Things to Do at Route Des Esclaves Slave Route

The Route des Esclaves stretches 4 kilometers from Ouidah's central square to the Atlantic coast, retracing the final journey of millions of enslaved Africans through monuments that mark each stage of their ordeal. Established in 1995, this memorial route includes the Tree of Forgetfulness where captives were forced to walk in circles to erase their memories, and the Tree of Return where their spirits are believed to find peace. Walking the red dirt path takes about two hours, passing through villages where children play soccer between monuments to unimaginable suffering. The route is free to walk, though hiring a local guide for CFA 10,000 (about $16) provides crucial historical context and helps support the community. Start early morning when temperatures are bearable and the symbolism of the rising sun adds power to this emotional pilgrimage.

Most visitors start in Porto-Novo and join organized tours that include transportation to Ouidah, where many of the key sites are located. If you're going independently, shared taxis (bush taxis) run regularly between Porto-Novo and Ouidah for about 1,000 CFA francs, taking roughly an hour. You'll actually want a guide for this - not just for logistics, but because the historical context they provide is essential to understanding what you're seeing. Many hotels in Porto-Novo can arrange tours, or you can contact the local tourism office.