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
Ships berth in an industrial area; use a taxi or transport supplied by the cruise line.
Cotonou cruise timetable
In Fon, 'cotonou' translates as "the mouth of the river of death".
Cotonou is a dangerous city, and knifepoint muggings are not unusual, although tourists using common sense should be fine. Avoid the beach: it is a lawless area avoided even by local people.
Benin offers stilted villages, popular with fishing enthusiasts, the magical mysteries of voodoo and delicious local cuisine. The lagoon at Porto Novo has the country's best stilted fishing area. Other sights in Benin include wildlife in Parc National de Pendjari and the historical artefacts at Musée Historique d'Abomey.
Getting around
Shared taxis and minibuses provide Benin's main transport. They reach almost anywhere, but have no timetables or published routes; hotels can advise. A taxi can be hired for CFA2500 an hour.
Food and shopping
Near the Nouveau Pont, the exotic Grand Marché de Danktokpa sells everything from delicious food and electronics to waxed cloth, bat wings and magical potions intended to enchant your beloved.
Money
Currency: CFA Franc
Staying connected
Language spoken: French