Once one of West Africa's top travel spots, Togo is currently struggling to regain the popularity it once held with business travelers and tourists. Within the past ten years, dictatorial rule, persistent economic difficulties and social unrest, often punctuated by violence, have taken a serious toll on a once thriving tourism industry. However, recent elections and considerable economic reforms over the past five years indicate that Togo is on the right path to restoring its popularity and regaining investor confidence.
Among some of Togo's attractions are its diverse scenic landscapes, a rich cultural mix and its sandy lagoons. The Grande Marche (market) in Lome is three stories high and still draws a number of visitors.
Togo enjoys a fairly dry climate and weather, with rainy seasons varying from north to south. Rainy seasons in the south last March-June, with intermittent rains October-November. In the north, the rainy season occurs April-September. The hottest months are between mid-February and mid-March. The best time to visit is December-March.
Nearly 40 different ethnic groups live in Togo, with the Ewe and Kabye being the largest. These two groups are divided along geo-political lines; the Ewe live in the south and the Kabye in the north. French is the official language, but Mina is widely used as the language of commerce. Over half the people are animists, 30 percent Christian and the rest Muslim.
Lome Tokoin International airport is served by a host of African and European airlines. Domestic air service is provided by Air Togo. Most of Togo's roads are paved but driving conditions are generally poor. Delays, however, are frequently caused by numerous security checkpoints.
International direct dial service is available to Europe and to the United States; the cost is USD 3-5 per minute. Public telephones operate on a card-based system. Making calls outside of the capital is difficult. A GSM 900 network allows coverage to most urban areas. Internet service is only available in Lome.
Cash withdrawals on Visa cards can be made at the Bank of Togo in Lome. Traveler's checks can be cashed fairly easily in Lome and in other principal cities, but proof of purchase is required.
Accommodations and meals are among the least expensive in West Africa. Luxury hotels cost USD 50-100 and meals range from USD 3-10 and upward.
Civil unrest, in the form of street demonstrations and protests, occured during election periods. Avoid political rallies and demonstrations as a security precaution. Lome has been experiencing an increase in carjackings and armed robbery. Extreme caution should be used when driving outside of Togo's principal cities.
For a free map of Togo and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Togo can be dynamic and volatile. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Togo.