Zou: Royal Palaces, Underground Village and Hot Springs

Zou brings together very different themes: the Royal Palaces of Abomey, the underground village of Agongointo-Zoungoudo in Bohicon, and hot springs in Covè. When planning your trip, you may want to choose a focus based on whether you are especially interested in royal history, unusual underground structures or natural features. Each attraction has its own character and offers different insights into Zou.

Royal History in Abomey

The Royal Palaces of Abomey were founded in the 17th century and successively served as the residence of twelve rulers of the Kingdom of Danxomè. Features of the complex include royal courtyards, carved bas-reliefs and historical collections that trace the history of the kings and Amazons of Danxomè. Together, these elements offer different ways to explore the kingdom’s history: through the palace architecture as well as the preserved collections.

The Musée historique d’Abomey houses exhibits such as thrones and elaborately carved royal stools, embroidered wall hangings depicting the history of the kingdom, and staffs of office bearing royal proverbs. The collection also includes portable ancestral altars, royal jewelry, sabers and other weapons. The museum was founded in 1944 under colonial administration. Its founding is therefore a distinct historical milestone alongside the longer history of the Royal Palaces. Visitors exploring Abomey can give their attention both to the rulers’ residences and to the objects and displays in the exhibition rooms.

Covè also has a palace that contributes to the town’s cultural character: the Palace of King Zéhé d’Agolin is among its listed attractions. The hot springs in Covè offer a different point of interest. There is a small waterfall of 36-degree water. Its temperature and waterfall clearly distinguish this natural feature from Abomey’s historic buildings and collections.

Underground Village and Natural Features

Agongointo-Zoungoudo in Bohicon was discovered in 1998 during roadworks. The excavated spaces lie several meters below ground. The village comprises 56 underground houses called “Ahwando,” spread over about seven hectares. These figures convey the scale of the site, while the name “Ahwando” provides a specific term for the underground houses. A report dated September 27, 2026, describes how guests are accompanied by a guide during a visit, who introduces them to the history of the underground structures.

The hot springs in Covè, the palaces in Abomey and the underground houses near Bohicon bring together natural and historical themes in Zou. This helps visitors choose a personal focus without reducing the places to a single theme: the palaces and museum collections lead into the history of Danxomè, while Agongointo-Zoungoudo stands out for its underground spaces. Covè adds a small waterfall with warm water to this selection.

Benin: More Cultural and Natural Features

Beyond the destination of Zou, Benin offers other distinct themes. In Ouidah, the Portuguese Fort, the Route of the Enslaved and the Door of No Return recall a significant chapter of Atlantic history. The route is lined with monuments and memorials and ends at the Door of No Return on the Atlantic coast. It can be traveled on foot, by bicycle or by car; a guide is recommended. Ouidah Arena is on Ouidah Beach, just a few steps from the Door of No Return.

In northwestern Benin, the Tata Bètammaribè are distinguished by their towers, terraces and sculptural forms. They were built using local materials and traditional techniques. On a visit to Betammaribè villages, a local guide explains the layout of the homes, their construction techniques and symbolism. This brings the design and significance of the houses into focus.

Ganvié’s origins are believed to date back to the 18th century: communities settled on Lake Nokoué to escape slave raids and built their homes on stilts. Life there is closely connected to the water. People travel by dugout canoe, while markets, fishing and local traditions shape daily life. This cautious dating is part of its historical context, as is the traditional account of why people settled by the lake.

Adjarra also offers its own connection to landscape and culture. The Black River winds through vegetation that includes raffia palms, ferns and marshland. With a local guide, visitors can explore the river by dugout canoe and observe the local flora and fauna. Adjarra’s raffia and drum-making traditions are highlighted in connection with the excursion to the Black River. These examples from Benin differ in theme and landscape from the attractions in Zou.

Discover more destinations: Bohicon, Abomey, Mono, Mono, Collines, Plateau, Ouémé Department, Atlantique.

For the main travel overview: Benin.