Things To Do
in Toviklin

Vibrant stalls, colorful produce and animated haggling make for dynamic street photography—lots of textures, faces and movement at morning peak times.

Early-morning and late-afternoon light illuminates boats, nets and fishermen at work—excellent for candid lifestyle and documentary-style photos.

Shots of everyday architecture, courtyards and shaded alleys capture local life and traditional building materials.

Market-closing scenes, informal music or dance gatherings and sunset light offer evocative images—ask permission before photographing people closely.

Fermented corn dough served with spicy tomato or peanut sauce and often accompanied by grilled or smoked fish; commonly found at market stalls and maquis.

Must-Try!

Rice cooked in a tomato-and-palm-oil base, fragrant and rich; frequently eaten with fish or a vegetable stew at local eateries.

Local fresh cheese popular in the region; eaten as a snack or added to stews, available at markets and some small shops.

Deep-fried dough or bean fritters sold as breakfast or snack street foods throughout the town.

The town’s main market where you can try freshly fried snacks, seasonal fruits, smoked fish and buy spices; great for street-food tasting and photography of daily life.

If Toviklin has a small landing or fishing area, the riverside market is where locals bring in catches—excellent for grilled fish, smoked offerings and watching fish-cleaning traditions.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; in tourist-facing eateries leave small change or round up the bill (5–10%) for good service. For guides and drivers, small cash tips are customary if service is helpful.

The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Cash is king in small towns—bring sufficient local currency or withdraw from ATMs in larger towns; some mobile money services are increasingly common but acceptance varies.

Expect frequent heavy showers and humid conditions; some dirt roads become muddy and slower to travel. Bring waterproof footwear, a lightweight rain jacket and allow extra travel time.

Intermittent rain returns with warm temperatures and bursts of sun; good for green scenery and fewer tourists than peak months.

Cooler mornings and evenings with dry, dusty trade winds (harmattan) that can reduce visibility and make conditions dusty. Light layers for evenings and eye/nasal protection if prone to irritation are useful.

The hottest period before the long rains, with daytime highs and strong sun—stay hydrated, avoid midday heat and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Vegetarians can find plantain, yams, beans, vegetable stews and rice dishes, but many sauces may contain fish stock or shrimp paste—ask clearly for dishes without fish or stock and be ready to explain restrictions in French.

Vegan options exist but are limited; request meals without fish, dairy (wagasi) or palm-oil-heavy preparations if avoiding palm oil. Bringing snacks or supplements is a good backup.

Benin has large Muslim and Christian communities; poultry and beef are commonly prepared in straightforward ways—ask locals or look for Muslim-run stalls for halal assurance.

Cross-contamination is common in small kitchens; if you have severe allergies, communicate clearly in French and consider bringing essential medications and snacks.