Things to Do in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Togo - Complete Travel Guide
Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is Togo's largest national park, covering over 1,920 square kilometers of pristine West African wilderness in the country's central region. This biodiverse sanctuary protects a remarkable transition zone between Guinea savanna and Sudan savanna ecosystems, creating unique habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife including elephants, hippos, leopards, and over 200 bird species. The park's dramatic landscape features the striking Fazao Mountains, dense gallery forests along seasonal rivers, and vast grasslands dotted with ancient baobab trees.
Established in 1975, the park remains one of West Africa's best-kept secrets, offering visitors an authentic and uncrowded safari experience. The rugged terrain includes scenic waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and traditional villages on the periphery where local communities maintain age-old relationships with the land. Despite facing conservation challenges, Fazao-Malfakassa represents Togo's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and provides crucial habitat for endangered species while offering eco-tourists a chance to experience raw African wilderness away from the crowds of more famous parks.
Top Things to Do in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
Wildlife Safari Game Drives
Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided game drives through savanna grasslands and forest edges. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best chances to spot elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and various primate species in their natural habitat.
Booking Tip: Arrange guided drives through park headquarters in Fazao village, costing around $30-50 per vehicle plus guide fees. Dry season (November-March) offers best wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources.
Fazao Mountains Hiking
Trek through the scenic Fazao Mountains with their rocky peaks, hidden valleys, and panoramic viewpoints over the park's vast wilderness. The challenging terrain rewards hikers with spectacular vistas and encounters with unique mountain flora.
Booking Tip: Hire local guides at the park entrance for $15-25 per day, essential for navigation and safety. Best tackled during cooler months with proper hiking boots and plenty of water.
Waterfall Discovery Tours
Visit the park's beautiful seasonal waterfalls, including the impressive Kpime Falls, surrounded by lush gallery forest. These hidden gems provide refreshing swimming opportunities and excellent photography spots amid the tropical vegetation.
Booking Tip: Waterfalls are most spectacular during and just after rainy season (April-October). Local guides charge $20-30 for waterfall tours, including forest walks and cultural insights.
Bird Watching Expeditions
Discover over 200 bird species including hornbills, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and raptors across diverse habitats from forest canopy to open savanna. The park's location in a transition zone creates exceptional birding opportunities for both forest and grassland species.
Booking Tip: Best birding occurs early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon. Bring binoculars and field guides; experienced birding guides available for $25-35 per day through park authorities.
Cultural Village Visits
Experience traditional life in communities surrounding the park, learning about local customs, traditional medicine, and sustainable relationships with wildlife. Villages offer insights into Tem, Kotokoli, and other ethnic groups' cultures and conservation practices.
Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through park guides who can facilitate respectful cultural exchanges. Budget $10-20 for guide services plus small gifts for communities like school supplies or basic necessities.
Getting There
Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is located approximately 350 kilometers north of Lomé, accessible via the main highway to Sokodé then secondary roads to Fazao village. The journey takes 4-5 hours by private vehicle or hired taxi, with the final 30 kilometers on unpaved roads requiring 4WD during rainy season. Public transport involves taking a bus to Sokodé (about $8-12) then arranging local transport to the park entrance, though this can be challenging and time-consuming. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles in Lomé for the journey.
Getting Around
Movement within the park requires 4WD vehicles due to rough terrain and seasonal road conditions, with most tracks becoming impassable during heavy rains. Park authorities can arrange guided vehicle tours, or visitors can bring their own 4WD with mandatory local guides for navigation and safety. Walking is possible on established trails near park headquarters and to nearby attractions like waterfalls, but longer distances require vehicles. Motorcycle taxis operate between nearby villages but cannot enter the park itself. All movement within the park must be accompanied by official guides for both conservation and safety reasons.
Where to Stay
Fazao Village Guesthouses
Sokodé Hotels
Park Camping Areas
Eco-lodges near Park Entrance
Traditional Village Homestays
Kara City Accommodations
Food & Dining
Dining options around Fazao-Malfakassa are limited to simple local restaurants in Fazao village and nearby communities, serving traditional Togolese dishes like fufu, rice with sauce, grilled fish, and local vegetables. Most visitors staying in guesthouses can arrange meals with their hosts, featuring fresh ingredients and regional specialties. The park has no restaurants, so day visitors should bring packed lunches and plenty of water. Local markets in Fazao village offer fresh fruits, bread, and basic supplies, while more extensive shopping should be done in Sokodé before heading to the park. Some eco-lodges may offer meal packages featuring local cuisine prepared with organic ingredients from community gardens.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Togo
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The optimal time to visit Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is during the dry season from November to March when wildlife viewing is excellent, roads are more accessible, and temperatures are more comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities. December through February offers the coolest temperatures and clearest skies, perfect for photography and extended outdoor exploration. The rainy season (April to October) transforms the landscape into lush greenery with active waterfalls and abundant birdlife, but road access becomes challenging and some areas may be inaccessible. Wildlife disperses during rains, making game viewing more difficult, though the park's beauty peaks with verdant forests and flowing streams.
Insider Tips
Bring a reliable GPS device and offline maps as cell phone coverage is spotty and park roads are poorly marked
Pack insect repellent and antimalarial medication as the park has significant mosquito populations, especially near water sources
Coordinate with park authorities in advance as guide availability can be limited and advance notice ensures better service and vehicle arrangements