Footprint of Togo

Your day begins with a stroll through the great market of Lomé, meeting the famous Nana Benz, these businesswomen renowned for selling Vlisco fabrics and valuable jewelry. You also discover several emblematic sites of the Togolese capital, namely Liberty Square, Independence Square and the fetish market, which testifies to the importance of local traditions.

You then head towards Kpalimé, located northwest of Lomé, near the border with Ghana. Nicknamed the "green paradise of Togo", this region is distinguished by its lush landscapes, between verdant plateaus, tropical forests and waterfalls. A natural environment conducive to discovering another facet of the country.

Upon arrival, you settle into your accommodation located on the edge of Kloto forest, about ten kilometers from Kpalimé, where you spend the night.

You are traveling today through the central regions of Togo, inhabited in particular by populations originating from the north of the country. These communities perpetuate their cultural traditions, particularly visible in their way of life and the architecture of their dwellings. You then head to Sokodé, one of the main cities of Togo and an important administrative center. The city is predominantly populated by Kotokolis, a Muslim community whose clothing traditions are reminiscent of certain North African traditions. Men wear large boubous, while women combine the veil with garments in varied colors. Sokodé also stands out for its musical traditions and local dances, notably during the knife festival, a celebration that enlivens the streets to the rhythm of traditional music and dances.

In the evening, you attend a traditional celebration of the Tem community, marked by an impressive fire dance. A moment of sharing and discovery of local cultural practices.

This morning, you head northwest toward Togo to reach Bassar, a region known for its heritage linked to iron civilization. The Bassar people are among the pioneers of iron work in this part of Africa, a craft that holds an important place in their history and cultural identity. You then set out to meet the Bassar traditional chiefs, as part of solidarity visits. Welcomed in their large clay houses, you discover their role within the community, particularly in conflict resolution and the management of local affairs.

These exchanges allow you to better understand the social organization and traditions of the Bassar people, through authentic encounters with their representatives.

Transfer to Kara and overnight at the hotel.

Today, you head to the Savanes region, in northern Togo, to discover its landscapes and historical heritage. You set off on a hiking trail along a cliff, before visiting a vast cave carved into the rock face. Inside, you discover the remains of ancient structures and clay granaries, witnesses to the history of local populations. These caves once served as refuge for entire villages to escape slave trader raids. Their elevated position notably allowed them to monitor the surroundings, while offering a clear panorama over the vast savanna plains. You then continue your journey to Dapaong, located at the far north of Togo.

Upon arrival, you settle into your hotel for the night.

This day is dedicated to returning to Lomé, through the varied landscapes of Togo. Several stops punctuate your journey, allowing you to admire the panoramas and enjoy one last time the natural diversity of the country. With a bit of luck, you may witness a traditional cultural event along the way, an opportunity to discover local rhythms and musical expressions. Upon arrival in Lomé, you settle into your beachfront hotel, where you take advantage of the setting to relax. In the evening, you attend a cultural entertainment on the hotel's private beach. A friendly moment, marked by local traditions and conducive to exchanges and sharing, to end your day in a warm atmosphere.

This morning, you set off to discover Agbodrafo, a former Portuguese city located about thirty kilometers from Lomé, between Lake Togo and the Atlantic Ocean. Today peaceful, this small town retains traces of a past marked by the slave trade. Once a slave trading port on the "Slave Coast", Agbodrafo houses several vestiges that bear witness to this period in history. You visit notably the slave house and the well of the chained, two places of memory that help better understand the history of the slave trade in this region of Togo.

A visit imbued with emotion, which invites reflection on this past and on the memory of the populations who lived through it.

You join Lomé to enjoy your last moments in Togo. A little free time allows you to rest, do some souvenir shopping and refresh yourself before your departure. You are then transferred to Lomé airport to take your return flight, marking the end of your circuit in Togo.