Day 1: Arrive in Lomé
Start your adventure by flying into Lomé, the vibrant capital of Togo. It’s a chilled-out city with a mix of modern and traditional culture. After arriving and settling into your accommodation, take a walk along Lomé Beach. The soft sand and coastal breeze will immediately put you in that relaxation mode.
In the evening, grab dinner at a local restaurant—try “fufu” or “akoumé,” which are traditional Togolese dishes made from yams or corn. This will be your first taste of Togo’s fantastic cuisine!
Day 2: Explore Lomé
Get to know Lomé beginning with a visit to the Grand Marché. This bustling market is the heart of the city with vendors selling everything from colorful fabrics to fresh produce. If you’re into market shopping, don’t miss out on the famous “wax” fabrics the region is known for.
Afterward, visit the nearby Lomé Cathedral, a beautiful colonial structure that stands tall in the city center. In the afternoon, head over to the National Museum of Togo to get a deeper understanding of the country’s history and rich culture.
End the day by visiting the Monument de l’Indépendance, a landmark that commemorates Togo’s independence from France.
Day 3: Market Day and Voodoo Tour
Get up early to explore the fascinating Akodessewa Fetish Market. Known as the voodoo capital of West Africa, Lomé plays host to this market where you’ll see vendors selling traditional spiritual items like talismans and animal skulls, which are vital to the area’s voodoo practices.
Later, learn more about the voodoo religion by visiting a local village. You can arrange a tour through a local guide to understand more about how voodoo ceremonies are performed and what the voodoo priest does within the community.
Day 4: Day Trip to Aneho
Take a day trip to Aneho, an easy hour drive from Lomé. It’s located on the coast and is one of the oldest towns in Togo. You’ll love the peaceful vibe here. Explore the colonial architecture and visit some of the churches dotted around town.
Find some downtime on Aneho Beach. It’s quieter than Lomé Beach and offers perfect spots for relaxation. Pack a picnic or have lunch at a beachside restaurant while enjoying scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 5: Head to Kpalimé
Hop on a bus or hire a car to Kpalimé, a scenic town about three hours away from Lomé. Kpalimé is known for its lush surroundings and cool mountainous air—perfect if you love nature.
Spend the evening checking out the local craft stands in town. Kpalimé is a famous center for artisans, and you’ll find great souvenirs like wood carvings and batik fabrics.
Day 6: Waterfalls and Hiking Around Kpalimé
Your day today is all about exploring the natural beauty of Kpalimé. Start with a hike to Mount Agou, the highest point in Togo. It’s a moderately challenging trek, but totally worth it for the stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Afterward, cool off at the nearby Kpimé Falls. This peaceful waterfall is surrounded by serene nature and offers a great break from the hustle of traveling. You can sit by the falls and even dip your feet in to feel refreshed.
Day 7: Coffee and Cocoa Plantations
Take a tour of the local coffee and cocoa plantations in the hills surrounding Kpalimé. Togo produces some excellent coffee, and learning about the farming process first-hand will give you a greater appreciation for your daily cup.
Many tours introduce you to local farmers, allowing you to connect directly with rural life in Togo. End the tour with a coffee-tasting experience—you’ll definitely want to take some beans back with you.
Day 8: Road Trip to Togoville
Today, hit the road again and head toward Togoville, a small, historic town on the shores of Lake Togo. It’s about a three-hour drive from Kpalimé, and offers another glimpse into the country’s fascinating mix of religion and history.
Visit the local Royal Palace to get a glimpse of the country’s royal heritage. You can also take a boat ride on Lake Togo and admire the tranquil views.
Day 9: Relax in Togoville
Today is all about slowing down. Walk through the town and feel its peaceful atmosphere. Take time to talk with local artisans or visit the Catholic Church dating back to colonial times.
If you’re interested in more voodoo culture, you can chat with villagers or request a small tour explaining the town’s spiritual traditions. Spend the evening sitting by the lake, reflecting on your journey so far.
Day 10: Safari at Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
Get ready for an exciting day of wildlife! Head north to the expansive Fazao-Malfakassa National Park. Located at the boundary of the north and south regions, it’s about a four to five-hour drive. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers who want to see Togo’s diverse wildlife.
Take a guided safari to see antelopes, monkeys, and even some elephant sightings if you’re lucky. The park is quieter than other safari destinations in Africa, which means you won’t have the crowds!
Day 11: Cultural Immersion in Sokodé
After your safari adventure, continue on to Sokodé, located north of the park. This is Togo’s second-largest city, but it still maintains a strong traditional character. Sokodé is the place to immerse yourself in the rich cultural diversity of Togo.
Travelers in Sokodé often enjoy witnessing traditional dances or ceremonies. Ask around, as many villages offer cultural performances that highlight the traditional music and dances of the local people.
Day 12: Visit the Iron-Making Village of Bandjeli
Today, take a trip to Bandjeli, a small village famous for its traditional iron production methods. It’s about a two-hour trip from Sokodé, but worth it to see how blacksmiths work using techniques that date back centuries.
This part of the experience will connect you with Togo’s deep artisanal history. Watching the craftsmen at work is mesmerizing, and you can buy metal souvenirs directly from them.
Day 13: Discover Kara Region
On your final days, head to the Kara region for a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Kara is an exciting cultural hub and home to the Tem people. The city is about two hours from Sokodé and serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Take a tour of the famous Tamberma Valley, home to the UNESCO-listed Tata Somba houses. These traditional mud structures look like small castles, and walking through the valley will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Day 14: Departure Day
If you’re flying out of Lomé, it’s time to start the journey back south. You can either take a bus or hire a car for the trip down. Depending on your flight schedule, you may want to make a final stop in Lomé for some last-minute shopping or a final stroll on the beach.
By now, you’ve explored the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes of Togo. This two-week trip has given you an in-depth look at both the popular highlights and hidden gems of this beautiful country.
Leave a reply