
Five Times Regional Tour Operator of the Year
Togo Culture and History Tour
Togo
23 Days
A Journey Through Togo’s Spiritual Heartlands, Sacred Festivals, and Untamed Landscapes
Highlights
- Exploring Lomé: Spirituality, Culture & Urban Life.
- Lomé: Art & Heritage.
- Lomé – Togoville – Agbodrafo – Lomé.
- Lomé – Glidji – Lomé (Epé-Ekpé Festival).
- Lomé – Tsévié – Notsé (Plateaux Region).
- Notsé: Experience the Agbogbo-Za Festival.
- Notsé to Kpalimé: Nature’s Wonders and History.
- Kpalimé: Peaks, Art, and Culture.
- From Forest Trails to Colonial Echoes: Kpalimé – Témédja – Atakpamé.
- Atakpamé to Badou: Hydropower, Markets & Hidden Waterfalls.
- Journey to Sokodé: Cultural Rhythms and Traditional Dances.
- Sokodé: Adossa-Gadao (Seasonal Festival).
- Through Iron and Thread: Bassar, Bafilo & Arrival in Kara.
- Traditions and Wildlife: Kara & Surroundings.
- Kara and the Evala Wrestling Tradition.
- Koutammakou: Sacred Earth and Living Architecture.
- Journey to the Savannah: Wildlife and Ancestral Caves.
- Dapaong: Moba Heritage and Northern Traditions.
- Dapaong – Cinkassé – Kara: From Togo’s Northern Frontier to the Central Highlands.
- Kara – Wahala – Notsè: Journey through Memory and Heritage.
- Notsè to Lomé: Leisure, Arts & Farewell.
Why Book With Ashanti
Ethical, Sustainable Tours
Ashanti African Tours leads in responsible tourism, offering low-impact trips that protect nature and benefit local communities
Charitable Community Projects
Ashanti builds schools, sponsors youth teams, and funds conservation initiatives benefiting local communities in the regions they tour
Local Empowerment
Ashanti supports local businesses and uses locally-owned hotels and services, ensuring tourism benefits go directly to the communities you visit
Expert Local Guides
Ashanti employs 20+ multilingual expert guides from West Africa, offering authentic insights and personal connections at every destination
Proven Experience
Established in 2005, Ashanti African Tours brings two decades of expertise in delivering exceptional West African travel experiences
Award-Winning Reputation
Ashanti is a multi-award-winning operator (including Ghana’s Best Tour Operator 2024) with excellent traveler reviews
Tour Summary
Togo may be one of Africa’s smallest countries but what it lacks in size it most definitely makes up in culture, history and stunning landscapes all waiting to be discovered by the inquisitive traveller.
Such a contrast to its busier more populated neighbours in Ghana and Benin, Togo’s safe friendly and charming atmosphere and beautiful environment makes it a must visit destination. Togo is a French speaking country that gained independence from colonial rule on the 27th April 1960 and has a diverse population made up of over 33 ethnic groups with the majority being Ewe, Kabye, Tem and Gourma. Palm lined golden beaches, traditional fetish markets and the Grande Marche in southern Togo moving inland through the beautiful mountains and hill top villages of Kpalime to the north where we find the Batammariba people of Koutammakou an area of outstanding beauty and historical significance which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting the many museums, historical sites, and monuments, learning the history and traditions of this region and its part in the tragic slave trade era is an interesting and emotional experience. Indigenous beliefs remain strong with many locals actively still practicing Voodoo religion here in Togo. Due to the size of Togo it is easily incorporated into multi country tours with Benin and Ghana giving you a thorough coverage of West African culture, history and wildlife.
Our Price Promise
If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered.
More Information
Day to Day Itinerary
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- Upon arrival at Lomé International Airport, be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel.
- Depending on arrival time, there may be the opportunity to relax or take a short walk nearby to get your first impressions of the city.
Accommodation: Lomé
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- Begin the day at the Akodessawa Fetish Market, one of West Africa’s largest voodoo markets, where sacred items used in traditional healing and spirituality are on display.
- Next, visit the Independence Monument, symbolizing Togo’s freedom.
- Head to the Togo National Museum inside the Palais des Congrès for a compact yet insightful glimpse into Togolese history and traditions.
- Continue to the bustling Lomé Grand Market, famed for its vibrant textiles and the legendary “Nana Benz” traders.
- Later, visit the beautiful Sacred Heart Cathedral, a colonial-era landmark.
- End the day at the Artisanal Village, where local craftsmen showcase handmade goods.
Accommodation: Lomé
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- After breakfast, drive to the shores of Lake Togo and board a boat to Togoville, rich in Vodun spirituality and colonial history.
- Explore Cathedral Notre Dame du Lac, built after the 1973 apparition of the Virgin Mary.
- Walk through the town’s sacred alleyways to the Royal Palace of Chief Mlapa VI.
- Returning to Lomé, stop at Agbodrafo, an important 18th–19th century slave-trade post.
- Visit the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) for a sobering insight into the transatlantic slave trade.
Accommodation: Lomé
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- After breakfast, drive to the shores of Lake Togo and board a boat to Togoville, rich in Vodun spirituality and colonial history.
- Explore Cathedral Notre Dame du Lac, built after the 1973 apparition of the Virgin Mary.
- Walk through the town’s sacred alleyways to the Royal Palace of Chief Mlapa VI.
- Returning to Lomé, stop at Agbodrafo, an important 18th–19th century slave-trade post.
- Visit the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) for a sobering insight into the transatlantic slave trade.
Accommodation: Lomé
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- Drive east to Glidji, the spiritual home of the Guin‑Mina people.
- If visiting in August/September, witness the Epé‑Ekpé Festival, one of Togo’s most sacred events.
- Outside festival time, explore Glidji’s sacred forest, learn about the chiefdom, and hear stories of the Guin migration from Elmina (Ghana) to Togo.
Accommodation: Lomé
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- Depart Lomé for Tsévié.
- Visit the Davedi Community: explore pineapple plantations, witness the unique twins’ ritual, and enjoy a performance by the local women’s association.
- Observe traditional techniques at a palm-wine distillery and learn how locals produce palm red and palm nut oils.
- Continue to Notsé, the historic capital of the Ewe people.
- Visit the Ancient City Walls and, if open, the Ewe History Museum.
Accommodation: Notsé
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- Immerse yourself in the Agbogbo‑Za Festival (first Saturday of September):
- Traditional drumming and rhythmic dances
- Colorful ceremonies led by priests and chiefs
- Opportunities to engage with locals, sample foods, and learn symbolic meanings
Accommodation: Notsé
- Immerse yourself in the Agbogbo‑Za Festival (first Saturday of September):
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- Depart for Kpalimé, in the Plateaux region.
- Visit Womé Waterfall, a beautiful cascade surrounded by forest.
- Hike through the Missahoé Forest to experience rich biodiversity.
- Tour the German Cemetery at Misahohé, reflecting the region’s colonial past.
Accommodation: Kpalimé
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- Climb Mount Agou, Togo’s highest point, for panoramic views.
- Explore the Craft & Art Centre, showcasing local artisans’ works.
- Visit the Holy Spirit Cathedral, a striking colonial-era church.
- Wander through the Kpalimé Market, discovering local produce and crafts.
Accommodation: Kpalimé
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- Morning visit to Kouma Konda, known for its butterfly sanctuary and rural village life.
- Short trails at Mount Kloto with cross-border vistas.
- Tour Château Viale, a 1940s medieval‑style castle with gardens and historical rooms.
- Visit Témédja Zoological Park, a sanctuary for rescued regional wildlife.
- Drive to Atakpamé, nestled in the hills with strong Ewe cultural presence.
Accommodation: Atakpamé
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- Morning: tour Nangbéto Hydropower Dam on the Mono River.
- Visit the Atakpamé fruit market to taste tropical produce.
- Drive to Badou, passing cocoa villages.
- Guided walk through cocoa farms to Akrowa Falls, a serene hidden waterfall.
Accommodation: Badou
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- Scenic drive north to Sokodé, Centrale Region’s cultural capital.
- Afternoon performances of the Horse Dance or Knife Dance.
- Evening Traditional Fire Dance: dancers pass flames over their bodies and eat embers.
Accommodation: Sokodé
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- Attend the Adossa‑Gadao Festival of the Tem people, featuring:
- Adossa spiritual rituals and offerings at communal shrines
- Gadao ceremonial parade of costumed riders on adorned horses, with drumming and dancing
Accommodation: Sokodé
- Attend the Adossa‑Gadao Festival of the Tem people, featuring:
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- Depart Sokodé for the Kara Region.
- In Bassar: visit the Royal Palace and Nangbani Blast Furnaces, then a traditional village with clay houses.
- In Bafilo: observe weavers crafting vibrant mock cloths on vertical looms.
- Arrive in Kara, gateway to Kabiyè lands.
Accommodation: Kara
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- Morning at Kara Central Market for local crafts and produce.
- Safari at Sarakawa Wildlife Reserve to spot antelopes, zebras, monkeys, and ostriches.
- Afternoon visits to blacksmith villages of Pya and Tcharé, witnessing ancestral metalwork and ritual knife making.
Accommodation: Kara
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- If in season, attend the Evala Festival in Kabiyè villages:
- Competitive wrestling bouts as both social rite and spiritual ceremony
- Initiates undergo week‑long physical and spiritual preparation
Accommodation: Kara
- If in season, attend the Evala Festival in Kabiyè villages:
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- Journey into northern Kara to Koutammakou (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
- Guided walk through Batammariba villages to see symbolic mud tower‑houses (Takienta)
- Enter a Takienta home and learn clan organization and spiritual beliefs
- Optional meeting with a local elder or priestess for cosmological insights
Accommodation: Kara
- Journey into northern Kara to Koutammakou (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
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- Visit Djamdè Elephant Reserve for wildlife conservation insights.
- Drive to Nadoba to explore the Nok Caves and their legends.
Accommodation: Dapaong
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- Morning: meet Moba chiefs, explore traditional architecture, and see Kouba statuettes.
- Afternoon: tour the Savanna Regional Museum and Dapaong Central Market for Sahelian goods and crafts.
Accommodation: Dapaong
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- Drive north to Cinkassé, the northern frontier near Burkina Faso, to see Tamberma‑style houses.
- Return to Kara.
Accommodation: Kara
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- Scenic drive south, stopping at Wahala German Cemetery.
- Continue to Notsè, former Ewe capital.
Accommodation: Notsè
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Day 23: Departure from Lomé
- Transfer to Lomé International Airport for your onward flight.
Arrival:
Departure:
Dates
Prices
Our tour prices vary depending on accommodation type and group size. Please contact us to discuss your tour requirements preferences.
Our Price Promise
If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered.
Included
- Accommodation
This will be pre-determined prior to your booking and will depend on your budget. We offer the choice from High-end, to mid-range and budget options. - Food
All our standard tour prices include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition we have fruit and snacks when available on all our vehicles. - Mineral water
Unlimited mineral water is available to every participant for the duration of your time with us on all our tours. - Transportation
In a fully air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of your tour, vehicle type will depend on the group size and all our vehicles are comprehensively insured and in excellent condition. - Driver
All our drivers are highly experienced and employed on a full-time basis by our company, their focus is on your safety and comfort. On the occasions we may need to rent vehicles and drivers from outside our company, these are well known to us and are of the highest quality with your safety and comfort as their priority. - Fuel
Unlimited daily milage and all fuel is included in the tour price. - Entrance fees
All entrance and excursion fees detailed in your itinerary are included in the tour price. - Guide fees
All expert guide fees are included in the price for all our tours. - Additional services
Our company offer 24/7 professional, care, attention, and office support to all our tour participants.
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel?
Most countries in West Africa require visas for entry and this will ultimately depend on your country of origin and your chosen destination. Once you have decided on your preferred holiday destination, go to the destination page for that country on our website and you will find all the entry requirements and visa information for that specific country in the Travel Tips section at the bottom of the page. Ashanti African Tours offer tours to Ghana, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe and Ethiopia. If you do not see the visa information on the relevant pages, we are here to help, so please contact us
Do I need vaccinations/shots to travel?
All countries we travel to in West Africa require Yellow Fever vaccination and you must ensure you keep the certificate with your passport when entering the country as this may be requested for inspection. For up to date information on all other vaccinations you may need please consult your doctor, travel clinic or public health department six to eight weeks prior to departure for extensive up to date information on foreign travel to West Africa.
Do I need to bring medicine with me?
If you are on any medication for your personal wellbeing, then please ensure you keep this in your hand luggage prior to travel in case your main luggage is delayed. Malaria is prevalent in West Africa and you will need to take preventative malaria treatment and there are several prophylactics available so please consult your doctor or travel clinic to see which one is best for you. Imodium or similar medication is always advisable to have with you when travelling in case you experience traveller Tummy which is common when travelling to places with a different climate. Pharmacies are common in most locations here in West Africa and your guide is always available to assist you if you need to visit a pharmacy, please be open and discuss any issues you have with your guide.
Do I need travel insurance?
You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance cover for your trip. It is a compulsory requirement for all our trips in Senegal and other African destinations and it is your responsibility to take out a suitable policy. You will not officially join our tours until evidence of your insurance has been provided to our office. This must include personal accident, medical expenses, and repatriation to your country of origin. We also strongly recommend that your policy covers cancellation (especially significant since the Covid-19 pandemic), curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please note that free insurance cover offered by some credit cards does not cover repatriation expenses.
Who will meet me at the airport?
Prior to your arrival our office will provide you with a photo of your guide and driver in addition to their personal mobile/cell phone number in case you can not locate them at the airport. The guide and driver assigned to your tour will also be holding an Ashanti African Tours sign or a sign with your name on it at the arrival hall when leaving the main building after clearing customs and immigration. Please ensure you check your guide or drivers company identification card when meeting them prior to joining our vehicle. Airports can be busy and some people can be disorientated when arriving in an unusual country so in the rare instance you cannot locate your driver or guide please wait at the arrival hall and call their phone number which our office provided you. In the unlikely event you can still not reach them then call our office 24/7 emergency number and we will ensure they locate where you are in the airport.
How much spending money will I need?
The amount of spending money you will need is determined by the type of tour you have booked with us. Most of our standard scheduled and customized tours are all-inclusive, so you only need to budget for the following: snacks, soft (not mineral water as this is always included) and alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature. If you have booked a budget tour, then some aspects of the tour may not be included in the tour price and you will receive this information during your enquiry process.
Can I access ATM’s to withdraw money?
Access to Automated Teller Machines varies greatly depending on the country, city, or town you are in and it is common for machines to have technical problems disbursing money. It is advisable to withdraw your spending money in the capital city of your chosen destination on your arrival, alternatively your guide can arrange for money to be changed at local Forex Bureaus and banks during your trip.
Will my driver or tour guide stay with me at all times?
Our drivers and guides are always available 24/7 during your time touring with us. For our student trips they will always remain with the group, staying at the same accommodations and are always on hand in case of an emergency. On our standard tours the guide and driver are with you for as long as you need them, sometimes they stay at the same accommodations, when this is not possible they stay at a nearby accommodation but are always available if needed. You will be provided with your guide and drivers personal contact number and our clients are always given a 24/7 emergency contact number.
How much should I tip?
All our company drivers, assistants and expert local guides are employed on full time contracts with Ashanti African Tours and receive a good salary and in addition a daily bonus when on tour. Ashanti African Tours also have a company policy to tip all local site guides and hotel staff. Therefore, if any of our clients would like to tip any of our guides, site guides, drivers, or staff at hotels we use, it is at the client’s own discretion.
Can I bring donations?
It is common for our tour participants to want to bring donations for schools, hospitals, library’s, and other organisations that are in need here in West Africa. This is very much appreciated; however, we do not encourage giving out pens, books and other items directly as these are often taken off their intended recipient by bigger or older people and also breeds a begging culture in locations we visit. To ensure the donations go to their intended recipients our office will identify schools, communities and organisations in need and we will arrange for you to hand them over to a representative or person in charge. This ensures the item and donation goes to those in most need of help. Ashanti African Tours have also registered our own NGO charity “Rainforest Rescue Ghana” which builds schools, helps local communities, youth and protects rainforest and endangered wildlife in Ghana. To date (2020) we have donated over $135,000.00 USD from our company profits to our projects, if you would like more information on our projects please contact us
Will my mobile/cell phone work?
If you would like to use your phone and number registered to your home country when in West Africa it is important you inform your service provider and arrange international roaming, you will then be able to connect to local networks, however please be aware this can be expensive way to use data and make calls. It is possible for our office and your guide to arrange a local sim for your phone for you to use during your time here, for this to work please ensure your phone is not locked to a network in your own country. The local sim would need to be registered but would be a cheaper way for you to call and use the internet.
What should I pack and bring on my trip?
Due to the wide variety of tours we offer, this information will be forwarded upon confirmation of your booking in your pre-trip information pack.
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Ethically arranged, locally guided, authentic tours that benefit locals and the environment
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