Togo Holiday
The recent World Cup qualification of Togo's football team has done much to put this tiny country, whose indigenous culture is richly effervescent, on travellers' radars.
The tiny African nation of Togo is a well kept secret of seasoned travellers, with charming beaches, a vibrant culture and varied geography.
With a population of fewer than six million people, it is no mean feat that Togo has qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever and the event will bring the small nation international attention this year.
Discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Togo formed part of the Slave Coast during the 17th century, with many inhabitants shipped to Europe until the abolition of slavery. From 1884, it was under German rule as the German protectorate of Togoland and was seized by Britain and France at the start of World War I.
British Togoland was incorporated into Ghana, while French Togoland became the independent Togolese Republic in 1960 and General Gnassingbe Eyadema was installed as military ruler from 1967 until his death in 2005. The country has received international criticism for human rights abuses and its political regime, though it remains relatively stable and is currently undergoing the transition to multiparty democratic rule.
Home to a number of indigenous tribes, one of Togo's official languages is French and it is worth knowing a few words if possible. The indigenous culture is particularly rich with native dances, crafts and rituals kept alive in its many villages. The festivals tend to be colourful affairs and the markets, full of local carvings, fabrics, art and crafts are an essential part of any visit to Togo.
Togo's 56km Gulf of Guinea coastline offers some stunning stretches of tropical beach and the capital Lome. Located by the sea, it is a charming city and was once a chic resort for French and German tourists. Although visitor numbers have fallen in recent years, Lome still has a delightful beach and some good five star tourist hotels and restaurants.
Most travellers arrive in Togo at Lome Airport and a growing number of companies offer package deals to the country. It provides an excellent base for exploring the rest of Togo and the majority of guided tours and holidays start and end in the city.
The city of Togoville, on the bank of Lake Togo, has witnessed many of the country's most important moments in history, including the signing of a peace treaty by chief Mlapa III that handed rights over Togo to the Germans. Still home to a beautiful church, the chief's house and a lively art co-operative, Togoville is a fascinating place to visit.
The interior of the country boasts some impressive sights and interesting flora and fauna. If there is time, take a trip to the delightful Akloa Falls waterfall, the Domi River and the picturesque Tamberma Valley, with its smattering of isolated villages.
Togo has two rainy seasons – in May and June and again in October – and the weather is generally warm, with the first six months of the year hotter than the second.
