German Colonial Bridge
German Colonial Bridge, Togo - Complete Travel Guide
The German Colonial Bridge area in Togo represents a fascinating glimpse into the country's colonial past, located in the southern region where German influence was particularly strong during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historic bridge, built during Germany's brief but impactful colonial period in Togo (1884-1914), stands as one of the few remaining architectural testaments to this era and serves as an important landmark for understanding the country's complex history.
The surrounding region offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Togo's colonial heritage while experiencing the busy local culture that has evolved around these historic sites. The area combines historical significance with natural beauty, as the bridge spans waterways that are integral to local communities' daily lives. Visitors can explore traditional villages, witness local crafts and traditions, and gain insights into how colonial infrastructure has been adapted and integrated into modern Togolese life.
Top German Colonial Bridge
Historical Bridge Tour and Photography
Explore the German Colonial Bridge itself, examining its architectural features and learning about its construction during the German colonial period. The bridge offers excellent photography opportunities and serves as a tangible connection to Togo's colonial past.
Booking Tip: Best visited during morning hours for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Local guides can be hired for $10-15 USD and provide valuable historical context. Bring a good camera and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Traditional Village Visits
Visit nearby traditional villages to experience authentic Togolese culture and see how communities have developed around colonial-era infrastructure. Meet local artisans, observe traditional crafts, and learn about the area's social history.
Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local guides who can facilitate proper introductions and cultural exchanges. Expect to pay $20-30 USD for half-day village tours. Always ask permission before photographing people and consider bringing small gifts for children.
River and Waterway Exploration
Explore the waterways that the colonial bridge spans, either by small boat or on foot along the banks. This provides insight into the strategic importance of the bridge and the natural geography that influenced colonial infrastructure decisions.
Booking Tip: Best during dry season (November-March) when water levels are more predictable. Local boat operators charge $15-25 USD for short excursions. Bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Local Market and Craft Shopping
Visit local markets in nearby towns to purchase traditional Togolese crafts, textiles, and artwork. These markets often feature items that reflect both traditional culture and colonial influences in their designs and techniques.
Booking Tip: Markets are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Bargaining is expected - start at about 50% of the asking price. Bring small denomination CFA francs and a bag for purchases.
Colonial Heritage Trail Walking
Take a walking tour of the broader area to discover other remnants of German colonial presence, including old administrative buildings, modified traditional structures, and colonial-era roads. This provides context for the bridge's role in the larger colonial infrastructure.
Booking Tip: Hire a knowledgeable local guide for $15-20 USD who can point out less obvious colonial remnants and explain their historical significance. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Early morning or late afternoon tours are most comfortable.
Getting There
Reaching the German Colonial Bridge area typically requires traveling through Togo, Togo's capital, which has the country's main international airport. From Togo, the journey involves taking a combination of public transport or private vehicle, depending on the exact location of the bridge. Shared taxis (taxi-brousse) are the most common form of inter-city transport, though they can be crowded and uncomfortable for longer journeys. Renting a private vehicle with a driver is recommended for international visitors, costing around $50-80 USD per day. The roads in this region vary in quality, so travel times can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season.
Getting Around
Local transportation around the German Colonial Bridge area is primarily by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle taxi (zémidjan). Zémidjan are ubiquitous throughout Togo and offer an affordable way to cover short distances, typically costing 200-500 CFA francs per trip. For longer explorations or visits to multiple sites, hiring a local guide with a motorcycle or small vehicle for the day (around $25-40 USD) provides more flexibility and safety. Walking is often the best way to truly appreciate the historical sites and interact with local communities, though visitors should be prepared for unpaved paths and varying terrain.
Food & Dining
The dining scene around the German Colonial Bridge area focuses on authentic Togolese cuisine served in local restaurants and street food stalls. Expect to find traditional dishes like fufu with various sauces, grilled fish, and palm nut soup. Local 'buvettes' (small restaurants) offer hearty meals for $3-8 USD, while street vendors provide snacks like akassa (corn-based porridge) and grilled meat. Fresh tropical fruits are abundant and inexpensive. International cuisine is limited in this rural area, so visitors should embrace the opportunity to experience authentic local flavors. Always choose busy establishments with high turnover for the freshest food, and consider bottled water for drinking.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the German Colonial Bridge area is during the dry season from November to March, when roads are more accessible and weather conditions are more predictable. Temperatures during this period range from 25-35°C (77-95°F) with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The harmattan winds from the Sahara can create hazy conditions but also provide relief from humidity. April through October constitutes the rainy season, which can make rural roads impassable and outdoor exploration challenging, though the landscape becomes lush and green. For photography and historical exploration, the dry season's clear skies and stable weather conditions are ideal.
Insider Tips
Learn a few basic phrases in French and local languages like Ewe or Mecca, as English is not widely spoken in rural areas
Always carry cash in small denominations of CFA francs, as card payment options are extremely limited outside major cities
Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people or religious/traditional sites