Togo – Travel Guide
Discover Togo, a land of cultural richness and natural splendor, from the vibrant markets of Lomé to the tranquil shores of Lake Togo. Indulge in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like fufu and akpan, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO-listed Koutammakou landscape and the ancient city of Kara. Marvel at the natural beauty of Fazao-Malfakassa National Park and the cascading waterfalls of Kpalimé. Experience the vibrant energy of Togolese music in the bustling neighborhoods of Adawlato and the traditional festivals of Sokodé. Togo invites you to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable journey in West Africa.
All about Togo
Togo FAQ
What is Togo known for?
Togo is known for its diverse culture, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality. Nestled on the Gulf of Guinea, it offers breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills to verdant forests and palm-fringed beaches. Festivals showcase the country’s vibrant heritage, with ancient rituals, colorful costumes, and rhythmic music creating an unforgettable experience. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Togo’s stunning natural beauty, while those seeking a spiritual experience can explore the mystical animist practices deeply rooted in the country’s cultural fabric.
What are the best places to visit in Togo?
Lome, boasts a bustling atmosphere and a beautiful palm-fringed coastline and the Central Market, a sensory delight where visitors can immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and bustling activity. The Togo Mountains, part of the larger Atakora Range, provide breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking and exploration. Additionally, the traditional voodoo practices deeply ingrained in Togolese culture offer a fascinating spiritual experience. From vibrant city life to awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural immersion, Togo has a myriad of unforgettable sites to discover.
How many days should I spend in Togo?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Togo?
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in major cities like Lome. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as they often don’t use meters.
Car Rental: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Togo at your own pace. International car rental agencies are available in Lomé, and local rental companies can be found as well. However, be aware of the local driving conditions and consider hiring a driver if you’re not familiar with the area.
What is the currency of Togo?
The currency of Togo is the West African CFA franc (XOF). It is the official currency not only in Togo but also in several other countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and the Republic of Guinea. The CFA franc is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and is denoted by the symbol “XOF”. It is advisable to have local currency in cash when traveling in Togo, as card payments may not be widely accepted outside of major establishments. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus in larger cities like Lome.
Do people speak English in Togo?
Two of the major African languages spoken in the north are Kabye (also known as Kabiye) and Dagomba. Watchi is another African language that’s widely spoken. Very little English is spoken in Togo.
Best time to visit Togo
The country of Togo features a tropical climate with hot temperatures that get higher the further north you go. Average temperatures on the south coast are around 80F, and sizzling temperatures of 86F and higher in the savannah. The best time of year to visit Togo is from June through September when the weather is at its all-time best throughout the country.
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The longest days of the year are in July, allowing longer days filled with sunshine, making it a great time to visit and explore the country. The wet season begins around May and runs through October, in the south there is a reprise in mid-July and mid-September. The Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is only open from November to April, the Gbagba Festival is held in August, and the Voodoo Festival is held in September. July is one of the warmest months, especially in teh capital city of Lome where temperatures get around 74-90F and higher, and evening temperatures rarely drop below 69F. The country can be divided into two distinct climatic regions; Wet and Dry Season.
Dry Season
December – February – (Winter)
The winter months are very cold in Kosovo with average temperatures between 36F-50F and it rains or snows around 2-4 times a month. This time of year is the second busiest with tourists and many fun and exciting activities such as skiing, and snowboarding in teh mountains as well as participating in fun holiday events to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The snow sports season in Kosovo is in January and February boasting some of the cheapest skiing opportunities anywhere in Europe. January can bring some of the deepest snow to the country, and around March when fresh powder hits the ski slopes.
Events and Festivals
-December 25th Catholic Christmas
-January 1-2 New Year’s Day
-January 7th – Orthodox Christmas
-February 17th – Independence Day
Wet Season
March – May – (Springtime)
Springtime in Kosovo is one of the best times to experience the beauty of the country. Temperatures during this time of year range from 74F and 47F, with warmer temperatures in the later months. It can feel moderately cold with humidity this time of year. There is not much precipitation during these months and spring is a fairly slow month for tourism in the country. This makes it a great time of year to visit for less crowded sightseeing and accommodations. At this time you can explore the country freely and at a lower cost. This time of year is the best to visit the bear reserve and the scary caves and other fun-filled activities. April is a popular month for hiking in the country and experiencing the beauty of the verdant fields and flowers in the meadows.
Events and Festivals
April 9th – Constitution Day
April 10th – Easter Monday
April 17th – Orthodox Easter Monday
-April 21st – Eid-Al Fitr (End of Ramandan)
-May 1st – Labor Day
-May 9th – Europe Day
The Pristina Film Festival or PriFest is held every year in July in the capital city. A competitive showing of international movies that have been nominated for Acadamy Awards and prizes at the Cannes Film Festival.
Hazu Jehon is a fascinating folklore festival held annually in May in Gjonaj village, about 10 miles from Prizre. A celebration of traditional music and dance with 20 ensembles from all over Kosovo.
Festivals and Events
There are 37 ethnic tribal groups in Togo and there are a large number of festivals celebrated throughout the year in different parts of the country. These festivals reflect the diverse mix of African traditions.
–Gadao – Sokode – March – A three-day festival held in March with each day there is a different ceremony that takes place. The purpose of the first day is to thank ancestors for their harvests; the second day is known as the “Feast of Knives” and is a show of might dating back to the days of Semassi warriors; and the final day which is called “Kosso” is when woman come to celebrate the role of warriors.
-Evala – Togo – July – This festival of initiation for young ladies is held in Kabye land and locals dress in traditional costumes, with several dancing ceremonies.
-Gbagba – Kpalime region – August – A multi-day festival with three purposes; First to worship the animist deities; second to signal the end of the family cycle with the harvest; and third to celebrate the beginning of the rest period. Lots of songs and dances are performed and all are accompanied by traditional African drumming.
-Voodoo Festival – Togo – September – Held in the village of Glidji celebrating the indigenous beliefs and the start of the new year. The highlight of this festival is the sacred stone, the color of which predicts fortunes for the coming year. Blue: abundant harvests, red: a year of war, black: famine and floods, white: good luck.
Tipping in Togo
It is an etiquette that is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. The question `when?` or `how much?` can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use CFA Francs?
The currency of Togo is the West African Franc (CFA) “say-fa”, and the smaller pesewa; the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the West African Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Lome, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping in restaurants in Togo is common and the percentage is anywhere between 5-15%. Tip according to the level of service you received at the restaurant and go above and beyond if you received outstanding service.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels is common in Togo and leaving a few Francs is much appreciated by hotel staff. Tipping anywhere from 2-5 francs is sufficient for the bellboy, maid, and concierge if you were happy with the service they provided.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping your tour guide in Togo is common and leaving a 5-15% tip is appreciated by your tour guide and driver. A tip of 10% per day or the equivalent of $10-$20 is the norm.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping guides in Togo are usually common and a significant part of income for service employees, tips are performance-based and should be provided in exchange for excellent service. A 10% tip for guides and drivers is around $10-$20 a day, so like $3 per person for groups. These tips should be given to each person individually, for example to your driver, and to your guide.
Miscellaneous: other services
If visiting a spa or hair salon in Togo, you should tip up to 10% of the bill if you received great service. You can always tip more if you feel as if the service deserved it.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Togo than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top City in Togo
What to expect while traveling
