Things to Do at Temple of Pythons

Complete Guide to Temple of Pythons in Portonovo

About Temple of Pythons

The Temple of Pythons in Ouidah serves as the spiritual center for Dan worship, where dozens of royal pythons live among mud-brick altars dedicated to the serpent deity of wisdom and protection. Founded in the 17th century, this circular temple houses pythons that villagers believe carry the souls of their ancestors, and the snakes roam freely through the compound and surrounding neighborhoods. The temple priest performs daily rituals with palm wine and kola nuts while the pythons coil around his arms and shoulders, their presence considered a blessing for anyone they touch. Visitors pay CFA 3,000 (about $4.80) to enter and can handle the docile pythons under supervision, feeling their surprising strength and smooth scales. Come during the afternoon feeding time when the pythons are most active and the priest has time to explain the deep spiritual connections between humans and serpents in Vodun tradition.

What to See & Do

Sacred Python Encounters

You'll get to observe and potentially hold the temple's resident ball pythons, which are surprisingly gentle and considered sacred by devotees

Vodun Ritual Demonstrations

Temple priests often demonstrate traditional ceremonies and explain the spiritual significance of python worship in local culture

Temple Architecture

The traditional shrine structures showcase authentic Beninese religious architecture with symbolic decorations and sacred spaces

Ceremonial Artifacts

Collection of ritual objects, fetishes, and traditional items used in Vodun practices that give insight into local spiritual traditions

Python Feeding Sessions

If you time it right, you might witness the feeding rituals, which are considered sacred acts performed with specific ceremonies

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though it's worth noting that hours can be flexible depending on ceremonies

Tickets & Pricing

Entry fee is typically around 2,000-3,000 CFA francs (about $3-5 USD), with additional donations expected for photos or special demonstrations

Best Time to Visit

Morning visits tend to be best when the pythons are more active and priests are available for explanations. Dry season (November to March) offers more comfortable conditions

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to fully experience the temple and interact with the guides

Getting There

The temple is located in Portonovo, about 30 kilometers east of Cotonou. You'll likely want to hire a taxi or moto-taxi from Cotonou, which takes roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic. If you're driving yourself, head east on the coastal road - the temple is well-known locally, so asking for directions to 'Temple des Pythons' will get you pointed in the right direction. Some visitors combine this with trips to other Portonovo attractions, which makes sense given the travel time from Cotonou.

Things to Do Nearby

Portonovo Museum of Ethnography
Excellent collection of artifacts and exhibits about local Vodun culture and Beninese traditions

King Toffa's Palace
Historic royal palace that offers insight into pre-colonial Dahomey kingdom history

Portonovo Cathedral
Interesting example of how Christianity and traditional beliefs coexist in modern Benin

Lake Nokoué
Scenic lake where you can take boat trips and visit traditional stilt villages

Adjarra Market
Authentic local market known for traditional crafts and Vodun ceremonial items

Tips & Advice

Don't be surprised if you're asked to remove shoes before entering certain areas - it's a sign of respect

Bring small bills for tips and donations, as this helps support the temple's maintenance and the priests' livelihoods

Photography rules can be specific here, so always ask permission before taking photos of people or ceremonies

The pythons are genuinely harmless, but if you're nervous about snakes, mention it to your guide - they're used to helping anxious visitors feel comfortable