In Benin, the stilted village of Ganvié floats on Lake Nokoué, while the Route des Esclaves in Ouidah leads through poignant history to the Atlantic. Savor spicy peanut sauce with pounded yam, then explore the lush Pendjari National Park for lions and elephants. The vibrant Vodun festivals and the haunting Palace of Abomey add layers of mystique.