Formally known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin can be found on the south coast of West Africa. It is rich in  lush biodiversity, ancient cultures and changing relief that suits a thirst for discovery. You can stay in a traditional village and witness the mystical Voodoo ceremonies, visit the Pendjari National park and go on a safari trek, or just relax on one of the many beaches and sample the local produce. The choices are plentiful.

What you can do: This 8 day cultural exchange holiday takes you from the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, and lakes, to give you the opportunity to experience daily life and traditions of Benin's wetland communities. A journey through a sacred forests and lakes will satisfy your curiosity about the wetland people.
Price: From £413 (8 days) including full board & transport. Excluding flights.

What you can do: This 12 day cultural festival tour gives you a rare opportunity to witness some of the most ancient and traditional festivals. The Akwisadae festival in Ghana of the Royal palace of Kumasi, and the Egun traditional festival of Fon and Yorouba in the South of Benin performed by the secret mask society of Egungun. You will also be able to witness an Ashanti traditional funeral ceremony, fire dances and Voodoo ceremonies.
Price: From £1350 (12 days) including full-board from day 2-12. Excluding flights.

What you can do: After the first success of the Solidarity Caravan Europe-Africa in 2008, a new edition will be on the road again. This Solidarity Caravan from West-Africa 2011 will go across Benin, Togo, Ghana and Burkina Faso in November 2011.
Price: €1500 (£1354) Excluding flights. Including Hotels, hostels and communal camps in full board. Clean and comfy accommodations.

What you can do: This unique trip is perhaps the most challenging of the amazing holiday ideas we list on the portal. This is the first truck-based overland company to attempt this route so expect the unexpected! This is truly off the beaten track – overlanding through a remote but stunning part of West Africa few get to see.
Price: From £1700 with a €500 'kitty' which will include all food & accommodation.

What you can do: This 18 day tour takes you through four West African countries rich in cultural, natural and historical heritage. Discover Benin & Togo, home to the Voodoo and fetish worship belief system, Burkina-Faso with its extraordinary architecture telling tales of an ancient history, and Mali where the Niger River (one of the longest in Africa) takes you from Bamako to Timbuktu, gateway to the Saharan desert.
Price: From £3200 (18 days) including accommodation & transport. Excluding flights.