In West Africa, Togo stands to be one of the prominent tourist destinations with quite a variety of tourist attractions to offer to its visitors. The charming attraction destinations in the country have drawn several tourists from all corners of the world to come enjoy this splendid country.
#1 Caves of Nano and Maproug
Located in the far northern part of Togo these caves were occupied during troublesome error from the 17th century to the 19th century. These caves are part of the extensive escarpment that extends towards the neighboring Burkina Faso. Back in times, various items such as weapon were discovered in these caves however after the past years these disappeared. Today, visitors to these caves can see how the local people who previously lived in these caves and today have adapted the culture of living in traditional villages.
#2 Visit the Lome Voodoo fetish Market
Within the city of Lome is the traditional voodoo fetish market that is commonly visited by holidaymakers in Togo. This small market comprises of a various stalls that display different animals parts ranging from the monkey testicles, hyenas heads, rats and even shark teeth. if you don’t mind you will be invited to take part in a small traditional ceremony with voodoo holy men during which you will be requested to feed any of the Monkeys within the market that will be tied down with a chain.
#3 Sokode
Sokode is Togo’s second largest City and it is dominated by a large population of Muslim people whose culture and practices are highly influenced by the North African way of life. The lifestyle within this city is uniquely organized centering around chiefdoms belonging to the Tem people. One of the biggest things that attract a large number of holidaymakers into this part of the country is the vibrant dance and music of the Sokode people especially during the different religious festivals and other ceremonies. There are various local markets found here where holidaymakers will get a chance to buy various souvenirs ranging from beautiful fabric to local jewelry.
#4 Le Grand Marche
On your holiday in Togo, visit the Central market of Lome (the capital city) which deals in nearly everything ranging from spare parts of motorcycles, fresh vegetables, shoes and fresh fruit. Similar to other African markets the Central market of Lome is dominated by women and as you move through the various stalls, you will not miss out on the deafening sound of these women laughing, gossiping and even hawking their products on top of their voices. The market is very vibrant and you will hear loud sounds of Togolese music being played loudly. This is a good place to meet and interact with the local people and also put your bargaining skills to test
#5 Visit Kpalime Town
Kpalime is one of the remarkable towns found in Togo that is popularly visited because of its breathtaking natural beauty. Kpalime is encircled by numerous hills that are blanketed in a rainforest with deep verdant valleys in between, a very beautiful waterfall and tiny scattered villages. There are different types of hiking tours organized in this area which are lead by the local guides and these will take you through the forested slopes to the peaks of Mount Kloto and Mount Agou as well as to the tranquil Kpoeta & Tomegbe waterfall. Previously this town served as a major hub for the trade of cocoa and coffee. Some of the impressive architecture still seen in this town include the governor’s house and the Germany cathedral
#6 Visit Aneho Town
Located on the easternmost corner of Togo is Anejo town which is a spiritual center for the local Guin- Mina people. The town was established towards the end of the 17th century by the Ane people. It served as the first German administrative center on the western coast before turning into the capital of that region. To date, a number of its beautiful architecture can still be seen and it’s all worth visiting
#7 Agbodrafe City
Located about thirty (30) minutes drive from the capital city Lome, this small town previously was Porto Seguro a strong Portuguese fort as well as a major center for slave trade on the coast. Unfortunately majority of the evidence and remains of the British slave trade that happened in this area have been totally erased however a visit to the Wood home referred to as the Mansion des esclaves will give you an opportunity to see some of the chains that were used to tie the slaves during that brutal time.
#8 Visit the Togo National Museum
The Togo National Museum is the national museum of the country and it is located within the Lome the capital city of Lome. It was established in 1975 and housed within the congress palace and has a great display of artistic, ethnographical and cultural exhibits. You will also find various artifacts that trace back to the origin of modern Togo, textiles and musical instruments.
#9 Visit Lome – the capital
Lome, is Togo’s capital city and it is where you will first arrive when visiting the country. Here, you will find the best restaurants and nightlife, and plenty to do during the day as it is close to many excellent beaches. There are also two interesting museums in Lome: the National Museum of Togo and the International Museum of the Gulf of Guinea.
#10 Tamberma Valley
Within Tamberma valley is the Koutammakou a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the native Batamamariba people that reside in basic houses that were constructed using mud and thatched with grass straw. Unique about this settlement is that the houses are very high as though they are ‘storied’ and round in shape. This is a highly recommended place to visit while on holiday in Tunisia especially if you are interested in meeting the local culture.
Frequently asked questions on Togo
Below we have compiled a number of questions that are frequently asked about the republic of Togo by people who visit this country. These have been professionally answered to help you better understand this destination
Do I need a Visa to go to Togo?
Citizens of UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and a number of other European countries require a Visa to enter Togo. It is possible to acquire a visa on arrival in the country at the airport or border crossing and this is valid for just seven (7) days and these are intended for emergency purposes. However travelers are highly advised to apply and obtain their visas from the Embassy of Togo in their home country before traveling. Visa applications must be submitted before traveling and it may take about seven (7) days to process. Applicants should have passports valid for a minimum of six (6) months, a yellow fever certificate and confirmed accommodation for your stay in Togo. Applicants that meet all the requirements will be offered a tourist visa that is multi-entry and valid for ninety (90) days.
What Vaccine do I need when visiting Togo?
There are a number of vaccines recommended for people going to Togo and these include Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Cholera, Tetanus, MMR and Diphtheria. In addition, all persons visiting the country who are over one year and are not up to date with their yellow fever vaccine are required to take it between 6 to 8 weeks before traveling and they should present a yellow fever certificate to the immigrations officers as proof of receiving the shot. Malaria is also prevalent in Togo just as it is with most countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Is it Safe to visit Togo?
Togo is generally a safe destination to visit however, when in the major cities like Lome the capital, you are highly advised to take additional caution regarding your personal safety as crimes like mugging are increasing. Some areas on the water front are not very safe and you are highly advised not to walk unaccompanied especially in the night. Another common crime is pick pocketing especially in the crowded market places within the capital Lome and along the beaches therefore you must take extra care for all your valuables when in these places. In case you are going to use cab services, always opt for drivers who are in uniforms to avoid instances of car-jacking.
Do I need insurance while going to Togo?
Generally, Togo has a limited medical service and for that reason, all holidaymakers are advised to obtain a comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover and evacuation in case of emergency. Majority of the towns in Togo have a hospital or dispensary however these are normally overcrowded with patients and a number of them are inadequately stocked with medical supplies. it is very important that when parking for your travels in Togo you remember to pack a first Aid kit.
How to avoid Malaria in Togo
Below are some of the recommended ways to avoid contracting malaria while in Togo
- Sleeping under a mosquito net at all times,
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid insect bites,
- Using an insect repellent
- Properly taking the anti malarial prophylaxis as prescribed by your doctor
What is the official language for Togo?
Although Togo is a multi-lingual country, having about forty four (44) different languages, French is the official language spoken in Togo. In 1975, Kabiye and Ewe were politically selected as the national languages of Togo.
What is the local Currency used in Togo?
The West African franc is the official currency for Togo and this currency is also used in a number of other countries across West Africa among which are: Senegal, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau. This currency can easily be used in any of these countries, however when you are moving to areas beyond this region you will need the pound sterling, US Dollar and Euro.
Are credit cards accepted in Togo?
The American Express in Togo is widely accepted with more limitation on the use of the Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard, however the Togolese Central Bank’s main branch found in the capital Lome offers cash withdraws for persons with Visa Cards. Majority of the hotels across the country widely accept the Visa Card in addition to other credit cards. It is important to note the ATM service can only be accessed in the capital city Lome. You are highly advised to withdraw cash directly from the bank across the counter and the officials banking hours in Togo are from 0800 hours to 1600 hours from Monday to Friday.
What is the time zone for Togo?
Because Togo is found on the same longitude line as the UK’s London, its time zone is GMT, and there is no daylight saving
What is the electricity current in Togo?
Togo runs on an electricity current of 220V to 240V with 50 HZ and uses the two-pinned rounded European style plugs. For that reason travelers are advised that when bringing in electrical gadgets like hair driers and hair iron that you bring those with adjustable voltage. And although a number of hotels will promise to provide adapters it is very important that you remember to bring your adaptor.
Is it safe to swim in the fresh waters in Togo?
All travelers are advised against swimming or paddling in the fresh waters in Togo, however swimming pools are considered safe since they have water that has been chlorinated.
What is the best time to visit Togo?
Togo can best be visited from November to February as the country is generally experiencing warm weather and there is minimal amount of rainfall. From May to July it becomes humid and uncomfortable with August being a bit bearable. because the country is an all year round destination with almost no peak tourist season, however visiting during the rainy months of the year could get you some discounted accommodation rates making it a good time for travelers on a minimal budget to visit. The largest number of visitors around the coastal areas is received from December to March as the weather is favorable and very conducive.
Other than the northern part of the country which is semi-dry savanna, the rest of Togo enjoys a tropical climate mainly with average temperatures being 81°F around the coast and 86°F inland annually. it experiences two main seasons: the wet and dry season although it s important to note that the country generally receives lower volumes of rain. The wet season is divided into two which are from April to July and then from September to November with the dry season coming in between with the driest month being December.