Gogotinkpon

Located between the Atlantic Ocean, several lakes and lagoons in the south western part of Benin is a village called Gogotinkpon – literally means ‘powerful buttocks’. During my travels from Accra to Benin Voudou festival, I took a canoe from the mainland to an eco lodge to experience a natural clay bath and relaxation day amongst nature.

Gogotinkpon – How did this village get its name

This is the story that is told.
Long ago there was no habitat in the village but the lake produced an abundance of fish which enticed women to fetch.  One day there was an elder man who sold his fish to a woman he was attracted to. He expressed his love and admiration of her beauty by holding her buttocks. The woman did not contest and was sold fish for a lessor price. The woman went back to the market and sold all her fish making money. Every time she visited the village to fetch fish the same thing happened to the woman.

Competitors wanted to know the secret behind the success of her fish sales. The village did not have a name – so it was described as the place where your buttocks were held in exchange for fish. Gogo – buttocks. The woman eventually married the fish seller.

Canoe down the river
Gogotinkpon is about 30mins drive from Ouidah. Upon arrival we took a canoe ride to an eco lodge to have a clay bath, lunch and relaxation (25,000 cfa) This was organised by tour guide Apovo Hyppolite (Benin 00229 64005425).  Slowly sailing down lake Aheme taking in the scenery views, local fishermen and mangroves – that floats on the river bed.  It is forbidden to cut down the mangroves because of climate change and fish breed eggs within. However, it was known that Ancestors used to cut mangroves to build houses.

The Eco Lodge.
After a 40 minute of a slow peaceful and beautiful canoe ride we arrived at a wooden eco lodge along the river beds. The lodge is made from wood, bamboo and natural fibre. There are several walkways which lead to dining area, spa, shop, massage rooms, showers, sleeping quarters and chill out spaces. We were met on arrival with a fresh coconut. (image lodge, coconut). The owner Mr Dieudonne 

Clay Bath
The clay is sourced locally from the lake and mixed with other natural clay to a thick, smooth and greyish paste. The clay is rubbed all over the body which opens the pores to detoxifies. It felt very therapeutic and warm on the skin. We were advised to dry naturally in the sun, although it is not ideal to sit in sun too long due to sun stroke. 

After 30 mins of sun drying, I plunged into the lake and gently removed the clay with a sponge. The lake was warm, I didn’t wish to leave.  There were floating rafts which I tried to aboard gracefully – lol to relax.  

Final rinse in showers using black soap and finished by moisturising with shea butter. My skin felt very clean, smooth, exfoliated, healthy and rejuvenated.  There is the option of a massage. Spent some time relaxing, listening to the birds, and looking at view of the mangroves and lake which was very therapeutic 

Food. We were given dakouin ( grounded cassava mixed with a tomato based soup) with fish. The meal is served on a  wooden plates using wooded cutlery. The food was accompanied with a cup of palm wine. 

I had a therapeutic and relaxing day at Gogotinkpon that I did not want to leave –  maybe next time to stay overnight in one of the rooms.  We made our way back to the mainland via canoe. 

 If you are visiting Benin, then don’t forget to add spa day in Gogotinkpon to your itinerary. 

Bless Sister E