Togo and Benin: Local Markets, Koutammakou and Voodoo Traditions

Arrive at any time. Your transfer to the hotel is included as part of your tour. Upon arrival take some time to get settled and opt to have dinner at the onsite restaurant. The adventure begins tomorrow.

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this morning with your CEO before heading to the biggest market in Lomé and one of the most vibrant markets in all of West Africa. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and learn more about the history behind various churches and monuments in the city from your CEO. Then, travel onwards to the community of Atitovou. Here, witness how generations have been weaving traditional Kente cloth for centuries. Walk through the community, observe the (mostly men) weaving the beautiful cloth and sit down with a local family to learn more about the importance of this piece of their heritage. Transfer to the hotel in Kpalime for lunch and then visit Mount Kloto for an afternoon hike amid the stunning natural scenery and abundance of colourful butterflies that reside here. The remainder of the evening will be spent at your leisure.

In the morning the group will begin the journey to Sokode with stops along the route to a few local markets where you'll experience the sounds and smells of these colorful spaces. Stretch your legs, witness vital trading points for rural farmers selling their items, and feel part of the fabric of local life. Arrive in Sokode around lunch where you’ll witness the spectacular horse dance here. This spectacular event dating back centuries is hardly experienced by any outsiders and involves a festive community atmosphere you will never forget. Later, attend the ancient fire dance which is traditionally performed at festivals and special occasions in this remote northern part of Togo. Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure back at the hotel and reflect on the beautiful cultural experiences of your day.

Your first immersive experience today will be a visit to the traditional Fugu weavers of Bafilo. This traditional cloth in northern Togo has been woven and worn for generations in this northern community. Witness the skilled process of making the intricate designs and style your own before continuing on to Tsare. In this remote community the group will observe the ancient method of iron smelting under the guidance of a local family. You’ll hear about the family’s daily routine and learn more about the harsh conditions they often work under. After an included lunch the group will transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Koutammakou, a seldom visited wonder in northeastern Togo. Here the traditional mud homes of the Batammariba community reflect their spiritual beliefs of Voodoo. Transfer across the border to Natitingou and spend a night of leisure at the hotel there.

After breakfast the group will have the rare privilege to visit a local Fulani village and gain insight into the lives of these normally nomadic people. Their communities are seldom observed by outsiders and the local culture differs greatly from other communities in this part of Benin. Learn about their family structures and experience cheese-making alongside members of this remote place. Then, transfer to Tata Somba and learn more about their traditional body scaring rituals that are used to denote which tribe you belong to, before walking to a local lunch spot. Later walk to a local family’s home where they are producing organic shea butter and be taken through the entire process. After quality time here the group heads back towards Natitingou for a visit to the Regional Museum Natitingou Market. Enjoy free time in the evening to rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.

Turn towards the mountains today and visit the local communities in Teneka Beri and the nearby Taneka Coco. Visit the family homesteads, meet the spiritual leaders, and gain valuable insight into daily life here. Soak in the gorgeous surrounding landscape with its mountain views and continue on to visit the sacred Dankoli Shrine. This shrine is believed to be the most powerful of all shrines in Benin, and it’s a place many go to speak directly with the Gods. Learn about the shrine’s history while here and its importance as a space to pray and as for help. Finish the day in Savalou and spend time at your leisure this evening in the hotel.

Travel to Cove where the group will be welcomed by the local community for a special ceremony known as the Gelede Masked Dance in celebration of all mothers and elderly women, iyami, and especially the Great Mother (lya Nia) of the Yoruba religion. The group will gain authentic insight into the culture and traditions of the people in this region and witness first-hand the respect they have for women in their communities. From here, move on to the Underground Dwellings outside of Abomey. The dwellings are believed to date back to the 16th century and are only now still being discovered and studied. Explore some of the dwellings during your visit and see where locals lived and felt protected from slave raiders and tribal conflict. Travel onwards to Abomey where you will visit a private palace in the area modeled after the Royal Palace, and then stop at the spectacular Temple of the Chameleo with a deep history in the West African religion of Vodun. Spend the evening at your leisure upon arrival to Ouidah.