Flights to Benin: practical information
Cheap airlines to Benin
Benin is a treat to visit while in West Africa. Its temple ruins and Voodoo culture make it a totally unique stop on your African adventure. Start your trip planning with cheap flights to Benin’s main airport, Cotonou International Airport (COO). Royal Air Maroc, Air France Swiftair and KLM are just a few of the airlines flying to Benin from London.
When to book flights to Benin
Benin has two rainy seasons in the south. The first is April-mid-July and the second is mid-September to October. In the north, it’s rainy March-October. Whether you’re headed north or south, the best time of the year to book a holiday in Benin is from November to February.
- Peak season: November-February.
- Low season: Rainy seasons, as described above.
Flight duration
Flights to Benin take just over 9 hours with stopovers from London.
Experience Benin: what to see, what to do
Benin has such a rich history. Once upon a time it was one of the most powerful empires in Africa. Palace and temple ruins, lagoons and lions to be seen, Benin is one remarkable African destination you won’t want to miss.
Essentials in Benin
Abomey: Royal palaces and temple ruins can still be found here at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abomey was once the capital and the centre of the country’s slave trade. There are a dozen palaces to see here, ornate clay structures that really are incredible.
Wildlife: Benin is so rich in wilderness and wildlife. The national parks are home to elephants, lions and crocodiles. For a safari, try a trip to Pendjari National Park in northern Benin.
Cotonou: Cotonou is the largest city in the country but not the capital, despite many foreign embassies and government institutions being located here. The Cotonou Cathedral is a striking site, with its striped tile exterior. A city tour with reveal plenty of unusual architecture.
Accommodation in Benin
Benin has hotels to suit every budget. Beach houses along the southern coast and park lodges in the north are just the beginning. For more luxurious hotels, stick to Cotonou. Ouidah and Natitingou also have hotels that suit Western standards. Most mid-range hotels will have air-conditioning, a must in the summer heat.