Attraction in Togo
Grand Marché, Lomé
The Grand Marché at the heart of Lomé is one of West Africa's most animated urban markets, spreading across several blocks and rising three storeys with distinct sections dedicated to textiles, spices, household goods, crafts, and souvenirs. It is run largely by the Nana Benz, the formidable Togolese women traders who built their fortunes through the cloth trade and whose commercial influence shaped the market's character for generations. Walking through its colour-saturated corridors gives an immediate sense of the city's commercial energy and cultural identity.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Togo
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Togo page at Yoogo.
Togo uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), shared with seven other West African nations. Cash is the dominant form of payment for most transactions. ATMs are available in Lome but can be unreliable. Card acceptance is limited to larger hotels and some restaurants in the capital. Bring sufficient cash for travel outside Lome.
The main tourist areas, including Lome and the south, are generally safe for visitors exercising normal precautions. Petty theft and bag snatching occur in crowded areas. The north of the country, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Benin, has experienced elevated security risks in recent years. Check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.
Bush taxis and motorcycle taxis (zemidjans) are the main forms of local transport. Shared taxis connect major towns along the north-south axis. Roads in the south are generally better than in the north. Lome has an international airport with limited regional connections.
November to March is the best time to visit, with lower rainfall and more comfortable temperatures in the south. The north is best visited from November to February, before the harmattan winds bring dust and heat. The rainy season from April to October can make some rural roads difficult.
French is the official language and is used in government, education, and business. Ewe is widely spoken in the south, and Kabiye in the north. Around 40 indigenous languages are spoken across the country. In tourist areas, French is the practical language of communication.
Yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Togo. Malaria is endemic throughout the country; consult a travel health clinic for antimalarial advice. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or treated water.
Tipping is not a formal requirement in Togo but is appreciated in tourist settings. At restaurants in Lome, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is appropriate. Small tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are welcomed.
Mobile coverage is available in Lome and most towns via providers including Togocel and Moov Africa. Coverage in rural areas is patchy. Local SIM cards are available and inexpensive. Internet access can be slow but is available in hotels and some cafes in Lome.
Togo has a rich tradition of Vodou (voodoo), which is widely practised and respected. The fetish market in Lome is a significant cultural site; approach it with curiosity and respect. Greetings are important: take time to exchange pleasantries before getting to business. Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites.