Table of Contents
Introduction
Who knew about Cascade de Womé, a beautiful waterfall in Togo? When I heard about it, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I went during my Benin and Togo weekender, which was more than I could have ever imagined. Travelling to the Womé waterfalls was one of the best travel moments I have had travelling solo in Africa. It showed me that there is so much more than just a city when travelling to a new country. It is always a real memory when you decide to go a little further outside the city to find the most hidden gems.
I did a long weekend trip between Benin and Togo, and while I loved Lomé, I didn’t want my experience of Togo to stop in the city. I had already done a city tour and a cooking class where I made Fonio. Read about it here – Cooking in Togo: Fonio, Fritter & Bissap. However, I wanted to see more and that I certainly did. On my final day, I decided to see more of the country and took a solo journey to Womé Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful natural spots in the southern part of Togo.
Waterfalls are my thing. When I can see a waterfall, I will always be ready its such a special nature form that can tell a story. I love how waterfalls start and how you can see how it can take you on a journey, somewhere quiet, grounding, and completely different from the noise of the city. It’s the perfect form of nature. I have quite a few waterfalls but this and the most recent one I seen in Serbia are memories I will always treasure for the rest of my life.
Deciding to go to the waterfalls in Togo, ended up being one of the most grounding, rewarding days of the trip. Here are a few things that you should know before you go to Cascade de Womé in Togo.
Related Post: Benin and Togo Travel Guide: A Beautiful Weekend Exploring
Why I Chose to Go to Cascade de Womé Waterfalls
Womé Waterfalls (also known as Cascade de Womé) is located in the Plateaux Region of Togo, close to the Ghanaian border. It’s an area known for its hills, forests, and fertile land. This part of Togo shares close cultural and geographic ties with neighbouring Ghana, and the region has long been important for agriculture and local trade. And is about 12km from a town called Kpalimé and is one of the most tranquil natural beauties I have ever seen.
The lead-up to the waterfall is filled with so much greenery and is completely different from the coastal energy of Lomé. At the waterfalls in Togo, I was able to get my dose of nature, a reason to leave the hot and bustling city and a real sense of solo travelling in Africa while in a beautiful country like Togo.
Womé gave me all of that. And can you believe that I got it all to myself! Like just me! Me alone! Priceless.
Getting to Cascade de Womé Waterfalls from Lomé
This is not a quick trip, but I would say it is totally worth it. You can get there by bus, taxi or shared bus, all from Kpalimé, which is about 12km away. I would highly recommend getting a tour guide. You can book the tour via Tripadvisor here, and GetYourGuide here, or you can reach out to the tour guide Jérémies directly on +228 92 11 06 40. Let him know that MBV shared the details, and please be nice and agree on a price before the trip.
- Car – Drive southwest along Avenue de la Libération, heading towards Rue des Scolaires. Continue straight for around 2 km until you reach a junction with an unmarked road, then turn left and follow the signs for Cascade de Womé. After roughly 6 km, you’ll see signs for the waterfall. There’s a small parking area close to the entrance where you can leave your car before continuing on foot.
- Taxi – The easiest public transport option is to take a taxi from Kpalimé. You will need to negotiate a fare with a driver going to Womé Waterfalls. I would say prices usually range between 2,000 to 3,000 CFA, depending on demand. The taxi will then take you directly to the entrance. If you’re visiting solo, it’s a good idea to agree on a return pickup time and price in advance, as taxis aren’t always readily available in the area.
- Shared Mini-Bus – For a very local experience, you can take a shared minibus (known as a sept-place) from Kpalimé. You will need to go to the main bus station and look for a minibus heading towards the Womé area. Fares are usually around 500 CFA. You’ll be dropped off in a nearby village, from there you will need to walk approximately 2 km to the waterfall entrance.
I left very early in the morning, around 6.30 am and got there just before 10 am. It is a very long drive, but I would say it can be easily done in a day.
A few key things to be mindful if you are taking a tour guide:
- Travel time: Around 3 hours each way, but it can be up to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions
- Best done as a day trip if you start early and use a tour guide – leave before 6 am if you can.
What to Know Before You Go
Entrance & Costs
The entry was around 10,000 CFA (roughly £10), but it can vary depending on when you go during the year. This usually includes access and a local guide, as there are several steps down to the waterfall before you reach it.
The Walk
The walk down to the waterfall is about 4km. I was told it was about 300 steps. I would say it was a little more. The walk is incredibly scenic but requires comfortable footwear. I would advise trainers or hiking sandals.
What to Bring
I’m glad I came prepared. Take the following things to make it a smooth journey
- some snacks for the long drive, I would advise crisps/chips, sweets/candy and anything you that keep your stomach from growling.
- water
- Power Bank keep your phone charged, especially if you are going by Bus.
- a change of clothes for after you have fished from the Wome waterfalls.
- basic skincare like you suncream (you’ll want to freshen up after)
- swimwear if you plan to get in the water which you should it is truly beautiful and clean.
Here is a checklist for what to pack when travelling which you can download – The MBV Travel & Food Toolkit
Best Time to Visit Cascade de Womé
I would highly advise going during the week if you can. The weekends will be incredibly busy. I went on a Wednesday morning and had Womé waterfalls all to myself and it was the best! I found that it’s quieter, calmer, and feels more personal.
Lunch in Togo after Cascade de Womé
After spending a wonderful morning at the Cascade de Womé waterfall, I was then taken to have lunch by my tour guide. I was invited to help pound fufu a very humbling experience because I struggled to get the right rhythm in place! I was then able to eat my freshly pounded fufu with peanut fish stew. It is making my mouth water as I type this – it was truly delicious. I also had a portion of fried plantain.
Heading Back to Lomé
By the time I returned to the city, it was time for me to head back to Nigeria. Although I was tired I was filled with so much joy and optimism for being able to travel all the way to Cascade de Womé waterfall by myself solo. It really was a MBV takes Togo solo moment, and I LOVED it!
Cascade de Womé waterfall reminded me why I love travelling solo. The freedom to choose curiosity, even when it takes effort. If you’re in Togo and want to experience more than Lomé, this day trip is worth it.
Final Views
And there you have it a clear list of things to know before heading to Cascade de Womé Waterfalls.
Cascade de Womé Waterfalls isn’t just a place to visit it’s a reminder that slowing down, stepping outside your comfort zone or the obvious itinerary, can show you a beautiful gem that many people don’t ever get to experience with their own eyes. I have and did and it’s such a beautiful journey, experience to have as a memory. and trusting yourself leads to some of the best travel memories.
I look forward to going back to such a beautiful waterfall that I got to see in Togo, Africa.
Have any further questions? Leave them in the comments, and I will be happy to respond.
As always, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog.
Speak soon,
Adebola MBV x
