It’s not usually you hear of somebody heading to Togo on trip. This sliver of West Africa doesn’t all the time make it onto journey lists, usually overshadowed by its extra well-known neighbours like Ghana, however Togo deserves consideration for a lot of causes. By the point you end studying about the very best issues to do in Togo, you are certain to be checking flight costs — if not already packing your luggage!
The place is Togo?
You’ll have heard the identify earlier than, however discovering this slim strip of land on a map may be difficult. Stretching about 579km (360 mi) from north to south, this nation is barely 160km (100 mi) huge. Located in West Africa, Togo is tucked between Ghana, one of many area’s best-known nations, and Benin, the birthplace of vodou (often known as voodoo). To the north, it shares a border with Burkina Faso. Boasting a formidable geographical variety, from sun-drenched coastlines and plush rolling hills to semi-arid savanna, Togo is filled with pure magnificence and journey.
Is Togo value visiting?
Regardless of its small measurement, Togo is residence to greater than 40 ethnic teams. It appears like each few miles, you possibly can encounter new cultures, traditions, songs, and languages. Past its various and pleasant individuals, Togo overflows with quite a lot of issues to do, whether or not that’s climbing its highest mountain, Mt Agou, chilling on spectacular Aneho Seaside, or staring wide-eyed as elephants move you in Fazao Malfakassa Nationwide Park. Sure, Togo is value visiting, and we’ve gathered a strong beginning record of issues to do for you.
Study voodoo at a fetish market
To know the Akodessewa Fetish Market, you may have to rethink your definition of the phrase fetish. No, it’s not about toes or handcuffs. On the planet of voodoo, a fetish is an object believed to carry supernatural or magical powers, usually used as a allure or talisman. That’s precisely what you’ll discover at Akodessewa Fetish Market, within the type of animal skins, bones, dried herbs, and a concoction of different issues which may shock you. Being the world’s largest voodoo market, Akodessewa is among the prime issues to do in Lomé, Togo’s capital metropolis, and an enchanting place to study and witness the wealthy traditions of West African spirituality.
Get misplaced in Lomé’s Grand Marché
A barely completely different type of market from Akodessewa, the Grand Marché in Lomé is a maze of color, vitality, and entrepreneurship. This bustling market stretches throughout a complete metropolis block, overflowing with distributors promoting every thing from vibrant wax prints and handcrafted items to recent produce and aromatic spices. What units Grand Marché aside is its wealthy historical past of feminine enterprise homeowners. The legendary Nana Benz, a gaggle of savvy businesswomen, rose to prominence right here, dominating the commerce of luxurious wax print materials. Their affect prolonged far past Togo, with their textiles making their approach to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and England, cementing their place as pioneers of African vogue on a world scale.
See it for your self on: Ghana, Togo, & Benin: Castles, Coastlines and Voodoo Discoveries
Admire the Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral
A fast cease however a prime factor to do in Lomé is the Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral. In-built 1901 by German colonists, it turned and nonetheless is one in every of Togo’s most iconic spiritual landmarks. Take a second to admire this placing purple and white neo-Gothic church with twin bell towers and complicated stained-glass home windows.
Admire African heritage
If you wish to study some historical past and tradition, head to the Worldwide Museum of the Gulf of Guinea in Lomé. Based by a non-public collector, the museum goals to protect and promote African heritage via its spectacular assortment of African artwork, cultural artifacts, and historic items.
Be taught the tales of the Batammariba
With greater than 40 distinct ethnic teams calling Togo residence, seeing every group’s alternative ways of life, traditions, and cultures makes the nation a singular vacation spot. Probably the most outstanding locations to discover is Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba, a UNESCO World Heritage Website in northern Togo, close to the border with Benin.
The Batammariba are famend for his or her mud-brick tower homes, referred to as takienta, which some liken to small castles. These properties are clusters of buildings, every serving a selected function, reminiscent of bedrooms, kitchens, and storerooms, providing a glimpse into their sensible but spiritually rooted lifestyle. Along with studying about their conventional structure, there’s a lot to understand from observing their ceremonies, connection to the Earth, spirituality, and group life.
See it for your self on: Togo and Benin: Native Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions
Chase butterflies whereas climbing Mt Kloto
Mt Kloto is a modest mountain close to Kpalimé in southwestern Togo. The mountain stands 710m (2,330 ft) tall, so most individuals don’t come right here to be blown away by its top. As a substitute, they go to to tackle a climbing path via the dense forest, having fun with panoramic views and recognizing butterflies — greater than 500 species may be discovered right here.
See it for your self on: West African Journey: Highlights of Ghana, Togo & Benin
Discover Lake Togo
Lake Togo is definitely the most important lagoon in Togo, situated simply east of Lomé. Whereas many go to to benefit from the lake’s serene nature, look ahead to birds, experience in a canoe, and go fishing, the cities on its shoreline are simply as a lot of an attract. The most well-liked embrace Togoville, Aného-Glidji, and Agbodrafo. All are value a go to if in case you have the time due to their distinct uniqueness, however Togoville is often the one on the prime of travellers’ lists. Boasting deep voodoo roots and a colonial previous, there’s loads to study from this city, in addition to merely having fun with its slow-paced lifestyle.
Spot elephants in Fazao Malfakassa
Togo has three nationwide parks, and Fazao Malfakassa is the most important. Right here’s the place you actually really feel the advantage of Togo being an missed nation by most vacationers, since you received’t discover many within the nationwide park both. Take pleasure in climbing via its lush forest in quest of waterfalls and wildlife. The park is residence to elephants, antelopes, monkeys, buffalo, and greater than 200 fowl species. Make a wager on whether or not you’ll spot a vacationer or an elephant first!
Embrace the vitality of Atakpame
Atakpame isn’t on each traveller’s Togo itinerary, giving it the sensation of being largely untouched by tourism. It’s a unbelievable place to immerse your self in West African tradition, meet welcoming locals, and get sucked into the vitality of the markets.
See it for your self on: Togo and Benin: Native Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions
Eat seafood and calm down on Aneho Seaside
No go to to Togo is full with out grabbing your towel, placing in your swimsuit, and heading to the seashore. Aneho Seaside is among the nation’s most well-known. Near the Benin border, Aneho Seaside, with its golden sands and swaying palm bushes, is a welcome escape from the hustle of Lomé and its busier shores.
Aneho is greater than only a seashore vacation spot. It was as soon as a colonial capital and a key centre within the commerce of enslaved individuals in West Africa, including a layer of historical past to a go to. In case you’re a seafood lover, don’t depart with out tasting the recent catch of the day at a beachside restaurant — it’s certain to be one in every of your most memorable meals and prime belongings you do in Togo.
Witness conventional dance in Sokodé
Togo’s second-largest metropolis presents a special vibe from the capital of Lomé with its sturdy Islamic affect. Town is residence to the Tem (Kotokoli) individuals, recognized for his or her wealthy traditions reminiscent of music, dance, wrestling occasions, and energetic festivals. In case you be part of a G Adventures tour, you may have the honour of witnessing a conventional horse dance, adopted by a charming fireplace dance with roots from the north of Togo, often carried out just for particular events and festivals.
See it for your self on: Ghana, Togo, & Benin: Castles, Coastlines and Voodoo Discoveries
Hike Togo’s highest mountain, Mt Agou
Standing proudly at an elevation of 986m (3,235 ft), Mt Agou is Togo’s tallest peak and the most effective locations to go climbing. Trails are well-marked, and there’s one thing to sort out regardless of your health degree. As you ascend, you move via charming villages on the base, providing a glimpse into genuine rural Togolese life. Proceed to be rewarded with panoramic views of Togo.
Study conventional weaving in Bafilo
Bafilo, in northern Togo, is known for its conventional fabric, which has been woven and worn for generations. The colourful colors and complicated patterns fastidiously crafted onto the materials every inform a narrative of the native tradition and heritage. Watching these artisans at work with the rhythmic hum of weaving looms within the background is a memorable expertise.
See it for your self on: West African Journey: Highlights of Ghana, Togo & Benin
