Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
The full Guide covers all 55 highlights,
ranked, mapped & put into context.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entering Togo. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus. Consider rabies if planning to spend time in remote areas or with animals. Always consult a travel clinic for up-to-date advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Togo, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for TogoCulture & Customs
Respect is key in Togo. Always greet with a handshake when meeting someone, and use your right hand for giving and receiving items. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas; women should avoid clothing that exposes too much skin. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially same-sex affection, as LGBTQ+ rights are not widely recognized. Always ask before taking photos of people. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. When visiting someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, like fruit or drinks. Avoid discussing politics or ethnic tensions unless you’re well-informed and in trusted company.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Togo.
- Fufu: This is a staple in West African cuisine, and in Togo, it’s often made from yams. It’s a dough-like side dish that’s typically served with a variety of soups or stews. It’s a cultural cornerstone, reflecting the communal aspect of Togolese meals.
- Pâte: A thick porridge made from corn or millet flour, pâte is another fundamental part of the Togolese diet. It’s usually enjoyed with spicy sauces or vegetable stews, showcasing the local love for bold flavors.
- Akpan: A fermented drink made from maize, akpan is a popular refreshment. It’s lightly sweet and sour, providing a refreshing contrast to the spicier elements of the local diet, and it’s often enjoyed during social gatherings.
- Gboma Dessi: This is a spinach-based stew that’s rich with spices and sometimes cooked with meat or fish. It’s a hearty dish that’s beloved for its depth of flavor and is a great way to get a taste of Togolese spice blends.
- Yassa: Originally from Senegal, Yassa has made its way into Togolese cuisine. It’s a tangy dish made with marinated chicken or fish in a sauce of onions and lemon juice, which balances beautifully with the country’s love for vibrant, spicy food.
Tap water in Togo is generally not considered safe for tourists to drink, although some locals might consume it. It’s advisable to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any risk of waterborne illnesses. Always check that bottled water is sealed properly before purchasing.
The main language in Togo is
French. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your French skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Togo includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Togo,
English is not widely spoken, as the official language is French. However, due to the country’s historical ties and increasing globalization, English is gradually becoming more common, especially in urban areas and among the younger population. In larger cities like Lomé, you may find English speakers in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Nonetheless, outside of these areas, communication in English can be challenging, as many locals primarily speak French or indigenous languages such as Ewe and Kabye. It’s advisable for travelers to learn basic French phrases to enhance their experience and facilitate interactions with locals.
In summary, while English is spoken to some extent, particularly in tourist-centric environments, proficiency varies significantly, and knowledge of French will greatly benefit travelers in Togo.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Togo is XOF (CFA).
If you’re backpacking through Togo, having a mix of cash and cards is a solid bet. ATMs are available in major cities like Lomé and Sokodé, but they can be hit-or-miss in smaller towns. It’s smart to carry some CFA francs in cash, as smaller vendors and rural areas may not accept cards.
While both euros and U.S. dollars can be exchanged in Togo, euros are generally easier to change. Exchange services are available at banks and some standalone currency exchange offices in cities. Always check rates and fees before swapping your cash.
Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns, but don’t count on them being widely accepted. Visa is the preferred card, with MasterCard accepted in fewer places.
Tipping in Togo is not a widespread custom, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or giving a couple of extra francs is sufficient. For hotel staff and guides, a small tip of 500 to 1,000 CFA francs is thoughtful.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.