Travel Ideas in Togo

Travel Ideas to Togo, Getting there and around; Weather & Best time to Travel; What to wear; Your Accommodation guide; Budget Accommodation in Togo
About Togo
Togo is a republic country located in West Africa. It is bordered by 3 countries; Burkina Faso in the north, Benin in the east, and Ghana in the west. This country is bounded in the south by the Atlantic Ocean with a 50 km coastline.
Capital: Lomé
Getting There
By Road: There are several road access points to Lomé, Togo. Numerous shared taxis and buses operate along these routes. From Accra (Ghana) and Cotonou (Benin) are about three hours drive from Lomé on asphalt roads. Bush taxis operate here daily. Minibuses ply the coastal route between Lomé and Cotonou (Benin) throughout the day. We recommend that road user take the route from Lomé to the border and another from there to Ouidah or Cotonou. It is a relatively cheaper and easier route. Alternatively travellers can cross to Ghana from Kpalimé, Badou and Sansanné-Mango. It is 3 hours drive to Lomé from Accra. However, some of these routes have tricky sections especially to new users.
By Air: Togo is well-connected to regional neighbours and other world cities by air. All international flights to Togo touch down at Gnassingbe Eyadema International Airport (Lome-Tokoin Airport) situated 6km north-east of central Lomé. Several airlines service the airport including Toumai Air Tchad, Air Ivorie, Afriqiyah airways, Air France, Air Burkina, Royal Air Maroc, Air Sengal International and Ethiopian Airlines.
Public Transport in Togo
In Togo, buses move from one city to another and stop at designated points. Most of them operate on particular routes and booking is paramount. The shared taxis operate from the centre of the capital to most of the other areas in the capital. Private taxis are also available although found majorly in urban centres as well as the capital, Lomé.  However, they are irregular and usually overcrowded. You can hire or rent a car in Togo, but this is not recommended. There are also internal flights within various cities in the country. For instance, at Lome-Tokoin Airport, there are both domestic and international flights. Internal flights can also be arranged from Sansanne Mango Airport, Akpaka Airport, Djangou Airport, Akpaka Airport and Sokode Airport. There are many small motorbikes in the city centre. These are dominant for the short journeys. Travellers are cautioned that safety of public transportation in Togo is very poor. There are no road signs.
People and Language
French is the official and language of commerce in Togo although Ewe and Gen are commonly spoken particularly in the southern parts of the country. Kabiyé and Kotokoli are the dominant dialects used in the north. You need some basics in French like how to thank, greet, and ask for something. Togolese are very welcoming and this hospitality is attributed to the respect that people have for the other religions and tribes; such as the Himba tribe.
Driving in Togo
Togo drives on the right side. However plausible to note are the many small motorbikes and poorly maintained vehicles on most roads in Togo. Livestock is always on the roadways. Armed checkpoints are abrupt and are so popular throughout the country. Visiting road users should desist driving late in the evening because most roads not lit making them dangerous. Travellers are cautioned to be vigilant of their surroundings in general.
Weather in Togo
The climate is generally tropical with average temperatures ranging from 27.5 °C on the coast to about 30 °C in the northernmost regions, with a dry climate and characteristics of a tropical savannah. To the south there are two seasons of rain (the first between April and July and the second between (September and November), even though the average rainfall is not very high.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Togo is between June and mid July. It is the period when it’s humid and not scorching hot. Travellers for Togo holidays should avoid the very hot period of March to May. The heat tends to be unbearable. Similar do not travel before the late May and early June heavy rains which make the country extremely boggy. If your destinations are the coastal regions like Lomé, December to late February should be the best time to visit.
Food and Drink
Togolese food is particularly good. This is a great plus for the country. Most tourist-oriented hotels and restaurants efficiently cater for their visitors. Several of them serve good Western-style meals and African dishes. In Lomé for instance, there are many small cafés serving local food. Meat, poultry and seafoods are plentiful and well prepared, as are the local fruit and vegetables. Togo visitors are warned to eat from well established points. There are several hotels in Lome where you can be assured to a well prepared meal.
What to wear
Most people in West Africa wear the same types of things. Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so pack some light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at the coast, so carry a couple of light sweaters too.
Health Safety
Travellers are warned that malaria is prevalent in Togo therefore anti-malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended during your packing. There are equally very limited medical services in the country. While some medicines are available through local pharmacies, travellers should carry needed prescription medicines and medication with them. Emergency medical treatment is poor and unreliable. But above all health insurance is essential. Also note that HIV/AIDS is spreading at an alarming rate in Togo. Travellers should be cautious. Traditionally
Security
Pick pocketing and theft are common, especially in holiday and relaxing places. Market areas particularly of Lome are not safe. Residential burglary is on the rise, as are carjacking. If possible, drive with your car windows rolled up. All in all Togo visitors need to be on alert always.
Travel Requirements
A passport and visa are required to enter Togo. You should obtain your visas prior to arrival, as only visas of limited validity are available at Lome-Tokoin Airport and border points. There are significant delays in processing and extending visa validity. Togo bound-travellers are warned.
Where to Stay
Finding a good, comfortable and affordable stay in hotels is equally important. If you are travelling to Togo, especially the first timers, it’s recommended that you always book your hotel accommodation in Togo well in advance. Amongst the widely known Cheap Hotels in Togo, mention must be made of the Ibis Lome Centre hotel. Similarly those planning for holidays to Togo, it’s plausible to make prior arrangements for your lodging and accommodation. Availability of safari lodges in Togo is very hard to find even during the off seasons especially in major tourist places in Togo.
Your pocket budget is a very paramount in planning for your Togo Vacation. The Hotel where you will be staying needs to fit into your budget. It is sensible that you find out the room rates beforehand by either calling up at the hotel or by simply searching online hotels in Togo. Visitors are encouraged to make their reservations in advance.