What to see in Togo: 9 must-sees

Admire coffee groves and cocoa plantations as you climb the trails of Mount Agou, at 986 meters the highest point in Togo. Cool off at the Kpimé waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation, and look for wild orchids growing among the undergrowth. Visit the nearby village, where weaving artisans work by hand, and walk through forested hills with rock formations, butterflies, and birds typical of this mountainous region of southwestern Togo.

Descend along the rainforest trails to Kpimé Waterfall, where the water drops 15 meters over granite blocks surrounded by tropical vegetation. Walk among butterflies and century-old trees, bathe in the natural pools at the base of the falls, and climb up to the lookout to take in the Kpalimé valley. Wear footwear with good grip: the rocks get slippery after rain, and the best light for photographing the falls comes in mid-morning.

Wander through the aisles of the largest market in West Africa, where 50,000 vendors sell everything from voodoo fetishes to wax print fabrics. Stop at the Woxome, the section devoted to fetishes, and see skulls, herbs, and amulets used in local rituals. Then browse the fabric stalls, with colorful prints stacked in meters of cloth. Listen to bargaining in Ewe and French as women vendors carry goods on their heads. The blend of cultures and religions is felt at every stall, amid spices, handicrafts, and music playing from small radios.

Immerse yourself in Koutammakou, the land of the Batammariba in the Kara region, where mud fortress-houses rise up to 20 meters and reflect the cosmogony of a people who have preserved their traditions for centuries. Walk through the villages, watch how these towers are built, and understand why UNESCO declared the site a World Heritage Site as an exceptional testimony to a living cultural tradition.

Sail to the sacred island on Lake Togo, where voodoo priests perform rituals dating from the 17th century. Visit the Mami Wata temple, admire the stone sculptures, and discover how voodoo remains Togo's main religion. Experience a tradition where culture, art, and customs form a living legacy passed down from generation to generation. Take part, learn, and feel the connection to history.

Explore the 192,000 hectares of forest and savanna in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Togo's largest, in the Kara region. Elephants cross the plains at dawn and lions hide among the vegetation, while some 300 bird species soar over the wetlands. Book a guided safari with local rangers, camp on the savanna under clear skies, and watch wildlife from natural rocky lookouts. Trails let you explore the park on foot and go birdwatching during the dry season, when animals gather near waterholes.

Take in the black sand of Aneho Beach, where the Atlantic crashes against volcanic rocks lined with coconut palms. Stroll through the colonial town of Aneho, a former German capital, among houses with faded facades and quiet streets. Watch fishermen haul their wooden pirogues ashore at dawn and mend their nets by the water's edge. Walk barefoot at sunset, when the sun sinks over the horizon of the Gulf of Guinea and the breeze eases the day's heat. Take a dip in the warm waters, try grilled fish at the nearby stalls, and listen to the drumming of the waves late into the night.

Explore the 3,000 pieces that tell the history of Togo from the Guin and Mamproug kingdoms to independence. Admire the voodoo masks, the sacred drums, and the collection of Togolese contemporary art. Tour the museum where artifacts, exhibits, and history create a journey through time. Discover unique collections, learn about local culture, and broaden your knowledge.