Visiting
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
Malanville, north Benin
Sudan-Guinea Savanna
Photo: Agnès Gianotti
Birding tours
There are no birding tours at present to Benin.
Trip reports
A small number of reports have been submitted in recent years in order to facilitate the drawing up of a full list.
Guides
There are no known birding guides known in Benin. However, independent birders may well be able to obtain the services of off-duty forest rangers for local trips. Maarten van den Akker notes that there are several local guides at the Niaouli Forest.
Logistics
Independent birders can fly into Cotonou from Paris with Air France. There are also a number of cheap charters originating in France. Alternatively BA to Lagos and overland from there to Cotonou is a possibility. There is a train from Cotonou to Parakou but this is slow (up to 13 hours) and it is best to use the local taxis. These can be negotiated and for two people would be quite cheap. An alternative is to wait and share and pay less. A typcial trip to Parakou with hire car should cost around US$50, and to Grand Popo probably around US$20. The local currency is the CFA Franc at c550/Euro.
Safety
Safety and health issues are no different from those in many African countries. Guidebooks, travel companies and websites provide much of the advice one needs, but key points warrant repetition here: (1) be aware of the risk of malaria and seek current advice, sleep in a sealed tent or under a net and take prophylaxis as recommended; (2) always ensure you have sufficient water and some method of purification (even if this comprises a pot and a campfire for boiling); (3) do not underestimate the danger of being in the sun for too long, ensure you use sun-block, drink plenty of water and wear a hat; (4) be aware of the risk of AIDS; (5) ensure that you take a reasonably-equipped first-aid pack with you including supplies of hypodermic and suturing needles. See the following 2 websites for the latest safety and travel information: US Travel and UK FCO.
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