Togo with local families

We then head to Kpalimé, northwest of Lomé, along the border with Ghana. The Kpalimé region is the green paradise of Togo, and our stay here will easily convince us of it. Lush plateaus, jungles, waterfalls, nature lovers will be delighted!

We spend the night with a local host on the edge of the beautiful Kloto forest, about ten kilometers from the city.

Early in the morning we set off for the historic city of Notsé, capital of the Ewe people. Not much remains of the kingdom that developed there around the 15th century, but Notsé remains a mythical place for many Ewe, as evidenced each year by the largest traditional festival of the Ewe people : Agbogbo-Za.

Visit the remains of the former kingdom of the Ewe people. Founded by peoples who departed from the Nile Valley and made stops at Oyo (Nigeria), Kétou (Benin) and Tado (Togo), Notsé is the final stage of Ewe migrations in the 15th century.

Night spent locally with a host family.

Departure for Wahala to discover the old Franco-German cemeteries, where soldiers who fell during the First World War (1914-1918) are laid to rest. The entire village bears the marks of this dark period in world history.

We are heading today towards Atakpamé.

Atakpamé is a thriving city perched on a hill and which completes the coffee-cocoa triangle formed by Kpalimé, Badou and Atakpamé. Once, the city was a mountain refuge. Later, during German colonization, the city became an agricultural and administrative center. With a bit of luck, you can witness a tchébé dance performance on stilts. It is one of the most famous dances in Togo and one of the region's specialties.

A city in full expansion, Kara is at the heart of visits to Northern Togo. It is here that one of the most numerous ethnic groups in Togo, the Kabyés or "farmers of stone" because they practice agriculture on rocky terrain, can be found.

The Kabyés have made the region an important agricultural center where yam, cotton, peanuts are cultivated, and where mangoes and other fruits can be found. Their houses called Soukala are a group of huts surrounded by an enclosure wall where only a single patriarchal family lives. Meetings and exchanges with craftsmen, particularly blacksmiths. Possibility of attending in July each year the traditional festivals Evala, initiation celebration.

Night in private accommodation in Kara.

Arriving in Agavé, we will visit hectares of fruit and cocoa fields (including tastings!). This region is considered one of the country's breadbaskets, with the population engaged primarily in agriculture. Hikes and excursions around the village. We also visit the castle of the first Frenchman on the Agavé mountain.

Night at a local home.

Today we discover the Danyi Gabi region, which holds a very rare phenomenon: a stone that carries another stone. The story of this precious stone is to be discovered with interest and wisdom. A marvel simply put, which goes beyond human understanding and sparks curiosity.

Late in the afternoon, with a bit of luck, we can witness a traditional evening made of tales and epic and warrior stories.

Night at a local's home in the heart of the village.

Upon arrival in Adeta, we make a courtesy visit to painter Christophe, a plastic artist with magical fingers, very famous in the plateaus region. What a joy to see his paintings and other works of art ! The artist also provides training to young people in plastic art and portraiture.

Night in a motel in the small town.

The Agamé stage sounds like a tourist break and relaxation. We will discover the Agamé waterfall, shaped like a swimming pool and easily accessible. Lunch break, opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

In the evening return to the village center to spend the night in Agamé at a local home.

We return today to Lomé, the bustling and vibrant capital of the country, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and brimming with markets, restaurants, bars/maquis and other shops.

At the large Assiganmé market, we discover the Nana Benz, famous traders of printed fabrics.

The craft market is in turn the ideal place to buy souvenirs. The discerning visitor can discover valuable items there and you can observe the artisans at work: batik, wood carving, engraving, weaving, …

Finally, the fetish market opens the doors of traditional pharmacopoeia to us.

Lomé is also home to great monuments such as Liberty Square, Independence Square or its famous national museum of arts. We do not forget to take a tour around the fishing port, where fishermen are always present.

Night in Lomé in a guesthouse.

This morning we visit Agbodrafo, a former Portuguese city that has become a peaceful little town nestled between Lake Togo and the ocean. A former slave port located 30 kilometers from Lomé, it has been recognized as part of the "Slave Coast". You can discover some remnants of this past such as the slave house (Woold Home) or the well of the enslaved, as well as the locality of Glidji, site of the ceremony of taking the sacred stone.

We devote a good half-day of participation and exchanges in the daily life of the inhabitants of Agbodrafo.

Night in a guesthouse in Togoville.

Just a few hours left in Togo and we take the opportunity for one last tour of the city in Lomé. We will stroll along the beach to share our joys and emotions. A few souvenir purchases and refreshments and it's already time for the transfer to the airport for our return journey.