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Resources & References

Resources & References

Togo

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • Guidebooks:

    Specific guidebooks solely on Togo are rare. Instead, look for comprehensive West Africa guidebooks (e.g., from Bradt Guides) that include a Togo section. These regional context and general advice. A popular example: Bradt Guide: Ghana often covers Togo.

  • Maps:

    Good quality physical maps of Lomé or Togo can be difficult to find locally. Print out detailed maps or download them for offline use on your phone before you travel.

  • Books about the Destination:

    Reading about Togo's history and culture prior to your trip deepens appreciation. Look for books on West African history, the colonial period, or traditional spiritual practices.

  • Local Publications:

    If you read French, local newspapers (e.g., Togo-Presse) or cultural magazines, if available, insight into current events and local perspectives. Pick them up at newsstands or major hotel lobbies.

  • Literary Perspectives:

    While many Togolese authors write in French, if you read French, seek out fiction by authors like Félix Couchoro for a local literary perspective.

Emergency & Medical Information

  • Emergency Numbers:

    Police: 117, Fire Department: 118, Ambulance: 121. Keep these numbers on your phone and on a separate piece of paper.

  • Hospital & Clinics:

    CHU Sylvanus Olympio: The main public hospital. Clinique Internationale de Lomé: A private clinic, generally preferred by expatriates and tourists for better facilities and often English-speaking staff. Know their locations relative to your accommodation.

  • Embassy & Consulate:

    Before you travel, locate your country's embassy or consulate in Lomé. Note their address, phone number, and emergency contact details. Your embassy assists with lost passports, legal issues, or advice in emergencies.

  • Lost Documents:

    If your passport or other documents are lost or stolen, report the loss/theft to local police immediately. Obtain a police report. Contact your embassy/consulate as soon as possible for emergency travel documents.

  • Natural Disaster Protocols:

    In case of severe weather events like heavy flooding, follow instructions from local authorities. Stay updated via local news channels (often in French) or through your hotel staff.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Search for documentaries or films that explore West African history, Togolese culture, or the traditions of Vodou. This visual context and understanding.

Music & Art

Explore Togolese music genres like Highlife, Afropop, or traditional drumming. Listening to artists like Bella Bellow (a celebrated Togolese singer) for your trip. Look for online galleries or virtual tours of West African art to appreciate the region's artistic heritage.

Online Communities & Language

Join online expat forums for Togo or West Africa (often on Facebook or Reddit). These communities are sources of practical advice, local tips, and connections with people who have traveled extensively in the region.

Practice French (Babbel)

Language Learning Resources

French Language Practice

  • Continue practicing French using apps like Duolingo or language exchange partners.
  • Even basic conversational skills enhance future visits.
  • Listen to French podcasts or music to immerse yourself.
  • Engage in simple conversations with locals.

Ewe Language Exploration

  • Explore resources for learning Ewe, a widely spoken local language, for cultural exploration.
  • Learning a few basic Ewe phrases shows great respect.
  • Locals often appreciate the effort.
  • Seek out online communities or local language partners if possible.

Print Resources for Local Insights

History Books

  • Look for books on West African history.
  • Focus on the colonial period.
  • Books on traditional spiritual practices.
  • Discussions of West African Vodou provide context for the Fetish Market.

Local Literature

  • If you read French, seek out fiction by Togolese authors.
  • Authors like Félix Couchoro for a local literary perspective.
  • Dive into narratives shaping Togolese identity.
  • Explore contemporary Togolese voices.

Newspapers & Magazines

  • Local newspapers like Togo-Presse offer current events.
  • Cultural magazines (if available) provide local perspectives.
  • Pick them up at newsstands or major hotel lobbies.
  • Stay informed on local affairs and viewpoints.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 117
  • Fire Department: 118
  • Ambulance: 121
  • Keep these numbers on your phone and on a separate piece of paper.

Hospital & Clinic Locations

  • CHU Sylvanus Olympio: The main public hospital.
  • Clinique Internationale de Lomé: A private clinic, generally preferred by expatriates and tourists for better facilities and often English-speaking staff.
  • Know the location of these facilities relative to your accommodation.
  • Carry contact info for both public and private options.

Lost Document Procedures

  • If your passport or other documents are lost or stolen, report the loss/theft to local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report, as this often required by your embassy and for insurance claims.
  • Contact your embassy/consulate as soon as possible for emergency travel documents.
  • Keep photocopies of all documents separate from originals.

General Health Advice

Preventative Measures

  • Always use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth.
  • Use insect repellent and mosquito nets, especially at dusk and dawn.
  • Eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid raw vegetables and street food unless prepared hygienically.

Staying Healthy

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to manage heat and humidity.
  • Carry a small first-aid kit with basic medications for common ailments.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Before Your Trip

  • Locate your country's embassy or consulate in Lomé.
  • Note their address, phone number, and emergency contact details.
  • Keep these with your important documents.

Services Provided

  • Your embassy assists with lost passports.
  • Legal issues.
  • Advice in emergencies.

Further Reading & Exploration Extended

Online Communities

  1. Join online expat forums for Togo or West Africa (often on Facebook or Reddit).
  2. These communities are sources of practical advice.
  3. They offer local tips.
  4. Connections with people who have traveled extensively in the region.
  5. A place for real-time travel discussions.

Language Learning

  1. Continue practicing French using apps like Duolingo.
  2. Seek language exchange partners.
  3. Even basic conversational skills enhance future visits.
  4. Explore resources for learning Ewe, a widely spoken local language.
  5. cultural exploration through language.

Cultural Immersion Through Media

Documentaries

Search for documentaries that explore West African history or Togolese culture.

Music

Explore Togolese music genres like Highlife, Afropop, or traditional drumming for your trip.

Art

Look for online galleries or virtual tours of West African art to appreciate the region's artistic heritage.

Mandatory Health Requirement

Keep essential emergency numbers and your embassy's contact details both on your phone and on a piece of paper. This is a practical step if your phone is lost or damaged.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Historical Context

  • West African History:

    Search for documentaries that explore the broader history of West Africa.

  • Colonial Period:

    Discover films detailing the colonial era's impact on the region.

  • Togolese Specifics:

    Seek out content specifically on Togo's development and post-independence journey.

Cultural & Spiritual Insights

  • Togolese Culture:

    Documentaries focusing on Togolese cultural practices and daily life.

  • Vodou Traditions:

    Explore films about the rich traditions of Vodou to understand its spiritual practices.

  • Visual Context:

    This media provides visual context and deepens your understanding.

Music & Art Exploration

Togolese Music Genres

Explore Togolese music genres like Highlife and Afropop. Listening to artists like Bella Bellow (a celebrated Togolese singer) for your trip.

Traditional Drumming

Discover traditional drumming styles, integral to Togolese cultural expression and celebrations.

West African Art

Look for online galleries or virtual tours of West African art to appreciate the region's artistic heritage. Consider Skillshare for related courses.

Online Communities & Language Learning

Online Communities for Travelers

  • Join online expat forums for Togo or West Africa (often on Facebook or Reddit).
  • These communities are sources of practical advice.
  • They offer local tips.
  • They connect you with people who have traveled extensively in the region.

Language Learning Resources

  • Continue practicing French using apps like Duolingo or language exchange partners.
  • Even basic conversational skills enhance future visits.
  • Explore resources for learning Ewe, a widely spoken local language.
  • cultural exploration through language is rewarding.

Next Destination Recommendations

Where to Go Next Interests

  • For history and culture: Explore Cotonou, Benin, and its unique stilt village of Ganvié and the historical royal palaces of Abomey.
  • For nature and adventure: Extend your Togolese journey to the Kpalimé region for more hiking, waterfalls, and lush landscapes.
  • Alternatively, explore Ghana’s national parks like Kakum National Park for canopy walks.
  • For cultural immersion: Venture further into Togo’s interior, perhaps to the Kara region, to experience the distinct Kabyé culture and traditional wrestling festivals (Evala, if timed correctly).

Regional Connections & Return Visits

  • Lomé's central location an ideal starting point for a multi-country West African circuit.
  • Easily combine Togo with a trip to Ghana and Benin, creating a rich and diverse itinerary that showcases varied cultures and histories.
  • If you visited during the dry season, consider returning during a major local festival or during the lush rainy season to experience a different side of Togolese culture and landscape.
  • For a different focus, dedicate a return trip to exploring Togo's interior more extensively, focusing on nature, rural life, and less-visited regions.

Final Inspiration

Your journey to Lomé is a chapter in your personal travel story, one filled with unique sights, sounds, and interactions. Approach it with curiosity, respect, and a spirit of adventure, and Lomé will reward you with memories that last a lifetime.

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