If a trip takes you to West Africa and you visit Benin, don't miss an expedition to the lakeside village of Ganvié. The lakeside city of Ganvié is nicknamed "the Venice of Africa". A fishing village with bamboo houses, Ganvié was built inside a lagoon on Lake Nokoué. The city is home to restaurants, hotels, a floating market and many other sights.
The founder of Ganvié, fleeing from slave kidnappings, arrived on the shores of Lake Nokoué with his relatives in 1717. He used magic to probe the whole area and found a piece of land. As his people did not have the same powers as him, he transformed himself into a crocodile. He was able to bring them to the tiny piece of land he had found and found this village, which in Fon means "saved community". Since then, the crocodile is venerated by the inhabitants of Ganvié.
To reach the village, one takes the only road that passes through the boat of Calavi. There is a real market. You will not be long in experiencing unusual scenes to be immortalized with your camera. Then, go up on the traditional quay which allows to reach the dugouts waiting for the travelers at a few meters of the bank. You have the choice between dugouts moved by the movement of the paddles and motorized boats. You will be able to quietly observe the movement of the pirogues. You will be able to see the fishermen with their nets full of thrilling fish.
Once you have reached the first houses, you will discover a village entirely built on a river. All activities are carried out on the water, even a market is held there. The foodstuffs and goods, whatever they are, are exposed on the boats. In addition to the market, you will be able to admire the elementary school which welcomes the students in buildings on the water.
All the essential conveniences for the reception of the tourists are also established on this aquatic medium. Whether it is restaurants, hotels or inns, you will find them in Ganvié.
The lodgings, entirely raised on the lake, are supported by piles specially chosen for their particular characteristics. Wood that is resistant to water destruction is preferred in order to establish the foundations. A wooden floor also supports the entire dwelling, topped with a straw or corrugated iron roof.
