🌊 This So‑Ava 3 Day Itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey through Benin’s floating villages, starting from Cotonou to Ganvié and beyond.

So-Ava 3 Day Itinerary is your ultimate guide to exploring Benin’s floating villages.

📆 So-Ava 3 Day Itinerary – Day 1: Journey to Ganvié, the “Venice of Africa”

🚤 Transportation

• Begin your So-Ava 3 Day Itinerary by starting from Cotonou city center. Take a taxi to Abomey-Calavi pier (30 minutes, $4–6 per ride).
• Boat Ride: Transfer to a wooden canoe or motorized boat for a scenic 30–40 minute ride across Lake Nokoué to Ganvié.

🛶 Highlights & Cultural Insights

• One highlight of the So-Ava 3 Day Itinerary is the Ganvié Floating Village Tour – explore this remarkable community Known as the Venice of Africa, Ganvié was established in the 17th century by the Toffinu people to escape Fon warriors and the slave trade.
• Floating Market Discovery – Witness local women paddling their canoes as they sell fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables in this vibrant waterborne marketplace.

🍽 Food Experience

• Enjoy freshly grilled lake fish served with palm oil stewed vegetables at a floating restaurant ($5–8).
• Local Snacks: Try plantain fritters and sweet potato soup for a quick energy boost.

💰 Budget Guide

🌛 Evening & Stay

• Stay overnight in a water guesthouse like Chez M (~$30 per night).
• Watch the sunset over the lake from a canoe, as fishermen return with their nets and the water glows in golden light.

📆 So-Ava 3 Day Itinerary – Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Village Life

🌅 Morning

• Wake at dawn to join local fishermen casting nets – a beautiful way to witness life on the lake.
• Learn about the traditional acadja fishing technique, which uses wooden stakes to trap fish.

🚤 Late Morning

• Visit nearby floating villages like Sô-Tchanhoué, smaller and more tranquil than Ganvié.
• Talk with locals about village history, royal customs, and water rituals that shape their lives.

🍲 Lunch

• Savor a hearty maize porridge with seasonal vegetables or spicy fish stew ($4–6).

🧶 Afternoon

• Explore water-based schools, churches, and fish-drying platforms.
• Watch artisans repair fishing nets and weave baskets; purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.

🌆 Evening

• Dinner recommendation: grilled lake fish with palm nut soup and spicy tomato sauce ($8–12).
• Enjoy conversation with your hosts on the deck, listening to stories of the Toffinu people’s deep connection to the lake.

💰 Budget Guide (Day 2)

📆 Day 3: Return to Cotonou and City Exploration

🌄 Morning

• Stroll along the floating walkways, observing the calm rhythms of daily life: children paddling to school, women fetching water, and men repairing canoes.

🚣‍♂️ Midday

• Take a boat back to Abomey-Calavi pier (30–40 minutes) and a taxi to central Cotonou ($4–6).

🏙 Afternoon in Cotonou

• Visit Dantokpa Market, one of West Africa’s largest open-air markets, brimming with colorful fabrics, spices, and handmade goods.
• Stop at Cotonou Cathedral and take a leisurely walk along the seaside boulevard.

🍛 Evening Farewell

• Recommended restaurants: Lyz’ Créole, Maquis du Port, or Le Régal Végétal ($8–15 per person).
• Savor your last meal while reflecting on the unique waterworld you’ve explored.

💰 Budget Guide (Day 3)

🧭 Summary & Travel Tips

💵 Estimated Total Budget

📝 Tips for Travelers

• Sun Protection & Insect Repellent: The lake area is sunny and humid, so pack accordingly.
• Safe Drinking Water: Only drink bottled or treated water.
• Clothing: Light, quick-dry clothes and sturdy boat shoes are recommended.
• Currency: Carry small CFA denominations; bargaining is common in markets.
• Cultural Etiquette: Always ask before taking photos and support local businesses.

For more about traveling in Benin, visit Benin Tourism Official Site.

If you’re planning more adventures in Africa, don’t miss our Lubumbashi 3 Day Itinerary: Explore Colonial History, Vibrant Markets & Monastery Calm.