Togo is a slim West African country of palm-lined coast, forested hills and the remarkable mud tower-houses of Koutammakou. It is best explored on a guided tour, usually with Benin and Ghana, and rewards curious travellers with markets, festivals and vodun traditions found nowhere else.
This guide covers where to go, when, and what you need to know before you travel. For our hand-picked trips, see our Togo holidays page.
The quick answer
- Start in Lomé, the lively seaside capital.
- Head inland to Kpalimé for forest, waterfalls and cocoa farms.
- See the UNESCO-listed tower-houses of Koutammakou.
- Travel with Benin and Ghana on a guided tour.
- Go between November and February.
Where to go
| Region | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lomé & the coast | Markets, beaches | Grand Marché, Lake Togo, Aného |
| Kpalimé & the plateaux | Forest walks | Mount Agou, waterfalls, cocoa farms |
| Koutammakou & the north | Architecture, culture | Batammariba tower-houses (UNESCO) |
Most travellers see Togo over four or five days of a two-week tour that starts in Benin and ends in Ghana.
Things to do
- Lomé’s Grand Marché — and the Akodésséwa fetish market.
- Lake Togo and Aného — the heart of vodun culture.
- Kpalimé — forest hikes, butterflies and waterfalls.
- Koutammakou — the fortress-like takienta tower-houses of the Batammariba.
- Festivals — colourful ceremonies that are a highlight of tours.
When to go
November to February is the best time, during the drier season, although the Harmattan wind can bring hazy skies from December. The main rains fall from April to June and again in October.
Getting there and entry
There are no direct flights from the UK; flights to Lomé connect via Paris, Brussels, Casablanca or Addis Ababa in about 9–12 hours. UK passport holders need a visa, available online, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. The FCDO advises against travel to parts of the far north near the Burkina Faso border. Check the FCDO travel advice for Togo before you go.
Money and local costs
The West African CFA franc is the currency, shared with Benin; euros are easy to exchange. Cards are limited, so carry cash. Malaria is present, so antimalarials are essential.
Food and drink
Try fufu with groundnut or palm-nut soup, grilled fish, akume (maize dough) and the French bread and coffee that are part of daily life.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Togo?
November to February, the main dry season.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations?
Yes — a visa, available online, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Antimalarials are essential.
Is Togo safe to visit?
The coast, Lomé and Kpalimé are visited by tour groups, but the FCDO advises against travel to parts of the far north near the Burkina Faso border. Always check the latest advice.
Can I combine Togo with Benin and Ghana?
Yes — that is the best way to see the region, on a two-week tour.
What language is spoken?
French, with Ewe and Kabiyé; English is limited outside hotels.
Planning a West Africa journey?
Tell us how long you have, and we will suggest the right tour through Benin, Togo and Ghana.
