Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Cotonou-Lomé-Accra-Abidjan route (CFA5000 for Lomé, four hours).
Other crossings are at Kétao-Ouaké, on the Kara-Djougou road, and between Nadoba
in Togo and Boukoumbé in Benin along a good track. The latter crossing takes you
through spectacular countryside but has little public transport except on Wednesday,
Nadoba market day.
Getting Around
BUSH TAXI
Bush taxis, generally beaten-up old vehicles, cover outlying communities that large buses
don't serve but also run between major towns and cities. There is sometimes a surcharge
for luggage. Most leave from the
gares routières
; morning is the best time to find them.
BUS
Buses are the most reliable and comfortable way to get around, especially between cities
in southern Benin and Natitingou to the north.
ATT and Confort Lines buses are better maintained and more reliable than those of other
companies. They also have air-con.
Buses almost always operate with guaranteed seating and fixed departure times; arrive
early or book the day before to ensure you have a seat on your preferred service.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Roads are in relatively good condition throughout Benin except the Cotonou-Bohicon
road, which is appalling. It's scheduled to be resurfaced though.
Hiring a car with a driver is a good option if you're short on time. Travel agencies and
tour operators in Cotonou can organise 4WD rental for about 50,000 per day (with driver).
For a regular vehicle, you'll pay about CFA20,000 per day. Fuel is extra.
If you're driving, you need an International Driving Permit.
A litre of petrol cost around CFA600 at the time of research. Petrol stations are easy to
find throughout the country.
ZEMI-JOHNS
The omnipresence of
zems
(
zemi-johns;
motorbike taxis) has translated into the near dis-
appearance of car taxis for short journeys. While they are by far the fastest and most con-
venient way of getting around, they are dangerous: most drive like lunatics and helmets
are not available.
Zem
drivers wear numbered yellow shirts in Cotonou (various colours in other towns).
Hail them just as you would a taxi, and be sure to agree on a price before the journey. The
