With its lush vistas and friendly locals, Benin is a perfect fit for travelers seeking an exotic African adventure. Benin Airlines SA is a newly established airline offering service between Benin and other African nations.
Make your reservation via telephone by calling Benin Airlines at 011 (+229) 97 265 669.
Book your seat using a trusted travel agent. Benin Airlines SA does have a Web site (see Resources below), but it does not yet offer route information.
Benin Airlines is based in Cotonou. It operates flights out of Cadjehoun Airport, Benin's largest airport.
You'll need some understanding of basic French phrases before traveling to Benin. French is the main language spoken (Benin is a former French colony), and getting around without it could be troublesome.
Initiate contact with your country's Benin embassy to apply for a visa, unless you're a West African national. All foreigners must present a visa to enter Benin, unless they are citizens of the following countries: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
One-month visa extensions are available in Cotonou, should you choose to extend your visit. You'll need ample passport-sized photos to facilitate the visa extension.
See Benin in the best possible light by hiring a local guide to accompany you on your travels. A guide will be able to tell you what to do and what to avoid, and can help ensure that you are treated fairly when purchasing goods and services.
Splurge by hiring your very own car when traveling between major cities. "Bush taxis" allow you to share a car with other passengers for a reduced fare, but they are usually hot and overcrowded.
Budget for your trip. A visit to Cotonou will run you about $139 per day, depending on the hotel you choose. Venture to other regions of Benin, and the cost drops to between $50 and $90 per day.
