Making the most of Cotonou
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships dock in an industrial area, use taxis or cruise provided transportation.
Cruise schedule for Cotonou
In the Fon language, the word 'cotonou' means "the mouth of the river of death".
Cotonou is a dangerous city where muggings at knifepoint are not uncommon, but tourists will be fine if they use common sense. Stay away from the beach, a lawless zone that even the locals avoid.
Benin's attractions include stilted villages (popular with fishing enthusiasts) the magical mysteries of voodoo and delicious local cuisine. The lagoon at Porto Novo offers the best-stilted fishing area in the country. The wildlife at Parc National de Pendjari and the historical artifacts at Musée Historique d'Abomey are sights worth seeing in Benin.
Getting around
Share taxis and minibusses are the main forms of transport in Benin. You can go almost anywhere but there are no timetables or published routes. All hotels can advise. Taxis can be hired for CFA2500 per hour.
Food and shopping
The exotic market of Grand Marché de Danktokpa near the Nouveau Pont offers everything from delicious food to electronic items and unusual objects like waxed cloth, bat wings, and magical potions to enchant your beloved.
Money
CFA Franc
Staying connected
French spoken