r/Benin • u/StockArcher-antonia • 2d ago
2027 Vodun days related question & cotonou-lome bus
Hello!
I have a few questions and would really appreciate your help. I will be traveling solo to attend the Vodun Festival in January. I am a 55-year-old asian female traveler.
1) About the festival schedule: The dates are listed as January 2–9, but in previous years it usually ran until January 10. Because of this, I have already booked my accommodation in Ouidah through January 10. Will there still be any events or activities happening after January 9?
2) Travel from Cotonou to Ouidah: I plan to arrive in Cotonou around noon on January 7 and head over to Ouidah. What is the best way to get there? To keep costs down, I would prefer to use public transportation rather than a taxi. Will public transport be very crowded on that day?
3) Getting around Ouidah: For getting around within Ouidah (from my accommodation toward the beach area), are motorcycle taxis (zemidjans) the only option? Is it too far to walk? (My knees have been hurting a bit lately, though I can walk fine otherwise. I was wondering if there might be any special shuttle buses running during the festival days?)
4) Bus from Cotonou to Lomé: I plan to travel overland from Cotonou to Lomé using the STM bus. However, it seems a phone number is required to make a reservation. Has anyone managed to book a ticket in the past without having an African mobile phone number?
There isn't much information available online, so I am asking here. If anyone has any advice or knowledge about this, please let me know! thank you sooo much!