Manatees, Sacred Forests, and the Silt Villages of the Ouémé

…an expedition to discover the secrets of the Ouémé River

 

The Tour

This expedition visits many environmental and cultural sites.  The tour begins at the Museum of Nature Tropicale in Cotonou.  From there the visitors will leave for Marché Dantokpa.  Guests will began their voyage by means of a motorized boat across the lagoon to Lac Nokoué and enter into a branch of the Ouémé River.  In the Ouémé river,  we will visit manatee sites, the forest of Wandja and its temple of Soholou, the forest of Kodhizoun, the sacred forest of Bemezoun, the silt villages of Kessounou, Hozin and Hetin, and a thermal spring.  After the tour the guests will return to Cotonou by vehicle. 

 


General Information  
Costs and times

     Adults : 12.000 FCFA
Children  : 10.000 FCFA

Price includes photographs, boat, breakfast and lunch

6h30 - 18h00
any time of the year

10 people maximum 

 

Contact Us

Nature Tropicale
Muée des sciences Naturelles
06 BP 10150
Akpakpa PK 3
Cotonou, Benin

Tel: (229) 33 37 73 / 40 91 14
Fax: (229) 33 87 32

Website : http://ifrance.com/ntong-benin
E-mail: ntongmu@yahoo.com ou
            josea_bj@yahoo.co.uk


The attractions 

 
The African Manatee(Trichelchus sengalenis) is an aquatic mammal seen throughout Africa, from Senegal to Angola.  The manatee has many names in local langueges "Gninbin-bningbin" or "Tolo" in Ouémé, "Toyou" in Toffin and "Tognin" in Mina. The manatee is well known throughout both the western and eastern regions of southern Benin.  Benin has two registered Ramsar sites N° 1017 and 1018 marking their significance.   Unfortunately like elsewhere in Africa, they and their environments are in constant threat from population growth.  The manatee is a vulnerable species heading for extinction.   
The Sacred Forest of Kodjizoun  is located in the community of Avagbobji,  Covering more then 8 hactares. The forest is well known for its biological diversity, its many vegetative tiers and the dominance of fuax irokos, whose presence reinforce the sacredness of the forest.    
The Temple of Soholou is located at the  village Aholokomè  in the commune of Aguégués. The palace temple named Fihonho or Ofiho, today it is recognized by a mast flanked by white fabric, which signifies sacred places in southern Benin.   The palace is used for ceremonies appointing chiefs of the occult.  
The Bush of Wandja : This sacred bush was planted by the first king of Soholou. It protects  "Wan", a powerful god  (Bô)  protector of Aguégués. 

 

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

 

 
Project Partners

Nature Tropicale ONG

The Netherlands Committee of IUCN

The Communities of Aguégués, Goukon, Avagbodi, Bèm'bé, Hozin, Kessounou, Hêtin, and Dangbo

Peace Corps 

 

Specail Thanks To 

  • Comité Néerlandais de l'IUCN

  • Van Tienhoven Stichting

  • Ambassade des USA au Bénin

  • New York Aquaruim (WCS, USA)

  • Sirenia Project in Gainesville (USA)

  • Conservation Wildlife Trust, Florida (USA)

  • Forum Biodiversité du Bénin

  • Agence Béninoise pour l'Environnement(ABE)

 
Ecotourisme avec Nature Tropicale ONG :
L'écotourisme est axé sur la nature avec une composante éducative et un besoin de durabilité.  Un tourisme solidaire et équitable avec un respect pour l'environnement, un respect pour les traditions locales, un partage équitable des revenues et un accompagnement de micro- projets pour un développement durable.

 

Home Page English here