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Ganvie

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Discover Ganvie, Benin's unique stilt village on Lake Nokoué. Explore its vibrant floating markets & rich history as the "Venice of Africa"!

  • Benin42 views

    The Tofinu People Built and Inhabit the Lake Village of Ganvie

    The Tofinu originally settled on Lake Nokoué centuries ago to escape slave traders, as the Dahomey Kingdom's warriors were forbidden from entering water. This historical ingenuity led to the creation of their unique aquatic village, a testament to their resilience.

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  • Benin30 views

    Ganvie Is an Entire Village Built on Stilts in a Lake

    Known as the "Venice of Africa," Ganvie is home to over 20,000 people who live in houses constructed on stilts in Lake Nokoué. Its inhabitants primarily rely on fishing for their livelihood and travel exclusively by pirogue, or dugout canoe.

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