Home › Destinations › Togoville
Togoville, Togo - Things to Do in Togoville

Togoville

Togoville, Togo - Complete Travel Guide

Togoville is a historic lakeside town situated on the northern shores of Lake Togo in southern Togo, approximately 35 kilometers east of Lomé. This culturally significant destination holds immense importance in Togolese history as the place where the German-Togolese treaty was signed in 1884, establishing the German protectorate. The town is named after the legendary King Mlapa III, whose royal name was 'Togo,' and serves as a spiritual center for the Ewe people with its sacred sites and traditional practices. Today, Togoville attracts visitors seeking to explore authentic West African culture, colonial history, and impressive lakeside scenery. The town features a beautiful cathedral, traditional shrines, a royal palace, and offers boat excursions across the scenic Lake Togo. With its blend of Christian and traditional animist influences, colonial architecture, and peaceful waterfront setting, Togoville provides an intimate glimpse into Togo's rich cultural heritage and serves as an excellent day trip destination from the capital city of Lomé.

Top Togoville

the Sacred Heart Cathedral

Explore this striking white cathedral built in the 1910s, which stands as one of West Africa's most photographed churches. The cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows and serves as a pilgrimage site, uniquely blending Catholic traditions with local spiritual practices.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but consider hiring a local guide for 2,000-3,000 CFA francs to learn about the cathedral's history and significance. Best visited in the morning (8-11 AM) when lighting is optimal for photography.

Boat Trip on Lake Togo

Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Togo to enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes. The peaceful waters offer opportunities to spot local birdlife and experience traditional fishing methods used by local communities.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs per person for a 1-hour excursion. Book through your hotel or local operators near the lake shore. Early morning or late afternoon trips offer the best weather and lighting conditions.

the Royal Palace and Museum

Visit the traditional palace of the local king and learn about the region's royal history and customs. The small museum displays artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical items related to the German colonial period and local monarchy.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is typically 1,000-2,000 CFA francs with guided tours available for an additional 2,000 CFA francs. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM-5 PM. Photography may require an additional fee, so ask permission first.

Traditional Shrines and Sacred Sites

Discover the town's spiritual heritage by visiting traditional Ewe shrines and sacred groves where animist practices continue alongside Christianity. These sites offer insight into local beliefs, traditional medicine, and spiritual customs.

Booking Tip: Always visit with a local guide who can explain customs and ensure respectful behavior. Guide fees range from 3,000-5,000 CFA francs. Small offerings or donations (500-1,000 CFA francs) are often expected at sacred sites.

Market and Local Crafts Shopping

Browse the local market to experience daily life and purchase traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. The market offers authentic interactions with locals and opportunities to buy handwoven kente cloth, wood carvings, and traditional pottery.

Booking Tip: Markets are most active in the morning (7-11 AM) and early evening (4-6 PM). Bring small denominations of CFA francs for purchases and expect to negotiate prices. Budget 10,000-20,000 CFA francs for quality handicrafts.

Getting There

Togoville is accessible from Lomé via a 45-minute drive east along the coastal road, followed by a short ferry crossing across Lake Togo. Shared taxis (bush taxis) from Lomé cost approximately 1,500-2,000 CFA francs per person and depart from the main taxi station. Private taxi hire costs 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for a round trip including waiting time. The ferry crossing takes about 10 minutes and costs 200-300 CFA francs per person. Some tour operators offer day trips from Lomé that include transportation, guide services, and the ferry crossing for 25,000-35,000 CFA francs per person.

Getting Around

Togoville is a small town easily explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The main sites can be covered in a leisurely 2-3 hour walk along the lakefront and through the town center. Motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) are available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, costing 500-1,000 CFA francs for short trips within town. For lake excursions, traditional pirogues and small motorboats can be hired at the waterfront. The town has well-defined paths and the locals are generally helpful with directions, though having a guide enhances the experience significantly.

Where to Stay

Lome (nearby lakeside town)
Aneho (historic coastal town)
Lomé (day trip base)
Lake Togo Resort area
Togoville guesthouses
Kpalimé (mountain town alternative)

Food & Dining

Dining options in Togoville are limited but authentic, focusing on local Ewe cuisine and fresh lake fish. Small local restaurants and food stalls near the market serve traditional dishes like fufu with fish soup, grilled tilapia from Lake Togo, and akassa (fermented corn meal). Expect to pay 2,000-4,000 CFA francs for a full meal. The lakefront area has a few simple restaurants offering grilled fish with rice or plantains. For more dining variety, many visitors eat in nearby Lome or return to Lomé for dinner. Local palm wine and traditional beverages are available, and bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Togo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Charlie Gitto's On the Hill

4.7 /5
(2991 reviews) 3

Sugo

4.7 /5
(1702 reviews) 3

Topo Gigio Ristorante

4.6 /5
(1737 reviews) 2

Pomò - La pasta italiana

4.5 /5
(1764 reviews) 2

Izumi

4.6 /5
(1621 reviews) 2

Oishi Sushi

4.7 /5
(1545 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Togoville is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are more comfortable (25-30°C) and rainfall is minimal. December to February offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and clear skies ideal for photography and boat trips. The harmattan winds from December to February can create hazy conditions but also bring cooler temperatures. Avoid the heavy rainy season from June to September when roads can become difficult and ferry services may be disrupted. The shoulder months of April-May and October-November offer fewer crowds and reasonable weather, though occasional showers are possible.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent as the lakeside location attracts mosquitoes, especially during early morning and evening hours
Learn a few basic Ewe greetings like 'Woezɔ' (hello) as locals appreciate visitors who show interest in their language and culture
Combine your Togoville visit with nearby Aneho to see German colonial architecture and make a full day trip from Lomé more worthwhile

Activities in Togoville