Togo Travel Guide

Full Name

Togolese Republic

Former Name

French Togoland

Capital City

Lome

Government Type

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Area Size

The land area is 56,785 km² .

Time Zone

No UTC/GMT offset

Climate

From December to January, the Harmattan wind blows from the north. The rainy season lasts from April to July. Short rains occur from October to November. The driest and hottest months are February and March.

Geography

Togo is a small, thin sub-Saharan nation. It borders the Bight of Benin in the south; Ghana lies to the west; Benin to the east; and to the north Togo is bound by Burkina Faso.

Languages

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)

Culture

Togo's culture reflects the influences of its thirty-seven ethnic groups, the largest and most influential of which are the Ewe, Mina, and Kabre. Despite the influences of Christianity and Islam, over half of the people of Togo follow native animistic practices and beliefs. Ewe statuary is characterized by its famous statuettes which illustrate the worship of the twins, the ibéji. Sculptures and hunting trophies were used rather than the more ubiquitous African masks. The wood-carvers of Kloto are famous for their "chains of marriage": two characters are connected by rings drawn from only one piece of wood. The dyed fabric batiks of the artisanal center of Kloto represent stylized and coloured scenes of ancient everyday life. The loincloths used in the ceremonies of the tisserands of Assahoun are famous. Works of the painter Sokey Edorh are inspired by the immense arid extents, swept by the harmattan, and where the laterite keeps the prints of the men and the animals. The plastics technician Paul Ahyi is internationally recognized today. He practises the "zota", a kind of pyroengraving, and his monumental achievements decorate Lome.

History

French Togoland became Togo in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, continued to rule well into the 21st century. Despite the facade of multiparty elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government continued to be dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party maintained power almost continually since 1967. Togo has come under fire from international organizations for human rights abuses and is plagued by political unrest. While most bilateral and multilateral aid to Togo remains frozen, the European Union initiated a partial resumption of cooperation and development aid to Togo in late 2004 based upon commitments by Togo to expand opportunities for political opposition and liberalize portions of the economy. Upon his death in February 2005, President EYADEMA was succeeded by his son Faure GNASSINGBE. The succession, supported by the military and in contravention of the nation's constitution, was challenged by popular protest and a threat of sanctions from regional leaders. GNASSINGBE succumbed to pressure and agreed to hold elections in late April 2005.

Travel Information

The main airline running services to Togo is Air Afrique (RK). Aéroport International Gnassingbé Eyadema (AIGE) is 6km northeast of the city. Taxis operate to the city centre. Airport facilities consists of Bar, restaurant, snack bar, shops, bank, post office, duty-free shop and car hire. Main ports: Lomé. Ferries from Benin and Ghana call at Lomé and coastal ports. There are routes from Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana (a coastal route runs from Benin through Lomé to Ghana) but conditions are unreliable. The border with Ghana is closed periodically.

Accommodation

Only Lama-Kara and Lomé have international-class accommodation but there are hotels in all the main towns. There is a severe shortage of accommodation, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Visa Requirements

Visa is required by citizens of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, except the following for stays of up to 90 days: - transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided not leaving the airport; - children under 15 if accompanied by their parents. Valid passport required by all nationals of countries referred to above. All nationals can obtain an entry visa on arrival in Togo for a maximum stay of up to seven days. Passports need to be handed in on arrival and collected along with the visa from the police station the following day. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Entry and Residence: fee depends on nationality. Nationals of Britain can obtain visas in advance from the embassy in France for fee of €20 (one month) or €50 (three months). Nationals of the USA can be issued a visa for a maximum stay of 12 months for a fee of US$100, from the embassy in the USA. Validity depends on requirements for visit, up to 12 months. Apply to consulate or consular section at embassy.

Getting Around

Air Togo runs services to Sokodé, Mango, Dapango, Lama-Kara, Lomé and Niamtougou. Ferries run along the coast. There are services between Atakpamé, Blitta and Lomé; Kpalimé and Lomé; and Aného and Lomé. Trains run at least daily on each route. Traffic drives on the right. Tarred roads run to the border countries and the major northern route is called 'The Highway of Unity'. There are roads linking most settlements, but these are largely impassable during the rainy season. Police checkpoints are frequent and may cause delays. It is advisable to keep windows rolled up and doors locked. National bus, minibus and taxi systems are reasonably efficient and cheap. Taxis and minibuses are widely available in Lomé and shared taxis are available between towns. There is a surcharge for luggage. Drivers do not expect a tip. Bicycles can be rented in large towns and often incur less delays than cars. Car hire is available in Lomé; elsewhere the cost of car hire is very high and it is usually better to hire a taxi.

Health & Safety

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all visitors 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. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Cholera is fairly common, though travellers are at low risk. It is recommended that travellers be up-to-date on 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. Bilharzia can occur, and it is best to avoid swimming in fresh water. African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), meningococcal disease, dengue fever and rabies can also occur. Health insurance is recommended, as is a supply of basic medication. 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 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.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year's Day. 13 Jan - Liberation Day. 31 Mar - Mouloud (Anniversary of Buddha's birthday). 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 27 Apr - Independence Day. 1 May - Labour Day. 17 May - Ascension. 28 May - Whit Monday. 21 Jun - Day of the Martyrs. 15 Aug - Assumption. 24 Sep - Anniversary of the Failed Attack on Lomé. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 20 Dec - Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

CFA Franc (BCEAO) (XOF)

Electricity

220V AC

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1730.

Emergency Numbers

101 (Police)