Sights and Sounds of Cotonou, Benin, West Africa

The M/V Africa Mercy docked in the Port of Cotonou, Benin, West Africa. This is the road leading to our dock, which we share with fishing trawlers and large commercial loading vessels. Unlike Liberia we do not have our own dock and have to be careful of passing trucks.



As we walk towards the city we pass this fishing village on our left.


Each morning and evening the fishing boats sail past us as they go out to sea to fish for their livelihoods. It is a strange mix of traditional fishing methods with bits of modern technology.


As we leave the 'Zone 4' Port Gate we walk though the 'commercial' part of the fishing village before we walk straight into down town Cotonou.




The Zemijan is the most common mode of transport and there is a thriving industry surrounding it.

The roads are always busy and packed with people and shops.

As you walk closer in to the city, the roads improve and you get to walk on paved sidewalks.

Throughout the city there is a fantastic network of roads and highways leading you to where you want to be. The roads are always full of Zemijans.


Street traders always find ways to transport their wears.


The City of Cotonou seems to build around a network of river leading to the port. The city has grown around these water ways and uses them for all sorts of things.

.... even transport!

The local markets are full of local produce, which is very exciting to see.

The City is growing with many construction projects - build West African Style.

Sunset over one on the many bridges in the city of Cotonou.