Tourism Girls’ Weekend Getaway Guide to Ouidah from Badagry [2025] Confidence NwaobiAugust 1, 20250781 views Planning a girls-only trip is one of the best things you can do for your soul and your group chat. If you’re looking for something different, not too far, with a mix of history, fun, food, and photo ops, then this guide to Ouidah from Badagry is precisely what you need. Think about it, just two countries apart, Nigeria and the Benin Republic share so much in common, yet have their unique vibes. And with Ouidah being just about 2 to 3 hours from Badagry, this weekend trip won’t break the bank or your spirit. So, pack your bags, call the girls, and let’s plan a proper girls’ weekend getaway to Ouidah! Why Ouidah? Ouidah is small but mighty. It’s a coastal town in the Republic of Benin that’s known for its rich history, calm beaches, vibrant culture, and spiritual roots. From the Door of No Return to the Temple of Pythons, Ouidah is a whole vibe. It’s also safe, laid-back, and full of hidden gems, perfect for women looking for a fun, chill, and meaningful escape. Before You Go—What You Need to Prepare Here’s a quick list of things you and your girls need to sort out before leaving: Valid Passport Make sure everyone has a valid international passport. You can’t cross the Seme border without it. Yellow Fever Card This is a must. It’s required at the border. You can get vaccinated at recognised health centres in Nigeria, and they’ll give you the yellow card. Some Cash in CFA The Republic of Benin uses CFA (not Naira). You can change your Naira to CFA at the border or in Badagry before leaving. Light Clothes and Slippers Ouidah is usually warm, so pack light dresses, shorts, sandals, swimsuits, and your sunglasses. And don’t forget sunscreen! Snacks and Power Bank Essentials for the road, and just in case your phone battery dies during one of those long photo sessions. Getting There—The Route from Badagry to Ouidah This is the heart of your guide to Ouidah from Badagry, so let’s break it down. Start from Badagry: You can lodge overnight in Badagry to make your journey easy. From there, head to the Seme border early in the morning. Crossing the Seme Border: Go with your passport and yellow fever card. Expect a few checks, but stay calm and polite. It helps to go as a group and avoid random “helpers.” Use legitimate transport services. Transport to Ouidah: Once you cross into Benin, you can take a taxi directly to Ouidah. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Alternative: Use a Tour Service: If you don’t want to stress over transportation or border wahala, use a trusted tour company. Some even organise girls-only group tours from Lagos to Ouidah. Where to Stay in Ouidah Now for the sweet part, comfort! Depending on your budget, here are a few options: Casa del Papa This is a top choice for many tourists. It’s beachfront, peaceful, and has beautiful views. There’s a spa, pool, and fantastic food. Hotel Le Diaspora Located near the Door of No Return. It has beach access and cosy rooms, great for chilling and bonding with your girls. Budget Guest Houses There are smaller, cheaper places to stay if you’re on a tighter budget. Just make sure to check reviews first. What To Do in Ouidah—Girls’ Weekend Activities You’re only in Ouidah for a weekend, so every moment has to count! Here’s a day-by-day breakdown: Day 1: Explore the Culture and History Python Temple: Start with something unforgettable. Yes, there are live pythons, but they are calm and seen as sacred. It’s a big part of local culture. Ouidah Museum of History: Get deep into the story of slavery, colonisation, and the role Ouidah played. It’s emotional but essential. Portuguese Fort: Still standing from the 1700s, this place is packed with history. Suitable for pictures and reflection. Evening Beach Walk: Wind down at the beach near the Door of No Return. The sunset here? 10/10. Day 2: Rest, Reflect, and Recharge Beach Chill Day: Spend the morning just relaxing by the beach, sipping coconut water, and taking cute photos with the girls. Try Local Food: Don’t leave Ouidah without trying: Akassa (fermented corn dough with sauce) Alloco (fried ripe plantain) Grilled fish with pepper sauce Visit Art Markets: There are small stalls and artists along the beach and roads where you can buy handmade jewellery, paintings, and local crafts. Evening Games & Girl Talk: Back at your hotel, bring out the card games, wine, and snacks, and have a good old catch-up session. Food You Should Try Let’s be honest, food is half the reason we travel. Ouidah has its twist on West African dishes. Grilled Fish + Alloco Beninese Jollof—Different from Nigerian jollof but tasty in its own way. Street Suya—Similar to Nigerian suya but with their spices. Fresh Coconut Water—Always better by the beach. Pro Tip: Always ask how spicy something is before ordering! Budget Breakdown (Per Person Estimate) While exact pricing can fluctuate depending on exchange rates, time of year, and your travel style, here’s a rough idea of what you might spend for the weekend: Item Estimate (Naira) Transport (round trip) ₦12,000 – ₦20,000 Hotel (1–2 nights) ₦15,000 – ₦35,000 Feeding ₦7,000 – ₦15,000 Activities/Entry Fees ₦3,000 – ₦5,000 Miscellaneous ₦5,000 Total ₦42,000 – ₦80,000 PS: Prices vary based on your taste and spending style. Safety Tips for a Girls-Only Trip Don’t go out late at night alone. Move as a group. Respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Have emergency contact numbers handy. Don’t flash cash or expensive gadgets. Share your location with someone back home. Why Every Girl Group Should Do This Trip This trip is not just about escaping Lagos’ noise or Nigerian stress. It’s about creating memories, learning something new, and bonding with your girls over food, beach vibes, and meaningful conversations. Ouidah is perfect because it’s close, affordable, safe, and different. Whether you’re planning a birthday getaway, a bestie detox weekend, or just want to explore life outside Nigeria, this is your sign to do it. So next time someone says, “Let’s do something different this weekend,” send them this guide to Ouidah from Badagry and start packing. Disclaimer: This guide is based on personal research and traveller experiences as of July 2025. Travel conditions, prices, and requirements may change over time. Always verify current border rules, hotel availability, and health requirements before planning your trip. 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You’ll need to change your Naira to CFA at the border or before entering Benin. Do they speak English in Ouidah? French is the primary language, but many locals in tourist areas understand basic English. Still, it helps to learn a few French phrases. What’s the best time to travel? The dry season (November to March) is the most convenient, but weekends in general are great for short trips. Can I do the trip in one day? Technically, yes, but to fully enjoy it, plan to stay at least one night.