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Slave Route

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Historical site
—°1
Slave Route (Benin)

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The Slave Route in Ouidah is a four-kilometer historical path that traces the final steps of enslaved people from the auction site to the waiting ships. The route consists of six symbolic stations, including the slave market and the Tree of Forgetfulness, where captives were forced to undergo rituals to sever ties with their identity. The journey concludes at the monumental Door of No Return (Porte du Non-Retour), a commemorative arch standing on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Ouidah was one of West Africa's primary ports for the human trade, exporting over two million people. Today, the route is part of a UNESCO project aimed at documenting and preserving the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Numerous statues and memorials line the path, depicting the complex history of the Kingdom of Dahomey and the resilience of the victims. It remains a crucial site for international tourism and spiritual pilgrimage for the African diaspora.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828282726252525262727
Rain mm163383112159185143841611433916

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Slave Route is a 4 km walking path outdoors, accessible at any time. The path is marked and passes memorial sites.
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Typical hours
As an open route, there are no opening hours. It is best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
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Photography
Photography is allowed along the entire route. Please respect the memorials and avoid selfies at sensitive spots.
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Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for the entire route. Take time to read the informational panels.
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Combine with
Combine the route with the Historical Museum of Ouidah. The Slave Port and the Memorial Tree are also nearby.
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Getting there
The route starts at the Slave Square and is reachable on foot from Ouidah. Taxis go to the starting point.
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Insider tip
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water as there are no refreshment stops along the way. A hat protects from the sun.

Geography

Coordinates
6.34500, 2.08700

Facts

  • The route is exactly 4 kilometers long from the city center to the beach
  • Consists of 6 major symbolic stations of the slave journey
  • The Door of No Return memorial was officially inaugurated in 1995
  • Ouidah was responsible for the export of over 2 million enslaved people
  • The Tree of Forgetfulness was a site for rituals to erase captives' memories
  • Part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project since its launch in 1994

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Reconciliation PlaceReconciliation Place<1 km · NWExplore →
Temple of PythonsTemple of Pythons2 km · EExplore →
The Door of No ReturnThe Door of No Return2 km · WExplore →
AzizakouèAzizakouè7 km · SWExplore →
Lake AhéméLake Ahémé22 km · SEExplore →
Grand-Popo Turtle BeachGrand-Popo Turtle Beach30 km · SExplore →
University of Abomey-CalaviUniversity of Abomey-Calavi31 km · NExplore →
Friendship StadiumFriendship Stadium33 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Slave Route (1)

Arbre de l'Oubli🏺 historical

The Tree of Forgetfulness is a poignant historical monument in Ouidah where enslaved people were forced to walk around to ritually sever ties with their homeland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Slave Route?
It is about 4 kilometers long and leads from the city center to the beach.
What are the main stations?
The slave market, the tree of forgetfulness, and the Door of No Return.
Can I walk the route?
Yes, it is a moving walk; a guide is recommended.
Do I have to pay at the stations?
Outdoor stations are free, but guides expect payment.
Are there toilets available?
Very few; use facilities in museums or at the beach.
Slave Route: where is it located?
Slave Route is located in Benin.
Slave Route: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Slave Route: why is it worth visiting?
The Slave Route in Ouidah is a four-kilometer historical path that traces the final steps of enslaved people from the auction site to the waiting ships.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Azizakouè — Slave Route (Benin)
Azizakouè
A unique coastal village in Benin located on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and coastal lagoons.

Nature

Sô River — Slave Route (Benin)
Sô River
The Sô is a river in southern Benin that flows parallel to the Ouémé and empties into Lake Nokoué.
🗺️
Lake Nokoué
Lake Nokoué is the largest lagoon in Benin, located north of the city of Cotonou.

More places

Zomachi Monument — Slave Route (Benin)
Zomachi Monument
A monument in Ouidah symbolizing reconciliation and the eternal flame of remembrance for the slave trade.
Temple of Pythons — Slave Route (Benin)
Temple of Pythons
A sacred site in Ouidah dedicated to the worship of pythons, which are considered protective deities in local Voodoo tradition.
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception — Slave Route (Benin)
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
The first Catholic basilica in West Africa, a significant religious and historical structure in Ouidah.
Portuguese Fort — Slave Route (Benin)
Portuguese Fort
The Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá is a small Portuguese fortress in Ouidah, now serving as a historical museum.
The Door of No Return — Slave Route (Benin)
The Door of No Return
A memorial arch on the beach of Ouidah that commemorates the millions of enslaved Africans who were deported from this coast.
Sacred Forest of Kpassè — Slave Route (Benin)
Sacred Forest of Kpassè
The Sacred Forest of Kpassè in Ouidah is an important spiritual and ecological center of Voodoo culture.
Abomey-Calavi Botanical Garden — Slave Route (Benin)
Abomey-Calavi Botanical Garden
A university research and leisure garden that introduces children to the local flora.
Drabo Monkey Sanctuary — Slave Route (Benin)
Drabo Monkey Sanctuary
A community-managed forest sanctuary in Drabo dedicated to the protection of the endemic red-bellied monkey and other local primates.