Author: Fiona Wright

At Creative Arts Safaris, our mission is to foster sustainability and celebrate diversity through the enriching world of craft, textiles, and travel sketching. Each of our tours is crafted with purpose, blending hands-on workshops and local experiences with iconic sightseeing to offer more than just a trip—we provide a journey into the heart of every destination we visit. We believe in responsible travel that respects the environment and uplifts local communities. By working with local artisans, staying in locally-owned accommodations, and embracing cultural traditions, we support sustainable practices that have a positive impact. -Fiona Wright, Founder

It was right next door! I have been travelling to Ghana for years and wondered what Benin & Togo would be like. I had time to spare after a tour so got organised and headed off. Wow! So different to Ghana.

Voodun culture is strong, and yet mingles seamlessly with Catholic and Muslim practices in the countries. Unlike the scary stuff in movies, Voodun is a way of living in harmony with the natural and spiritual worlds and your local community.

Geographically the country is very different, particularly, Benin seems like a water world- boating on rivers and amazing lakes.

Pineapples abound and we were all sure they are the sweetest and juiciest in the world!

Favourite reasons that I love to go back:

The waterways!

Ganvie Lake: the village on stilts and life lived on boats.

Like stepping into a completely different world.

The Fetish Ceremonies were amazing!

The drumming and the total absorption of the community in the event.

Unforgettable…. sitting with a family of women and making appliqué.

This was in Aboumey, the city at the centre of the movie with Viola Davis “The Woman King”.

Visit Benin & Togo!

Creative Arts Safaris has its next tour planned for August 8-21, 2026.

If you see this post after that, check the Bookings Open tab and look at the tours available. If another one has not been scheduled, use their contact form to see if another one will be offered.

Tour Description

Benin & Togo offer a harmonious blend of diverse beliefs – Christianity, Islam, and Vodun – woven into the fabric of everyday life.

The region’s rich cultural heritage is set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and a complex history, once known as the Slave Coast.

Our journey will immerse us in their vibrant contemporary art scene, where we’ll take time to visit shrines and temples, engage with artisans in their workshops, and learn directly from them.

We’ll explore nature on foot or by boat, revel in the lively energy of local markets, and uncover the fascinating story of the Nana Benz of Lomé, the influential textile traders who shaped the region’s economy

We will witness the Egungun dancers, adorned in elaborate, colorful costumes that represent the ancestral spirits. This vibrant and spiritual celebration is central to the Yoruba and Vodun traditions, connecting communities with their heritage while paying homage to those who have passed.

Additionally we will experience the protective Zanbetu Ceremony – a traditional dance and ritual ceremony. This powerful ceremony, filled with rhythmic drumming, dancing, and spiritual symbolism, offers a deep connection to the region’s ancestral traditions, particularly within the Vodun belief system. It’s a unique opportunity to experience a ceremony that honors the past while being an integral part of the community’s vibrant present.

What do you think?

Would you like to visit these countries?  Have you ever been there?  Let us know in the comments! 

If you are on a cell phone, you have to scroll ALL the way down….

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