Motorcycle travel West Africa: Togo & Benin - Villages & Voodoo

Arrival at the airport in the evening. There you will be welcomed by our friends with a welcome drink, followed by a short briefing. Dinner is flexible depending on arrival time. Overnight stay at Hotel Napoléon Lagune or a comparable accommodation.

After handing over the motorcycles, we leave Lomé. Caution is advised, as we navigate through the chaotic city traffic with countless motorcycle taxis. Our drive takes us along winding roads through small villages, typical of southern Togo, as we head northeast toward Benin. The Mono River forms the border between the two countries. We reach Grand Popo, a former Portuguese trading post that was later colonized by the French. Not far from Grand Popo, we may make a detour to Lake Ahémé, an important place for Voodoo. Overnight in a tent.

We have the opportunity to travel across the lake. During this, a guide tells us stories about local deities and legends, as well as about different fishing techniques used depending on the species of fish. These insights help to better understand the everyday life of the local people.

Afterwards, we make our way to Ouidah, where the Portuguese fort is located, which today partly serves as a museum on the history of the slave trade in Benin. Ouidah is also an important site of the Vodoun cult, with the famous Python temple and traditional rituals that made their way to America through the slave trade.

Overnight stay in a cozy accommodation right by the sea.

We drive along the sandy beach between the ocean and coconut palms to Cotonou. There we transfer to a canoe and reach Ganvié, the famous "Venice of Africa." The village is located on Lake Nokoué, where the Toffinu live in stilt houses and mainly make a living from fishing. Here we also see traditional forms of fish farming.

Next, we head towards Abomey, an area full of exciting discoveries. In the evening, there may be the possibility to participate in a traditional Voodoo ceremony featuring impressive dances (not included). Overnight stay in a cozy inn.

We visit the Historical Museum of Abomey, a former royal palace that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. After this cultural insight, we continue towards Togo and the Nangbéto Dam before reaching the city of Atakpamé. It is located on a hill and is part of the so-called "Coffee-Cocoa Triangle," formed by Kpalimé, Badou, and Atakpamé.

Depending on conditions, we may take an alternative route via forest tracks in the Ouali Mountains. Overnight stay in a hotel in Atakpamé.

We start the day with a short visit to the lively market of Atakpamé and also say hello to the local blacksmiths. Afterwards, we drive along the picturesque "Piste des Allemands," which leads over the plateau and passes several villages. Perhaps we will also have the opportunity to visit a local school.

After a stop in Kougnohou, we continue south to Dzogbégan. The climate is pleasant and the soils are very fertile - ideal for growing coffee and cocoa. We visit a monastery before we spend the night in a lovely bush accommodation.

We continue our adventure on the Dayes Plateau, which delights with breathtaking views. The path is partly winding, so caution is advised. Lunch is in Kpalimé, where we can enjoy delicious fufu made from yams.

In the afternoon, you have various options depending on your mood: a stroll through the market to have traditional clothes tailored, or simply relaxation at the hotel. Those who wish can ride with a guide on a motorcycle to Kouma and explore the forest. There, we discover an impressive flora with Iroko, mahogany, avocado, cocoa, and pepper trees, as well as countless butterflies.

In the evening, we experience the spectacular emergence of millions of bats from the forest. Dinner and overnight stay in Kpalimé, a small town at the foot of the mountains.

We make our way back to Lomé. Gradually, the forest gives way to palm and coconut groves, the paths become sandier, revealing the proximity to the sea. We cross Lake Togo by canoe - a beautiful conclusion to this special journey.

Subsequently, we reach the Togolese capital, return the motorcycles, and check into the Hotel Napoléon Lagune. Dinner is free (not included). Overnight stay and breakfast are included.

Today you have a day off to shop at the market or relax on the beach. Lunch and dinner are not included. We organize your transfer to the airport. End of services.