When we look at the Republic of Benin, you find such mind-blowing diversity in such a little country that is most times overlooked because of its size. From both rural to urban settlements to waterfalls to coastal plains to elevated plateau to the savannah to the hills to even lakes all these attractions can be found in the small but awesome Republic of Benin.
Lake Nokoue
With all these attractions in one country there is so much to explore. Some of the famous landscapes include The Lake Nokoue one of West Africa’s largest lake towns with a fascinating and naturally beautiful scene; which is an important site for birds , The Waterfalls in Tanangou and awesome beaches in the Grand Popo city.
Hills In Benin Republic
The country’s capital and urban center, Porto-Novo is buzzling city just like any other city center with offices, schools and with a lot of major museums telling the tale of the French colonial rule in Benin. There’s no way to talk about the richness of Benin without talking about its history. The kingdom of Porto Novo was one of the longest lasting in Africa, lasting up until 1976. Some of the museums include: Museé Ethnographique de Porto Novo: an interesting museum that takes an intensive look into the past of Porto Novo’s kings. On display there are a good selection of fetishes, old Yourba king masks, costumes, and some musical instruments. Also, we have Palais Royal du Roi Toffa; this former residence of King Toffa is now called Musee Honmé. It’s a simple palace which gives a nice look into how African royalty really lived. Another attraction is the palais de Gouverneur (governor’s palace) which is the home of the national legislature. Finally we have Museé da Silva. A museum celebrating Afro-Brazilian influence on the city, this museum offers amazing variety. The museum grounds consist of a traditional house, a small library, an open-air cinema showing French films, and a hotel.
Grand Mosque Porto Novo
Apart from this urban life, we still have the parts of Benin where people live in mud huts with thatch roofs and live very simple lifestyles. Don’t be mistaken though, these people are very happy with their simple lives hence the existence of these forms of settlement alongside urban settlements. Many people, including me, are quick to label people who live in rural communities as being poor but I always try to remember that poverty is not having all that you need and to these people they have all that they need and they cherish the preservation of their culture and traditions. Amongst the rural areas is Abomey, a city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country’s top tourist destination. There you will find the palace ruins and temples of the once powerful Dahomey kingdom which became very powerful due to slave trade until the late 19th century.
Abomey in Benin Republic
To the north, it’s a whole different picture the settings changes from the urban cities to wildlife where you get to see elephants, cheetahs, lions, more than 500 species of birds and many more at The Pendjari National Park and W National Park . These parks are set in the beautiful hilly highlands. You get the experience one of the best wildlife areas in West Africa. It is truly a breathtaking scenery.
Pendjari National Park
I personally underestimated the diversity and richness of the landscape in Republic of Benin and the unique blend of both rural and urban settlements as most people would have but as the saying goes great things come in small packages as well.