Things To Do
in Tasso
Tasso is a small northern town in Benin where savanna landscapes meet riverine life along nearby waterways. The town serves as a gateway to rural Beninese culture, markets, and nearby nature spots. Daily life moves at a relaxed pace, with markets, fishing, and small-scale trades shaping the rhythm of the town.
Visitors are welcomed by warm locals, creating an accessible entry point into Benin’s northern traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cotonou Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy a refreshing drink and take some time to rest after your journey. Explore the vicinity and get a sense of the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Visit the bustling Dantokpa Market, where you can observe locals trading spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. Engage with vendors and sample some local foods, immersing yourself in the culture. Consider purchasing souvenirs that reflect the rich heritage of Benin.
Dine at a traditional Beninese restaurant, savoring local dishes such as pimento-infused yams or grilled tilapia. Share stories with fellow travelers and familiarize yourself with local customs over a delicious meal. Wrap up the evening with a leisurely stroll along the coastal boulevard of Cotonou.
Take a short drive to the coast, heading to the historic town of Ouidah. Visit the Ouidah Museum of History to learn about the rich heritage of the area, including its ties to the slave trade. Discover the vibrant artwork and artifacts that tell the story of this unique region.
Explore the Route of the Slaves, a deeply moving path that commemorates the journey of enslaved Africans. Stop by the Python Temple, a sacred site dedicated to the spirits of the voodoo religion. Reflect on the significance of these sites as you continue to absorb the history.
Return to Ouidah for dinner at a seaside restaurant with fresh catches of the day. Enjoy the sunset over the ocean while dining on traditional fare like grilled fish and plantains. Take part in a local drum circle or listen to live music to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Beninese culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🚕1 km local taxi ride | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🛒Groceries for a few days | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural interactions and welcoming communities
- Low-cost travel with generous value for meals and accommodations
- Access to diverse markets, music, and crafts
- Nearby nature reserves and river landscapes for outdoor adventures
- Limited healthcare facilities in town; longer trips for advanced care
- Heat, dust, and basic infrastructure can be challenging
- Road conditions vary; travel times may be longer than expected
- Smaller nightlife and fewer entertainment options compared with major cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Où est le marché ?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "Je suis allergique au …" - I am allergic to …
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Tasso
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light along the river with fishermen and birds in view; quiet and atmospheric for wide shots and candid portraits.
Vibrant street scenes, colorful textiles, and busy stalls offer dynamic portrait and documentary photography opportunities.
Open landscape with warm hues and silhouettes of trees; great for landscape and silhouette photography.
Nearby villages provide chances to photograph artisans at work and learn about local techniques in weaving, pottery, and carving.
Food in Tasso
Tasso Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cornmeal dough served with a rich peanut (arachide) sauce or a tomato-based fish sauce; a staple pairing found in many Beninese towns.
Must-Try!
Boiled yam served with a thick okra and tomato-based stew, often enriched with oil and herbs.
Freshly caught river fish grilled or fried and served with a simple tomato and pepper sauce, commonly found near the market or riverfront.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fresh produce, fish, maize, peppers, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks; best in the morning.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly hello and a handshake or bow as appropriate; show respect to elders and community leaders; address people using polite titles.
Dress modestly in public spaces, especially in markets and religious sites. Always ask before taking photos of people or ceremonies.
Bargaining is common but done with courtesy; avoid showing the soles of your feet and be mindful of local norms during sacred or family events.
Safety
Tipping in Tasso
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not always expected. In restaurants if a service charge isn’t included, a small tip of 5-10% is common. Leave modest tips for guides or drivers if you’re satisfied with the service.
Cash (CFA franc) is widely used in markets and small eateries. Cards are less common in rural towns; mobile money and informal payments are gaining ground in some areas, especially in larger towns nearby.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November through February brings cooler mornings and dry conditions; skies are often clear and visibility high for photography and outdoor exploring. Pack light layers and sun protection, with plenty of water.
March to June and September to October bring heavier rainfall and lush greens; expect humidity, occasional floods on some routes, and muddy conditions. A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear are useful.
July and August can be transitional with variable rain; conditions are comfortable for travel, but check local forecasts for rains that can affect access to some rural areas.
Tasso at Night
Hiking in Tasso
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Longer hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities in a premier northern reserve (requires travel to the park area).
Short scenic hikes along river savannas and open landscapes near Tasso for views and photography.
Airports
How to reach Tasso by plane.
Main international gateway to Benin; significant for arrivals from abroad and transfers to northern towns by road or domestic flights where available.
Smaller domestic airport serving northern Benin arenas; offers limited flights and is closer to Tasso than Cotonou for some travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the prominent ethnic groups in the Borgou region with distinct language and cultural traditions.
Northern group common along the Niger River corridor, contributing to regional cultural diversity.
Pastoral communities present in the north; widespread across many parts of Benin.
Present due to trade, migration, and historical ties; contribute to a multicultural fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Benin, with local clubs and informal play in towns like Tasso.
Common recreational sports in schools and community centers.
Cultural sport in some communities and during local events or celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tasso.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in markets and eateries through bean stews, lentil or peanut sauces, plantains, maize-based dishes, and rice with vegetables. Communicate clearly with cooks; request vegetable oil instead of meat-based broths when available.