Nestled along the Gulf of Guinea, Togo might be one of the smaller countries in West Africa, but it packs a punch when it comes to vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. As a travel enthusiast keen on exploring some of the less trodden parts of the globe, I decided to spend a weekend in Togo. Here’s a detailed account of my experiences and some useful tips if you’re planning a similar getaway.
#### Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lomé
I arrived in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, early on Friday morning. The city is situated on the southwestern coast and serves as the country’s administrative and industrial center. My first stop was at my accommodation where I quickly freshened up before diving into my explorations.
**Grand Marché**
My first destination was the Grand Marché, a bustling marketplace located in Lomé’s central district. This market is not just about shopping; it’s an immersion into Togolese life. Here I found rows upon rows of colorful textiles, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and more. This visit offered much more than souvenirs — it was a multi-sensory introduction to Togolese culture.
**The National Museum**
Just a short walk from Grand Marché is Togo’s National Museum. Although modest in size, this museum houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts that narrate stories from different ethnic groups within Togo. From ancient pottery to royal drums used during ceremonies, each exhibit shared insights into the country’s diverse heritage.
**Lunch at Chez Alice**
For lunch, I stopped by Chez Alice, recommended by locals for authentic Togolese cuisine. I opted for ‘Akume’ with ‘Palm Nut Soup,’ a traditional dish that tantalized my taste buds with its rich flavors—a must-try for any food lover visiting Lome.
#### Day 2: Nature Calls at Kpalimé
After spending my first day soaking up urban culture in Lomé, Saturday was all about enjoying nature. An early morning drive led me to Kpalimé, a town known for its scenic beauty and artisan community located about 120 kilometers northwest of Lomé.
**Mount Kloto Trekking**
My main activity here was trekking up Mount Kloto. Guided by an expert local guide who explained both flora and fauna along our path made this experience educational as well as exhilarating. The trek wasn’t particularly difficult but certainly rewarding with panoramic views from atop overlooking Ghana’s rolling hills afar.
**Cascades de Kpime**
Post-trek refreshment came in form through nature’s spectacle at Cascades de Kpime — one of several waterfalls around Kpalimé town. The calming sounds amid lush green surroundings provided an ideal setting to relax after our morning hike.
**Artisanal Tour**
Kpalimé is also famous for its talented artisans working with woodcarving and batik cloth design. Visiting several workshops allowed me insight into their intricate craftsmanship techniques which have been handed down generations – truly an inspiring side trip away from mainstream tourist routes!
#### Evening Return & Reflection
By evening we made our way back to Lome reflecting on day packed with both enriching cultural learnings as well intimate encounters with nature’s untouched beauty – something unique that only destinations like Togo offer due their scale and diversity condensed so beautifully within small geographical confines.
This weekend getaway to Togo opened my eyes to how rewarding travel can be when you step off beaten path explore countries like this vibrant West African gem! Stay tuned for Part II where I will dive deeper exploring more hidden treasures throughout country ensuring every travel enthusiast adds this destination onto their bucket list!