Nikki
A Bariba town in northeastern Benin, seat of an old kingdom and a horse festival.
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Nikki is the seat of the Bariba kingdom of the same name, one of the older states of the region, and its king still holds court there. The town is known for the Gaani, a festival held after the Islamic new year in which horsemen in full dress ride through the town to the palace, drums and trumpets sound and the king appears in state. The Bariba horse tradition is central to the whole occasion.
What you actually see
- The Gaani festival - the horsemen riding to the palace in full dress.
- The royal court - the king and court that still function in the town.
- The horse tradition - the Bariba riding culture the festival is built around.
- The Bariba country - the northeastern region the town is the centre of.
When to go
The Gaani follows the Islamic calendar and shifts each year; ask locally for the date. November to February is the cool dry season generally. March and April are extremely hot.
Honest expectations
The festival date moves with the Islamic calendar and cannot be planned around from far off. Outside it the town is quiet with limited facilities. Photography at the ceremonies needs permission.
Nearby
Parakou is southwest, and the Nigerian border is east.
What to pack for Nikki
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.