Togo

Mystical Togo

A country of magic, vodun and diversity – Togo is a beautiful blend of all. Untouched nature stretches of raw coastline and a thrill-seeking destination, Togo has it all.

Local loved Big Metro in Lomé is a restaurant you should eat at if you are interested in tasting Togolese food. A combination of French and West African impacts have merged to create unique dishes. You can find baguette bread, fufu (thick sticky mass dipped into sauces) and koklo meme (grilled chicken with a chilli sauce) all at Big Metro. To enjoy the seafood of Togo, try Le Pêcheur also in the capital. Skewered prawns, grilled fish served with French sides are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/food-eaten-west-africa-17230.html – Image 01 (Grilled fish)

Togolese traditional wear is vibrant, bright and conservative. Women use pagnes not only as skirts but as wraps to carry their babies in and even towels. Muslim women wear veils like hijabs that are intricately patterned. Men wear boubou’s (robes) for special occasions. In urbanised areas, traditional wear is dwindling as western styles increase. Men use hats for practicality against the harsh sun and mostly just trousers and shirts. A must for women, whether they wear traditional dress or not – is earrings.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/people-dancing-in-voodoo-ceremony-togo-stock-video-footage/477421789 – Image 02 (Women wearing pagnes)

Six hours from Lomé is Kara which leads to the Parc Sarakawa. Simple and easy sightings in the park of antelope, zebra and buffalo make for a wonderful day trip. Game drives are available from park officials, so do book one for the best chance of spotting game. Although there are no big-ticket animals such as elephant or lion, it is still worth the drive. Instead of driving back to Lomé, stay over at either Hotel Kara or Marie Antoinette where you can camp overnight.

http://karacultureplus.blogspot.co.za/2010/11/blog-post.html – Image 03 (Parc Sarakawa)

Tamberma (builders) in Koutanmmakou built a stronghold to capture their enemies and evade capture from the Germans and other tribes in the area. The structures are towers made from clay and wood. Known as the tata compounds, they showcase the amazing architecture in the Tamberma valley. With a single entrance, only and a terrace on top of the compound for villagers to dry grains – it is an interesting view to watch these villagers work.

http://www.joli-ecotours.com/togo.htm – Image 04 (Tamberma compound)

Dance is a big part of Togolese culture. The Bassar group in Togo is a testament to this. With vodun performances and rituals, they have various dances each representing a different aspect of society. Perhaps, the most famous of their dances is the T’bol. This is a dance performed around the fire as a veneration of ancestors and vodun gods. It includes jumping into the fire, holding the fire, dancing around it and loud melodic sounds from the group around the dancers being chanted.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronnyreportage/7834888988 – Image 05 (Bassar dancers)

Togo may not have vast landscapes that go on forever, but it remains an extraordinary country with its multi-religious groups. Let the magic of Togo sweep you away.