Travel - Togo - Best spots to visit & other details of this African nation

 

Togo is a small West African country known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east, Burkina Faso to the north, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The capital city, Lomé, is a vibrant urban center with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, lively markets, and beautiful beaches.

### Best Spots to Visit

1. **Lomé**

   - **Description:** The capital and largest city, known for its bustling markets, beachfront, and vibrant nightlife.

   - **Highlights:** Grand Marché (central market), Independence Square, Togo National Museum, and Lomé Beach.

2. **Kpalimé**

   - **Description:** A town located in the Plateaux Region, known for its lush scenery and waterfalls.

   - **Highlights:** Kpimé Falls, Mount Agou (Togo's highest peak), and the local craft market.

3. **Togoville**

   - **Description:** A historic town on the northern shore of Lake Togo, known for its traditional culture and voodoo practices.

   - **Highlights:** The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lake Togo, voodoo shrines, and guided boat tours on Lake Togo.

4. **Aného**

   - **Description:** A coastal town with historical significance, known for its colonial architecture and lagoon.

   - **Highlights:** Colonial buildings, Aneho Lagoon, and the beautiful Aneho Beach.

5. **Koutammakou**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Kara Region, known for its unique Batammariba mud tower houses.

   - **Highlights:** Exploring traditional Batammariba villages, learning about their customs, and seeing the distinctive architecture.

6. **Fazao-Malfakassa National Park**

   - **Description:** A large national park offering diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

   - **Highlights:** Wildlife viewing (elephants, antelopes, monkeys), bird watching, and hiking trails.

7. **Keran National Park**

   - **Description:** Located in the northern part of Togo, known for its rich biodiversity.

   - **Highlights:** Safaris to see elephants, hippos, and various bird species, as well as experiencing the local flora.

### Best Seasons to Visit

The best time to visit Togo is during the dry seasons. The long dry season runs from November to March, and the short dry season occurs in July and August. These periods offer more pleasant weather for travel and outdoor activities. The rainy seasons, from April to June and September to October, bring heavy rains and can make travel more challenging due to muddy roads and high humidity.

### Best Cuisines

Togolese cuisine is flavorful and diverse, influenced by its agricultural abundance and cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include:

- **Fufu:** A dough-like food made from boiled and pounded yams, cassava, or plantains, often served with a variety of soups and stews.

- **Akpan:** A fermented maize drink that is slightly sour and usually sweetened with sugar.

- **Pâte:** A staple dish made from maize or millet flour, similar to polenta, served with various sauces.

- **Grilled Fish:** Fresh fish grilled with local spices, often served with attiéké (cassava couscous) or rice.

- **Ablo:** Steamed rice or corn flour cakes, often eaten with sauces or grilled meats.

- **Djenkoumé:** A maize-based dish cooked with tomatoes and spices, usually served with meat or fish.

- **Koklo Meme:** A popular grilled chicken dish marinated in spices and served with rice or plantains.

### Airlines Connectivity

Togo is primarily served by Lomé–Tokoin International Airport in Lomé. Some of the airlines providing connectivity to Togo include:

- **Air France:** Offers flights from Paris to Lomé.

- **Brussels Airlines:** Provides connections from Brussels to Lomé.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Connects Lomé with Addis Ababa and other destinations.

- **Asky Airlines:** Offers regional flights from various West African cities and operates as a hub airline in Lomé.

- **Royal Air Maroc:** Provides connections from Casablanca to Lomé.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Offers flights from Istanbul to Lomé.

Travelers from other parts of the world can usually find convenient connecting flights through major hubs such as Paris, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and Istanbul.