Togo 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Togo Itinerary: A Taste of West Africa

This itinerary offers a balanced experience of Togo’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historical sites. It can be adjusted based on your interests and travel style.

Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Togo. Check the Togolese Embassy website for details and requirements specific to your nationality.

Day 1: Arrival in Lomé

  • Morning: Arrive at Lomé-Tokoin International Airport (LFW) and complete immigration procedures.

  • Things to Know:

    • You’ll likely arrive in the evening, but it’s best to arrive early in the day to maximize your time.
    • Arrange a visa on arrival if needed, or have pre-arranged your visa beforehand.
    • Taxis are readily available at the airport.

  • Afternoon:

    • Settle into your hotel. Consider [Hotel Sarakawa**, Hôtel 2 Feux, or a guesthouse in the bustling city center.
    • Explore the vibrant streets of Lomé, visiting the bustling markets like the Grand Marché and the Marché des Fétiches.

Day 2: Culture and History in Lomé

  • Morning: Visit the Musée National de Togo to learn about the country’s rich history and culture through its exhibits on Togolese art, traditional artifacts, and colonial past.
  • Transportation: Use taxis or “bush taxis” (shared minibuses) for affordable local transportation.

Day 3-4: Beaches and Relaxation

  • Enjoy the beaches: Togo has beautiful beaches along its coastline. Relax on the sand, swim in the warm waters, or try some water sports at Grand Popo, Togoville, or Aného.
  • Experience Togolese cuisine: Savor fresh seafood, flavorful dishes like “fufu” and “akoumé” (a traditional sauce), and local delicacies.

Day 5-6: Exploring the Capital

  • Visit the capital: Discover Lomé’s historical landmarks, including the Grand Mosque of Lomé, the Cathedral of Lomé, and the Independence Monument.
  • Immerse yourself in history: Explore the National Assembly Building, the Presidential Palace, and the Musée National d’Art Contemporain for a deeper understanding of Togo’s political and artistic past.

Day 7: Departure from Togo

  • Departing from Lomé:

    • Reflect on your journey through Togo’s diverse culture and landscapes.
    • Enjoy a final meal of Togolese cuisine, perhaps trying something new.
    • Consider purchasing souvenirs before leaving for the airport.

Possible Activities:

  • Beach Days: Relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or try surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Discover stunning waterfalls, hike through lush forests and discover the diverse wildlife of Togo.
  • Visiting Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by exploring the bustling markets like the Aneho Market for its traditional charm, Lomé’s Grand Marché for a taste of local life, or the Togo-Togo market for its unique handicrafts and textiles.

Possible Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Lomé (consider a hotel near the beach).

  • Day 2: Explore the Musée National de Togo.

  • Day 3-4:

    • Day trip to Togoville: Experience the history of this charming town and enjoy its traditional Ewe cuisine.

    • Relax on the beach in Lomé: Take a walk, swim or explore the local restaurants along the beach for fresh seafood.

  • Days 5-6: Visit the Kpime waterfalls, just outside Lomé. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and try some local activities like canoeing or fishing.

Possible Food Experiences:

  • Taste “Fufu” and “Akoumé”: Try this traditional dish of pounded cassava root (or other starchy tubers) and a variety of sauces and stews.
  • Visit the “Lomé Beach Market”: Explore the local delicacies like grilled fish, “fufu” with peanut sauce, or “fufu” with fresh fruits.

Experience Togolese Culture:

  • Visit a local village: Witness traditional Ewe culture firsthand, including their vibrant dances, music and clothing.
  • Attend a cultural festival: Togo’s calendar is full of them! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and experience the country’s diverse traditions.

Accommodation Options:

  • Tofu-Togo: A guesthouse with a traditional feel.
  • Hotel Sarakawa: A luxury hotel option for a more comfortable stay.
  • Lomé Beach: Stay at one of the charming beachfront hotels or resorts for a relaxing getaway.

Transportation Tips:

  • “Taxi-brousse”: These shared minibuses are a popular and affordable way to get around, especially for longer distances.
  • Taxis: They are readily available in cities and towns, but be prepared for crowded conditions and “bush taxi” drivers who may not speak English or French.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Visa Requirements:

    • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
    • Apply for a visa online or at the embassy before arriving in Togo.

  • Language: While French is the official language, Ewe is widely spoken in the south and local languages in the north.

Other Tips:

  • “Negotiate” fares with “taxi-brousse” drivers beforehand.

  • Be aware of the weather: Prepare for a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season (November - April) and wet season (May - October). The rainy season can be quite wet, so pack accordingly.**

Accommodation Options:

  • Hotel 2 Feux: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city.

  • “Fetich” Market:

Try the fresh “fufu” and “akoumé” (local sauces) served at the various stalls and restaurants.

  • Local Hotels:

Experience a variety of affordable options with a local feel.

Things to Consider:

  • Togo is a safe country for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

  • “Taxi-brousse” are often the cheapest way to get around, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.

  • Take Precautions: Be sure to pack mosquito repellent and drink plenty of water.

Things to Enjoy:

  • Togo’s Diverse Cuisine: Immerse yourself in the local flavors by trying “fufu” with “sauce de poisson” (fish sauce) or “soupe de poulet” (chicken soup).
  • Experience the Beaches: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on Togo’s beautiful beaches.

Things to Remember:

  • Respect Local Customs: As a sign of respect, dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas.

  • Local Transportation: Taxis are readily available in Lomé but be sure to negotiate the price before getting in as they don’t always use meters.

Day 1: Exploring the Coastline

  • Arrive at Lomé-Tokoin International Airport and complete your visa process.
  • Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Togo’s Grand Beach Market.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the “Tofu-brousse” stalls with fresh seafood and local delicacies.

  • Transportation:

Travelers are encouraged to use “taxi-brousse” for transport, but be sure to agree on a price before starting your journey.

  • Day 2: Discover the Beaches (continued):
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Lomé’s beachside restaurants.
  • Consider venturing out to Togoville, a charming town known for its historical significance and traditional “fufu” and “fufu with “sauce de poulet”

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  • Take a boat trip along the coast, enjoying the fresh sea air.

  • Enjoy the beaches near Lomé and learn about the local culture through their food, crafts, and music.

  • Explore the “Anelo Market”, for its vibrant beachside atmosphere.

  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the tastes of Togo.

  • Day 3: The Beach: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean.

Accommodation Tips:

  • Choose “Bush Taxis”: If you want to experience local transportation, negotiate with “taxi-brous” drivers for a fair price.
  • Other options include:
    • Staying in a hotel near the beach and enjoying fresh seafood at the restaurants.

Day 4-5: Enjoying Lomé:

  • Explore Togo’s beaches and cultural experiences.

Important Considerations:

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling to new destinations. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious about displaying expensive items.

  • Health: Consult a travel clinic for recommended vaccinations and health precautions before traveling to Togo.

  • Malaria prophylaxis is essential.

  • Money:

  • Carry enough cash as not all places accept credit cards, and ATMs are unreliable in Togo.

  • Consider using US dollars for larger purchases and exchanging them for CFA francs at a local exchange bureau.

  • Health:

  • Remember to pack insect repellent with DEET.

  • Ensure you have access to clean drinking water and consider packing a portable water filter or purifier.

  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa.

  • “Taxis” are common, but remember they can be crowded and unregulated.

Health:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially bottled water.

  • Use a mosquito net over your bed at night, even in urban areas.**

Drink plenty of water.

  • Accommodation:

  • Consider a local “taxi-brousse” to experience the authentic Togo way of life and transportation.

  • Visit local markets like “Marché de Lomé” or “Grand Marché” for a taste of the vibrant culture and shopping opportunities.

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and travel style.