Togo with local families

You take the road heading to Kpalimé, northwest of Lomé, near the border with Ghana. Renowned for its lush landscapes, this region of Togo reveals a generous nature, between plateaus covered with vegetation, tropical forests and waterfalls. An environment conducive to immersion in the country's natural landscapes.

You then head to your accommodation with a local family, on the edge of the Kloto forest, about ten kilometers from Kpalimé. This stage allows you to enjoy a natural setting and discover another facet of Togo, away from urban hustle and bustle.

Night with a local family, near the Kloto forest.

Early in the morning, you head towards Notsé, a historic city in Togo considered the capital of the Ewe people. This city holds an important place in the history and traditions of this community, whose origins date back several centuries. According to traditional accounts, the ancestors of the Ewe are said to have left the Nile Valley before crossing Oyo in Nigeria, Kétou in Benin and Tado in Togo, finally settling in Notsé around the 15th century.

You set out to discover the remains of the ancient Ewe kingdom, of which only a few traces remain today. Notsé nevertheless remains a symbolic place for this people, particularly through Agbogbo-Za, a traditional festival celebrated each year in memory of its history and migrations.

You take the road towards Wahala, a village in Togo marked by the events of World War I (1914-1918). You discover the old Franco-German military cemeteries, where soldiers who fell during the conflict rest. This visit immerses you in an important period of the country's history and recalls the confrontations that marked Togolese territory.

Through these places of memory, you discover the traces of this historical past, still present in the village of Wahala.

Today you are heading towards Atakpamé, a town perched on a hill, in the heart of an agricultural region of Togo. With Kpalimé and Badou, it forms the coffee-cocoa triangle, an area renowned for its coffee and cocoa cultivation.

Once a mountainous refuge, Atakpamé gradually developed to become an agricultural and administrative center during German colonization. The town also preserves a rich cultural heritage, notably through the tchébé dance, a traditional stilt dance emblematic of the region. With a bit of luck, you will have the opportunity to witness a performance and appreciate this expression of Togolese traditions.

You continue your journey towards Kara, a rapidly expanding city located in the heart of northern Togo. This region is notably inhabited by the Kabyés, one of the country's most important ethnic groups. Nicknamed the "farmers of stone," they have developed agricultural expertise adapted to rocky terrain. You thus discover a region where yam, cotton and peanuts are mainly cultivated, as well as mangoes and other fruits.

You also become familiar with traditional Kabyé housing, in particular the Soukala, groups of huts surrounded by an enclosure wall, housing the same patriarchal family. This stage is also an opportunity to meet local craftspeople, particularly blacksmiths, and to exchange with them about their expertise and traditions.

If your journey takes place in the month of July, you may have the opportunity to attend the traditional Evala festivals, initiation ceremonies that hold an important place in Kabyé culture.

Upon your arrival at Agavé, you set out to discover the fruit plantations and cocoa fields that stretch over several hectares. Considered one of the granaries of Togo, this region lives mainly from agriculture. During your visit, you discover local cultures and enjoy tastings of regional products.

You continue this immersion in the Togolese countryside through hikes and excursions around the village, an opportunity to appreciate the landscapes and rural environment of Agavé.

You also visit the castle of the first Frenchman, located on the Agavé mountain, a place that bears witness to part of local history.

Today, you set out to discover the Danyi Gabi region, in Togo, where you will find an astonishing natural curiosity: a stone resting on another stone. This singular rock formation intrigues with its balance and the stories that surround it. You discover the tales associated with this place, which holds a special place in local traditions.

In late afternoon, with a bit of luck, you will have the opportunity to attend a traditional evening filled with tales, epic stories and war stories. A moment of sharing to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the oral traditions passed down through the generations.

Upon your arrival in Adéta, in the Plateaux Region you meet Christophe, a painter and plastic artist recognized in the region. During this courtesy visit, you discover his paintings and artworks, reflections of his talent and creativity.

This meeting is also an opportunity to exchange with an artist committed to transmitting his expertise. Christophe indeed offers training to young people in the fields of plastic arts and portrait, thus contributing to keeping local artistic creation alive.

Your stop at Agamé invites you to enjoy a relaxation break in the heart of Togolese nature. You set out to discover Agamé waterfall, easily accessible, whose natural basin resembles a swimming pool. A pleasant setting to appreciate the tranquility of the place and take a break during your circuit in Togo.

After a lunch break, you have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the waterfall, before returning to the village center in the evening.

You discover today Lomé, the capital of Togo, a lively city located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Between colorful markets, restaurants, traditional bars called maquis and shops, you discover a capital where local life holds a central place.

Your visit begins at the great market of Assiganmé, where you discover the world of the famous Nana Benz, these Togolese merchants renowned for their activity in the trade of printed fabrics. You then continue towards the craft market of Lomé, where you can observe artisans at work and discover different skills: batik, wood carving, engraving and weaving. It is also an opportunity to find some souvenirs from your trip to Togo.

You then head to the fetish market, a unique place that allows you to learn about practices related to traditional Togolese pharmacopoeia.

Your discovery of Lomé continues through its main monuments and cultural sites, namely the Place of Liberty, the Place of Independence and the national museum of arts.
Finally, you make a detour to the fishing port of Lomé, where you observe the activity of fishermen and discover another facet of the capital's daily life.

This morning, you set off to discover Agbodrafo, a former Portuguese city located around thirty kilometers from Lomé, between Lake Togo and the Atlantic Ocean. Once a slave-trading port, this small peaceful town preserves traces of a history marked by the slave trade, when it was part of the "Slave Coast".

You discover several places bearing witness to this past, notably the slaves' house (Woold Home) and the Well of the Chained. You also take an interest in Glidji, a locality known for the traditional ceremony of taking the sacred stone, an important event in local traditions.

You then spend a good half-day immersed in the daily life of Agbodrafo's inhabitants. Through moments of sharing, participation and exchanges, you discover their way of life and enjoy human encounters close to the local population.

For this final day of your circuit in Togo, you enjoy a few extra hours in Lomé, the capital, before your departure. A last stroll along Lomé beach allows you to savor the atmosphere of the city and share your impressions, emotions and memories of your trip.

You also have some time to do your last souvenir shopping and enjoy a refreshing break before heading to Lomé airport for your return flight.