpasse with it's centuries old trees and shrines and statues that represent Voodoo deities or spirits. We plan to attend our first Vodoun ceremony in the late afternoon. In preparation for tomorrow's festival. Please keep in mind that the most intriguing ceremonies are not planned or shown openly, and we learn about them through a network of guides. The best experience is to be very flexible during these days when Benin celebrates its voodoo days. Drive: 2 hours Overnight: Awale Plage, Grand Popo

Meals: B,L,D

Today we immerse ourselves in one of West Africa’s most extraordinary cultural celebrations, the annual Vodun Festival, held each January in Ouidah. Vodun (known internationally as “voodoo”) originated here in Benin and is still practised by millions, blending ancestral worship, music, dance and ritual. The day involves processions along Ouidah’s streets: costumed devotees, priests and priestesses, and dancers in vivid dress carrying offerings to shrines. At the heart of the festival are the Egungun masquerades, towering figures draped in layers of brightly coloured cloth who whirl and spin as the crowd sings and drums. Overnight: Awale Plage, Grand Popo

Meals: B,L,D

As the sunrise rises over the Atlantic, we drive to a nearby beach to watch fishermen haul in their nets and prepare their boats for the day’s work. We call in to a smaller, more local vodun festival taking place in the town of Alada which allows more intimate access and freedom to photograph. We then continue inland to Abomey, the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. On arrival, we visit the Royal Palace Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the history, art and architecture of one of West Africa’s most influential empires. The afternoon is free to explore Abomey's surrounding streets and markets. Drive: 3 - 4 hours Overnight: Chez Sabine, Abomey

Meals: B,L,D

We explore the artisan heritage of Abomey, visiting local workshops where traditional crafts are still practised. We watch weavers at their looms, creating vivid textiles with intricate patterns, and blacksmiths working by hand. Later we drive to the Lokoli Swamp Forest, a biodiverse wetland near the Zou River. Here, we board dugout canoes, moving through narrow waterways beneath dense raffia palms. This is a habitat rich in birdlife, including kingfishers, bee eaters, and egrets. Vodun festivities take place in and around Abomey also, so we'll be keeping our ear to the ground for local events. Overnight: Chez Sabine, Abomey

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving the royal history of Abomey behind, we descend southwest toward Lake Aheme, one of Benin’s most scenic and culturally rich freshwater lakes. Dotted with fishing villages and deeply tied to Vodun traditions, the lake offers a different pace and feel to the highlands. On the way to Possotome, we stop at the village of Se, renowned as a women-led pottery hub where artisans shape beautiful, functional works from local clay. In the afternoon, we explore the Lake Aheme, visiting small communities where daily life revolves around fishing, farming, and ritual. At the village entrances we find the Legba shrines, distinctive clay figures that serve as spiritual guardians. Drive 2 - 3 hours Overnight: Chez Theo, Possotome

Meals: B,L,D

We spend the day immersed in the Vodun celebrations of Possotome. The centrepiece of the day is the Zangbeto Festival, honouring the traditional night guardians of the Vodun world. Towering, haystack-like figures covered in raffia or colourful fibres, the Zangbeto whirl, sweep and spin through the village in an energetic dance. These masked figures are believed to cleanse, protect, and reveal hidden truths, their sudden movements and swirling forms an expression of unseen forces at work. Overnight: Chez Theo, Possotome

Meals: B,L,D

On our longer drive today we will make stops to make it as comfortable and interesting as possible. We'll take time at Faille d’Aledjo, a mountain pass where the road threads through a narrow break in the rock. Towering stone walls rise on either side, part of the Togo Mountains that shape the landscape of northern Togo. We'll stop in at local villages and roadside markets with time witness daily life in Sokode as well. In the evening we attend a fire dance ceremony performed by the Tem people, a powerful ritual involving rhythmic drumming, chanting, and dancing. Drive: 7 hours Overnight: Hotel L’Amirelle, Sokode

Meals: B,L,D

We head to the villages surrounding Mount Kabye. The Kabye people are known for their pottery and iron smelting in open air forges. In the Tamberma Valley, home to the Batammariba people, we learn about their remarkable Takienta dwellings - multi-storey mud structures with conical roofs and fortified walls. These UNESCO World Heritage listed homes are both architectural and cultural landmarks. Drive: 2 hours Overnight: Hotel St Brigitte, Kara

Meals: B,L,D

On our way to Lome, Togo's capital, we’ll stop at the weaving town of Bafilo, known for its traditional looms and bold textile patterns. Lome is a lively port town, with palm lined boulevards and faded colonial buildings, a blend of West African and French influences. Lomé is known for its striking mix of colonial architecture, vibrant craft markets, and white sand beaches, but also as Togo’s culinary capital. You'll see local women pounding yams into fufu, open-air maquis serving bowls of spicy palm fruit soup (deku desi), and vendors dishing up grilled meat, tropical fruit, or fried dough on street corners. Drive: 8 hours Overnight: Petit Bruxelles, Lome

Meals: B,L,D

Today we visit Davedi, a traditional Ewe village. We learn about palm wine tapping, wooden twin doll carvings (known as venavi, significant in Ewe spiritual traditions), and the distillation of local palm spirits. In the afternoon, we return to Lome with time to unwind, or explore the Palais de Lomé, a restored colonial era governor’s residence now serving as a contemporary arts and cultural centre. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner before our West African tour comes to an end. Overnight: Petit Bruxelles, Lome

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, our West African photography journey comes to an end. If flight services suit you better from Accra, Ghana, we can arrange a transfer to share with any other group members. The drive is around 5-6 hours including stops.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 5 Jan 2027 and 5 Jan 2027.

Departs 5 Jan 2027 – ends 17 Jan 2027 (13 days)

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What's included?

Included

Hosted by master photographer Richard I'Anson
12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners
All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
English-speaking local guide
Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 13
Exclusive small group of maximum 10 participants
Bottled water

Not included

International flights
Airport and departure taxes
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not listed as included
Single supplement
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
Additional airport transfers other than Day 1 and Day 13
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

About your guide

This photography adventure will be led by one of the world’s most acclaimed travel photographers. Richard is a Canon Master Photographer, has published thirteen books, including five editions of the best-selling Lonely Planet Guide to Travel Photography, and is featured in the first series of the documentary series Tales by Light, on Netflix. He has built an enviable career on his twin passions for travel and photography and over the past 40 years has travelled the world, amassing a substantial and compelling collection of images of people and places – in more than 100 countries on all seven continents. Richard has a Master of Photography awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).

Extra trip info

Accommodation Wildlife Safari Safety

Hotel du Lac, Cotonou

Located close by to Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport for ease after your flight arrival. Air-conditioned rooms, wifi, restaurant and bar. Unwind on the sun terrace, year-round outdoor swimming pool, and a lush garden

Chez M in Ganvie Benin | Chez M in Ganvie

Auberge Chez M, Ganvie

Staying within the floating village of Ganvie is a unique experience and tonight's stay is basic. In this past year the guesthouse has been taken over by the daughter and services and facilities are much improved. The deck of the hotel restaurant looks over the water so you can watch Ganvie life cruise by.

Awale Plage bungalows in Grand Popo Benin | Awale Plage

Awale Plage, Grand Popo

Bungalow style accommodation, on the beach. Enjoy the pool, garden and the Jungle Beach Bar.

Chez Sabine, Abomey

A simple, welcoming guesthouse.

Chez Theo, Possotome

Located on the edge of Lake Ahémé. The hotel restaurant sits on stilts over the lake.

Hotel L’Amirelle, Sokode

Garden and pool looking out to the Togo Atakora Mountains.

Hotel St Brigitte, Kara

Large pool, spacious rooms and helpful staff.

Petit Bruxelles, Lome

Modern beachfront hotel with outdoor pool, garden and cocktail bar.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Guaranteeing A Great Benin Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Benin and Togo photographywith Richard I'Anson

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?