Togo

Togo’s most popular attractions are as varied as its geography and culture. The bustling capital, Lomé, blends palm-lined beaches with colonial-era architecture, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife. The Lomé Grand Market is a sensory overload of color, textiles, and local foods, while the Akodessewa Fetish Market offers an unusual and fascinating glimpse into traditional medicine and Vodoun practices. Travel inland to Kpalimé, a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills and waterfalls. It’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with trails leading to Mount Kloto and the serene Cascade de Womé. Artisanal workshops in Kpalimé also offer the chance to see traditional batik-making and woodcarving. To the north, the Tamberma Valley is home to the striking Takienta houses, fortress-like mud structures built by the Batammariba people. These UNESCO-listed dwellings are both architectural wonders and living symbols of cultural resilience. In central Togo, Atakpamé and Sokodé showcase traditional festivals and serve as excellent bases for exploring rural life and sacred forests.

Togolese cuisine is hearty and flavorful, often centered around maize, yam, cassava, and plantains. One staple is fufu, a thick, dough-like paste made from yam or cassava, typically served with rich sauces like sauce arachide (peanut sauce) or sauce tomate with fish or goat meat. Akume, made from maize flour, is often eaten with okra sauce, while gboma dessi is a savory spinach stew often served with rice or boiled yams. Grilled fish or chicken, marinated with ginger, garlic, and chili, is a common and delicious street food, frequently accompanied by attieke (fermented cassava couscous). For something quick and local, try pâté (cornmeal porridge), beans with gari, or fried plantains known as alloco. Togo also offers refreshing drinks like bisap (hibiscus tea), ginger juice, and local palm wine, often enjoyed during social gatherings or celebrations.

Transportation in Togo is relatively informal but functional. Within Lomé, zemidjans (motorbike taxis) are the most common way to get around — they’re inexpensive but require some negotiation. For a safer and more comfortable ride, yellow taxis are available, although they often operate on shared routes. For longer distances, minibuses (bush taxis) and shared vans connect major cities and towns. They leave when full and can be cramped, but they’re affordable and give a close look at local life. Private car hires with a driver are recommended for convenience and flexibility, especially when exploring rural areas or national parks. Road conditions vary — highways between major cities are paved but can be riddled with potholes, while rural roads may require a 4WD vehicle. The country’s small size makes cross-country travel feasible in a single day, but travel during daylight hours is advised due to unlit roads and unpredictable traffic conditions.

Togo is very budget-friendly for travelers. Meals at local eateries rarely exceed $2–$4 USD, and accommodations like auberges or guesthouses offer rooms for $10–$25 USD per night. Street food is both abundant and delicious, allowing you to eat well on a shoestring. Public transportation is cheap, and many attractions such as waterfalls, craft markets, or hiking trails have minimal entrance fees or none at all. Hiring a local guide in places like Kpalimé or Tamberma is inexpensive and supports community tourism. Haggling is expected in markets and with taxi drivers, but always done with respect. Carry small denominations of CFA francs, and note that ATMs outside of Lomé are scarce, so plan accordingly when heading into the countryside.

Togo is generally considered safe for travelers, especially in comparison to neighboring countries. Petty theft and scams can occur in busy areas like markets and transport hubs, so keep personal belongings secure and avoid carrying valuables openly. Use caution when traveling at night, especially on rural roads. If using motorbike taxis, ensure the driver provides a helmet and rides responsibly. Avoid political gatherings or protests, as they can occasionally turn tense. Water quality can vary — stick to bottled water, and be cautious with raw foods or drinks made with untreated water. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is recommended, as health facilities outside Lomé are limited in capacity and equipment.

Respect is central to Togolese society. Always greet people with a handshake and a warm “Bonjour” or “Woezɔ” in Ewe-speaking areas. When entering someone’s home or a small shop, it’s polite to exchange greetings before stating your purpose. Modest dress is appreciated, especially in rural areas or when visiting religious sites. In Muslim communities (particularly in the north), women should cover shoulders and knees. It’s customary to ask permission before taking photographs of people or sacred sites. Togolese people value community and elders — defer to older individuals, and show patience in social interactions. Sharing food or drinks is common during meetings, and refusing without explanation may be seen as impolite.

Togo is a perfect fit for cultural explorers, eco-travelers, anthropologists, and backpackers looking to engage deeply with West African traditions and landscapes. It's ideal for travelers seeking a less-touristy, authentic experience, and those with a sense of adventure and patience. While infrastructure is modest, the rewards are great — from spiritual rituals and friendly villages to jungle treks and coastal beauty. Togo is also an excellent add-on for regional travelers exploring Ghana or Benin, offering a distinct cultural identity and raw charm that’s both enriching and memorable.

Budget travelers will find cozy and basic stays like Hotel Aurore or Hotel Lovana in Lomé, with rooms as low as $10–$20 USD. In smaller towns, local guesthouses or auberges offer a bed, mosquito net, and sometimes breakfast. Mid-range options include places like Hôtel Résidence Madiba, which features beachfront rooms and a pool, or Hotel Ecole Avépozo, offering comfort and charm with rates around $40–$80 per night. In Kpalimé, Auberge Papillon is a top-rated choice for its peaceful garden setting. Luxury travelers can stay at Hotel 2 Février, a modern high-rise hotel in Lomé with panoramic views, fine dining, and all the amenities of an international five-star property. Another excellent option is Onomo Hotel Lomé, combining modern aesthetics with West African flair, close to the airport and city center.

One common mistake is underestimating travel times — road conditions, police checkpoints, and delays can make even short journeys longer than expected. Another error is neglecting cultural sensitivity, such as taking photos of people without asking or wearing revealing clothes in conservative areas. Travelers often fail to carry enough cash, assuming card payment will be available — this is rarely the case outside the capital. Avoid drinking tap water or using ice in drinks from roadside stalls. Finally, some tourists skip central or northern Togo, missing out on the deep cultural richness and stunning landscapes those areas offer.

Maps.me or Google Maps (offline mode) are essential for navigation, especially in rural areas. Currency Converter apps like XE will help you manage exchange rates with the CFA Franc. Google Translate can be used for basic French communication, though its offline features should be enabled in advance. For communication, WhatsApp is widely used across Togo and often more effective than email or calling. If staying longer, consider purchasing a local SIM card from Togocel or Moov for reliable coverage and mobile data. There are few centralized booking tools, so lodging arrangements are often best made by phone or in-person.

A 10-day itinerary might begin with two nights in Lomé, exploring markets, the beach, and colonial buildings. Then head north to Kpalimé for hiking, waterfalls, and artisan visits. Spend a day in Atakpamé en route to the Tamberma Valley, where you can explore the unique Takienta dwellings and meet the Batammariba people. From there, loop back through Sokodé or Kara, known for traditional festivals and vibrant local culture. Return to Lomé for a final beach day or craft market stop before departing. Those with more time can include a visit to Aného, a historic town with colonial buildings and sacred voodoo sites.

Togo is home to one of the world’s most unique UNESCO sites, the Koutammakou landscape, where the Batammariba people have built iconic two-story clay dwellings that have become a symbol of harmony between humans and nature. The Voodoo religion, often misunderstood in the West, has deep roots in Togo and is practiced openly alongside Christianity and Islam. Togo also has a rich musical tradition, particularly in drumming and dancing, which are central to village celebrations and rituals. Despite its small size, Togo stretches from the tropical Atlantic coast to the Sahelian savannas, making it one of the most ecologically diverse countries per square kilometer in Africa.