Hidden Gems of West Africa

Hidden Gems of West Africa

Duration
11 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £2895
Region
Africa
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Overview

Nested closely together in the heart of West Africa, offering such diverse cultures and traditions, each with distinct historical pasts and varied wildlife make a multi country tour of Togo and Benin the perfect way to experience West Africa. Our tour takes you off the main tourist route at every opportunity ensuring you experience life as a local in these wonderful countries. Mixing with the locals at every opportunity and experiencing daily life with your expert local guide, opens doors and experiences that will create memories that last a lifetime. There are so many positives to embrace here and blending everyday experiences with ancient cultural sites of interest, beautiful beaches, learning about the dark historical past and exceptional flora and fauna makes this the perfect trip of a lifetime

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and Departures airport transfers
All accommodation
Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary|
International flights please contact us for expert advice and a quote
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visas – when required|drinks not stated in the itinerary
Tips (Discretionary)
Items of personal nature

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 5/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 1/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Explore the cultural heart of Togo and Benin on this 11-day journey. Start in Lome, Togo’s vibrant coastal capital, visiting bustling markets and the infamous fetish market. Continue to Ouidah in Benin, once a major slave port, and experience voodoo traditions firsthand. Tour Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and the stilt village of Ganvie before heading to historic Abomey, the former capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. Discover the unique Tata Somba houses in the north, enjoy cultural dances in Parakou, and hike Mt Klouto near Kpalime. Conclude with a scenic return to Lome for a relaxing coastal farewell.

Itinerary Highlights
Discover the Soul of West Africa: Togo and Benin’s Cultural Treasures

Uncover vibrant markets, spiritual traditions, and warm local hospitality as you journey through ancient towns, historic cities, and rural villages rich in history and culture.

From Voodoo Rituals to Royal Palaces: An Immersive Journey Through Togo and Benin

Witness sacred voodoo ceremonies, explore warrior kings’ palaces, and learn about spiritual beliefs deeply rooted in local life—an eye-opening experience beyond the usual tourist trail.

Explore the Legacy of the Slave Route and the Kingdom of Dahomey

Walk the poignant Slave Route in Ouidah, visit the Gate of No Return, and tour Abomey’s powerful royal history—deeply moving encounters with West Africa’s complex past.

Village Life, Sacred Traditions, and Stunning Scenery in West Africa

Meet the Tata Somba people in fortress homes, sail across Lake Togo, hike Mt Klouto, and witness daily life in remote communities steeped in ritual and surrounded by natural beauty.

Markets, Mountains & Mysticism: A Deep Dive into Togo and Benin’s Heritage

Shop in chaotic grand marchés, trek lush highlands, and engage with mystical practices like voodoo in a tour that balances history, culture, nature, and spiritual insight.

Download the Full Itinerary

To download the Tour Information Pack, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown, fill in the details below.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Togo and Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa

HTB/231025 Oct 23, 2025

Thursday
Nov 02, 2025

Sunday
Guaranteed £2,895.00

Single Room Supplement: £330.00
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Togo and Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa

HTB/250226 Feb 25, 2026

Wednesday
Mar 07, 2026

Saturday
Guaranteed £2,895.00

Single Room Supplement: £330.00
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Togo and Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa

HTB/250426 Apr 25, 2026

Saturday
May 05, 2026

Tuesday
Guaranteed £2,895.00

Single Room Supplement: £330.00
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Togo and Benin - Hidden Gems of West Africa

HTB/221026 Oct 22, 2026

Thursday
Nov 01, 2026

Sunday
Guaranteed £2,895.00

Single Room Supplement: £330.00
Book Now

Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Togo and Benin that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for both Togo and Benin. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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