Akloa Falls

The Plateaux region folds Togo into cocoa-and-coffee hills along the Ghana border, and at Badou the folds produce the country's favourite waterfall: Akloa, a curtain of some thirty-five metres dropping off the forest edge into a pool built for the hot-walk reward swim. The approach is half the outing - a village-guided path climbing through cocoa groves and butterfly-thick forest, streams crossed on stones, until the falls' noise arrives before the view. The Kpalime hill country's other cascades make cousins, but Akloa keeps the crown for height and setting, and the village's guiding cooperative keeps the visit local-run.

What you actually see

• The 35-metre curtain - the falls in full wet-season voice.
• The plunge pool - the swim that justifies the sweaty approach.
• The cocoa-forest path - groves and butterflies on the climb.
• The Plateaux hills - border country views over the plantations.

When to go

June to October delivers maximum water (with mud as the tax); November to February gives easier paths and a gentler but still lovely flow. Mornings dodge both heat and any weekend crowds from Kpalime.

Honest expectations

The walk is a genuine forest climb - forty-five sweaty minutes with slick stones; sandals will betray you. The pool is cold, cloudy after rains and unlifeguarded - swim sensibly. Village fees and guide tips are the deal that keeps the path maintained; pay them cheerfully.

Nearby

Badou village, Kpalime's craft town and Mount Agou to the east.