Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
From Carrefour Gbena, north of town, you can catch shared taxis to Cotonou (CFA1000,
one hour), Grand Popo (CFA1500, one hour) and the Hilakondji border (CFA1500, 1½
hours).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Grand Popo
POP 10,000
Grand Popo is a wonderful spot to spend a few tranquil days. The village has plenty going
on at the weekend when Cotonou residents come to decompress.
Sights & Activities
On the main road through the village,
Villa Karo
(
94 20 31 20;
www.villakaro.org
;
gallery 8am-
noon & 4-6pm Mon-Fri, 8-11am Sat)
has a small gallery with great exhibitions.
Run by two local guides,
GG Tours
( 95 85 74 40)
organises excursions on the Mono
River or to the Bouche du Roy, where the river meets the ocean. Trips on the river last
about two hours (CFA5000 per person). Trips to the Bouche du Roy cost CFA45,000 as
you need a motorised boat; boats fit up to eight people and the trip lasts about six hours.
Sleeping & Eating
Saveurs d'Afrique
BUNGALOW
$
( 97 89 28 19, 66 69 69 80;
www.saveursdafrique.net
; bungalows CFA15,500; )
Looking for a night at
some place extra-special? Make a beeline for this lovely property, the pride and joy of af-
fable Mathieu Yélomé, a young Beninese chef. The six units borrow from African tradi-
tional designs and are embellished with various artistic touches. Food is a big thing here;
the range of daily specials (around CFA4500) on offer - mostly French-influenced dishes
prepared with local ingredients - is well priced and filled with subtle flavours. Near the
beach.
Lion Bar
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 95 42 05 17; kabla_gildas@yahoo.fr; campsites per person CFA1500, r without bathroom CFA5000)
Down a
track from the main street, you'll easily find this reggae land by following Bob Marley's
