Masks & Immersion in Southern Benin

Departure from Cotonou towards Grand-Popo. Arrival at the hotel, lunch and check-in.

The afternoon is entirely dedicated to photography and portraits during a Zangbéto event in the village of Gbècon in Grand-Popo. Masked figures roam the designated area in an electric atmosphere, offering exceptional photographic opportunities.

The morning begins with a tasting of the local Tapioca porridge made from coconut milk, a first opportunity for portraits in the context of daily life.

Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Association for the Environment, Culture and Development, with a coconut caramel making workshop. Afterwards, we’ll discover the Aglan Safari project, the famous crab safari, and visit the Turtle Sanctuary.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a boat trip on the Mono River. We will navigate through the mangroves and biodiversity of the protected area of ​​the Bouche du Roi and its estuary.

This dance originates from the Ife people of Togo. There, it is not a ballet but a collective celebration during major events. Rehearsals take place in the forest, a sacred place of origin, and involve offerings to Voodoo deities. The tallest stilt walker, called “Afifi”, symbolizes supreme mastery. A photo shoot dedicated to the stilt dancers.

Departure for the pottery village of Sè. Traditional pottery workshop with portraits of the artisans at work, immersion in the village and purchase of souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we drove to Possotomè with a stop at the lively market of Comè, an ideal setting for spontaneous shots of local life.

Departure from Possotomè to Abomey.

After lunch, visit the Royal Palaces of Kings Agonglo and Guezo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The afternoon is devoted to the Adomou and Adanhounzô vodoun temples, as well as the Adingnigon vodoun cathedral, all places charged with a powerful visual atmosphere.

Departure from Abomey to Ouidah (3-hour drive). After lunch, a photo shoot and portrait session of the Azohoun masks in a dedicated session combining details of the costumes, expressions and movements.

A full day dedicated to animation, photography, and portraits of the Bourian masks. The group will have ample time to explore the angles, lighting, and details of these extraordinarily visually rich costumes.

The morning is devoted to visiting the sacred Kpassè Forest and the Zinsou Foundation, two places offering a wide variety of photographic subjects.

In the afternoon, the group will explore the Zobè market, follow the historic Slave Route circuit and discover the artisanal salt production village of Djègbadji.

Departure for Porto-Novo. After lunch, visit the famous Afro-Brazilian Mosque.

Then, immerse yourself in the city’s renovated Vodun squares, including the Abessan Vodun Temple and the Lokossa Temple. These sacred spaces offer ideal light and atmosphere for high-quality portraits.

Free morning in Porto-Novo. In the afternoon, a photo and portrait session during an Egungun performance. Masked dancers embody ancestral spirits in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, offering some of the most spectacular images of the tour.

Departure for Sakété (2 to 3 hours drive). After lunch, a final major photo and portrait session during a Guèlèdè performance. These ceremonies, with their intricately carved masks and bold costumes, provide a visual finale worthy of the entire tour.

Debriefing of the stay and end of activities, heading to Cotonou.