"The Tata Sombas" Natitingou by janiebaxter

Natitingou Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 37 photos

A Unique Building Style

Natitingou is the principal town in the North of Benin, with a population of 40,000, and is the base for trips to the Pendjari National Park and to the Tata Somba region.
Although not large, the town has plenty of facilities – banks, shops, hospital, internet and places to hire 4WD vehicles and driver to go to the Tatas or Pendjari.
The Tata Somba region is slightly South of Natitingou in the Atakora Hills. You will need a 4WD to visit the Tata Sombas as the roads are not paved and can get quite muddy even in the dry season. However, it is well worth the trip to see this unique group of people called the Somba whose lifestyle is hardly touched by the modern world and who live in 3 storey houses called Tatas. The houses were originally built for defence purposes – against raids by the Dahomey slave traders and by neighbouring tribes. They are still built the same way today and each man has to build his own Tata when he wants to marry and start a family.

A Traditional Way of Life

Making Shea Butter

The Somba people have retained much of their traditional way of life including the making of Shea butter by the women

For more info and details of the rest of the places I visited in Benin visit my Benin page

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fascinating traditional culture
Cons:Difficult to get to - may be a good thing for the Somba
In a nutshell:Well worth the trip - Respect the culture if you visit!

Last visit to Natitingou: Mar 2009
Intro Updated May 15, 2009
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Reviews (9)

Natitingou Museum Things to Do (3)

The Natitingou museum is located in an old French colonial house, built in 1915. As usual with museums in Benin, you get... more travel advice

Guinea Fowl with Vegetables and Rice - Natitingou

The Grill on the Hill Restaurants (1)

La Brais de Nati is set on a hill just outside the town centre, overlooking the town. You can choose to eat either... more travel advice

The Fetish Local Customs (3)

As in most of Benin, the traditional religion plays an important part in daily life. The Tata has an area on the ground... more travel advice

Plastic Bag for Shea Butter - Natitingou

Plastic Bags for Shea Butter What to Pack (1)

Re-sealable plastic bags are useful if you visit the Tata Sombas and want to buy Shea butter from one of the villages.... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Small and Spacious with a Pool

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Comments (3)

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DAO Nov 25, 2011 at 12:50 AM

Happy Birthday Jane !!!!
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muguruki Mar 15, 2011 at 8:26 AM

Where's the Choukachou? I'm a Pilsner man when I'm in Kenya these days but when I'm at home I'm a right bitter man! In Northern Uganda they also use shea butter I guess that's what the Dek Ngor is cooked in that I enjoyed so much in Gulu.
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lynnehamman May 29, 2009 at 2:00 AM

Janie what a fascinating insight into the culture of the Tata Sombas. The houses are really practical, and beautifully constructed. Thanks also for the Shea butter tip! I use a lot of it- nice to know how its made.Good photos