Destination:
Togo

Overview

Wedged between Benin and Ghana, and bordered by Burkina Faso in the north, the skinny West African country of Togo is an intriguing and largely undiscovered destination. Though small in size, the country's length allows it to straddle an incredibly diverse range of environments. Savannahs and rolling hills contrast with sandy beaches, and lush rainforests compete with lakes and swamp plains. Add to this the interesting and diverse local peoples, a rocky political climate and a varied colonial history, and this is indeed 'Africa in miniature'.

Togo's history is characterised by political unrest and instability, caused by the 38-year long dictatorship of President Étienne Gnassingbe Eyadema, whose autocratic reign ended only with his death in early 2005. In an undemocratic and nepotistic move, Faure Gnassingbe, son of the former president, was instated as Togo's leader, despite a major outcry both locally and internationally. Amidst the political turmoil, thousands fled to neighbouring Ghana and Benin and remain there as refugees.

The political climate notwithstanding, there is much of interest to explore. The country's capital, Lomé, is in the south, situated on the country's sliver of coast on the Gulf of Guinea. Remnants of its German, Portuguese and British heritage are evident, with several colonial buildings, including the German Cathedral, nestling side-by-side with bustling traditional markets.

It is worth moving further inland, however, to explore the Togo that lies beyond its main city. Cascading waterfalls, lush tropical rainforest, traditional villages, game viewing and more can be found outside the capital. Boating and fishing on Lake Togo is very popular; as are hikes up Agou peak, Togo's highest point at 3,000 feet (914m); and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tamberma mud tower-houses in Koutammakou and various art and craft centres countrywide.

Part of the magic of the Togolese Republic comes from its 37 ethnic tribes, and visitors may be lucky enough to see one of the many traditional festivals that take place throughout the year, celebrating the culture and spirituality of the people in an interesting and varied environment. It may be small and off the beaten track, but Togo has plenty to offer.

Basics

Time
Local time in Togo is GMT.

Electricity
The electrical current in Togo is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz (127 volts, 50 Hz in Lomé). Round 2-pin attachment plugs are standard.

Language
The official language in Togo is French, but Ewe and Mina are spoken (especially in the south), as well as Kabye and Dagomba (mainly in the north).

Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all visitors to Togo over the age of one year. Malaria is prevalent countrywide and insect protection, as well as a prophylactic that has not shown signs of being resisted in the area, are essential. Insect protection is also essential against other insect-borne diseases, like dengue fever. Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Cholera is a fairly common disease, though travellers are at low risk. Bilharzia is present, and it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness ),meningococcal disease and rabies can also occur. N1 avian flu is present, and travellers are advised to avoid contact with poultry. It is recommended that travellers be up-to-date on all routine immunisations. Tap water is to be avoided, unless boiled, filtered or disinfected with chemicals and it is safest to drink bottled water. Avoid drinks with ice. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled; any diary product made from milk should be avoided. Food must be well-cooked, and all fruit and vegetables should be peeled or cooked. Medical facilities are poor, and health insurance is recommended, as is a supply of basic medication (e.g. for travellers' diarrhoea, headaches etc).

Tipping
A service charge is often included in Togo, but if not, 10% is customary. Taxi drivers do not usually expect a tip.

Safety
There has been relative calm in Togo since the Presidential elections in April 2005, but civil unrest can occur at any time and some westerners (particularly expatriates) have been the targets of attacks by demonstrators. The threat from terrorism is low. Pick pocketing, theft and carjackings are common in Lomé, especially on the seafront. It is best to travel in groups, especially at night, and the area near the Hotel Sarakawa should be avoided. Attacks have also occurred during the day. Roads can be hazardous and some taxis poorly maintained, so care should be taken. Border entry and exit points can be open and closed without warning, and roadblocks (official and unofficial) can occur, even in city centres. Vehicles, as well as passport/identity documents can be subject to checks by military and police. The ocean currents along the coast can be very strong and there is some risk of drowning.

Customs
Voodoo and animism are central to Togolese indigenous beliefs (though a small percentage of the population are Muslim or Christian) and visitors should respect local customs, as well as religious ceremonies and festivals. Beachwear should be restricted to pools and beaches, and casual, practical clothing is the most appropriate. Women should dress modestly in the more strictly Muslim areas.

Business
Togo is a relatively relaxed country and it is acceptable to dress casually to some smaller business meetings, but at formal business meetings, it would be advisable to wear a suit. French is the official language of business and very few people speak English. It is advisable to make appointments in advance of meetings. Business cards are commonplace. Office hours are 7am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Communications
The international dialling code for Togo is +228; no city/area codes are necessary. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet cafes are widely available and mobile phone signal is strongest around urban centres. There are two GSM 900 networks.

Duty Free
Visitors over 15 years of age may import 100 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 100g tobacco or 50 cigars, as well as 1 bottle of wine, 1 bottle of spirits, 500ml eau de toilette and 250ml perfume, without incurring customs duty. All fruit and vegetable products require a phytosanitary certificate.

Currency

The unit of currency is the CFA franc (XOF), which is tied to the Euro and divided into 100 centimes. Only currency issued by the Bank of West African States ( Banque des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest)is considered valid. Lomé and other major cities have bureaux de change and banks will also exchange currency; banks are usually open on weekdays. Travellers cheques, as well as most major credit cards are accepted, but mostly only in Lomé and other major cities, so it is best to carry cash. American Express is the most widely accepted.

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all visitors to Togo over the age of one year. Malaria is prevalent countrywide and insect protection, as well as a prophylactic that has not shown signs of being resisted in the area, are essential. Insect protection is also essential against other insect-borne diseases, like dengue fever. Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Cholera is a fairly common disease, though travellers are at low risk. Bilharzia is present, and it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness ),meningococcal disease and rabies can also occur. N1 avian flu is present, and travellers are advised to avoid contact with poultry. It is recommended that travellers be up-to-date on all routine immunisations. Tap water is to be avoided, unless boiled, filtered or disinfected with chemicals and it is safest to drink bottled water. Avoid drinks with ice. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled; any diary product made from milk should be avoided. Food must be well-cooked, and all fruit and vegetables should be peeled or cooked. Medical facilities are poor, and health insurance is recommended, as is a supply of basic medication (e.g. for travellers' diarrhoea, headaches etc).

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
All travellers require a valid passport. A seven-day visa is available on arrival for all travellers; passports of non-Schengen countries will be confiscated, to be collected with the visa at the local police station the following day. An entry visa is required after the initial seven-day period, which is valid for 90 days. Visitors from non-Schengen countries are required to have three passport photos, and all require yellow fever vaccination certificates. Proof of a return or onward ticket is necessary, otherwise a refundable deposit to the amount of the normal return airfare must be paid to a bank or the transporting airline. Visitors must also hold all documentation for next destination if continuing from Togo. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Togo Tourism
National Tourism Office, Lomé: +228 215 662 or www.togo-tourisme.com

Foreign Embassies in Togo

Togo Embassies

Regions and Cities