Things to see and do Kara Region

Not far from Pya Pittah or a little further down the road, in Tcharé, are traditional forges. Train rails and truck rims are collected and then melted down. The metal is worked and shaped with a granite stone. The smiths make castanets, hoes or arrows for hunting. Their work can be appreciated on site. However, they are not always convenient when it comes to "leaving something".

The word takienta literally means "she who guards". Nicknamed "Tata Tamberma", the most beautiful takienta are located in the village of Bassamba, about 15 km from the beginning of the trail. The village is made up of a series of towers arranged in a circle and linked together by a thick wall. These walls are built with a mixture of clay and straw. There is only one opening in the building, which looks like a small fortification. The main façade always faces west, the direction taken by the deceased. It is flanked by two towers, of which the north tower is for the woman. The habitat was originally a warrior habitat, designed to ensure protection against tribal invasions and later, in the 19th century, to defend against German colonizers. This is evidenced by the ruts provided to shoot arrows. In front of the house are the fetishes that ensure the protection of the spirits and to which chickens, guinea fowl and game are sacrificed. The horns and skulls of the sacrificed animals are then placed above the entrance to the house. The house has two floors: the first floor where the animals are housed and the terrace where the kitchen (which is sometimes also located on the middle floor), the bedrooms, and the granaries are located. These are the turrets of the fortification that serve as granaries. One stores there the millet or the corn. The granary is accessed by means of a traditional ladder carved in a Y-shaped wood.

The group hosts about 40 weavers who work on beautiful handmade looms. If you are lucky, you will be able to admire the work of some of them on site. In the store, you will find beautiful handicrafts: loincloths, dresses, men's clothes, traditional outfits, bags, scarves... Not far from the weavers, you will be able to appreciate the work of traditional blacksmiths.

Musical instrument that works with the resonance of several cut stones, played in northern Togo. Evalo stones (Farandé), initiation stones that are collected in the Kabye mountains. The particularity of this music is that it is played in the pentatonic mode, which offers a melodious, rhythmic and varied sound. To pass from theeware classto the evala class, the young kabyé must lift it like a dumbbell. Its weight is about 20 to 25 kg. The lithophone is located in the dispensary of Farandé.

About 22 km from Kouméa, in the extension of the old colonial road, is the Kozah dam which has been supplying water to the entire region since 1978. The dam offers a splendid view of the villages of Kouméa, Pya and Tcharé. You can also see some caimans, around 9am and 4pm. Work is currently underway to increase the water capacity and meet all the demands of the region. By 2025, the government's goal is to supply at least 95% of the Togolese population.

Mostly a women's activity, traditional pottery is made entirely by hand. Women use their hands to sculpt the clay into the desired shape. Once the clay has been sculpted, the pottery is dried in the sun, then fired on the ground. The products are mainly utilitarian items, which are then sold at nearby markets. The women have formed a group and use the tontine system (microcredit). They display and sell their products in their small store.

This monument was erected in memory of the indigenous people who fought the French colonizers with simple bows and arrows and died for the independence of Togo on June 21, 1957. Since 2021, this day has been declared a holiday, with pay, throughout the country. It is now known as Martyrs' Day. Commemorations are held in the country. The grid surrounding the monument is decorated with traditional swords with which these indigenous people were armed.

There are several markets held almost every day in and around the city of Pya. Pya-Hodo, Tcharé (very nice, and lively from 2pm) on Mondays; Pya, Kouméa, Tchitchao on Fridays. You can find a little bit of everything, from vegetables to dog meat, from cereals to loincloths. In some cases, you will have to negotiate prices. The market in Tcharé is famous for its items made by the blacksmiths of Wiyamdé and the potters of Tcharé. The late morning is perfect for strolling through these markets and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Once reserved for the personal hunting of President Gnassingbé Eyadema, the 530-hectare reserve has been reopened to the public since 2009. In the Sarakawa reserve, visitors can enjoy a game drive with a guide, to see 12 types of animal, 4 of which are imported from South Africa. Zebra, cob, hartebeest, wildebeest, eland and many other species can easily be spotted... The other associated park, Djamdè, with its 17 hectares, also boasts a wealth of wildlife.

The village is one of the oldest and most important iron and steel centers in West Africa, with iron ores having been exploited very early on by the local population. For more than two millennia, this tradition has been exported to Burkina Faso, Benin and Ghana. The region is known for its smelting techniques and its blacksmiths. In the locality, one discovers several blast furnaces, which should soon be upgraded.

About 8 km east of Natchamba, it is possible to visit a traditional Konkonba chiefdom. Once a warrior people, this ethnic group is now known for being a great producer of yams. You can ask to meet the chief for an interview. You will learn more about the organization of this chiefdom. Behind the reception hall are some beautifully painted huts. Don't forget to bring a present to the chief.

Here is the biggest waterfall in West Africa: 175 meters high! Little known by the locals, it nevertheless dethrones the Yikpa waterfall, north of Kpalimé, and the Wli waterfall, in Ghana. On the other hand, the water only flows from June to January. Its access by Bassar is much easier than the access to the waterfalls of Kpalimé, but the distance is longer. However, count about 2 hours of rather bad tracks, starting from Bassar. When you arrive in the village, you must ask to meet the village chief to introduce yourself. It is best to be accompanied by a guide.

They are the most numerous in the region, there would be more than a hundred of them. The extraction of the ore is generally done in the open air. The oven measures about 120 cm in diameter and is 2 to 3 meters high. The construction of the furnace involves magical rites that allow the delimitation of its circumference. A deep pit is then dug in which gris-gris are placed. The oven itself is composed of successive layers of clay and roots.

Sebou Whahabou is a young and friendly Togolese who wants to make discover his native land to local and foreign visitors. Through his Facebook page and his photos, he promotes Bafilo and its surroundings. In his company, you can easily get the famous key to the Bafilo waterfall, go for a hike on the Aledjo mountains and even attend a bread production in his family house. He also offers bed and breakfast. He is a resourceful young man whom you can trust.

Starting from the observation that traditional Kabye life is being lost, this local initiative has set itself the mission of restoring the traditional Kabye habitat and ancestral way of life. On site, there are several guides to make the visit. Count on about 1 hour of walking through the mud huts, covered with straw roofs. The guide will explain to you how daily life is organized in Kabyé country, the customs and traditions. It is possible to make a short hike, offering a superb panorama on the hill.

The International Center for Agropastoral Development is a training center in agriculture and fish farming in Togo and neighboring countries. It was created in 1984 by a Togolese couple, who returned to their country after studying in France, with the objective of training and accompanying young people in efficient agropastoral techniques. More than a hundred young people learn agricultural and transformation techniques. It is possible to visit part of this 18-hectare ecological farm and appreciate the work of these young farmers.

Managed by an association dedicated to promoting African culture, the museum exhibits a fine collection of African masks and sculptures, forming a whole range of objects from this local heritage. The association also aims to promote sustainable tourism. It provides experienced guides, books accommodation and offers vehicle rentals with or without drivers. It also organizes conferences, symposia and round-table discussions, and sets up listening and counseling centers for young people.