Togo

Togo is a West African country on the Gulf of Guinea, sandwiched between Ghana and Benin. Known for its rugged landscape, Togo is a melting-pot of different cultures dating back thousands of years, with palm-lined beaches dotted along its small but vibrant coastline. In recent years, Togo has become a top destination for adventurous travellers. The country takes slices from the greater African topography, with Atlantic lakes and forests along its shore-front, giving way to the golden wilds of the savannah further inland. An intrepid hiker’s dream.

Explore the small but culturally rich city of Lomé, the country’s faded grand capital which clearly represents the French, Catholic and Voodoo traditions of Togo. Visit the enormous Grand Bazaar for scrumptious street-food, or the fascinating Voodoo Fetish Museum for a glance into Togo’s mysterious past. Further afield lies the hilltop village of Koutammakou, a heavily fortified settlement of the Batammariba people which dates back to the 17th century. It’s a clear example of the tension and conflict that lasted for hundreds of years, not only in Togo but across greater Africa. Now the streets of Lomé celebrate the diversity with a range of multicultural festivals throughout the year.