Through royal cities, convents, public squares, and villages in the North, this expedition offers an immersion into the heart of Beninese mask traditions . Far more than mere spectacular figures, the masks embody spiritual presences , collective memories , and forms of transmission deeply rooted in local societies.
From Porto-Novo and its Festival of Masks to the ceremonies of Dassa-Zoumè, from the Vodun practices of Ouidah to the famous masked horsemen of Djougou, this tour explores the diversity of ritual and cultural expressions surrounding masks in Benin . Each stop allows you to explore the symbolic, social, and spiritual dimensions of these traditions, in an approach that respects the communities and ceremonial spaces.
Designed for photographers, videographers , documentary filmmakers and researchers , this trip prioritizes access to authentic contexts, accompanied by field expertise attentive to cultural realities and the ethics of the image.
Expedition program
First, after lunch, departure for Ouidah, check-in at the hotel. Then, a photo shoot and portrait session of the Azohoun masks in a dedicated session combining details of the costumes, expressions and movements.
Departure for Porto-Novo and check-in. Grand procession and opening of the mask festival. Egungun masks (ancestor spirits, Yoruba tradition), processions and ritual dialogues with the living. Gelede masks (mother worship, UNESCO World Heritage Site), dances. Zangbeto masks, twilight apparitions, guardians of cosmic order. Gunuko masks confirmed for the official 2026 program. Guest troupes from Africa and around the world. Time dedicated to documentary photography led by our guide.
International symposium of the festival and meetings with mask artisans and sculptors. Symbolic interpretation and definition of costumes, materials, and colors. Photo sessions of the masks and complementary performances. Visit to the city of Porto-Novo: Honmè Museum, Vodun squares, Afro-Brazilian and colonial quarters. Meeting with a family who are guardians of the Egungun cult in a Yoruba neighborhood of Porto-Novo. Official closing of the festival with a lively atmosphere, music concert, and collective celebration.
After visiting the city of princes, we head to the city of Dassa-Zoumé . Impressive rocky hills surround the city, forming a stunning natural amphitheater. Also known as the city of 41 hills, Dassa-Zoumé is a crossroads city. We hike in the hills to see the ritual paths followed by the Omondjagou, the majority ethnic group that formed the ancient kingdom of Dassa-Zoumé. On the hills, we have the opportunity to see fetishes, representations of the Vodun religion, and witness an Atingali Vodun ceremony.
At sunrise, a photo session will be dedicated to portraits of the Batonu horsemen and their magnificently decorated horses. We will witness equestrian demonstrations by these riders, dressed in sumptuous ceremonial costumes—a regal encounter offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional power in West Africa.
Finally, we head towards Cotonou. There’s the option of taking an evening flight.
Circuit services
Included
- Driver + vehicle + fuel
- Bilingual photographer guide (dedicated English-French)
- Entrance fees to sites and ceremonies
- Accommodation as mentioned
- Drinking water
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Round-trip transfers
Not included
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses,
- Tips for the driver and guide,
- Alcoholic beverages
Request a quote
Thanks to its expertise in the field and in Beninese culture, Vodoun Travel designs immersive tours and tailor-made expeditions for photographers , videographers , researchers and content creators … Get a quote for one of our expeditions by filling out the form below so that our team can contact you.
