Things To Do
in So-Awa
So-Awa, Benin is a small coastal town where riverine life meets bustling market culture. The town serves as a friendly gateway to lagoons, beaches, and nearby villages rich in tradition. Streets bustle with vendors selling fresh fish, palm oil, and colorful produce, while the aroma of street foods wafts through the air.
Visitors can soak up local rhythms, taste coastal cuisine, and use So-Awa as a base to explore Benin’s southern heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Royal Palace of So-Awa, where you can admire traditional architecture and learn about the region's royal history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling marketplace, where local vendors sell colorful textiles and handicrafts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, greeting friendly locals as you sip on a refreshing palm wine.
After a traditional lunch at a local eatery, head to the So-Awa Museum to discover artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Engage with knowledgeable guides who will share fascinating stories about the local customs and traditions. As the afternoon sun begins to set, take a walk along the scenic shores of Lake Ahémé, soaking in the serene beauty of the landscape.
As twilight falls, enjoy a delightful dinner at a riverside restaurant, where you can savor local specialties like grilled fish and vegetable stews. Experience the lively nightlife as you participate in a traditional dance performance by local artists, showcasing the rhythms and movements of Beninese culture. Conclude your day with a quiet stroll along the lakeside, reflecting on the experiences of the day.
Begin your day with a visit to a nearby traditional village, where you can engage with the local community and learn about their daily lives. Participate in a cooking class, preparing local dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the village gardens. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the villagers as you share stories and laughter over a communal breakfast.
In the afternoon, participate in a craft workshop where you can learn to create traditional pottery or weave beautiful baskets. The artisans will guide you through the techniques passed down through generations, allowing you to appreciate the skill involved in their crafts. Before leaving, purchase some handmade souvenirs to support the local economy and take a piece of So-Awa home with you.
As evening approaches, join your new friends in the village for a traditional storytelling session around a bonfire. Listen to tales of ancestors and folklore while enjoying warm refreshments made from local ingredients. Conclude your night with a dance under the stars, celebrating the vibrant culture of So-Awa.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥤Soft drink or coffee | $1-2 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $15-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local area) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming people and a relaxed, small-town feel
- Rich coastal cuisine and vibrant market life
- Proximity to lagoon villages like Ganvié offers unique photography and culture
- Affordable prices and easy access to beaches
- Limited high-end infrastructure and occasional grid/rain disruption
- Language barriers in some rural areas beyond French and Fon/Yoruba
- Smaller selection of international cuisine and nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Rural travel may require flexible schedules and patience
- "Bonjour" - Hello (French)
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in So-Awa
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm water, traditional boats, and silhouettes of palm trees create warm, golden-hour photographs.
Stilt houses over the lagoon offer unique vignettes of daily life and reflections on the water.
Wide sandy shoreline, waves, and fisherfolk provide classic coastal sunset images.
Colonial-era architecture and tree-lined boulevards make for elegant, cultural photography.
Food in So-Awa
So-Awa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ripe plantains fried in palm oil, typically served with a spicy tomato-pepper sauce and sometimes accompanied by onions or fish.
Must-Try!
Freshly grilled fish served with cassava-based sides or attiéké (cassava semolina) for a satisfying coastal meal.
A tomato-based stew enriched with palm oil and fish, often enjoyed with a side of maize or cassava.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of West Africa’s largest markets; excellent for spices, fresh fish, palm oil, produce, and textiles.
Casual stalls offering quick staples such as fried plantains, fish skewers, and bean dishes—great for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely with a smile; shaking hands is common. Show respect to elders and leaders, and use polite language when asking for directions or help.
Use the right hand for most exchanges; avoid oversharing personal space, and be mindful in religious or ceremonial settings.
Modest dress in markets and religious sites; photography permissions may be required in some areas; ask before taking portraits of people.
Safety
Tipping in So-Awa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; for good service, rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common practice.
Cash in CFA francs is widely used in markets. Some larger establishments accept mobile money or cards, but carry cash for street vendors and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant mornings and cooler evenings; lower humidity; ideal for outdoor walks and beach visits with less rain.
Frequent afternoon downpours and high humidity; plan for rain gear and flexible outdoor plans; lush, vibrant landscapes.
Dusty air from the Sahara with cooler mornings; good light for photography but may irritate eyes and throat.
Long rainy spells with occasional sunny breaks; canal and lagoon areas may be more dramatic for photography.
So-Awa at Night
Hiking in So-Awa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hike along river and lagoon edges with opportunities for bird watching and photography.
Airports
How to reach So-Awa by plane.
Main international gateway to Benin, located near Cotonou; serves regional and international flights and is the most practical airport to reach So-Awa.
Smaller regional airport serving domestic flights and occasional international connections; convenient if visiting nearby inland areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the major ethnic groups in southern Benin; culture, language, and traditional practices are prominent in the region.
A mix of ethnic groups along the coast, contributing to the region’s diverse cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in towns and schools.
Cultural sport in several communities; demonstrations and local events can be observed in market towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting So-Awa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Opt for bean stews, corn-based dishes, plantains, rice with vegetables, and salads. Communicate clearly with vendors about avoiding fish-based sauces.