Which vaccines are mandatory to enter Benin?
Only one vaccine is mandatory: yellow fever. The international vaccination certificate (yellow card) is checked at Cotonou airport, entry is systematically refused without this document. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before entry. It has been valid for life since 2016 (the old 10-year duration was removed). Get it at an approved international vaccination center.
Should you take antimalarial medication?
Yes, strongly recommended. Malaria is present in Benin but manageable. Recommended prophylaxis: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), over 99% effective, started 1-2 days before, continued 7 days after. Doxycycline, more affordable, started 1-2 days before, continued 28 days after. Consult a doctor or a Travel Medicine Center at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
What other vaccines are recommended?
Recommended for a trip to Benin: Hepatitis A (food risk), Hepatitis B, Typhoid (water and food), Meningitis A/C/W135/Y (especially in the dry season, November-May), Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (booster if more than 10 years old). Standard childhood vaccines (MMR, whooping cough) should be up to date. Discuss your vaccination history with a doctor.
How do you protect against mosquitoes in Benin?
Layered protection: repellent with 30-50% DEET or 20% icaridin on exposed skin (reapply every 4-6 hours). Permethrin-treated mosquito net over the bed (provided by After Vodundays accommodations). Long clothing in the evening (anopheles mosquitoes bite mostly between 9 pm and 3 am). Air conditioning or a fan. ONG Wa Afriki provides mosquito nets in every partner accommodation.
Are there other health risks specific to Benin?
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis): avoid swimming in stagnant fresh water (lakes, ponds, slow rivers). The sea at Grand-Popo is risk-free. Traveler's diarrhea: common early in the trip, mild in most cases, bring loperamide and rehydration salts. Heatstroke: hydrate regularly. Sun: sun protection is essential, the equatorial sun is intense even under clouds.
What should you pack in a first-aid kit for Benin?
Recommended kit: mosquito repellent (DEET or icaridin) + SPF 50 sunscreen + prescribed antimalarials + diarrhea treatment (loperamide + rehydration salts) + doctor-prescribed travel antibiotic + paracetamol/ibuprofen + bandages, antiseptic + antihistamine + prescriptions in duplicate. Pharmacies in Ouidah and Cotonou are well stocked with common medications.
Is After Vodundays accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The standard program involves walking on unpaved surfaces (laterite roads, house courtyards, earthen ritual sites). Wheelchair accessibility is very limited in this setting. For people with partial reduced mobility, the Custom program (max 8 participants) can be adapted with selected experiences and systematic motorized transport. Contact ONG Wa Afriki before registering.
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