Don’t visit this “floating” town if you’re afraid of getting wet!


Image: flickr

Would you live in a bamboo house that was built on stilts? Would you go grocery shopping in a boat that was carved from a huge tree trunk? That’s exactly what the people from the African town of Ganvie do every day.  Ganvie, which means “we survived,” is a sustainable town located along Lake Nokoué in Africa. It was settled by the Tofinu people over 400 years ago. The town was built above water because the Tofinu people believed that their enemy, the Dom-Homey tribe, was afraid of a water demon.  Although it’s not a traditional earthbound town, it is a beautiful example of how people learn to adapt to their natural environment.

The “floating” town of Ganvie is home to over 30,000 people who live in bamboo homes, all of which are built on stilts.  Oh yes, stilts!  Everything except the town school, which is located on a complete patch of dry land, rests above the Lake Nokoué water.   The townspeople travel every day on homemade boats to go to the market, to attend church and to eat at restaurants.  The only time they go ashore is to sell fish that they caught.

Don’t believe it? Take a look at these pictures:


Image: flickr




Images: flickr






Images: flickr

Dubbed the “Venice” of Africa, this town built on stilts boasts an entire community that has learned how to adapt to life above water. I wouldn’t suggest visiting the place if you get seasick, but if you’re interested in learning about a deeply cultural and green community, then you should definitely read more about Ganvie.