Accommodation
Benin offers a variety of accommodation. Its hotels are classified according to the internationally accepted star rating system. In the main towns there is a wide selection of accommodation suitable for our clients. There is also some basic lodge accommodation in the wildlife park

Food and Wine
The French influence on the cuisine is evident and you can eat well. Wine, mainly French and South African, is widely available. The local drink is La Beninoise (local beer) or Sodabe (local "rocket fuel"!).

Shopping
Shopping in markets is fun..
Prices are negotiable; ie you barter!

Entertainment
Post independence, the country became home to a vibrant and innovative music scene, where native folk music, Ghanaian Highlife, French cabaret, American rock, funk and soul and Congolese jazz all played a part in creating a unique sound.
Singers Angelique Kidjo and Gnonnas Pedro, actor Djimon Hounsou and composer Wally Badarou are all of Beninese descent.
Local (modern or traditional) musicians perform in hotels and night clubs.

Visas
As visa regulations and local laws change frequently and often without notice, dmAFRICA can accept no responsibility regarding the need for or availability of visas, and suggests that the agent and the client check with the embassy of the countries to be visited in the issuing country of their own passports. The information below is therefore only a guide:

All tourists require an entry visa. There is no reliable way to get a visa on arrival. The different websites of the Beninese Embassies and Consulates have all the pertinent information and application forms required for your visa request. The expiration date of your passport must be at least 6 months from your date of entry.You will usually require an invitation letter and a record of your hotel bookings. These documents and the appropriate application forms can be provided by the dmAFRICA offices in Lome, Togo, providing we have at least 21 days notice.

Language
French is the official language, and Fon and Yoruba are the most frequent vernacular.

Money
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (US$1= 450 CFA; €1= 655 CFA). Our tour leaders will help you with currency exchange. The use of credit cards is very limited and ATM cash machines are only available in main cities and generally will accept only Visa cards.

Visa Credit Cards can usually be used in the international hotels and the more internationally inclined restaurants of the main cities. However, it is always advisable to have cash because frequently these credit card machines do not work or are down without connection. You will not be able to use Travellers Cheques.

Western Union and/or Moneygram outlets, where cash can be transferred and accessed the same day, can be found in most large towns.

Local costs
In the provincial towns expect to pay €6-€10 for lunch and €10-€12 for dinner. In the main towns expect to pay approximately 20% more. In the international hotels lunch will cost about €20 and dinner €35 without drinks. Bottled mineral water costs about €1 in stores and €2-€4 in hotels and restaurants for a 1.5 litre bottle.

Meals in some local restaurants can offer real value. For instance, a lobster or shrimp dinner can cost as little as €5 in a modest African restaurant. In season you can buy a bag of fruit for 10cents.

Health
Malaria is endemic. You must consult your doctor before you travel to ensure that you are prescribed the correct type of protection.

Yellow fever inoculation is obligatory for entry into Benin

Immunization against hepatitis, cholera and meningitis is recommended. Please check the latest information with your medical practioner.

There are privately owned pharmacies which can prescribe most medication should you become sick.

Water
We recommend drinking only bottled water throughout your stay.

Dress Code
The dress code is casual, although most international hotels and restaurants may require gentlemen to wear long trousers for dinner.

Time Difference
Benin is on GMT

Electricity
220v with 2 pin sockets. A European adaptor is required.

Communications
The mobile phone reception is good. It is possible to buy local sim cards to reduce expenditure. Internet connections are good, although wifi varies, and should not be relied upon.

Here are just a few things we recommend you include on any holiday to Benin

• Listen to Angelique Kidjo, Gnonnas Pedro, Nel Olivier and Yelouassi Adolphe, all part of the great Beninese music scene.
• Eat pate de mais, mashed maize with meat , cheese or okra sauce.
• Drink La Beninoise,(local beer) or Sodabe (the local grogue)

Interesting Facts:
Cotonou literally means “mouth of the river of death”, a Fon name given to the port by the slaves before transportation.On 10th January (Voodoo Day) people meet on Ouidah’s beaches to summon the spirits to bring them good health. Quite a ceremony!

Suggested Reading:
“ The Viceroy of Ouidah”, the story of a Brazilian trader stranded on the Slave Coast in the 17th Century, by Bruce Chatwin.

The best access from Europe is by Air France. There is a wider choice to neighbouring Accra in Ghana (for example daily BA and Virgin Atlantic services), with regular flights from Accra to Cotonou. Royal Air Maroc and Kenya Airways offer pan-African connections and connections to Europe.

From the USA there are flights to Accra from Washington Dulles with United Airlines, and Delta flies four times a week from New York and from Atlanta. There are onward connections from Accra to Cotonou.

Our main regional office is situated in Lome in neighbouring Togo from where we also manage our arrangements for clients wishing to visit Benin, Ghana, Niger and Burkina Faso.

We specialise in tailor-made holidays to suit couples, families and small groups as well as Incentive and Motivational travel.

We have bilingual meet and greet staff at the airports who will assist you with immigration and custom procedures as well as help you claim your luggage and accompany you in the shuttle to your hotel.

We have a fleet of 4x 4 Toyota vehicles and minibuses.

We have English, Italian, Russian, French, German, Spanish and Dutch speaking staff and guides.

Please contact us on sales@dmafrica.com