Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
languorous beats. It's the hideout of choice for Cotonou's expat beatniks and oozes peace
and love: cocktails flow at all hours of the day and night, rooms are spartan yet funky and
the shared facilities surprisingly clean. Daily specials cost CFA2500. It's right on the
beach and you're free to pitch your tent.
Auberge Victor's Place
CAMPGROUND
$
( 97 04 91 02; campsites per person CFA1000, bungalows without bathroom s/d CFA5500/7500; )
Victor's
Place boasts a spiffing beach frontage in a green location. Pitch your tent on the grassy
plot or choose one of the three slightly threadbare bungalows. The real draws are the cool
atmosphere and the wicked cocktails prepared by Victor, a friendly Rasta. You can hire a
tent if you don't have your own. Overall, it's very simple, but there's plenty of heart.
Awalé Plage
RESORT
$$
( 22 43 01 17;
www.hotel-benin-awaleplage.com
; Rte du Togo; campsites CFA6000, bungalows with fan/air-con
CFA20,500/25,500; )
A great place to recharge the batteries, Awalé Plage's most
notable features are its beachfront setting, its beautiful gardens awash with tropical trees,
its large swimming pool and its well-maintained bungalows. There is an excellent beach
bar and the on-site restaurant (mains CFA2000 to CFA6500) prepares delectable French-
inspired dishes with a tropical twist. It's also a good bargain for campers.
Getting There & Away
From Cotonou, take a bush taxi from Gare Jonquet, Stade de l'Amitié or Pl de l'Étoile
Rouge (CFA2500, two hours) and have it drop you off at the Grand Popo junction on the
main coastal highway, 20km east of the Togo border crossing at Hilakondji. The beach
and village are 3.5km off the main road and are easily accessible via
zemi-john
(CFA250).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Possotomé & Lake Ahémé
The fertile shores of Lake Ahémé are a wonderful place to spend a few days, particularly
around Possotomé, the area's biggest village. It's even possible to swim in the lake.
Various trips and excursions are offered by local tour operators, including
Eco-Bénin
(
www.ecobenin.org
)
. Learn traditional fishing techniques, meet craftspeople at work or go on a
fascinating two-hour botanic journey to hear about local plants and their medicinal prop-
erties. There are half a dozen thematic circuits to choose from (from two hours to day
trips, CFA3500 to CFA12,000), all run by delightful local guides.
