Ouidah — History & Memory

The Route of the Enslaved

This path leads to the ocean. But for thousands of captives, it led above all into the unknown.

About The Route of the Enslaved

The Route of the Enslaved

About four kilometers long, the Route of the Enslaved connects the historic center of Ouidah to the beach. The memorial route begins at the Portuguese Fort and passes through several iconic sites: the “Auctions” Square, the Tree of Oblivion, the Zomaï Hut, the Zoungbodji Memorial, the Gate of No Return, and the Boat of Memory. Completely renovated, the route now features landscaped areas, rest stops, monumental sculptures, interpretive panels, and educational displays. It is one of Africa’s most iconic memorial trails dedicated to the transatlantic slave trade.

The captives’ final journey to the ocean

After gradually neutralizing the resistance of kings and community leaders through various maneuvers, European slave traders succeeded in imposing the slave trade system in the Gulf of Benin in the early 17th century. Wars, raids, and capture expeditions then resulted in thousands of captives, who were taken from the interior to the coast for deportation.

The Route of the Enslaved commemorates this final journey: that of women, men, and children who were free one day and captives the next, deported to the Americas to be enslaved there after the Middle Passage.

The current route is a commemorative reconstruction created in the 1990s as part of the UNESCO Slave Route project—renamed in 2022 the Route of Enslaved People. In the 2020s, it underwent major heritage and memorial revitalization work, notably with the addition of the Boat of Memory.

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This path leads to the ocean. But for thousands of captives, it led above all into the unknown.

Ouidah

The visit

The experience

Walk through it, if you can. Distance is part of the story: four kilometers isn’t far on a map, but it’s a long way under the Ouidah sun. The body understands what words cannot convey.

The guide accompanies you from one stop to the next. In front of the Tree of Oblivion, in front of the Zomaï Hut, and in front of the Zoungbodji Memorial, he does not offer commentary: he simply brings the history to life. Take the time to sit in the quiet reflection areas set up along the route. Then finish the walk where it ended back then, facing the Atlantic Ocean, at the Gate of No Return and the Boat of Memory.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to attend the commemorative ceremonies for the International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (JISTNA) on August 23, which give this itinerary its full collective significance.

Practical Information

Access conditions

When to visit Every day
Recommended duration 2 to 4 hours, depending on the option
Entry Free access (some areas or guided tours may be paid)

This route can be traveled on foot, by bike, or by car. We strongly recommend being accompanied by a certified guide. Be sure to bring water, a hat, and appropriate footwear for the hike.