Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE NORTH
As you head north, Islam takes over from Christianity as the dominant religion. Most towns
are short on sights, but for those with their own vehicle, or the determination to have a
showdown with local bush taxis, fabulous highlights await in the castellated shapes of the
Tamberma compounds in Koutammakou.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kara
POP 109,000
Laid out by the Germans on a spacious scale, Kara is the relaxed capital of northern Togo
and a good base for trips to Koutammakou. Because Eyadéma was from Pya, a Kabye vil-
lage about 20km to the north, he pumped a lot of money into Kara and the region has re-
mained a political stronghold of the Eyadéma clan.
Festivals & Events
The area is famous for the
Evala
coming-of-age festival in July. The main event is
la lutte
(wrestling), in which greased-up young men try to topple each other in a series of bouts.
Sleeping & Eating
La Douceur
INN
$
( 660 11 64; douceurkara@yahoo.fr; off Rue de Chaminade; r with fan CFA6000, with air-con CFA8000-12,000;
)
Down a dirt track in the stadium's neighbourhood you'll find this cosy bird's nest in a
proudly maintained and flowered little compound. Rooms are spotless with simple decor,
the well-stocked bar serves the coldest beer in town and the
paillote
restaurant (mains
CFA1500 to CFA4000) does great food.
Marie-Antoinette
HOTEL, CAMPGROUND
$
( 26 60 16 07;
http://ma.kara-tg.com
; Rte Internationale; campsites per person CFA1500, s with fan CFA7500, d with
fan CFA8500-9500, s with air-con CFA10,500-13,500, d with air-con 11,500-14,500; )
In a pretty house
3km south of Kara on Rte Internationale, Marie-Antoinette has rooms of varying size and
