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Togo

For those fond of traveling off the beaten track, Togo is a rewarding destination. Its great diversity of landscapes ranges from lakes and palm-fringed beaches along the Atlantic coastline to the rolling forested hills in the center; heading further north, the mantle of lush forest is replaced by the light-green and yellowy tinges of savannah. It's an excellent playground for hikers – there's no better eco-friendly way to experience the country's natural beauty than on foot.

Another highlight is Togo's melting-pot culture. The fortified compounds of Koutammakou are a reminder that the country's ethnically diverse population didn't always get along, but nowadays Voodoo, Muslim, Christian and traditional festivals crowd the calendar and are often colorful celebrations for all.

The cherry on top is Lomé, the low-key yet elegant capital, with its large avenues, tasty restaurants and lively nightlife – not to mention the splendid beaches on its doorstep.

Explore Togo

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Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa
This 1920-sq-km national park is one of the most diverse West African parks in terms of landscape, with forest, savannah, rocky cliffs and waterfalls. The…
P
Parc Sarakawa
Unpretentious and relaxing, Parc Sarakawa is easily accessed from Kara as a day trip. While its wildlife-watching can't compare with that of the better…
C
Centre Culturel Français
Offers regular films, concerts and exhibitions, and has a good selection of books and up-to-date newspapers.
Grand Marché
The labyrinthine Grand Marché is Togo at its most colourful and entrepreneurial. You'll find everything at this market, from Togolese football tops to…
M
Marché des Féticheurs
The Marché des Féticheurs, 4km northeast of the centre, stocks all the ingredients for traditional fetishes, from porcupine skin to serpent head. It's all…
C
Cascade de Womé
One great attraction in the Kpalimé area is these falls, 12km from Kpalimé. You pay the admission fee to the Association Akatamanso at the entrance of the…
T
Tamberma Compound
This is an excellent example of a typical Tamberma compound, called a tata. There's a variety of traditional, inhabited tatas here, so typically a visit…
V
Vogan Friday Market
This is one of the biggest and most colourful markets in Togo, with produce and bric-a-brac and a fun atmosphere. It's great for embracing local culture…
M
Market
Local farmers sell their produce here; there's also the usual bric-a-brac of plasticware and clothes. Since it's one of the biggest markets around this…

P
Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa
This 1920-sq-km national park is one of the most diverse West African parks in terms of landscape, with forest, savannah, rocky cliffs and waterfalls. The…
P
Parc Sarakawa
Unpretentious and relaxing, Parc Sarakawa is easily accessed from Kara as a day trip. While its wildlife-watching can't compare with that of the better…
C
Centre Culturel Français
Offers regular films, concerts and exhibitions, and has a good selection of books and up-to-date newspapers.
Grand Marché
The labyrinthine Grand Marché is Togo at its most colourful and entrepreneurial. You'll find everything at this market, from Togolese football tops to…
M
Marché des Féticheurs
The Marché des Féticheurs, 4km northeast of the centre, stocks all the ingredients for traditional fetishes, from porcupine skin to serpent head. It's all…
C
Cascade de Womé
One great attraction in the Kpalimé area is these falls, 12km from Kpalimé. You pay the admission fee to the Association Akatamanso at the entrance of the…
T
Tamberma Compound
This is an excellent example of a typical Tamberma compound, called a tata. There's a variety of traditional, inhabited tatas here, so typically a visit…
V
Vogan Friday Market
This is one of the biggest and most colourful markets in Togo, with produce and bric-a-brac and a fun atmosphere. It's great for embracing local culture…
M
Market
Local farmers sell their produce here; there's also the usual bric-a-brac of plasticware and clothes. Since it's one of the biggest markets around this…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Togo.

See
Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa
This 1920-sq-km national park is one of the most diverse West African parks in terms of landscape, with forest, savannah, rocky cliffs and waterfalls. The…
See
Parc Sarakawa
Unpretentious and relaxing, Parc Sarakawa is easily accessed from Kara as a day trip. While its wildlife-watching can't compare with that of the better…
See
Centre Culturel Français
Offers regular films, concerts and exhibitions, and has a good selection of books and up-to-date newspapers.
See
Grand Marché
The labyrinthine Grand Marché is Togo at its most colourful and entrepreneurial. You'll find everything at this market, from Togolese football tops to…
See
Marché des Féticheurs
The Marché des Féticheurs, 4km northeast of the centre, stocks all the ingredients for traditional fetishes, from porcupine skin to serpent head. It's all…
See
Cascade de Womé
One great attraction in the Kpalimé area is these falls, 12km from Kpalimé. You pay the admission fee to the Association Akatamanso at the entrance of the…
See
Tamberma Compound
This is an excellent example of a typical Tamberma compound, called a tata. There's a variety of traditional, inhabited tatas here, so typically a visit…
See
Vogan Friday Market
This is one of the biggest and most colourful markets in Togo, with produce and bric-a-brac and a fun atmosphere. It's great for embracing local culture…
See
Market
Local farmers sell their produce here; there's also the usual bric-a-brac of plasticware and clothes. Since it's one of the biggest markets around this…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Togo

Ready to go? Get to the heart of Togo with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.