Already one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Africa, there are still plenty of ways to make your Benin trip even cheaper.
From flopping on a sunbed on palm-fringed beaches of the Atlantic coast and learning about Vodou to swimming in lakes and spotting elephants, lions, and cheetahs in Parc National de la Pendjari, it’s easy to make some lifelong memories in this small West African country – and all for next to nothing.
Here is how to see Benin on a budget.
Average daily cost: $75 per day including three meals, accommodation, transportation and modest activities.
Start planning your trip to Benin with this guide to the country's top experiences
Benin has accommodation to suit every budget – from beach resorts to guesthouses. Swanky hotels are confined to Cotonou and, to a lesser extent, Ouidah and Natitingou. Most have restaurants and bars, offer wi-fi, and have air-con.
If you want to save money, book in advance and try to book directly. Cheaper accommodation options are usually located on the outskirts of the cities but you’ll then spend more on transport getting into the center. If you don’t have your own wheels or a driver, you’re likely to be catching zems (zemi-johns; motorbike taxis). A typical fare within a town costs $0.25 to $0.75.
Luxury travelers will enjoy a stay at Nature Luxury Lodge, a high-end hotel in Ouidah, where you should expect to pay around $458 per night. Golden Tulip le Diplomate Cotonou is a midrange choice, costing from $132 per night. A budget option, such as the Millennium Popo Beach Hotel in Grand Popo, costs roughly $97 per night.
Cut your accommodation costs even further by camping in Benin. Stay at Camping Le Paradis Du Soleil in Cotonou from $35 per night, where you can sleep near the beach surrounded by palm trees. Save more on food costs by cooking in the kitchen or at the cool barbecue spot. With just two lakeside tents surrounded by 24 acres of greenery, Glamping Lakeview Ouidah is more of an exclusive experience, costing from $80 per night. It's the perfect budget spot if you're looking to get away from the crowds. Guesthouse Bambou Beach in Grand Popo is one of the most luxurious glamping getaways in Benin. It costs $94 a night to sleep in one of the fancy huts right by the pristine beach with Atlantic Ocean views.
The cheapest month to fly to Benin is January and it can cost around a whopping 40% less than July and August. Despite more flights from Europe to neighboring Nigeria and nearby Ghana, it’s still cheaper to fly directly to Benin – and that’s without the cost and hassle of making your way overground from either country or Togo.
March to May is the springtime in Benin and the best time for budget travelers to visit. Temperatures tend to drop to
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