Badou Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Badou, Togo with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, activities, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Badou

Badou is a small town located in Togo, West Africa. The town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic natural beauty, and its friendly locals. Tourists visiting Badou can expect a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

List of Places to Visit in Badou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Badou has a rich cultural history, with several museums and historical places that provide insight into the town’s past. Some of the popular cultural attractions to visit in Badou include:

  1. Musee National: This museum showcases Togo’s rich cultural heritage, with a collection of traditional clothing, pottery, and other artifacts.

  2. Voodoo Market: This market is an essential part of Togo’s cultural heritage. Visitors can expect to find a range of voodoo items and artifacts, including potions and charms.

  3. Slave Route: This historical trail offers an insight into Togo’s dark past and its connection to the transatlantic slave trade.

Natural Attractions of Badou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Badou is known for its stunning natural beauty, with several breathtaking natural attractions that include:

  1. Mount Agou: This mountain is the highest peak in Togo, standing at 986 meters above sea level. Visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain climbing to the summit, where they will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  2. Koutammakou: This unique landscape features a collection of traditional mud houses that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area and learn about the people who have lived there for generations.

  3. W National Park: This national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and monkeys, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Badou

Badou offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in Togo. Some of the most popular routes include:

  1. Mount Agou trail: This trail offers a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Agou, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  2. Koutammakou trail: This trail offers a scenic hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Koutammakou, with its traditional mud houses and unique landscape.

  3. W National Park trail: This trail offers a guided tour of the national park, with its diverse range of wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Badou: Activities and Tours

Badou offers a range of exciting activities and tours that visitors can enjoy, including:

  1. Voodoo tour: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Voodoo Market and learn about the Togolese people’s traditional beliefs and practices.

  2. Wildlife safari: Visitors can explore the W National Park and spot the diverse range of wildlife that calls the park home.

  3. Mount Agou climb: Visitors can climb to the summit of Mount Agou and enjoy a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Badou

Day 1: Arrival in Badou, check into hotel. Day 2: Guided tour of Musee National and Slave Route. Day 3: Hiking to the summit of Mount Agou. Day 4: Visit the Koutammakou UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 5: Wildlife safari in W National Park. Day 6: Voodoo tour of Badou. Day 7: Departure from Badou.

Food and Drink Scene of Badou

Must-Try Dishes

Badou has a unique cuisine that is heavily influenced by its African heritage. Some of the popular dishes to try in Badou include:

  1. Fufu: This dish is made by pounding cassava and plantain into a dough and served with a soup or sauce.

  2. Poulet Yassa: This dish is made with marinated chicken and onions cooked in a spicy sauce.

  3. Akpan: This is a traditional Togolese breakfast dish made with corn flour and served with a spicy tomato sauce.

Local Beverages

Badou offers a range of refreshing local beverages, including:

  1. Palm wine: This drink is made by fermenting the sap of the palm tree and is a popular drink in Togo.

  2. Bissap: This is a sweet and tangy drink made from hibiscus flowers.

  3. Gnamakoudji: This is a refreshing drink made from the juice of the baobab fruit.

Where to Stay in Badou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Badou has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the popular places to stay in Badou include:

  1. Auberge de l’Ane Rouge: This is a budget-friendly option offering comfortable rooms.

  2. Hotel Notre Dame de Lourdes: This is a mid-range hotel offering a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant.

  3. Somba Ké: This is an upscale hotel offering spacious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.

What to Buy in Badou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Badou is renowned for its unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Some of the popular products to buy in Badou include:

  1. Voodoo masks: These masks are an essential part of Togo’s Voodoo culture and make unique souvenirs.

  2. Batik fabrics: These colorful fabrics are hand-dyed and make a great souvenir or gift.

  3. Ceramics: Togo is renowned for its traditional pottery, and visitors can buy a range of ceramic products such as vases and plates.

Local Culture and Customs of Badou

Togo is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. The Togolese people are friendly and hospitable, and visitors are expected to show respect for their customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Badou

The best time to visit Badou is during the dry season from November to February when the weather is pleasant, and there is less rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Badou

Do:

  1. Dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try to learn some basic French or local language phrases.
  3. Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs of people without their permission
  2. Engage in public displays of affection.
  3. Wear revealing clothing.

Safety and Health

Safety in Badou

Togo is generally safe, but visitors should exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid carrying valuables.

Health in Badou

Visitors should take necessary precautions to protect against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria.

Getting to Badou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Badou

The closest airport to Badou is the Gnassingbe Eyadema International Airport in Lome, about a three-hour drive from Badou.

Bus Stations Near Badou

Badou is accessible by bus from Lome and other major cities in Togo such as Kara and Sokode.

Other Options

Private taxis and rental cars are also available for visitors who prefer to drive.

How to Get Around in Badou

Being a small town, Badou is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can also hire taxis or motorcycles to get around the town and nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Badou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lome

Lome is the capital of Togo and is the country’s largest city. Visitors can explore the city’s markets, beaches, and museums.

Kpalime

Kpalime is a scenic town located approximately two hours from Badou. Visitors can enjoy the town’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Badou is a unique and exciting travel destination that offers a range of cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife safaris, and cultural tours and take home unique souvenirs and crafts. Plan your adventure to Badou today and enjoy a memorable travel experience.