Things to Do in Atakora

The Somba people built castle-like houses from clay centuries ago—and they're still living in them. Atakora sits in northwest Benin where the Sahel meets forest, and traditional life carries on much as it always has. Total architectural time capsule. The dramatic Atakora mountains give this region its name, and their slopes are dotted with distinctive tata houses that look like something from another world. You can hike through villages where the architecture hasn't changed in centuries, then return to Natitingou for cold beer and decent Wi-Fi. Pendjari National Park anchors the north with some of West Africa's best wildlife viewing, while cultural sites throughout the mountains earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Local food centers on what grows here. Yam, sorghum, and millet anchor most meals, paired with locally hunted game or freshwater fish from seasonal rivers. Small restaurants in Natitingou serve regional dishes like pâte with groundnut sauce. Village visits might score you traditional meals prepared in clay pots over wood fires. Béninoise beer pairs surprisingly well with spicy regional dishes, and you'll find fresh mangoes and papayas seasonally.

November through March delivers the goods. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and prime wildlife viewing define the dry season, which also coincides with traditional festivals and harvest celebrations. The rainy season brings lush landscapes and dramatic waterfalls but makes transportation trickier. Roads become challenging then. But rains typically hit in afternoon bursts rather than all-day soaking, and cooler temperatures can make hiking more pleasant.