▷ Trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023 to discover the Voodoo Religion

Trip from 08th - 19th January 2023 (12 d. / 10 n.) / TRIP COMPLETED

Trip to Benin and Nigeria focused on the majority religion of the Gulf of Guinea: Voodoo. This animist religion not only covers the spiritual life but also the social and, above all, cultural sphere. Through this trip we will try to understand the main aspects of voodoo, as well as demystify some Eurocentric ideas about this religion. Contrary to the image that is often held, it is not a satanic and evil practice.

We will have the opportunity to experience the intense Ouidah Voodoo Festival in Benin. Then we will cross the border to reach the heart of the Voodoo religion in Nigeria, known as Orisha. We will go to Oshogbo to visit the Sacred Forest of Oshun. Austrian artist Susanne Wenger (1915-2009) helped protect this forest. In it you can find numerous sculptural works of his authorship.

Throughout the trip we will visit very authentic towns. There we will discover the Afro-Brazilian style architecture. We will also delve into the worldview of the Fon and Yoruba people.

We will travel in a comfortable minibus with a/c.

Download the itinerary for this trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023

Using the form below, you can download the detailed itinerary for this trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023. Click here to easily reach the form.

We will be accompanied by local guides who are followers of the animist Voodoo religion as well as by Marc Balagué, an expert guide in the cultures of the Gulf of Guinea.

Discover the highlights of this trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023

Epicenter of the Voodoo tradition

Voodoo is the most widespread animist religion in the world, since slaves took it with them to the “new world”, where it adapted and evolved into different branches that still exist, such as Santeria, Candomblé, ... During the trip, we will visit fetish markets and temples. We will have the opportunity to attend ceremonies and different religious activities.

Ouidah Voodoo Festival
Every year since 1991 the Voodoo Festival is celebrated. It is a massive gathering of followers from all over the world. Rituals, dances, and all kinds of ceremonies are performed to reinforce this religion. Benin is the only country in Africa that officially recognizes an African animist religion in its constitution.

Oshun oshogbo Sacred Groove
We will enter the Sacred Forest of Oshogbo (UNESCO) in Nigeria and chat with the priestesses who protect the temple of Oshún, goddess of fertility, the feminine world and water... Tour through the forest and the different sacred places.

The monumental complex of the Royal Palaces of Abomey

Abomey is home to the palaces of the historic kingdom of Dahomey. The royal complex was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Cities with a colonial footprint

The Atlantic coast is home to large cities such as Cotonou, Porto Novo, Ouidah, Ganvié or Lagos. Cities where the colonial imprint and the mixture of cultures is more than evident.

© Photos by Jordi Zaragozà Anglès,Jorge Fernández and Aníbal Bueno taken during a trip to Benin and Nigeria.

Download the detailed itinerary of this trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023

The trip is designed for lovers of Africa, animist religions and ethnic groups. Click on the button below to easily access the download form for the itinerary for this trip to Benin and Nigeria 2023.