GANVIE is frequently referred to as the “Venice of Africa.” It is a remarkable floating village situated on Lake Nokoué, near Cotonou in southern Benin. Ganvie is recognized as the largest of its kind on the African continent with a population of over 40,000 people, this extraordinary settlement showcases the resourcefulness and determination of the communities that thrive in this exceptional environment. The name “GANVIE” translates to “We Survived.”
The origin of Ganvie can be traced back to the 17th century, when it became a sanctuary for the Tofinu people. The people of Ganvie flew from the dangers of the slave traders and the ongoing conflicts, this indigenous group sought refuge on the waters of Lake Nokoué, where they could remain hidden and protected from external threats.
The Tofinu people knew they had to escape but they had no where to go, they feared the Dahomey warriors. The Dahomey warriors were fierce and unstoppable except for one thing.
There was a powerful belief that the warriors of Dahomey were forbidden to fight on water. Water was considered sacred and believed to be a home for spirits. So the people of Tofinu made a bold decision leaving everything behind including their lands and their homes. They moved to the middle of Lake Nokoue where they found safety.
The creation of this floating village was a brilliant and strategic response to the precarious circumstances they faced. Over the centuries, this innovative way of life transformed into a thriving community, developing its own customs, traditions, and distinctive cultural identity. Today, Ganvie has evolved into a vibrant settlement, with thousands of residents still depending on the lake for their daily sustenance and economic activities.
I’ve long been captivated by Ganvie, so I decided to embark on a journey from Nigeria, traveling by road and crossing borders through the Benin Republic, to witness this floating wonder up close. I was eager to experience the magic of this extraordinary village firsthand, navigating the adventure and fully immersing myself in its unique atmosphere.
Although I’ve read, heard and seen countless images and stories about Ganvie but nothing truly prepared me for the stunning beauty of this floating village. I was engrossed by the rows of wooden homes resting gracefully on the water and their bright colors reflecting off the gentle waves.
Small canoes laden with goods were seen floating slowly as the sounds of everyday life echoed across the water. I sat in the boat with Herman who was my guide for the day, I could hear laughter, conversations and the occasional call of a distant bird drifting across the water.
Ganvie isn’t just a place but also a lively community with a beat that only the locals really understand. The residents of Ganvie have markets, schools, churches and even hotels floating on the water. As I stepped onto the floating dock, my sense of awe grew stronger.
In Ganvie, Canoes serve as the essential means of transportation connecting the various homes, markets and fishing areas throughout the village. Almost every child including young girls has to learn an important skill of rowing a Canoe, because, to visit your friends or to go to school you’ll need a Canoes.
Herman told me it is very important for every family in Ganvie to have a least three Canoes, the first Canoe belongs to the father to go catch fish, the second Canoe belongs to the Mother to go to the market and the last one belongs to the children to go to school or to go get things for their parents.
The major occupation in Ganvie is Fishing, the village’s inhabitants have relied on the lake’s rich biodiversity for centuries, with fishing forming the backbone of their economy. The residents primarily fish for various species of freshwater fish including tilapia, catfish, and perch. Fishing methods are traditional, with fishermen using canoes and hand-crafted nets to catch their haul.
Fishing is not just a daily necessity but also a significant aspect of the village’s culture. The residents have developed unique techniques for navigating the intricate maze of canals that run through Ganvie, making fishing an essential part of the village’s social fabric. One of the techniques is called CASTING FISHING.
The net is thrown into the river and left for about a minute to allow the net go deep down before removing it immediately to catch the fishes.
The fish caught are sold in local markets by the mothers and wives since it is prohibited for men to sell fish in the market at Ganvie. They are either traded within the community or transported by boat to nearby towns and cities for broader distribution. The wealth generated from fishing plays a key role in sustaining the local economy and providing for the needs of the families living in the floating village.
The people of Ganvie are hard workers, every single person seen was doing something trying to make a living. Ganvie has been a major source of attraction to Tourists who come here for many reasons, some are drawn by the stunning scenery while others come for the experience to see how people have lived on water for many generations.
Although, not all area embraces tourism, other areas do not allow tourists to take pictures or make videos because they believe when pictures or photos are taken it means the people are leaving with their souls.
If you’re interested in history, nature, or simply experiencing something different, Ganvie is a place that will leave you in awe and wonder. If you also ever find yourself traveling through West Africa you should visit Ganvie – Venice of Africa, the extraordinary floating village on Lake Nokoué in Benin offers an experience that is unlike anything else, an experience you should not miss in a lifetime.
Ganvie is not just a remarkable floating village but a testament to the ingenuity, resilience and spirit of its people. It also offers a truly unique window into life in one of the most fascinating corners of Africa.
Would you like to see what Ganvie looks like some time or have you been there before? What was your experience?
