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Travel tips
Our answers to the questions travelers ask, country by country: entry rules, health, transport, where to stay, budget. And what is changing.
How many days in Benin: the south only, or the north too?
Allow 5 to 7 days for the south (Cotonou, Ganvié, Porto-Novo, Ouidah), 10 days to add Abomey, Lake Ahémé and Grand-Popo, and 14 days for Dassa-Zoumè or Togo. The north is not an option today: Pendjari and W are formally advised against, and Natitingou is too unless the reason is imperative.
November 14, 2026Pendjari National Park safety: can you visit right now?
No. As of November 2, 2026, France, the UK, Canada and Belgium advise against all travel to the Pendjari and W parks, where attacks still target soldiers and rangers. Don't go for now. For nature, southern Benin offers Ganvié, Porto-Novo, Ouidah and Lake Ahémé.
November 2, 2026
