The Site
Lac Doukon is 109 km east of Cotonou. Here, visitors can see hippopotami, many species of birds and aquatic plants, and enjoy the daily life in an African village. Visitors will have the chance to explore the area by walking around the lake and taking traditional canoe. You will be able to find food and lodging in the city of Lokossa. Take the opportunity to discover our local cuisine like, le manioc pilé(pounded manioc), les poissons d’eau douce(ocean fish), and la viande d’aulacode(agouti or cane rat).
The Hippos
Lac Doukon is a small lake (25 ha) outside of Lokossa where a small family of Hippopotami live. This lake is unusual because of village and hippos living together and sharing the lake. Visitors will see villagers fishing, tending there gardens and crops and doing their laundry while hippo are not far off in the lake. Like other places conflict do exist between the two groups. Hippos destroy crops, damage fishing nets and cause traffic accidents. In many places throughout Benin hippos are highly valued for their nutritional and religious uses. However, here humans try to live together with these Pachydermes.
Each evening the Hippos leave the lake to search for thier food, they return very early the next morning. Therefore the best time to see the hippo are between the hours of 7:00 – 9:00 each morning and 16:00 – 19:00 each evening.
Commuinty-Based Ecotourism
By visiting Lac Doukon, it is participating in the community’s development of the local populations. All money received through ticket sales directly benefits the community of Doukanta. Your participation is protecting and safeguarding the lives of the of the hippos, birds and other aquatic flora and fauna.
Things to Bring
-
Shoes and clothes for hiking and water
- Sunscreen
- Insecticide
- Potable water
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Photo and video cameras
Life jackets will be provided
General Information
Price Foreigners
:
3000 FCFA
Price Nationals : 1000
FCFA
Cost includes photographs and
pirogue
Contact Us Today!!!
AVPN-ONG
BP 57
Dogbo, Benin
Tel:
(229) 46 32 35 / 92 15 97
Fax: (229) 46 32 67
Website : http://hippobenin.gq.nu
E-mail: hippobenin@yahoo.fr
Project Partners
AVPN-ONG
IUCN / SWP
The village of Dokanta
Peace Corps