Contoni (population 178,000) is set between the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Nokoue on Benin's south coast.Contonu is a lethargic city.It is not crowed like many other African cities.You can enjoy good beaches only a few km from the center of town, good nightclubs, a few good restaurants and a good craft markets.Ganvie, a fishing village built on stilts in the middle of a lagoon, one of the best attractions in West Africa, is only 25 minutes from downtown.Ganvie is remarkably unique with 12,000 inhabitants living in bamboo huts on stilts over the water.
CLIMATE: There are two rainy seasons April to midJuly and mid-September through October, The hottest part of the year is March and April when temperatures reach 35°c (90'F).
HOW TO GET THERE: Cotonou is served by Cadehoun Airport (COO) 3 miles / 5 km northwest of the city with direct flights from Paris.From New York take Air Afrique to Abidjan or Lagos and transfer to Contonou.
