Togo & Benin

During the short week I travelled in Togo, I didn't really manage to understand the many mysteries of life and the secrets of society here. What I experienced was a beautiful country with its own identity, and good hearted people that unfortunately have to suffer from an incompetent dictatorship. I entered Togo from Ghana through the hills near Kpalimé and spent subsequently a long weekend in capital Lomé, visiting some extraordinary local markets and fine beaches. I travelled then up north, with a break in Kara for a little exploration, before making my way towards the remote Togo/Benin border at Nadoba village, situated in the Tamberma Valley, famous for it's unique, fortress-like architecture. After an unexpected partynight in Nadoba I hopped over the unattended border with Benin by foot, and reached Boukoumbé town after a long, tiring walk. I collected my entry stamp, and continued to the main town of Natitingou - in the northwestern hills - by shared taxi. Unfortunately it kept on heavy raining for days, and the idea of outdoor activities wasn't really attractive. Daytargets nevertheless included shorter walks in the hills around town, and an excursion to a spectacular waterfall. After the 3rd night I woke up, saw the weather, and while enjoying my French style petit déjeuner, I made a quite drastic decision. Today I go to Niger!