The 12-Day Immersive Tour
Experience Benin with
Confidence, Comfort, and Genuine Connection
Hello West Africa offers a research-backed, transformational 12-day journey through Benin that goes beyond sightseeing.
This is travel with preparation, cultural depth, and meaningful human connection at its core.
What Makes This Different
Your guides are Dr. Debra Kouda and Thomas D'Aquin Kouda, co-founders who are both Beninese American. Thomas was born and raised in Benin; Debra has lived and worked in the country since 2007. Together, they bridge cultures with ease, offering rare insight into both local life and traveler expectations.
Founder-Led Guidance
Rather than rushing between landmarks, you'll spend extended time in Kabole, a rural village near Dassa in central Benin. Stay in the founders' family home, experience daily village life, participate in local markets, and engage in genuine conversations with community members.
Village-Based Immersion
Tours are limited to 6-8 participants, ensuring personalized attention, flexibility, and depth. The relaxed itinerary includes dedicated time for rest, reflection, and authentic connection.
Small Groups, Unrushed Pace
Connect with local experts in facilitated conversations designed for mutual learning. Whether you're a teacher, healthcare professional, farmer, or artist, you'll have opportunities to exchange perspectives with Beninese counterparts who share similar fields of experience.
Knowledge Exchanges
This experience begins before you arrive. You'll participate in pre-trip orientation sessions to build confidence and set expectations. During the tour, guided reflection helps deepen your understanding. Afterward, join a private online community for up to one year to continue processing and integrating your experience.
Preparation & Ongoing Support
Where You’ll Go
Benin, West Africa. One of the most alive and diverse countries in the world.
L’Etoile Rouge.
Cotonou
Cotonou is the economic capital of Benin (Porto Novo is the political), and home to around 800,000 people. It is where you will fly in and out of. Cotonou is a port city that also has one of the largest outdoor markets, Dantokpa. Near Cotonou you will find Ganvie, a lake village that was created in the 16th or 17th centuries.
The Port of No Return
Ouidah
Ouidah is located on the Southern Coast of Benin, and is the Birthplace of Voodoo and home to the Door of No Return. The history of the city engulfs you as you walk through the streets. Ouidah takes you on a journey of the past as you explore the historical areas.
A cashew apple.
Dassa-Zoume and Glazoué
Dassa-Zoume is the region where we live. It is, in our opinion, the most beautiful part of Benin. The trademark of the region is the 41 Hills, Les Collines. Cashew and Teak trees are staples, as well as the 3rd largest outdoor market in Glazoue. There is an annual pilgrimage in August to la Grotte Notre-Dame d’Arigbo, where it is said the Virgin Mary appeared.
“Our visit to Benin opened my eyes to a cacophony of sights, sounds, people and cultural differences. The hearts of the people we met were warm friendly and helpful! Life is less dependent on schedules and more on relationships. Village life was an eye-opening experience. People are resourceful and hard workers, yet no one is in a rush, there is always time for a conversation. From the views atop the Collines to the open ocean at Ouidah, from the village marché(market) to the major port city of Cotonou, the beauty of Benin will never be forgotten.”
What’s Included
🍴All meals and beverages
Including local cuisine and alcoholic drinks
📱Pre-trip preparation sessions
One individual and two group calls before departure
🛏 Comfortable accommodations
Nice hotels in cities; the family home in Kabole features private rooms with en-suite bathrooms (flush toilets, cold showers; hot water available upon request)
💭 Time to Rest and Reflect
With so many new and unfamiliar scenes (plus hot weather!), the tour has a slower pace to absorb everything and just experience it.
🦛 Cultural Site Visits
Entrance fees and guided experiences
🚙 Private transportation
Dedicated vehicle for all in-country travel
💻 Post-trip community access
Private online group for up to one year
👚 Custom Beninese clothing
Tailored outfit in fabric of your choice.
🌴 What’s not included
International airfare and baggage fees | Travel/medical insurance, immunizations, visas, passports | Personal expenses | Gratuities
Sample Itinerary
The itinerary below outlines the core experiences of our 12-day tour. However, flexibility is built into our approach. Remember, Africa time is a real phenomenon! We pay attention to what travelers are curious about and make adjustments to honor those interests.
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Welcome to Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin! You will arrive in the evening and be transported to the hotel, where a meal will be awaiting your arrival (you will be hungry)!
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Enjoy the most complete breakfast buffet at the hotel. Relax in the morning by the pool or join us on a walking tour of the Ghani Market. The afternoon will be for taking measurements and choosing your model and material of choice for the Benin clothing that will be made for you while in the country. Dinner will be at the hotel and enjoy the evening as you prepare for the next day of traveling.
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then its on the road north to Kabole and the Kouda House. Lunch will be in the town of Bohicon and dinner will be at the Kouda Home!
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Wake up and take an early walk around the village or simply enjoy coffee on the veranda. Before the sun gets hot we will be walking out to the Kouda’s cashew tree farm, where they also grow peanuts, chickpeas, and navy beans. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to assist in the harvest! We will have lunch back at the house and will then go to visit local artisans, including one who makes black soap. The afternoon and early evening will also include the first “knowledge exchange”.
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This morning we will wake up a bit early to visit the village of Betekoukou, which is next to the Oueme River, to see hippopotamuses! A friend will guide us where we will have the best view of the large mammals. On the way back, we will lunch in Dassa - and possibly explore the market if it happens to be the market day (it is every 5 days in Dassa). Dassa is home to a site where it is said the Virgin Mary was seen, and we will visit Notre-Dame de Fourvière church where a pilgrimage is made by hundreds of Catholics every August to honor this event. Dinner and drinks will be waiting at the house in the evening!
There is also the possibility for another “knowledge exchange” this afternoon. -
We will be visiting the nomadic people, the Fulani, and learn how they raise cows, goats, sheep. You will also be able to see how they make Wagassi cheese (fromage).
The afternoon will be free to rest and relax and get ready to enjoy the open air market in Glazoué tomorrow!
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Today is Market Day in Glazoue! Time to explore and experience an open-air market that makes Target on Black Friday seem calm! We will have lunch in Glazoue at a local restaurant and then back to the market for a time.
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Today we will be visiting some schools, elementary and secondary, in the area. We will also taste some local brews!
Today will also be another opportunity for a “knowledge exchange”. -
We will be going to the village of Camate and hiking up the Collines - one of the small hills. This is the village where Debra served in Peace Corps and Thomas D’Aquin grew up. After the hike, we will have lunch and rest at CPN les Papillons (if you are not physically able to do the hike, we will have an alternate activity for you). In the evening there will be a traditional drum circle.
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Travel back south to Ouidah, and upon arrival visit the Temple of Pythons, a site of historical and modern symbolism and spiritual practice. After a day of travel and snakes, you will enjoy dinner at your hotel next to the ocean.
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After a relaxing breakfast, you will take the "Port of No Return" tour, following the route slaves traversed when leaving Africa. After a day of overwhelming emotion, we will travel back to Cotonou via the Atlantic Coastal Road.
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In the morning we will head to Ganvie, known fondly as the Venice of Africa. For those interested, we will visit the Artisan Center in the city and then enjoy dinner at the hotel before heading to the airport!
Thank you for spending these last 12 days with our family in the wonderful country of Benin!
Merci and Bon Voyage!
Peanuts!
4th of July in Benin!
Hippo Foot!
Notre Dame - Dassa
Who is this for?
This tour is designed for culturally curious travelers who value:
Preparation and thoughtful guidance
Small-group experiences with depth over volume
Respectful, two-way cultural engagement
Comfort balanced with authentic immersion
Time to rest, reflect, and truly connect
If you're looking for more than sightseeing…if you want to understand a place and its people, not just visit…
this journey is for you.
“Benin is alive! The people, food, and culture are worth experiencing. I am 65 and plan on coming back. This should definitely be on your list. I guarantee it will change your perspective on Africa.”
Ready to learn more?
We welcome questions and conversations before you make a commitment.
Reach out to schedule a call with us to discuss the tour, your expectations, and any other questions you may have!
