Situated on the west coast of Africa, Togo has land boundaries with Burkina Faso to the north, Benin to the east, Ghana to the west, and the south is bordered with the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). Togo is traversed in the centre by a chain of hills, the Atkora Mountains, extending roughly southwest into Ghana, northeastward into Benin and averages about 2,300 ft in height. The highest elevation is Mt. Agou (3,235 ft).
To the north and west of these hills the Oti River drains in a southwesterly direction into the Volta River, which constitutes a part of the boundary with Ghana. To the north of the Oti River valley lies gently undulating savannah country. From the southern spur of the central hills a plateau stretches gradually southward to a coastal plain. The 31 mile (54 km) long coastline consists of flat sandy beach thickly planted with coconut trees and partially separately from the mainland by a series of lagoons and lakes which are former estuaries of several rivers.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at the Cotonou International airport. Assist with custom formalities. Overnight at hotel. Dinner
Day 2: After breakfast depart for Porto-Novo the administrative capital of Benin and the town with three names. Predominantly a town of traders because of its proximity to Nigeria, we will visit the Ethnographic museum (famous of its Gelede Masks), which has been classified of recent as world heritage and the Homme Palace, (which retraces the history of Porto-Novo). We will then leave Porto-novo after lunch on boat to visit the Aguegue lake village with its beautiful scenery. Breathtaking! Enjoy the local dance groups that will entertain us from this area! Return to Cotonou. Overnight at hotel B, D
Day 3: Depart for Ganvie the African village on stilts. Ganvie is one of the numerous lake villages and the largest that can be found on Lake Nokoue. Ganvie is a must see, with its 30.000 inhabitants living on water. You will be welcomed to Ganvie by dances and singing and then visit the village. Ganvie was founded in the 17th century by a community of people who where fleeing slave traders. They thought it best to leave on water and they have been doing this for centuries. Ganvie means “a community of peace loving people.” After Ganvie return to Cotonou for a city tour. Overnight at hotel. B, D
Day 4: After breakfast depart for Ouidah – the most important slave trade post and the stronghold of the Vodoun religion. At Ouidah you will visit the Sacred Forest, the History Museum of Ouidah, and the Python Temple. After lunch we will take the Slave Road up to the door of no return. Return to Cotonou. Overnight at hotel. B, D
Day 5: After breakfast depart for Abomey, the capital city of the Kingdom of Dahomey. It was the most powerful kingdom in the south of what is now known as the Republic of Benin. Also known as the city of 12 kings we will visit the History Museum of Abomey classified as world heritage by UNESCO. On our way to Abomey, we will stop at Allada, the birthplace of Toussaint Louverture's parents. Toussaint Louverture was the father of Haiti's independence from France and the first black republic in the world. A monument of him is erected at Allada. We will pay a courtesy call on King AGOLI-AGBO, king of Dahomey and be entertained by the royal family. Lunch – Continue to Grand-Popo: a beautiful beach resort. Overnight at Auberge de Grand-Popo. B, D
Day 6: Arrival at the boarder with Togo. Meet assistance and continue to Glidji, the spiritual capital town of the Guin people. Drive from Glidji. Lunch. Continue to Sewatsrikope. Cruise the Togo Lake for Togoville. Visit the German cathedral, the chief's house and traditional museum. Cruise back to Sewatrsikope and drive back to Lome via Pedakondji fishermen's village. Arrive in Lome, check-in at Hotel.
Day 7: Depart from the hotel after breakfast. Lome city tour: the fishing harbor, the independence square, the national museum the craftsmen village, Art Street and Lome central market. Lunch in a restaurant in town. Back to hotel. Afternoon: relax by the pool. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Depart from Lome after breakfast and drive to Kpalime. Stop at the foot of Mt Agou, visit coffee and cocoa plantations and continue to Kpalime. Arrive in Kpalime, visit the Kloto craft market and drive to the “campement” an ancient German sanatorium. Back to Kpalime. Lunch. Drive back to Lome. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Return to Cotonou and overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Last minute shopping at the Art center and the Dantopka market (one of the biggest markets in West Africa).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Togo
Benin
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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