Day Trip to Porto-Novo and the Black Lake of Adjara
Things to know
About the Activity
This tour stands out for its cultural richness, authenticity and diversity of experiences offered throughout the day. Between the royal history at the Honmè Museum, the singular architecture of the Afro-Brazilian Grand Mosque, and the discovery of Vodun spiritual practices through meetings with priests and sacred sites, it offers a complete immersion in the deep identity of Porto-Novo. The walk through the local market brings a lively and human touch, as close as possible to the daily lives of the inhabitants. Finally, the getaway to the Black River of Adjara offers a moment of calm and connection with nature, ideal to close the day gently. All in a balanced rhythm, between culture, spirituality, encounters and relaxation. It is an authentic experience, far from the beaten track, which reveals the richness of Benin in all its diversity.7 hours to 8 hours
Private Tour
Pickup offered
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
//
Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
All Fees and Taxes
Transportation amenities : In-vehicle air conditioning. Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide
Bottle of mineral water
Lunch
Personal and additional needs
More Activities in Cotonou
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo, BeninYour adventure begins in the morning with a pick-up at your hotel. Comfortably installed in an air-conditioned vehicle, let yourself be guided through a journey of approximately 50 minutes to 1:30, depending on your location, to Porto-Novo.
Upon arrival in town, the tour begins with an immersion in the heart of royal history, at the Honmè Museum.
Once the residence of the kings of Porto-Novo, this royal palace transformed into a museum for a unique discovery of Beninese cultural heritage. You will discover:
Testimonies of daily life at court
The traditional architecture of the palace, full of symbols
Through the stories of your guide, you will be immersed in the history of the rulers of Porto-Novo, their links with traditional cults, and their role in the political and cultural construction of the country.
This first stop lays the foundations of a circuit rich in discoveries, where memory, identity and Beninese lifestyle are honored.50 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Musee Honme (Palais Royal)
, Porto-Novo, BeninIn the heart of Porto-Novo, the Honmè Museum opens the doors of the old royal palace of kings. This museum, housed in the royal residence of King Toffa, is one of the most important heritage sites in Benin.
Through a guided tour, you discover:
Royal apartments preserved in their original condition
Scenes from everyday court life, illustrated by installations and oral histories
The Honmè Museum tells the story of the dynasties of Porto-Novo, their role in Beninese society, as well as their links with traditional cults. The architecture of the palace, typical of the colonial era and influenced by the Afro-Brazilian style, is itself a valuable testimony to the urban history of the capital.
This visit offers an authentic immersion in the royal and spiritual world of Benin, and is an essential step to understand the deep roots of Port-Nova culture.45 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location3
Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo, BeninAfter the discovery of the royal past at the Honmè Museum, the tour continues to the deep spiritual universe of Benin through the meeting with a voodoo priest, repository of sacred knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
You will have the opportunity to approach some convents (places of initiation and worship, first divinity of the city) where voodoo priests still officiate today. In these often discreet spaces, we discover altars, sacred sculptures and ritual objects used for communication with the deities (Orisha).
Meeting with a Vodun priest or priestess
Depending on the availability and the opening of the place, a guided meeting can be organized with a voodoo priestess. The exchange helps to better understand:
The role of the priest in the community
The revered main deities (such as Sakpata, Hebiosso, Dan or Mami Wata)
The meaning of rituals and ceremonies (consultation with Fa, offerings, dances, songs...)30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location4
Great Mosque of Porto-Novo
Grand Marche De, Porto-Novo, BeninLocated in the heart of the Beninese capital, the Grand Mosque of Porto-Novo is an architectural jewel. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by Afro-Brazilians who returned from Brazil, it surprises with its unique style, inspired by Catholic baroque churches but dedicated to the Islamic faith.
Its façade resembles that of a colonial cathedral, with floral ornaments, colonnades, and a terracotta brick structure. Inside, we discover a sober and sacred space, conducive to meditation.
Classified as a historical monument, this mosque testifies to the mixed history of Porto-Novo, where different cultures and religions coexist harmoniously. It is located near the Ahouangbo market, in a lively and typical area.20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location5
Jardin des Plantes et de la Nature
Assemblee Nationale, Porto-Novo, BeninThe Garden of Plants and Nature of Porto-Novo is a unique and emblematic green space in Benin, located in the heart of the capital. Formerly sacred forest of the Kingdom of Hogbonu, transformed into a botanical garden in the colonial era, it is now a real living museum of local biodiversity. Over an area of nearly 4 hectares, the garden is home to more than 200 plant species, ranging from giant trees such as century-old iroko or kapokier, to medicinal and food plants such as coffee, nutmeg or pepper. This peaceful place is also the refuge of a small free-ranging wildlife, including mona monkeys, squirrels and a variety of birds. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included6
Porto-Novo
Porto-Novo, BeninThe walking tour of the colonial and Afro-Brazilian architecture of Porto-Novo is a fascinating immersion in the urban, cultural and political history of the Beninese capital. This guided walk through the streets of the historic center allows you to discover iconic buildings inherited from the French colonial era, but especially from the influence of Afro-Brazilians — those descendants of slaves who returned from Brazil in the 19th century. The tour highlights the cross-influences between Africa, Europe and Latin America, the stories of return from exile, and the diversity of architectural expressions born from these trajectories. It is also an encounter with the inhabitants, artisans, and living alleys of a city that carries within it the history of a multiple people.40 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location7
Located right in the center of Porto-Novo, Toffa Square is an emblematic place dedicated to the memory of King Toffa I, one of the most influential sovereigns of the Kingdom of Porto-Novo at the end of the 19th century. A true historical crossroads, this square embodies both the royal identity, the resistance to colonization and the cultural anchoring of the Goun people.
In the centre of the square sits an imposing statue of King Toffa, often depicted in traditional dress, a symbol of wisdom, power and diplomacy. The square is surrounded by colonial and traditional buildings, witnesses of the political and architectural history of the city.
Place Toffa is a place of gathering, official ceremonies and traditional celebrations, and remains a major landmark for both locals and visitors. It is an ideal stop to evoke royal history, the links between tradition and modernity, and take some pictures in a symbolic and open setting.20 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location
8
Located in the heart of Porto-Novo, the Negro and African Pantheon is a symbolic place, charged with emotion and respect. Built in honour of the great black figures of Benin, Africa and the diaspora, this monument honours the memory of the resistance fighters, thinkers, traditional leaders, artists and religious figures who marked the history of the black continent.
The site, both memorial and cultural space, is distinguished by:
Monumental sculptures depicting the ancestors and heroes of the Black Cause
A space of reflection where spirituality, history and art meet
The Hall of Fame is also a place of reflection and transmission: it embodies the recognition of African dignity and pays tribute to those who fought for freedom, justice and culture.30 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
We will pick you up from your hotel or residence. The guide will be easily identifiable by his clothing bearing the logoView Location
End point
1
We will pick you up from your hotel or residence. The guide will be easily identifiable by his clothing bearing the logoView Location
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations; or, customers can make their own way to the start point- Travelers can choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- A confirmation of the place proposed by the traveler will be sent or modification or suggestion will be made.
- Travelers will be picked up 20 minutes before departure time
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
- French
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Africa/Porto-Novo time to receive 100% refund.
Operated by MiabétourCreated on 14 Jul 2025Created on 14 Jul 2025
Can we help?Can' t find the tours you want? Contact Travalour. We'll find them for you.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply