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Togoville, Togo - Things to Do in Togoville

Things to Do in Togoville

Togoville, Togo - Complete Travel Guide

Togoville is a historic lakeside town situated on the northern shores of Lake Togo in southern Togo, holding immense significance as the birthplace of the German protectorate that eventually became modern Togo. This charming settlement, with a population of around 1,500 people, serves as a living museum where visitors can explore the origins of Togo's colonial history and experience authentic Ewe culture along the tranquil waters of West Africa's largest coastal lagoon. The town's peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture, and stunning lake views make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to understand Togo's roots while enjoying natural beauty. Togoville's proximity to Lomé makes it perfect for day trips, though many visitors choose to stay longer to fully appreciate the slower pace of life, engage with friendly locals, and explore the surrounding wetlands that are home to diverse bird species and traditional fishing communities.

Top Things to Do in Togoville

Visit the Historic Treaty Signing Site

Explore the exact location where Chief Mlapa III signed the historic treaty with German explorer Gustav Nachtigal in 1884, establishing the German protectorate of Togoland. The site features a commemorative monument and offers insights into this pivotal moment in West African colonial history. Local guides provide detailed accounts of the negotiations and their lasting impact on the region.

Booking Tip: Local guides charge around 2,000-3,000 CFA francs for historical tours. Visit during morning hours (8-11 AM) for the best storytelling experience when guides are most energetic. Look for certified guides who speak your preferred language.

Lake Togo Boat Excursions

Take a traditional pirogue (wooden canoe) across the serene waters of Lake Togo to experience the area's natural beauty and observe local fishing techniques. These boat trips offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, opportunities to spot various bird species, and visits to small fishing villages along the shoreline. The peaceful journey provides excellent photography opportunities and cultural interactions.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost 5,000-8,000 CFA francs for 2-3 hours. Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best lighting and wildlife viewing. Choose operators with life jackets and experienced local fishermen as guides.

Explore Traditional Ewe Villages

Immerse yourself in authentic Ewe culture by visiting traditional villages around Togoville where ancient customs, crafts, and social structures remain largely intact. Witness traditional weaving techniques, participate in local ceremonies if timing permits, and learn about traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Village elders often share oral histories and demonstrate traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost 1,500-2,500 CFA francs per person including a local guide. Weekends offer more cultural activities but can be crowded. Respect photography restrictions and always ask permission before taking photos of people.

Togoville Cathedral and Religious Sites

Visit the impressive Catholic cathedral that stands as a testament to the town's religious heritage and architectural evolution. The cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows and serves as a center for the local Catholic community. Nearby, explore traditional shrines and learn about the syncretic religious practices that blend Christianity with traditional Ewe beliefs.

Booking Tip: Cathedral visits are free but donations are appreciated. Sunday morning masses (8-10 AM) offer cultural immersion but avoid if you prefer quiet exploration. Dress modestly and turn off camera flashes inside religious buildings.

Traditional Craft Workshops

Participate in hands-on workshops learning traditional Ewe crafts including kente cloth weaving, pottery making, and wood carving. Local artisans teach time-honored techniques passed down through generations, allowing visitors to create their own souvenirs while supporting the local economy. These workshops provide deep insights into the cultural significance of various crafts in Ewe society.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range from 3,000-7,000 CFA francs depending on duration and materials. Book 1-2 days in advance through local guides. Morning sessions (9 AM-12 PM) are most productive, and you can often purchase additional crafts directly from artisans.

Getting There

Togoville is located approximately 35 kilometers east of Lomé, Togo's capital city. The most common route involves taking a shared taxi or bus from Lomé to Aného (about 45 minutes, 1,000-1,500 CFA francs), then crossing Lake Togo by boat to reach Togoville (15-20 minutes, 500-1,000 CFA francs per person). Alternatively, visitors can drive around the lake via the northern route through Vogan, which takes about 1.5 hours but offers scenic countryside views. Private car hire from Lomé costs around 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for a day trip including waiting time.

Getting Around

Togoville is small enough to explore entirely on foot, with most attractions within a 1-2 kilometer radius of the town center. The compact size makes walking the preferred method of transportation, allowing visitors to interact with locals and discover hidden gems along narrow paths. For longer excursions to surrounding villages or lake activities, local guides can arrange motorcycle taxis (zémidjans) for 500-1,000 CFA francs per trip, or organize boat transport across different parts of the lake. Bicycle rentals are occasionally available through guesthouses for around 2,000 CFA francs per day.

Where to Stay

Togoville town center near the cathedral
Lakefront guesthouses with water views
Aného as a base for day trips
Traditional village homestays
Eco-lodges near Lake Togo
Budget accommodations in nearby Vogan

Food & Dining

Togoville's dining scene centers around fresh lake fish, traditional Ewe cuisine, and simple local ingredients prepared with authentic flavors. Small family-run restaurants serve specialties like grilled tilapia, fufu with palm nut soup, and akassa (fermented corn dish) typically costing 1,500-3,000 CFA francs per meal. The lakefront area features several spots where fishermen's families prepare daily catches, offering the freshest possible seafood experience. Local markets provide tropical fruits, palm wine, and traditional snacks, while some guesthouses can arrange home-cooked meals featuring regional specialties. Vegetarian options include bean-based dishes, plantain preparations, and various vegetable stews, though advance notice helps ensure availability.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Togo

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

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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)

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Italian Japanese

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Togoville is during the dry season from November to March when temperatures are more comfortable (24-32°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This period offers the best conditions for boat trips on Lake Togo, walking tours around town, and outdoor cultural activities. The harmattan winds from December to February bring cooler, drier air but can create hazy conditions. April to June marks the beginning of the rainy season with increasing humidity and occasional afternoon showers, while July to October experiences heavy rains that can limit boat activities and make rural roads challenging to navigate.

Insider Tips

Bring small denomination CFA franc notes as most vendors and guides cannot make change for large bills, and mobile money is not widely accepted in this rural area.
Learn basic Ewe greetings like 'Woezɔ' (good morning) and 'Akpe' (thank you) as locals greatly appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language, and it often leads to warmer interactions and better prices.
Pack insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing for evening activities near the lake, as mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk hours when the lighting is best for photography.

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