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Author: Irina Darovko
Togo is a thin strip of West Africa, a land line that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Burkina Faso. Despite its small size, the country has a rich culture, stunning nature and many other advantages.
Who and why should come to Togo
Lovers of natural beauty, who are not afraid of long walks and active tourism, visit mountains and swamps in Togo, raft down winding rivers, walk in the savanna, get acquainted with elephants and other exotic animals.
For those who are not attracted to outdoor activities, it is better to go to Lake Togo or the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Sandy beaches, small lagoons, a variety of water sports and a well-developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists every year.
The capital of Lome welcomes young people and fans of history with its elegant Parisian boulevards and cafes, modern energy and a host of architectural monuments.
Notable cities and towns
Kpalime
The city is of strategic importance for the country — it is a major industrial and agricultural center. The people of Ewe, who have inhabited Kpalime since ancient times, managed to live under the rule of Germany, England and France for two centuries. These European countries have left pieces of their cultural heritage in the city.
Kpalime artisans are engaged in woodcarving, making interesting ceramic souvenirs, religious trinkets and amulets. All products can be bought at one of the markets.
The city is located at the foot of Mount Agu. Palm trees and ramshackle shacks replace Victorian temple spiers, restrained German buildings mingle with French artsy architecture and colorful African bazaars. Near this amazing city, waterfalls are noisy, and local guides offer tourists a walk to the mountain, overgrown with jungle.
Villages of Koutammakou
The mountainous land of the people of Batammariba has been protected by UNESCO since 2004. A feature of the area is called interesting ways to build houses.
People sculpt high towers with thatched roofs from clay. Unusual buildings have even become a symbol of Togo. In addition to getting to know the traditions and customs of the locals, tourists admire the stunning nature, walk in the mountains and take healing mud baths in a local spring.
City of Lome
The capital of Togo was founded by European traders in the early 19th century. Since then, this trading town has been living at a frantic pace. Tankers, cargo ships and passenger liners call at the local port around the clock. A stream of tourists rushes to Lome for voodoo souvenirs and cocoa beans. In addition to shops and markets, the city is famous for the exploratory exhibitions of the National Museum of Togo.
City of Togoville
This city gave its name to the whole country. Previously, there was an ordinary village of adobe huts. But everything changed in 1884. Nachtigal’s expeditionary corps signed an agreement with the leader on the extension of German hegemony to this part of West Africa. The document is shown to tourists to this day.
Other attractions in Togoville include a beautiful colonial cathedral and several small beaches on the shores of the local lake.
City of Agbodrafo
The city stands on the shores of Lake Togo — a resort area is organized here. Luxurious outdoor pools and sun terraces rise right to the water’s edge, offering guests a luxurious experience in the famous lagoon.
Agbodrafo is famous for its numerous water sports, from pedal boats to motorbikes on the lake surface. The southern districts of the city are located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and attract with stunning beaches.
Atakpame
At one time, the small town of Atakpame, located on Mount Atakora (371 meters above sea level), became the site of an epic battle between the German colonialists and the Anglo-French landing force. Even earlier, it was the site of a clash between two of West Africa’s greatest empires, Oyo and Ashanti.
The glorious past of the mountain settlement is told in local museums and on tours of the ruins of military facilities. Today, Atakpame is inhabited by the original inhabitants, the Yoruba people. Tourists walk along the mountain spurs, visit traditional markets and try local cuisine.
natural attractions
Fazao Malfakassa National Park
The largest national park in Togo is located right in the heart of the country. It occupies almost 2,000 square kilometers and is famous for its dense coastal forests. The reserve was created in the 1970s because of the rare forest elephant living here.
Unfortunately, the giant’s populations have been significantly reduced due to illegal poaching, but conservation efforts are ongoing and there is every reason to hope for success. Antelopes and bushbucks also live in the park.
Keran National Park
The national park was established in 1971 on the territory of the Camongou River in the northern part of Togo. Over the decades, the reserve has been constantly expanded and supplemented, which gave it a variety.
Today, the park has swamps, rocks, and coastal river zones. Birds, rare reptiles and insects live here, outlandish tropical flowers and trees grow. But the main asset of the park are elephants and antelopes.
Fosse au Lions National Park
The least visited of all the national parks, Togo is located at the farthest, northern end of the country. Here, Kutamaku people live in adobe houses, and the city of Tanjuare is also located, from where most of the tourist routes originate.
The park covers the territory of the savanna, swamps and plains, overgrown with wild acacia. Elephants and other animals of the African savannah live here.
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