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Capital

Lomé

Currency

West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Language

French

Best Time

Nov–Feb

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0)

Sustainability Politics
Flag of Togo
Welcome to Togo

Togo's Voodoo Culture and Coastal Charm

Welcome to Togo, a narrow West African country where vibrant Voodoo traditions meet a relaxed Atlantic coastline. Lomé, the capital, offers bustling markets, including the famous Akodessewa fetish market rooted in traditional spiritual practice. Togo's rolling hills in the Kpalimé region offer waterfalls, coffee plantations, and scenic hiking trails. Traditional Tamberma clay tower houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal a unique and striking architectural style. The country's beaches offer a relaxed coastal escape, with palm-lined shores along the Gulf of Guinea. Togo's compact size makes it easy to combine coastal relaxation with cultural and highland exploration. Traditional festivals throughout the country showcase vibrant Voodoo ceremonies and colorful masquerades. Togo invites travelers to discover a compact country rich in spiritual tradition and coastal charm.

Popular City

Lome

Lome, Togo’s capital on the Gulf of Guinea, offers the Grand Marche, a sprawling market known for its powerful female traders, called Nana Benz, who have long dominated the city’s fabric trade. The Fetish Market sells traditional items used in voodoo practices still widely observed in Togo and across the region. Lome’s beaches, though affected by coastal erosion in places, offer a relaxed spot for an evening walk along the Gulf of Guinea. The National Museum traces Togo’s history and cultural diversity, including its many distinct ethnic groups. The city’s markets and craft stalls give visitors an introduction to traditional Togolese textiles and religious practice. Lome’s blend of commerce and coastal setting makes it an approachable West African capital.

Travel News

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Popular City

Kpalime

Kpalime, in Togo’s lush western highlands near the Ghana border, is surrounded by cocoa and coffee plantations that can be toured on foot through the surrounding hills. The nearby Mount Agou, Togo’s highest peak, offers hiking with views extending into neighboring Ghana on clear days. Kpalime’s butterfly population, among the most diverse in West Africa, draws nature enthusiasts to the surrounding forests. Waterfalls including Kpime and Womé offer refreshing swimming spots reached by short hikes through the countryside. The town’s relaxed, green setting offers a striking contrast to the flat coastal capital. Kpalime rewards travelers interested in Togo’s natural landscapes and agricultural traditions.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Sokode

Sokode, Togo’s second-largest city, sits in the country’s central region and serves as a center for the Kotokoli ethnic group’s culture and Islamic traditions. The city’s mosques and markets reflect a distinct blend of local and Islamic heritage found in this part of Togo. Local leatherworking and textile traditions continue in workshops around the city, reflecting skills passed down through generations. The surrounding countryside offers a rural, agricultural landscape typical of central Togo. Sokode’s cultural traditions and markets give visitors a look at Togo beyond the coastal capital. It remains a lesser-visited but culturally significant stop for travelers exploring the country’s interior.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Togo's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Fufu

Fufu is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Akume

Akume is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Djenkoume

Djenkoume is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Gboma Dessi

Gboma Dessi is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Ayimolou

Ayimolou is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Koklo Meme

Koklo Meme is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Ablo

Ablo is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Kom

Kom is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Botokoin

Botokoin is a well-known part of Togo's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Togo. Explore local markets, independent cafés and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Togo

Tonga is the only Pacific island nation never to have been formally colonized by a foreign power, having maintained a continuous monarchy for over a thousand years, making the Tongan royal family one of the oldest ruling dynasties still in existence anywhere in the world. The country is composed of over 170 islands, only a fraction of which are inhabited, and it sits along a highly active volcanic and seismic zone.

In January 2022, Tonga was struck by the eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in modern history, producing a shockwave detected around the entire planet and triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific basin. The eruption was so massive that it briefly severed Tonga's only undersea internet cable, cutting the country off from most global communication for weeks.

Tonga is also the last Polynesian monarchy remaining in the world, and traditional Tongan society still places significant importance on rank and lineage tied to its royal and noble families, a social structure that has persisted largely intact since long before European contact.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.

Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.