Best Tourist Places to Visit in Natitingou, Atakora, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Natitingou, Atakora, Benin, West Africa, Africa

Natitingou is a city as well as a communal situated in the Atakora Department of the West African country Benin. Natitingou is located in the northeastern part of the country, around 80 kilometers northwest of Djougou and 550 kilometers northwest of the commercial capital, Cotonou. Natitingou is a gateway for Pendjari National Park which is around 50 kilometers from Natitingou, home to many endangered animal species including Western hartebeest. The natural beauty the Falls of Tanougou is located within a 2 hour drive from Natitingou.

Natitingou has an agriculture based economy, specialized in growing maize, yams, cotton and sorghum. The geographical coordinates of Natitingou are 10°18′ N 1°22′ E and the town covers a total area of 3,045 square kilometers.

History of Natitingou:

The name of Natitingou is the modified form of a Waama language word ‘Nantibatingou’. According to the historical records, the Waama ethnic groups were the founder of Natitingou.

How to reach Natitingou?

Natitingou hosts an airport, but the flight service is not regular. The closest airport to Natitingou is Parakou Airport, located around 210 kilometers and receives scheduled flights from Cotonou, served by COTAIR. It can be reached Natitingou from Parakou by a car through highway RNIE 3 which takes around 4 hours.

To move within Natitingou, visitors can choose local transpostation such as cars or bikes or wait until the arrival of bus.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Natitingou:

Natitingou is inhabited by the Somba people who are very polite and have a friendly nature, mainly to help visitors coming to the place year round. They live in Tata Somba Houses which are really interesting dwellings with 3 storeys.

Tasty local red cheese is famous among visitors and for shopping, the town houses both modern as well as traditional shops with unique locally made handicraft products. The restaurant Maquis Savana is famous for European food.

Things to do in Natitingou:

Hiking
Watching movies
Day tours

Tourist Attractions in and around Natitingou:

Natitingou Museum:

An important cultural center of the town, the Natitingou Museum describes the lifestyle of native Somba people and also exhibits, musical instruments tambour drums and violins used by locals. The museum is located in an old French colonial house constructed in the year 1915.

Tata Somba Houses:

The Tata Somba Houses are the mud brick houses that were originally constructed to guard village from the slave traders and rival tribes. One can see this type of houses all around Natitingou and in its surrounding areas.

Kota Falls:

The Kota Falls or Chutes de la Kota is a popular nature lovers spot, situated a few kilometers away from Natitingou. One can also enjoy swimming in Kota falls. Tourists must pay entrance fee (200 CFA) only during the summer months not during the rest of the year.

Natitingou Hills:

Situated along the Natitingou – Boukoumbe road, Natitingou Hills features an eye-catching landscape and also offers the striking views of surrounding towns and cities including Natitingou. It can be reached by foot or by local transportation from the town.

Pendjari National Park:

Situated around 50 kilometers away from Natitingou, the Pendjari National Park is rich in flora and fauna species, covering an area of around 2755 square kilometers. Pendjari National Park is home to all types of West African animal species including West African lions, Western hartebeests and elephant. From December to June is the most popular time to visit PNP.

List of the other tourist attractions in and around Natitingou includes:

Shea Butter
Natitingou Town
Parakou
Djougou Stadium
Maison de Jeunesin
Natitingou Airport
The international market Grand Marché Azeke
Cotonou Central Mosque
Parakou Mosque
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou
W National Park
Ancien Pont Bridge
Basilique de l’Immaculée Conception
Cotonou Cathedral
Musée en Plein Air de Parakou

When to visit Natitingou?

From November to February is the best time to visit Natitingou to enjoy the beauty of its natural sceneries.

Where to stay in Natitingou?

Due to its nearness with the Pendjari National Park and many other traditional tourist attractions, Natitingou provides relatively more accommodation centers compared to other northern cities of Benin. Other than facilities and services, visitors can also enjoy mouth watering traditional delicacies at Natitingou’s hotels. The prominent hotels in and around Natitingou are as follows: