Ganvie Cove is a small fishing village located in the Republic of Benin, in West Africa. The village is situated on a lagoon, and is home to the Ganvie people, who have lived there for centuries. The village is known for its unique architecture, which is made up of stilt houses that are built over the water. It is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place, and is well worth a visit if you are ever in Benin. Here are 10 things you should do when visiting Ganvie Cove.
1. Explore the Stilt Houses: Ganvie Cove is home to a unique form of architecture, known as stilt houses. These houses are built on wooden stilts and are connected together by a network of bridges. It is a fascinating sight, and you can take a boat tour of the village to get a better look at the architecture.
2. Visit the Local Markets: The local markets in Ganvie are a great place to buy souvenirs and other items. You can find a variety of items such as jewelry, clothing, and traditional crafts.
3. Take a Boat Tour: A boat tour is the best way to explore the lagoon and its many villages. You can find boat tours that will take you around the lagoon, stopping at various villages along the way.
4. Go Fishing: Fishing is an important part of life in Ganvie Cove, and you can join the locals in their daily fishing trips. You can also buy freshly caught fish from the markets.
5. Visit the Local Temple: The local temple is a great place to learn about the history of the Ganvie people. The temple is open to visitors and is a great place to learn about the culture and beliefs of the locals.
6. Go Bird Watching: The lagoon is home to a variety of bird species, and you can take a boat tour to see them up close.
7. Attend a Local Festival: The Ganvie people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year. These festivals are a great way to learn more about the culture and traditions of the locals.
8. Try the Local Cuisine: The local cuisine is a mix of African, French, and Caribbean flavors. You can find a variety of dishes such as fish stew, plantains, and cassava.
9. Take a Hike: There are several trails in the area that you can explore. The trails offer stunning views of the lagoon and its villages.
10. Relax and Enjoy the View: Ganvie Cove is an incredibly peaceful and beautiful place, and you can spend hours just relaxing and taking in the views.
Ganvie Cove is an amazing place to visit, and there are plenty of things to do while you are there. Whether you want to explore the stilt houses, visit the local markets, take a boat tour, or just relax and take in the views, there is something for everyone in Ganvie Cove.