b'Togo & BeninBenin & Togo Educational ExpeditionEmbark on an immersive adventure in Togo and Benin, a cultural expedition that examines a somber past and celebrates the warm hospitality and colorful culture of the people today.Begin your journey in Lom, Togo, to visit the capital city. Continue to Benin, where youll delve into the history of the transatlantic slave trade and visit Ouidahs somber history and colorful art scene. In Cotonou and Porto Novo, experience modern West Africa and learn about Vodun, a deeply rootedspiritual practice.Leave the city behind and journey into the Atacora mountains of northwest Benin, where youll experience village life, bustling markets, and the unique cultures of regional tribes. Meet the elders of the Tanka Bri, a community formed by different groups who united to resist slave raids, blending their traditions into a cohesive whole. At the UNESCO-listed Tata Somba, explore intricately designed clay homes that showcase both functional and spiritual aspects of local life.The King of Abomey and his extended family ceremoniously welcome you, and present the rich history of the kingdom then regale you with exuberant dancing and drumming. Finally, visit the floating village of Ganvi, by boat, where traditional life on water offers a striking contrast to the mainland and modern Cotonou. This unforgettable journey through Togo and Benin offers a profoundexperience through history, culture, and vibrant traditions.ITINERARY12 nights| Arrivals Lome, Togo, 2 nights; drive to Cotonou, Benin, 2 nights; Natitingou, 4 nights; Cotonou 1 night; departure.Optional post-trip extension in Addis AbabaHIGHLIGHTSExperience an immersive French language adventure and authenticconnections with locals in cosmopolitan Cotonou and in remote villages.Engage with the King of Abomey at an exclusive audience with the royal familyExamine the historical significance of the transatlantic slave trade, its profound impact on the West African region, and the pivotal roles these countries played in this dark chapter of history.Learn the origins of the enslaved Cudjoe Lewis and The Clotilda, the lastPrices Starting Fromknown ship to bring enslaved Africans from Ouidah, Benin, to Mobile, $5,499 per personAlabama. Group Size: 12-16 travelers Learn the role that voodoo plays in the spiritual and cultural lives of peopleSeason: August-Aprilin Benin and Togo, and the impact of Christianity and Islam in the region.Accommodations: Four-star hotels in Lome Meet tribal elders, step inside village houses, and take part in hands-onand Cotonou; best available hotels in Natitingoucheese-making in a Peulh village.Culture Adventure French History Expedition Language36 Conservancy Travel|conservancytravel.org'