Ganvie- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Ganvie, located on Lake Nokoué near Cotonou in Benin, is one of Africa's largest and most fascinating lake villages, with a population of about 20,000. Established by the Tofinu people in the 16th or 17th century, the village was built on stilts to escape capture by Fon warriors. Often referred to as the "Venice of Africa," Ganvie is known for its unique water-based lifestyle, where residents, known as "water men," navigate the village solely by wooden boats. While traditionally focused on agriculture, the community now relies on fishing and fish farming as key industries. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Ganvie offers a remarkable glimpse into a centuries-old way of life, closely tied to water.