Practical Tips & Hacks: Lome

Money-Saving Strategies

Your best value for food comes from choosing local eateries.

Free Activities and Attractions

Visiting the impressive Lomé Cathedral and the symbolic Independence Monument is free.
Walking around in various neighborhoods to soak in the atmosphere.

Accommodation Alternatives

Consider staying in local guesthouses or "auberges" over larger hotels for budget considerations. They offer basic but clean and affordable rooms.
For longer stays, Airbnb rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels, with kitchen facilities for self-catering.
Negotiate prices for long-term stays directly with local guesthouse owners for potential discounts.
Look for accommodations outside the immediate city center, which are often more affordable.

Transportation Savings

Use shared taxis (wazou) for longer distances. They operate on fixed routes and are economical.
For shorter distances, opt for zemidjans (moto-taxis) after negotiating the fare. They are quick and cheap but carry safety considerations.
Walk when distances are short and the area feels safe and walkable. This saves money and offers a more intimate city experience.
Always agree on the fare before starting a taxi or zemidjan ride.

Discount & Dining Notes

Lomé does not typically offer formal tourist discount cards or passes for attractions or transportation.
Happy hours or specific dining deals are not widely advertised or common.
Your savings come from smart choices rather than pre-packaged deals.
Shopping in local markets for ingredients to self-cater can be very economical.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient routing minimizes travel time between sites.

Best & Worst Times for Attractions

Midday can be overwhelmingly hot and crowded.
Fetish Market: Visiting in the morning is generally best for a clearer experience and to find guides.
Afternoons: The hottest part of the day, often between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, is ideal for indoor activities like museums or relaxing at your hotel.
Most attractions in Lomé do not have long lines, so formal "skip-the-line" options are not necessary or available.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Flights and major hotels: Book well in advance, especially during the high season.
Visas: Obtain your e-visa before arrival to streamline the entry process at the airport.
Tours: If specific guided day trips are planned, pre-booking with a reputable local operator secures availability.
For popular cultural events or festivals, consider booking tickets if available.

Transportation & Routing

While zemidjans (moto-taxis) are faster in traffic than cars, they also carry considerations.
For a balance of speed and safety, a private taxi offers quick transport if traffic is manageable.
Group attractions by geographic area. For example, explore the downtown core (Grand Marché, Cathedral, Independence Monument) one half-day, and another for the beach area or artisan villages.
This approach minimizes travel time between sites.

General Efficiency Notes

Download offline maps and translation apps to reduce reliance on internet connectivity.
Allocate extra time for unexpected delays common in West African travel.
Use travel time on public transport to relax or listen to informative podcasts about the region.
Keep necessary documents (passport, visa, vaccination card) easily accessible for quick checks.

Local Insights

Many travelers underestimate the consistent heat and high humidity. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and pace yourself.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Not negotiating prices: Always bargain politely for taxi fares and goods in markets. Start lower than the asking price for a mutually agreeable sum. Maintain friendliness.
Drinking tap water: Never drink tap water. Use bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Ignoring cultural norms: Dressing immodestly or taking photos without permission may cause offense. Respect local customs for dress, greetings, and privacy.
Carrying all valuables in one place: Distribute cash, cards, and documents across different secure locations (e.g., money belt, separate bag, hotel safe).

Local Customs

Greetings are important: Always greet people ("Bonjour" or "Bonsoir") before asking a question or making a request. Skipping this is impolite.
Patience and Politeness: Togolese people value patience and polite interactions. Rushing or showing frustration generally lacks effectiveness.
Time is fluid: The concept of time ("African time") tends to be more relaxed. Flexibility with schedules and appointments helps.
When giving or receiving something, use your right hand.

Unofficial Rules & Social Norms

Greet security guards, vendors, and service staff with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" when passing or entering an establishment.
Direct eye contact generally finds acceptance in most social situations, but prolonged staring may appear aggressive or rude.
Service speed may be slower than expected; patience is an asset.
Bargaining is common and expected in markets, but less so in formal shops.

Phrases that Impress Locals

Any attempt to speak Ewe or Mina, even a simple "Akpé" (thank you in Ewe) or "Efo" (hello), impresses locals and often opens doors to warmer interactions. The effort is appreciated.
"Bonjour" (Good day) and "Bonsoir" (Good evening) are standard greetings in French.
"Akpé" (Ah-kpeh) - Thank you (Ewe).
"Efo" (Eh-foh) - Hello/Good morning (Ewe, informal).

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Travel advice for various group types.

Solo Traveler Advice

Safety: Be extra vigilant, especially at night. Inform someone (hotel staff, family back home) of your itinerary. Avoid isolated areas. Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, depart.
Social: Stay in guesthouses or mid-range hotels attracting other travelers, providing opportunities to meet people. Engage with locals at busy maquis or cultural events.
Use NordVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Accommodation: Choose hotels with pools and family-friendly amenities. Vacation rentals give more space and kitchen facilities.
Food Hygiene: Be extra mindful of food and water hygiene for children. Stick to bottled water and hot, freshly cooked food. Carry kid-specific snacks.
Transportation: Private transport (car with driver) comfort, safety, and flexibility, especially with young children.
Pacing: Build in plenty of downtime for rest, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid overscheduling.

Group Logistics & Reservations

Book in Advance: For groups, book accommodation and transport (e.g., private vans) well in advance to secure availability.
Negotiate Group Rates: Inquire about group rates for tours or activities.
Designate a Leader: Appoint a group leader for negotiations, payments, and communication, simplifying logistics.
Flexibility: Even with a group, allow for some flexibility in the itinerary.

Accessibility Considerations

Lomé is largely inaccessible for those with significant mobility issues. Plan accordingly by focusing on accessible hotels and relying on private transport. Communicate needs clearly when booking services.
For travelers with visual or hearing impairments, prepare for limited specific services and rely on travel companions or local assistance.
Consider bringing personal assistive devices.
Prioritize central accommodations to minimize travel distances.

Travel Hack

Carry small denominations of XOF currency for street purchases and taxi fares. This saves time and avoids issues with vendors not having change for large bills.

Digital Resources

The internet provides a wealth of information.

Offline Maps

Download offline maps of Lomé and any surrounding areas you plan to visit before you leave home. This navigation even without internet access. Google Maps also allows saving specific locations.

Translation Apps

Download the French language pack for offline use on Google Translate. This app for quick translations of words, phrases, or signs using your camera. Consider Babbel for learning basic French phrases.

Currency Converter

An offline currency converter app for quick cost understanding in your home currency. This aids budget management on the go.

Useful Websites for Planning

Official & Embassy Sites

Togo Government Official Tourism Website: Search online for "Togo tourisme officiel" or "Togo Ministry of Tourism" for official government tourism portals.
Your Country's Embassy Website: Always check your home country's embassy or consulate website for specific travel advisories, safety warnings, and entry requirements for Togo. This information updates regularly.
Togo Voyage for E-visa Applications: The official platform for applying for your Togolese e-visa is Voyage.gouv.tg. This reliable source for visa information and application.

Travel Blogs & Social Media

Reputable Travel Blogs/Forums: Search for recent travel blogs or online forums dedicated to West Africa or Togo. Travelers often share practical, up-to-date advice and personal experiences.
Social media accounts to follow: Search for local tourism boards, cultural institutions (e.g., Institut Français de Lomé), or expat groups on platforms like Facebook. These accounts often post about local events, cultural happenings, and connect you with the local community or other travelers.
WhatsApp: This messaging app sees wide use in Togo for personal and business communication. It contacts tour operators, hotel staff, or local contacts. Have it installed and set up.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Look for podcasts or documentaries focusing on West African history, Togolese culture, or spiritual practices like Vodou. This valuable context and enriches your understanding before or during your trip.

Practical Tips & Hacks