Travelisto destinations

Togo holidays

A slim West African country of palm-lined coast, voodoo culture, forested hills and the mud tower-houses of the Tamberma valley.

Overview

Welcome to Togo

Togo is a narrow country stretching about 600km inland from a short Atlantic coastline, between Ghana and Benin. It packs a lot into a small space: palm-fringed beaches and lagoons on the coast, forested hills with waterfalls and coffee and cocoa farms around Kpalimé, and dry savannah in the north. Lomé, the capital, is a lively seaside city with a huge market, the Grand Marché, and a fetish market that reflects the importance of vodun (voodoo) traditions in the region.

Near the coast, Lake Togo and the old town of Aného are close to the heart of vodun culture, and colourful festivals and ceremonies are a highlight of tours. In the north-east, Koutammakou, the land of the Batammariba, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary fortress-like mud tower-houses, called takienta. French is the main language, and the food mixes West African staples such as fufu and grilled fish with French bread and coffee.

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Best for: experienced travellers interested in culture and traditions, photographers, and West Africa tours combining Togo with Benin and Ghana. Our escorted tours cross all three countries, from Ouidah and Ganvié in Benin to Lomé, Kpalimé and the Ghanaian coast.

From the team

Why we love Togo

Rossella — Travel Designer · Luxury & Destination Specialist

Togo is best seen on a guided tour with Benin and Ghana — the vodun culture, Koutammakou’s tower-houses and the markets of Lomé are unlike anywhere else.

Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel Designers

Main areas

Where to go in Togo

3 distinct regions — they pair beautifully two or three at a time.

Lomé & the coast

Lomé & the coast

Lomé Lake Togo Aného

The capital’s markets and beaches, Lake Togo and the vodun heartland around Aného.

Kpalimé & the plateaux

Kpalimé & the plateaux

Kpalimé Mount Agou Kloto forest

Forested hills, waterfalls, butterflies and cocoa and coffee farms.

Koutammakou & the north

Koutammakou & the north

Koutammakou Kara Kandé

The UNESCO-listed tower-houses of the Batammariba people and the dry northern savannah.

Find your trip

Holiday types in Togo

Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.

City breaks

Togo's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.

Lomé

Lomé

The Grand Marché, the Akodésséwa fetish market, the Independence Monument and the beachfront boulevard.

Cruises

Lomé is an occasional call on West Africa expedition cruises along the Gulf of Guinea.

See all Togo-departure cruises ->

Practical info

Knowing before you go

When to go
Jan
31°
Feb
31°
Mar
31°
Apr
31°
May
30°
Jun
28°
Jul
27°
Aug
27°
Sep
28°
Oct
30°
Nov
31°
Dec
31°

November to February is the best time, during the drier season, although the dusty Harmattan wind can bring hazy skies from December. The main rains fall from April to June and again in October. July and August are a short drier spell on the coast.

Flights & how to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK. Flights to Lomé connect via Paris, Brussels, Casablanca or Addis Ababa, taking about 9–12 hours in total.

Visa & passport

UK passport holders need a visa, which can be obtained online before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. The FCDO advises against travel to parts of the far north near the border with Burkina Faso. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for Togo.

Currency & money

The West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with Benin. Euros are easy to exchange; cards are limited, so carry cash.

Language & tipping

French (official), with Ewe and Kabiyé widely spoken. English is limited outside hotels.

Health & safety

Yellow fever vaccination is required, and malaria is present throughout the country, so antimalarials are essential. Consult a travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.

FAQs

Togo — your questions

When is the best time to visit Togo?

November to February, the main dry season, although the Harmattan wind can bring dust and haze from December. The heaviest rains fall from April to June.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Togo?

UK passport holders need a visa, available online. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and antimalarials are essential. Check the FCDO advice before you book.

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; our tours follow it.

Can I combine Togo with Benin and Ghana?

Yes, and it is the best way to see the region. Our tours travel from Benin through Togo to Ghana in about two weeks.

Make this trip yours

Plan your Togo holiday with a Travel Designer

Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.

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