Zinsou Foundation & Ouidah, Cradle of African Traditional Religion
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Port
Cotonou, Benin
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$280
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Ouidah was conquered by the Dahomey Army to become a major 17th-century slave port. It is a must-see town in Benin for anyone interested in Voodoo, slave history and Brazilian heritage.
You will visit the temple dedicated to the Sacred Python, believed to offer vitality and protection. The Sacred Forest houses many shrines dedicated to various deities.
The Zinsou family created Zinsou Foundation as a private initiative in 2005. Its art exhibition in Ouidah includes different contemporary art pieces. Enjoy some free time at the Zinsou Foundation exhibit.
Step inside the Casa de Brasil, a building located in Ouidah. Benin's role in the Atlantic Slave Trade is clearly explained here. You will also visit the Door of No Return -- a monument built by the Benin Government in memory of the Africans who were sold by the Dahomey Empire into the Slave Trade. This site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll return to the ship. Time permitting, you will head to the handcraft market, a place to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Please note:
Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Tour involves visiting a temple with harmless snakes; not advisable for guests who are sensitive to animals. Tour requires walking over paved and uneven surfaces. Participants must climb about 40 steps to reach the second floor. About five minutes of walking at each site. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring local currency (euros), as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.