Here are 20 of the best things to do in Togo:
- Visit the Grand Marché in the capital city of Lomé, a bustling marketplace with a wide range of goods and souvenirs.
- Explore the Togoville Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits on the history of the town and the local ethnic groups.
- Relax on the beaches of Aného, a small coastal town known for its clear waters and laid-back atmosphere.
- Take a boat ride on Lake Togo, the largest lake in the country, and visit the small islands that dot its surface.
- Visit the Akodésséwa Fetish Market, one of the largest traditional medicine markets in West Africa.
- Tour the Palais des Congrès in Lomé, a modern building that hosts conferences, exhibitions, and concerts.
- Take a guided tour of the Koutammakou landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Batammariba people.
- Visit the Cascade de Kpime, a stunning waterfall located near the Togolese border with Ghana.
- Explore the historic city of Sokodé, known for its colorful markets and traditional mud houses.
- Attend the annual Fête de l’Indépendance celebration on April 27, which marks Togo’s independence from France in 1960.
- Take a hike in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, a protected area that is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
- Visit the Togo National Museum in Lomé, which showcases the country’s history and culture through a range of exhibits.
- Attend a performance at the Togo National Theatre, which hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year.
- Take a day trip to the nearby country of Benin and explore the historic city of Porto Novo.
- Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lomé, a stunning example of colonial-era architecture.
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Togolese dishes such as fufu and sauce gombo.
- Visit the Kpalimé Artisanal Centre, which showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople.
- Take a tour of the Grottes de Nokoué, a series of caves located near Lake Togo that are known for their unique rock formations.
- Attend a football match at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, which is home to the Togo national football team.
- Visit the Tamberma Valley, a remote area in northern Togo that is home to the Tamberma people and their distinctive mud homes.
Togo is a small West African country located on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, and Burkina Faso to the north. The country has a population of approximately 8 million people and covers an area of 56,785 square kilometers.
The official language of Togo is French, but many other languages are spoken throughout the country, including Ewe, Mina, and Kabiye. The capital and largest city is Lomé, which is located on the country’s southern coast and is home to about one-third of the population.
Togo has a diverse geography that includes a narrow coastal plain, the Atakora mountain range in the north, and a savanna region in the center. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton, coffee, and cocoa being some of the main exports. Togo also has a small mining sector that produces phosphates, limestone, and marble.
Togo gained independence from France in 1960 and has since experienced periods of political instability and military rule. However, since the 1990s, the country has made significant progress toward democracy and has held several successful presidential and legislative elections.
Togo is known for its vibrant culture and traditional festivals, such as the Epe Ekpe festival in the town of Glidji and the Fête de la Yam in the Kpalimé region. The country is also home to several national parks and nature reserves, including Fazao-Malfakassa National Park and the Mono River Biosphere Reserve, which offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and ecotourism.