Lokoli Swamp Forest

The forest at Lokoli stands in permanently flooded ground on the Hlan river near Zogbodomey, which makes it a swamp forest rather than a seasonally flooded one, and it is the only substantial example in Benin. Raphia palms and buttressed trees grow straight out of the water and the way through is by dugout along channels cut between them. Red-bellied monkeys and a long bird list use the canopy.

What you actually see

• The permanently flooded ground - swamp forest rather than seasonal floodplain.
• The raphia palms - the stands growing straight out of the standing water.
• The dugout channels - the routes cut through the forest for boats.
• The red-bellied monkeys - the endemic primates using the canopy.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. The forest is flooded year round, which is the point of it. Early morning is best for monkeys and birds.

Honest expectations

Dugouts are unstable and the trip is wet. Mosquitoes are severe and the area carries malaria risk. Guides and boats must be arranged in the village.

Nearby

Bohicon is southwest, and the Lama forest is south.