VOODOO ! ! ! ......
Voodoo is the traditional religion of southern Togo and Benin. Visitors are able to witness everyday village ceremonies where the “subject” transcends into a deep trance whilst coaxed by a frenzy of rhythmic dancing and the beating of drums, whilst the “witchdoctor” calls for and introduces the Spirits and the Deities. An amazing experience that we can only imagine!
Apart from their geographical proximity, Togo and Benin are closely linked in many ways, and a holiday in the area usually includes both countries. Hence they are linked together in this website introduction.
Togo is a small nation (population almost 7 million) on a sliver of land wedged between Ghana, Benin and Burkina Faso. It is blessed with an amazing culture, some magnificent, oft-deserted beaches and friendly people.
It gained independence from France in 1960, and has enjoyed a period of relative stability since, with one President holding office for more than 38 years, the longest serving leader in the history of modern Africa.
The largest religious group by far is that with “indigenous” beliefs. There are Christian and Muslim minorities
The economy is based on agriculture, and Togo is self-sufficient for its fundamental food requirements. Coffee, cocoa and cotton are exported, and the country is viewed by the World Bank and the IMF as an economic success story in Africa.
Upcountry in the areas of Somba and Tamberma, there are rolling hills and plateaus. The Somba is a collective name for many ethnic groups who are commonly linked by their unique “tata” houses, which are built entirely of mud and whose ingenious structures are said to have inspired the famous architect, Le Courbusier. The houses of the Tamberma are similarly made of mud-brick and are especially fortress- like, particularly around Kabeye, an area that has withstood the temptations of modernisation.
The area around Kaplime, which is in the south west and near to the border with Ghana, is forested and fine walking country, famed for its butterflies and birds.
Lome, the capital of Togo, is famous for its market, where women known as “Nana Benz” control the vast business of African printed textiles. Additionally, Lome is one of the “Art Capitals” of Africa, there being several art galleries. Works by the painter, Sokey Edorh, are inspired by the arid landscape; the plastics technician, Paul Ahyi, is recognised worldwide as an expert in his field. The quality and quantity of tribal artefacts make it one of the principal World trading posts for ancient terracotta, bronze and carvings. You can come to Lome and happily buy for pleasure....and investment!
As the Birthplace of Voodoo and the seat of one of Africa’s most powerful kingdoms, Benin was able to exercise an influence, and an awe inspiring power far beyond its borders.
The town of Ouidah is the Voodoo capital of Benin and it has numerous voodoo celebrations throughout the year. Before colonisation Ouidah was a slave market and slaves were shipped from here to Brazil, America and Haiti, taking their voodoo beliefs with them; hence the reason why voodoo is so strong in Haiti to this day.
Recently Benin has shrugged off a repressive Marxist regime to embrace capitalism and democracy with a noticeable fervour. The region of Abomey is where visitors will find remnants of the vast palaces of the Kingdom of Dahomey. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The coastal village of Ganvie should be included in any itinerary. It is built on stilts over a big lagoon, and, more than anywhere else on the Continent, deserves to be called “Africa’s Venice !”
There is good wildlife in Benin also, especially in Pendjary Wildlife Park, where there are many lions and hippos in particular. It is best visited from October to May.
The people are extremely friendly and visitors to all areas and ceremonial activities, including voodoo, are made to feel very welcome.
Togo
What To See & Do
- Gaze upon the incredible tata houses, built without tools, in the Tamberma Valley.
- Hike through the wonderful hill country around Kaplime with its forests of butterflies and birds.
- Visit at least the markets of Le Grand Marche and Le Marche des Fetishes
- Discover the crumbling colonial charm of Aneho, the former capital set in a picturesque lagoon
- Enjoy the fine watersports available on Lake Togo
- Chill out on some of the finest beaches you will ever see.
When To Go
The climate is generally tropical and does not really pose an obstacle for tourism to this region, as it is always warm and mostly dry.
The year is divided into three seasons:-
A dry but fresher season from October to February where the minimum temperature could be down to 20 degrees Celsius.
Another dry season but much warmer from March to May where the temperatures could rise to 45 degrees Celsius
A wet season from June to September, but less rain in August in the coastal areas. For a tropical area, rainfall is relatively low.
Generally the northern savannah is warmer and drier than the coastal areas.
The year is divided into three seasons:-
A dry but fresher season from October to February where the minimum temperature could be down to 20 degrees Celsius.
Another dry season but much warmer from March to May where the temperatures could rise to 45 degrees Celsius
A wet season from June to September, but less rain in August in the coastal areas. For a tropical area, rainfall is relatively low.
Generally the northern savannah is warmer and drier than the coastal areas.