Togo was a mix of emotions for me.
It didn’t surprise me or blow my mind; it was just there. Actually, the tourist part was quite annoying. I tried to visit national places like the Independence Monument, but it was a hassle. I went on a weekday, and they told me to come back on the weekend, even though their website said they were open. At one point, I paid money just to see an empty, dark hall with chairs.
But while the tourist sites failed me, the local life saved the trip.
My highlight was exploring Lomé and its neighboring towns like a local because I stayed with a friend who lives there. She cooked for me, I went shopping, and I even made my hair at a nearby salon where the people were so welcoming. I also met some of my friends’ friends, and they made me feel welcome. We even visited a bar at night and drove from Lome to other towns on bikes.
If you are wondering how to travel to Togo from Nigeria or asking is Togo safe to travel, I am going to share everything. Here is my honest experience of the good, the bad, and the real vibe of Togo from the eyes of a Nigerian Traveler.
From Benin to Togo: How the Journey Started
If you are planning to travel to Togo from Nigeria, doing it from Benin Republic just makes sense. They are right next to each other. Why go back home to Nigeria when you can just cross the border and add another country to your list? It saves money and time.
My Border Crossing Experience
I took a bike from Benin to the border, but things didn’t go exactly as planned. The bike man got stopped because his papers weren’t complete. It was a bit of a hassle, but I didn’t let it stress me. I had to leave him there, go stamp my passport by myself, and walk across the border into Togo.
A Costly Mistake
Once I crossed, I entered a bus going to Lomé. Honestly, the vibe was good. They were playing Nigerian music in the bus, and I was vibing to it, feeling like I was still close to home.
But I made a big mistake. I forgot to change money at the border, and I didn’t get a SIM card. All I had was my friend’s phone number and some Benin Republic cash.
The bus dropped me at a market in Lomé, and oh my, you don’t want to know how lost I felt. I stood there with no internet and no Togo currency. Even though Benin and Togo both spend CFA, there are differences, and you need the local currency to move around easily.
I tried using a bank to get money, but of course, that didn’t work. I eventually managed to change my Benin cash at the market just to buy a SIM card so I could call my friend. It was such a hassle looking for someone to help, but one nice guy eventually helped me out with the SIM process.
My friend saved the day. She told me to look for those people sitting under umbrellas (mobile money agents). After I reached her, she sent a code to them, and they gave me Togo cash. It took a long time, but once I had cash and a working phone, I could finally breathe.
The Ride to My Friend’s Place
With money in hand, I took another bus from Lomé to my friend’s house. She lives in a town that is a bit more “villagey,” so the ride was quite long.
But I actually enjoyed it. We passed a toll gate and kept moving further into the town. On the way, I saw so many cows grazing freely. It was very different from the city noise I am used to. I also noticed there were many bars along the road. It took about 30 minutes or less (first times usually feel longer). Then I got to my friend’s bus stop, waited for her to pick me up, and then we took her friend’s bike to her house.
Living Like a Local in Togo
Staying with a friend completely changed the experience for me. If I had stayed in a hotel, I probably would have been much more frustrated with how the trip turned out, especially with the tourist sites being such a letdown. Instead of the typical tourist routine, I had the comfort of a home. She cooked for me, and we just had our own little daily routine.
I also got to see what life is like for the residents of Togo.
There is a huge difference between just visiting a place and actually living there, even if it’s just for a short time. Staying with her helped me slow down and see Togo through a local lens. I felt more like a local than a tourist, well, except for the fact that I can’t speak French.
Places to Visit in Togo & My Lomé Experience
I had a mix of experiences with the places I visited in Togo, but no worries, yours might not be that way. When I shared my experience on my Instagram, some people couldn’t even relate because they had a great time throughout. While a few spots disappointed me, there are also places I hold dear to my heart and that I had so much fun visiting.
Tourist Sites I Didn’t Really Enjoy
First, let’s start with the places that disappointed me…
Palais de Lomé
This is a historic building that is supposed to be famous for its modern art exhibitions and botanical gardens. As a Nigerian traveler and African, I was looking forward to walking through the architecture and seeing how they represent national pride and history today. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see much of that.
I went there on a weekday, only to be told they were closed and only open on weekends, the exact opposite of the information on their website. I eventually ended up going in with some soldiers and paying a fee, but all I saw was a dark, empty hall with chairs everywhere. It was very disappointing to pay for an experience and end up in a room that felt completely abandoned.
Monument de l’Indépendance
The Independence Monument is another spot that represents the history and soul of Togo. I really wanted to soak in the atmosphere and see the architecture up close. However, the confusion with the opening hours and the general lack of information made it hard to actually enjoy the significance of the place. When I got there, the gate was closed. I could see the structure from outside, but couldn’t get in.
Tourist Sites I enjoyed visiting
Once I moved past the disappointment of the monuments, I found some places and activities that actually made the trip worth it. Here are the places I visited in Togo that I genuinely enjoyed:
University of Lomé
My visit to the University of Lomé wasn’t planned. I was actually going to Harmonie Signature (pronounced Signachu), but the bike man took me inside the school instead. I ended up getting lost, of course, and taking very long walks around the campus.
The school is very scenic and really big. If you know me, you know nature scenery is my forte, so I actually enjoyed taking in the views while we walked (my friend eventually came to meet me there).
The stress started when we tried to get a bike to take us out to Harmonie, but the riders didn’t really get the description or know the place. It took a while, and we eventually had to get help from some female students just to find the main gate. It was a lot of stress, but honestly, it was a fun experience seeing the school and moving like a local student.
Harmonie Signature
We finally found a bike and got to Harmonie Signature at night. This place is bougie and cool; it definitely gives off luxury vibes. We didn’t go swimming or use the gym, but we spent time sightseeing around the place and getting ice cream.
The highlight for me was bowling and playing the claw machine game. You know those machines where you try to win a teddy bear by lifting it carefully? I see them in K-dramas a lot, so I had to try. We couldn’t get any teddy bears, of course, but it was still fun!
Afterward, we took a long walk around Lomé just gisting and taking in the scenery. We passed Colombe de la Paix, which I had been looking forward to seeing, but alas, it isn’t as shiny and cute as it looks on Google. I wasn’t impressed. My friend and I had a great time laughing about how it is a (what I ordered vs what I got) situation.
Eventually, we got tired of walking and took a bike to an outside bar where you could eat and drink. I’ll share more about the food and the bars later in this article.
China Mall
My friend had told me so much about China Mall and the nice things she got from there, so I could not wait to go. When we went the next day, I saw exactly what she meant. The place is massive and has different sections for almost everything you can think of. They have electronics, stationery, home decor, skincare, and so many other things at very affordable prices.
I ended up shopping a lot. I got some really nice pillows that I would not usually see in Nigeria easily, along with some beautiful stationery. I honestly did not mind the price at all, and I definitely did not care that I was going to carry a lot of luggage back home to Nigeria. When I see things I like, I just get them.
It was a really good experience walking through the aisles and picking out unique items. Because it is such a popular spot, it is also great for people watching and seeing the local shopping culture. If you are visiting Lomé and want to buy some nice things to take back home, you should definitely add China Mall to your list.
Lomé After Dark: Nightlife & Evening Energy
I had the opportunity to experience Lome at night, and I liked it. One of our evening outings, my friend and I just wanted to chill, so we got some malt and suya (barbecued meat). We literally sat at the edge of the road and watched the busy streets at night. It was such a simple moment, but it was so relaxing. All around us, there were men and women just sitting outside, catching up, and having fun. The evening breeze was so refreshing, and the whole atmosphere just felt safe and welcoming.
We even met up and had a chat with another friend of my her’s. We just sat there talking, laughing, and enjoying the cool night air. There was music playing from nearby spots, but it wasn’t too loud; it was just enough to set a good mood. I didn’t feel unsafe or like I had to constantly look over my shoulder, which is a big plus when you are exploring a new country.
If you are the kind of traveler who prefers a chill evening with good street food, nice weather, and great conversation over going to a loud, crowded club, then you will definitely enjoy Lomé after dark.
Club Hippique du Togo
The next place we visited was Club Hippique du Togo, and this day turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. To get there, we booked a keke (tricycle) using a ride-hailing app, I’m pretty sure it was Gozem, which is the popular app everyone uses in Togo for getting around safely and easily. Club Hippique du Togo is not too far from the aeroport which we saw right before getting off the keke.
When we arrived, the vibe was completely different from the rest of the city. It was a very cool, relaxed environment, and I noticed there were a lot of expatriates and white people there. It felt like a little community on its own, with guardians watching young children taking horse riding lessons from their instructors. It was peaceful and organized, just a really nice place to be.
We sat down to eat, and I ordered a sandwich poulet (chicken sandwich). It tasted okay, but would have been better if I hadn’t told the guy to add peanut butter to it when he asked. It made the sandwich quite salty, but I still managed to eat it.
After eating, the real adventure started. We went wall climbing, and you know I love a challenge. I was determined to get to the top, and my resilience paid off; I made it! There was another side of the wall that was much harder, and while I couldn’t bring myself to finish that one, the thrill of climbing was enough. We also went horse riding, which was just pure fun. We took lots of pictures and just enjoyed the moment. It was a truly fun and adventurous day that I won’t forget.
Grand Marché de Lomé
My visit to Grand Marché de Lomé was surprisingly calm compared to what I’m used to back home in Nigeria. We went there to stock up on some essentials like pepper and yam, but of course, I ended up buying clothes and shoes too because the items were nice and affordable.
One thing that really surprised me was the number of Nigerian Igbo traders there. Hearing familiar languages and seeing my people hustling in another country made me feel a bit more at home. However, the vibe was completely different from a typical Lagos market.
In Nigeria, if you go to a place like Balogun or Oshodi, you have to be ready for stress, people dragging your hand, blocking your path, and aggressively trying to force you to buy something. Here, it was less chaotic, but of course, traders still called out to you. Benin Republic Dantokpa market seemed to have that Lagos vibe, though.
I even bought some oranges to cool off while walking around. Then we took a bike to Lome bus park, then a cab back home (to my friend’s town).
Planning a Similar Trip? Here’s What I’d Do Differently (and the Same)
Togo taught me a few things about patience and managing expectations. The biggest lesson? Always double-check local information. Relying solely on a website for opening hours (especially for government buildings) is a rookie mistake I won’t make again.
Is Togo worth Visiting? Will I go back to Togo? Absolutely, yes! Despite the locked gates at the monuments, I really enjoyed the laid-back energy of the country. It felt safe, the people were welcoming, and the vibe was just right for a relaxing getaway.
When I do go back, I will be sharing it all with you.
What I’d Do Better Next Time
Next time, I am heading straight for nature. I realized that while I spent time in the city, I missed out on the breathtaking landscapes Togo is famous for. I definitely want to visit Kpalimé for the waterfalls and explore Northern Togo. Since nature scenery is my forte, I know that is where I will really fall in love with the country. I’ll also plan my city tours for the weekends to actually get inside the monuments!
For Anyone Visiting Togo: I Put Everything Into an Itinerary (especially the other fun places I didn’t include in this article)
If you are reading this and thinking, “Okay, I want to go, but I don’t want to show up to a locked gate, get lost in a university, or miss the best spots,” I’ve got you covered.
I took all my notes, the confusing schedules, the hidden gem locations like Club Hippique, and the budget breakdowns, and turned them into a complete digital itinerary.
Who is this for?
- First-Timers: If you’ve never been to a Francophone country or just want a soft landing.
- Solo Travelers: Safety tips and safe spots are highlighted so you can move with confidence.
- West Africa Explorers: If you are doing the Nigeria -> Benin -> Togo route, this connects the dots perfectly.
What’s inside?
- Real Routes & Contacts: No more guessing games. I list the reliable drivers and the exact locations.
- The “Un-Googleable” Tips: Like knowing that the monuments open on weekends, or that you need to haggle for your keke rides.
- Pacing: A schedule that balances adventure (like wall climbing) with relaxation (like beach bars), so you don’t burn out.
Think of this as the guide I wish I had before I crossed that border. It’s not just a list of places; it’s a blueprint for a trip that actually makes sense, so you can avoid my mistakes and have the best trip of your life.
Final Thoughts on My Trip to Togo
Exploring Togo was a reminder that travel isn’t always about the perfect Instagram shot or ticking off every famous landmark. Sometimes, it is about the misadventures, the locked gates, the language barrier, getting lost in a university, and the unexpected kindness of strangers.
If you have the chance, I highly encourage you to look beyond just one country. The beauty of West Africa is how connected yet distinct we all are. You can easily pair a trip to Togo with a visit to Benin Republic or Ghana. Their borders might be close, but the cultures, the food, and the vibes change completely the moment you cross over.
West Africa is incredibly rich, diverse, and deeply rewarding if you are willing to embrace the chaos and the calm in equal measure. Every journey here leaves you with a story to tell.
Over to you! Have you been to Togo, or is it currently on your travel bucket list? Share your experience in the comments, or drop your questions if you’re planning a trip soon!
