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Sunday, December 16, 2001

Benin

WHERE TO GO: Ganvie -- near Cotonou and Porto-Novo and often called the Venice of Africa, is very picturesque and worth a visit. Abomey's museums have excellent examples of West African art. The national parks of Pendjari and Parc National du "W" du Niger, in the extreme northern section of Benin, offer opportunities to see elephants, lions, hippos and monkeys. The drive from Cotonou in the south to the parks in the north takes approximately seven hours and offers a panoramic view of Benin's scenic and very green countryside.

WHEN TO GO: August is one of the coolest months, but afternoon temperatures will still reach the mid- to upper 80s. March is the hottest month, with triple-digit afternoon temperatures the norm.

ENTRY INFORMATION: A U.S. passport is required and must be valid six months after the return date. A visa also must be obtained prior to leaving the United States. They can be obtained for $40 from the Embassy of the Republic of Benin, Chancery: 2737 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. (202-232-6656; fax 202-265-1996). Allow one week for processing.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Yellow fever vaccination is required; however, the Allegheny Health Department strongly recommends the following additional vaccinations: typhoid, meningitis, hepatitis A, polio and tetanus/diphtheria. The cost of the vaccinations is approximately $250 and all shots should be received at least one month prior to departure. Either Lariam or Malarone also must be taken as a precaution against malaria. A representative of the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou put it best: "If you do not take your malaria pills, you will get malaria." (Health department: 412-578-8060.)

USEFUL WEB SITES:

General information: www.countrywatch.com/files/019/cw_country.asp?vCOUNTRY=019.

Visa information: www.traveldocs.com/bj/index.htm.