Togo travel guide
Togo Tourism | Togo Guide
You're Going to Love Togo
Tucked away in Western Africa between larger sized neighbors, Togo might be small in size but offers tribal history and varied nature from beaches, forests and national parks.
What to do in Togo
1. Explore Lomé
The capital of Togo is colorful and full of life. Visit the Grand Marché market and try local and exotic produce. Check out the Lomé cathedral, which has German influence nearby and visit the West African Art Museum.
2. See Traditional Housing in Koutammakou
The mud tower dwellings in this town were built using the same designs for generations, a basic structure built over two floors with dedicated space for all the basics, including animals. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Relax at Coco Beach
Togo is full of beautiful beaches with coconut trees and wide sandy areas. Coco Beach is one of the more popular beaches, with a lot of food options around for those wishing to spend the day.
4. Go Hiking in Kpalimé
The countryside in Togo offers lush vegetation, waterfalls, and those looking for an active way to spend the day will love hiking up Mount Agou. On clear days, Ghana can be seen from the top.
5. Spot Local Wildlife
Explore the local wildlife in Togo. Parc Sarakawa is a great location to see ostriches, buffaloes and antelopes, while elephants can be seen at Fazao Majakassa National Park.
When to visit Togo
The best time to visit Togo are the months of November through February, as they offer a combination of dry weather and pleasant temperatures.
How to Get to Togo
Entry requirements
Citizens of about 15 African countries, including Benin, Ghana and Nigeria, can enter Togo without a visa. Citizens of any other countries can get a visa on arrival for up to 7 days, and if needed, it is possible to extend it for a maximum of 90 days.
Plane
Togo has only one international airport located outside of Lomé. It is serviced by around 10 airlines offering nonstop flights to various African destinations, Paris, Brussels and Lisbon in Europe, as well as Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo in Brazil. ASKY Airlines, whose hub is in Lomé, offers flights to over 20 international destinations.
Car
Bush Taxis can bring passengers across to Togo by car from Accra in Ghana or from Benin. They are essentially shared taxis that seat up to six people; however, it is possible to book the whole taxi by paying for the other seats. Those planning on driving their own car will need to show a valid passport, driver's license with international drivers permit, vehicle registration and insurance.
Bus
Bus transport is available from Accra in Ghana with STC bus company, from Cotonou in Benin with a variety of bus companies, such as UTB, and from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso with TSR bus company twice a week. All services go to Lomé.
Popular airports in Togo
Popular airlines serving Togo
Where to stay in Togo
In the main cities, a wide range of hotels are available with a variety of budgets, while outside the urban areas, guesthouses and basic hotels can be found.
Where to stay in popular areas of Togo
Most booked hotels in Togo
How to Get Around Togo
Public Transportation
To get around locally, the most common mode of transport are taxi-motos and a one-way short trip will usually cost anywhere between around 200-500 CFA (0.35-0.85 USD), while longer trips within the city cost around 2,500 CFA (4.20 USD). Taxis are also available, they are yellow in color and their registration number is usually painted on the car.
Bus
Buses are the most common mode of transport when it comes to long distance travel. There are various companies to choose from, but one of the most reliable is Rakieta.
Car
Bush Taxis are another common way of traveling long distance, and they range from smaller cars to minivans that fit up to 15 persons. They tend to be slow but they can travel anywhere around the country.
The Cost of Living in Togo
A basic cheap meal in Togo will cost around 2,500 CFA (4.20 USD) per person, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant runs about 4,000 CFA (6.75 USD) per person. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere so it's better to have some cash on hand during the trip.