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 one of the best issues to do in Togo, you are positive to be checking flight costs — if not already packing your baggage!
The place is Togo?
You will have heard the title earlier than, however discovering this slender strip of land on a map could be tough. 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 (also referred to 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 dimension, Togo is house to greater than 40 ethnic teams. It looks like each few miles, you possibly can encounter new cultures, traditions, songs, and languages. Past its various and pleasant folks, 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 Seashore, or staring wide-eyed as elephants move you in Fazao Malfakassa Nationwide Park. Sure, Togo is value visiting, and we’ve gathered a stable beginning record of issues to do for you.
Find out about voodoo at a fetish market
To know the Akodessewa Fetish Market, you would possibly must 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 appeal 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 that 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 the whole lot 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 option to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and England, cementing their place as pioneers of African style 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 hanging pink 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 by way of its spectacular assortment of African artwork, cultural artifacts, and historic items.
Study the tales of the Batammariba
With greater than 40 distinct ethnic teams calling Togo house, seeing every group’s alternative ways of life, traditions, and cultures makes the nation a novel vacation spot. Probably the most outstanding locations to discover is Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in northern Togo, close to the border with Benin.
The Batammariba are famend for his or her mud-brick tower homes, known as takienta, which some liken to small castles. These properties are clusters of buildings, every serving a particular objective, equivalent to 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 mountaineering 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 peak. As a substitute, they go to to tackle a mountaineering path by way of the dense forest, having fun with panoramic views and recognizing butterflies — greater than 500 species could 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 biggest lagoon in Togo, positioned simply east of Lomé. Whereas many go to to benefit from the lake’s serene nature, look ahead to birds, trip in a canoe, and go fishing, the cities on its shoreline are simply as a lot of an attract. The preferred embody Togoville, Aného-Glidji, and Agbodrafo. All are value a go to 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 lots 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 biggest. Right here’s the place you actually really feel the good thing about Togo being an ignored nation by most vacationers, since you received’t discover many within the nationwide park both. Take pleasure in mountaineering by way of its lush forest looking for waterfalls and wildlife. The park is house to elephants, antelopes, monkeys, buffalo, and greater than 200 fowl species. Make a guess 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 incredible 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 chill out on Aneho Seashore
No go to to Togo is full with out grabbing your towel, placing in your swimsuit, and heading to the seaside. Aneho Seashore is among the nation’s most well-known. Near the Benin border, Aneho Seashore, 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 seaside vacation spot. It was as soon as a colonial capital and a key centre within the commerce of enslaved folks in West Africa, including a layer of historical past to a go to. For those who’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 stuff you do in Togo.
Witness conventional dance in Sokodé
Togo’s second-largest metropolis presents a unique vibe from the capital of Lomé with its sturdy Islamic affect. Town is house to the Tem (Kotokoli) folks, recognized for his or her wealthy traditions equivalent to music, dance, wrestling occasions, and vigorous festivals. For those who be part of a G Adventures tour, you could have the honour of witnessing a conventional horse dance, adopted by a fascinating hearth 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 among the best locations to go mountaineering. Trails are well-marked, and there’s one thing to deal with irrespective of your health degree. As you ascend, you move by way of charming villages on the base, providing a glimpse into genuine rural Togolese life. Proceed to be rewarded with panoramic views of Togo.
Find out about 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 rigorously 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
