Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba
Location: Northern Togo
Year of Inscription: 2004
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba, is a cultural landscape located in northeastern Togo. The landscape is home to the Batammariba people, known for their distinctive architecture and traditional way of life. The area is characterized by its mud houses, fortified walls, and terraced fields, which have been built to adapt to the rugged terrain of the region. The landscape is also home to sacred sites and traditional shrines.
Prominent Features: The Koutammakou landscape is home to numerous distinctive features, including:
Tata Somba: Traditional mud houses that are built to blend in with the natural surroundings and provide protection from the elements.
Koutammakou Valley: A scenic valley surrounded by rocky cliffs and dotted with traditional Batammariba settlements.
Sacred Sites: The landscape is home to numerous sacred sites, including shrines and altars that are used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Traditional Agriculture: The Batammariba people practice traditional agriculture, using terraced fields and irrigation systems to grow crops in the rugged terrain.
History: The Batammariba people have lived in the Koutammakou landscape for centuries, adapting their way of life to the rugged terrain of the region. The traditional mud houses and fortified walls were built to provide protection from raiding parties, while the terraced fields and irrigation systems allowed them to grow crops in the difficult terrain.
Fun Fact: The Batammariba people are known for their traditional ironworking skills, and produce a variety of tools and implements using traditional techniques.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the traditional Batammariba settlements, learn about the traditional way of life and architecture, and visit the sacred sites and shrines.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Koutammakou landscape.
How to Reach It: The Koutammakou landscape is located in northeastern Togo, and can be reached by road from the capital city of Lomé. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It is recommended to hire a local guide to navigate the area and learn about the traditional way of life.
Where to Stay: There are a few guesthouses and lodges located in the area, including the Hotel Tata Somba and the Guesthouse Chez L'habitant. Alternatively, visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Kara or Kande.
Next Stop: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex
Year of Inscription: 2004
Criteria: (v) be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
(vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba, is a cultural landscape located in northeastern Togo. The landscape is home to the Batammariba people, known for their distinctive architecture and traditional way of life. The area is characterized by its mud houses, fortified walls, and terraced fields, which have been built to adapt to the rugged terrain of the region. The landscape is also home to sacred sites and traditional shrines.
Prominent Features: The Koutammakou landscape is home to numerous distinctive features, including:
Tata Somba: Traditional mud houses that are built to blend in with the natural surroundings and provide protection from the elements.
Koutammakou Valley: A scenic valley surrounded by rocky cliffs and dotted with traditional Batammariba settlements.
Sacred Sites: The landscape is home to numerous sacred sites, including shrines and altars that are used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Traditional Agriculture: The Batammariba people practice traditional agriculture, using terraced fields and irrigation systems to grow crops in the rugged terrain.
History: The Batammariba people have lived in the Koutammakou landscape for centuries, adapting their way of life to the rugged terrain of the region. The traditional mud houses and fortified walls were built to provide protection from raiding parties, while the terraced fields and irrigation systems allowed them to grow crops in the difficult terrain.
Fun Fact: The Batammariba people are known for their traditional ironworking skills, and produce a variety of tools and implements using traditional techniques.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the traditional Batammariba settlements, learn about the traditional way of life and architecture, and visit the sacred sites and shrines.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Koutammakou landscape.
How to Reach It: The Koutammakou landscape is located in northeastern Togo, and can be reached by road from the capital city of Lomé. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It is recommended to hire a local guide to navigate the area and learn about the traditional way of life.
Where to Stay: There are a few guesthouses and lodges located in the area, including the Hotel Tata Somba and the Guesthouse Chez L'habitant. Alternatively, visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Kara or Kande.
Next Stop: W-Arly-Pendjari Complex