Overview
Togo is a country in Africa according to commit4fitness. Although tiny, Togo has a diverse landscape of dense forests, savannas, coastal lagoons, long sandy beaches and fens. Despite the political uncertainty, the country has a lot of interesting things to offer. The capital, Lomé, sits on the Gulf of Guinea, where modern hotels line the beach. The city’s colonial history can be discovered in the surviving colonial quarters. The famous Marché au Féticheurs (Voodoo Market) sells traditional miracle cures and carved figures believed to ward off evil. Buffalo, elephant, antelope and numerous species of tropical birds live in the national parks of Togo. Coffee and cocoa farms, waterfalls and palm plantations characterize the highlands. In 2004, UNESCO declared the traditional Batammariba mud tower settlements in the Koutammakou region a World Heritage Site.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Air France (AF) offers non-stop flights from Paris to Lomé several times a week; Flights to Paris are offered from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich, among others, by Air France (AF) and the respective national airlines. Brussels Airlines (SN) connects Brussels with Lomé several times a week; Feeder flights to Brussels are possible from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich with Brussels Airlines (SN) and the respective national airlines. There are frequent flights to Togo from most African destinations.
Flight times
Paris – Lomé: 6 hours 25 minutes (non-stop); Brussels – Lomé: 6 hrs 50 mins (non-stop); Frankfurt/M. – Lomé: 8 hours 50 minutes; Vienna – Lomé: 10 hrs 10 mins; Zurich – Lomé: 10 hrs 50 mins (journey times vary depending on length of stopovers.)
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Togo is accessible by land from Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso. The roads are generally bad. The border crossings are usually closed at night; the border to Ghana often all day. Long-distance buses: There are regular buses between Togo and its neighboring countries Burkina Faso, Ghana and Benin and from Togo to Côte d’Ivoire. Toll: The north-south motorway is subject to a toll. The tolls are to be paid at tollbooths along the motorway. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, an international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no rail traffic in Togo and from neighboring countries.
Arrival by ship
Ferries from Benin and Ghana call at Lomé and the coastal ports.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
There are no domestic flights in Togo.
Traveling by car/bus
The country’s road network connects most of the towns. The so-called “Unity Highway” crosses the country in a north-south direction to the border with Burkina Faso. To the south, a coastal highway runs between the borders of Ghana to the west and Nigeria to the east. Toll: The north-south motorway is subject to a toll. The tolls are to be paid at tollbooths along the motorway. There are petrol stations mainly in Lomé and on the main connecting roads. Overland, it is advisable to use every opportunity to refuel or to carry petrol in canisters.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The main connecting roads are asphalted and passable even during the rainy season, side roads to smaller towns are then often impassable. Potholes are generally to be expected. Night driving should be avoided if possible.
Road classification
The road network consists of national roads marked with the letter N and a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Lomé at the airport, both with and without a driver. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for 2 years. In other cities, rental car prices are very high.
Taxi
Taxis are mainly available in Lomé. There are no taximeters; the fare should therefore be agreed before departure. There are also cheaper and faster motorcycle taxis, but they are more dangerous to use. So-called bush taxis (minibuses) travel throughout the country.
Bicycle
Bicycles can be rented in larger cities and tourist locations.
Coach
Regular buses can only be found in Lomé. Minibuses are available for cross-country trips, and they only leave when they are full.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
Minibuses, taxis, motorcycle and shared taxis operate in Lomé.
Locally on the way by train
There are currently no passenger trains running in Togo.
Traveling by ship
Lomé has the largest and only deep sea port on the West African coast. Ferries connect the coastal ports. Information can be obtained from the local port authorities.
