Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE NORTH
Northern Benin's arid, mountainous landscape is a world away from the south's beaches
and lagoons but all the more attractive for it. It's all about the natural heritage, with one
fantastic wildlife park and a mountain range. It is also ethnically more diverse than the
south, and Islam is the main religion.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Natitingou
POP 75,600
Affectionately known as Nati, Natitingou is the most vibrant town in northern Benin and is
a fabulous base for excursions to the nearby Atakora Mountains and the Parc National de la
Pendjari.
THE SOMBA
Commonly referred to as the Somba, the Betamaribé people are concentrated to the southwest of Natitingou in the
plains of Boukoumbé on the Togo border. What's most fascinating about the Betamaribé is their
tata somba
houses
- fort-like huts with clay turrets and thatched spires. The ground floor of a house is mostly reserved for livestock.
A stepladder leads from the kitchen to the roof terrace, where there are sleeping quarters and grain stores.
The Betamaribé's principal religion is animism - as seen in the rags and bottles they hang from the trees. Once
famous for their nudity, they began wearing clothes in the 1970s.
Sights
Musée Régional de Natitingou
MUSEUM
( 23 02 00 53; Rte Inter-État; admission CFA1000; 8am-12.30pm & 3.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon & 4-6pm
Sat & Sun)
Housed in a colonial building built by slaves at the beginning of the 20th century,
this museum gives an overview of life in Somba communities. The exhibition includes
various musical instruments, jewellery, crowns and artefacts. Most interesting is the habitat
room, which has models of the different types of
tata somba
(Somba houses).
WORTH A TRIP
