AKISSA FOREST

Adjacent to the Mono River, the natural border between Togo and Benin, the Akissa forest covers an area of nearly 1,300 hectares. It is known for its sacred character, which dates back to the 13th century when the Xwla, emigrants from Tado, fleeing fratricidal conflicts, took refuge in the Ada forest. This people identified a sanctuary area, called Akissa. Today, the forest is still a sanctuary and retains all its mysticism. It is governed by Voodoo priests who have inherited a traditional system of conservation, consisting of rules and prohibitions that must be respected. Thus, every five days, the forest is forbidden to the public. This day is called Gratumbé. In addition to its sacred role, the forest contains a rich biodiversity, some species of which are not yet listed. It is known for its many plant species used in traditional medicine and is home to, among others, bushpigs, harnessed guibs and sitatungas. Akissa Forest is an integral part of the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2017 for its biodiversity and ecosystem services. This area concentrates a set of unique habitats for the region where rivers, lakes, swamps, savannahs, gallery forests, mangroves and beaches mix. It is quite complicated to visit this forest because of its sacred character. You can go through the chief of the village or through the association Arifad, which manages this place, or 1001 Pistes.