Ganvie is a lake village in Benin Republic,  lying in Lake Nokoué, near Cotonou. At the time of my visit, they were at a population of about 20,000 people. It is said to be the largest lake village in Africa.


In Ganvie Lake Village, I saw family members, friends, lovers, a church,  a mosque, a school. I saw people that have chosen to carve out a part of the world, make it their own and call it their home. It's a very unique way of life in which the community members find solace in one another and in their alternative reality


Originally based on farming, the village's main industries other than tourism are now fishing and fish farming.


The roles in the community are quite fixed for the family unit. The father catches the fish, the mother hawks produce and the children sell the fish in neighbouring markets. Everyone performs their roles with great pride and honour 

Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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A woman fetches water in Ganvie Lake Village

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A woman fetches water in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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The community school in Ganvie Lake Village

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The community school in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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A salon for the women to beautify themselves in Ganvie Lake Village

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A salon for the women to beautify themselves in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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A woman rows her 2 children home from school after a day of pursuing knowledge and education in Ganvie Lake Village

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A woman rows her 2 children home from school after a day of pursuing knowledge and education in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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The hotel for out of town guest in Ganvie Lake Village

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The hotel for out of town guest in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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Fishermen are out fishing in Ganvie Lake Village

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Fishermen are out fishing in Ganvie Lake Village

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Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
Ganvie Lake Village in Benin. Documented by African documentary photographer Nwando Ebeledike
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A girl holds up fish for sale from her fathers catch of the day

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A girl holds up fish for sale from her fathers catch of the day

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