Togo - Benin Full Itinerary & Trip Details 

12-day round-trip through known and unknown Togo and Benin, small group tour

Cost/Person: USD 2980

Minimum number: 5

The individual tour can also be arranged

DURATION: 12 days

IDEAL AGE: 6 to 80-year-olds

STYLE: In-depth Cultural and History

OPERATOR:  Destination Afrique

TOUR CODE: #D12020

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Visiting vibrant markets and getting to know the daily life of different ethnic groups are part of this round-trip through Togo and Benin. We set out on a journey, inviting you to meet the past and present of two extraordinary West African countries with an open mind and to gather insights about other cultures, traditions, and religions.

We start our trip in the South of Togo and Benin; the coastal area, where the voodoo religion has its roots and is visible all around. Continue to the green and fertile Southwest of Togo and the pretty Plateau de Danyi. In the North, we visit the castle houses of the Tamberma and Somba, along the border of Togo and Benin. We go off the beaten paths to visit the Fulani and the Taneka, where it may feel like we’ve stepped back in time. We visit the King and the Spiritual Leader, who play an important role in the Taneka community and learn about the simplicity and complexity of daily life in the villages with thatched-roofed mud huts. We travel via the sacred hills of Dassa and the history of the Dahomey Kingdom the journey goes back to the South for an overnight boat trip on Lake Noukoué, to get to know the Tofinu people and to learn about their life on the water and in the stilt villages.

DAY 1: Upon Arrival at Cotonou international airport, You will be welcomed by the warmth of the African continent from the representatives of Destination Afrique   

DAY 2:

Today’s destination is Ouidah, a town with the doubtful honor of having been involved in the slave trade in times past. Nowadays it is known for the annual voodoo festival, taking place on January 10th, which is national voodoo day in Benin.

DAY 2: Vodoo and slavery in Ouidah

We explore the history and culture in Ouidah, with visits to the museum, to the pythons’ temple, and the sacred forest. We walk the slave road, the final footprints people had to walk before boarding vessels to faraway destinations. Along the way we see the landmarks, that played an important role in the last moments, the people spent on African soil, such as the Tree of Forgetfulness and the well, where the people had to wash off their African impurities. The slave route ends at the Door of No Return at the ocean; a place where faith took a turn and changed many lives forever.

We continue to Grand Popo in the late afternoon. For the Zangbeto dance

Overnight stay  in Grand popo

DAY 3: Grand Popo to Togo

Grand Popo, situated at the beach, is a peaceful haven. In the morning we go onboard for a trip via the Bouche du Roi to the lagoon and mangrove forest.

We visit a small private owned sea turtle conservation project, before getting on the road to Aného in Togo.

life along the Mono river (optional)

Today we are offered insights into daily life along the River Mono, which in this part of the country is the border between Togo and Benin. The South of Togo has a rich voodoo culture, picturesque villages with colorful markets, and a range of crafts to explore. We visit a place where palm oil is produced, go to a local sodabi brewery, where we can taste the strong liquor, and visit a potter. We come along voodoo idols and sacred places.

via the Akodesewa fetish market to Kpalimé

The morning road-trip takes us to Lomé, the capital of Togo, where we visit the largest fetish market in the region. Our local guide explains the uses of the objects and the ingredients for ceremonies.

We continue to the Northwest of the country; a hilly and fertile area with cocoa and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and an abundance of fruit.

The late afternoon is used to explore Kpalimé and its handicraft markets.

The night is spent in Kpalime

DAY 4: Kpalime to Sokode

the Danyi Plateau

A hike is made in the morning, to learn about natural dyes and to visit the coffee roasting women’s collective. Visit the bat sanctuary, where thousands of bats live. It’s believed that those bats have protected the villagers from wars.

Drive to Sokode and settle for the night’s fire dance a unique to this region.

DAY 5: Drive to Kara

In the morning, visit the local museum in Sokode and its vicinity then continue the road-trip to the west. Along the road, we stop for lunch. A sauce with wagashi may be on the menu. Wagasi is a cheese made by the Fulani women; only available in the North of Togo and Benin. (optional)

During the day the scenery changes to Savannah, with more rocks and stunning panoramic views. Visits are made to Bafilo’s weavers and the deathrock at Aledjo. Photo stops can be made.

The night is spent in Togo’s second capital Kara.

DAY 6: KARA

In the morning, travel to Sarakawa to visit the private forest reserve of the former president of Togo now open to the public. Continue and visit the blacksmith workshop producing all forms of work tools and appreciate local and ancient technology in use in Pya. also alternatively if time allows, hike on nearby Mt Kabyé. On the way, we visit a potter and a blacksmith, both of them working traditionally. The smith works the hot iron with heavy stones, which can weigh up to 20 kilos. Return to Kara and spend the night

Day 7: KARA - NATITINGU

Tamberma country

In the afternoon we continue to Tamberma Country, situated on the border with Benin. The Tamberma or Batammariba are well-known for their architecture. The castle-like houses are called tatas.

ALTERNATIVE (We visit a tata and spent the night in style, staying on the rooftop terrace of a local family.)

Somba architecture

If a new tata is being built, it’s well worth getting up early and visiting the building site. The theme “many hands make light work” is being practiced; the mason is assisted by a crowd of volunteers, who mix the mud and provide him with it.

We explore the area; our guide shares about the history and the rich traditions of the Tamberma, which are still in use today. The tatas got their shape in times past, based on the need to protect families against wild animals and hostile tribes. Even though these threats are no more around, the tatas still have the same shape and function. Only when a young man has taken care of the primary needs of a family - by building his own tata - a marriage can take place.

We cross the border to Benin, where the rest of the day is dedicated to meeting the Somba people, who - like the Tamberma - live in tatas. A Somba guide takes us on a walk exploring the area. He explains about the culture - including facial decorations - and takes us to a traditional tata for a visit.

DAY 8: NATITINGOU

Fulani village hike

We spend the day in Natitingou and surroundings. We set out on a hike - of approximately 5 hours in total - through the surroundings to visit the Fulani, the herders’ tribe. This population group lives a (partly) nomadic life and has a rich culture with many traditions, which are still being practiced.

The hike ends at the Kota falls, a perfect place for a well-deserved refreshing bath/swim.

We finish today’s visits with a tasting of millet beer and banana doughnut balls in Natitingou.

DAY 9: NATITINGOU – DASSA ZOUME

Taneka country