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Things to Do in Lome

Things to Do in Lome

Lome Maritime, Togo Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

While Lomé is mainly an urban center, its coastal location and proximity to other parts of Togo offer chances for outdoor activities.

Hiking & Water Activities

Hiking and Trekking

Within Lomé, dedicated hiking or trekking routes are not applicable. For serious hiking, venture heading to the center to the mountainous Kpalimé region (2.5-A 3-hour car journey).

Swimming

Possible at hotel pools. Swimming immediately in the ocean at Lomé Beach is not as common for visitors owing to strong currents and varying cleanliness levels. Exercise caution.

Fishing

Area fishing boats operate from Lomé's beach. It could be able to plan an informal fishing trip with fishermen from the region for an unique cultural experience.

Adventure & Wildlife Limited

  • Adventure Sports: Lomé does not typically present organized adventure sports like white-water rafting or zip-lining. These pursuits are not part of common tourist offerings.
  • Wildlife Encounters: No wildlife viewing areas or safaris are available within Lomé. National parks are a long way from the capital, needing dedicated travel arrangements.
  • Cycling: Dedicated cycling trails or mountain biking trails do not exist in Lomé. City roads can be challenging and unsafe owing to significant traffic.
  • Hotel Bicycles: Some hotels may present pedal bikes for rent for leisurely rides in quieter neighborhoods or next to the beachfront.

Kpalimé Hiking

  • Venture inland for serious hiking.
  • Trails to waterfalls (Cascade de Kpimé).
  • Climbs up Mount Agou, Togo's highest peak.
  • Local guides advisable for these outings.

Hotel Pool Access

  • Upscale hotels feature good pool areas.
  • Many permit non-guests to use pools for a daily fee.
  • A relaxing option for swimming and lounging.
  • Safer alternative to ocean swimming.

Local Fishing Trip

  • Arrange a relaxed fishing trip.
  • Personally with local fishermen.
  • Requires negotiation.
  • Has an unique cultural experience.

Safety Alert: Ocean Swimming

Swimming directly in the ocean at Lomé Beach is less common for tourists because of strong currents and varying cleanliness levels. Always exercise caution and inquire locally about safe swimming spots.

Cultural Immersion

Lomé has many ways to immerse yourself in Togolese culture, from observing local practices to engaging directly with communities.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops: Formal workshops for tourists are limited. Inquire at Institut Français de Lomé or local cultural centers for informal lessons in art, craft, music, or dance.
  • Cultural Performances: Check local event listings (Institut Français, Palais de Lomé) for scheduled performances, concerts, or traditional dance shows.
  • Community Tourism: Less organized directly in Lomé, more prevalent in rural areas. Inquire with specialized tour operators for these opportunities.
  • Language Learning: Learning basic French expressions and local languages like Ewe or Mina locals appreciate it and makes interactions stronger.

Festivals & Traditions

Independence Day April 27th

This national holiday features parades, music, and various festivities throughout Lomé, creating a lively atmosphere.

Evala & Akodessewa

Evala (Kabyé traditional wrestling) is mainly celebrated in northern Togo, but cultural events showing aspects of Evala may appear in Lomé.

Voodoo Festival Akodessewa

Connected to the Fetish Market, this event sometimes appears and offers deep insights into traditional spiritual practices. Timing varies.

Traditional Ceremonies

Traditional Voodoo ceremonies may be observed, notably if visiting the Fetish Market with a knowledgeable local guide. Approach with respect.

Cultural Connections

Making an effort to talk in The french language or local languages truly builds connection with the people of Lomé.

Local Calendars

Consult the Togo Ministry of Tourism website or local cultural centers for current festival schedules during your visit.

Relaxation & Wellness

Lomé has options for relaxation, specifically within its hospitality sector.

Spa & Relaxation

  • Spa Services: Upscale hotels like Hotel Sarakawa or Hôtel du 2 Février present spa services, including massages and beauty treatments.
  • Pool Clubs: Upscale hotels often feature good pool areas. Many permit non-clients to use their pools for a daily fee.
  • Beach Relaxation: The beachfront has a place for relaxation, people-watching, and enjoying the sea breeze, rather than a typical swimming beach.
  • Traditional Healing: While traditional healing is practiced and observed at the Fetish Market, direct participation as a tourist is not a common offering.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Theater

A lot of local bars, especially on weekends, have live music with genres like Highlife and Afropop.

Nightclubs & Bars

Several nightclubs exist in Lomé, specifically in central and coastal areas, playing a mix of local and international hits.

Late-Night Options

Nightclubs typically open late and stay active until the early hours. Many local maquis also stay open quite late, offering food, drinks, and an energetic ambiance.

Cultural Hubs for Entertainment

Institut Français de Lomé

Regularly hosts concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions, plays, and other cultural events. A good place to connect with the arts scene.

Palais de Lomé

Besides art exhibitions, the Palais de Lomé increasingly has varied cultural programming, including performances plus sessions.

Local "Buvettes"

Small, informal bars where local people gather to have drinks and conversation. A more relaxed and authentic option for an evening out.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Lomé is an experience, from bustling traditional markets to artisan cooperatives.

Traditional Markets

  • Grand Marché (Lomé Central Market): The largest and most famous market, a hub of commerce and social life.
  • Bargaining: Haggling is an expected part of the shopping experience here. Engage politely with vendors.
  • Marché des Féticheurs (Fetish Market): A unique market specializing in traditional Voodoo artifacts and ingredients.
  • Visitor Information: For Fetish Market, hire a local guide and be mindful of potential photography restrictions.

Artisan & Souvenir Shopping

Village Artisanal de Lomé

An excellent place to find high-quality Togolese crafts like wood carvings, masks, batik textiles, and jewelry. Buy directly from artisans.

Centre Communautaire Artisanal CCA

Another center offering a similar selection of artisan products, also supporting local creators.

Souvenir Recommendations

Hand-carved wooden masks/statues, batik textiles, basketry, traditional jewelry, and local spices are good choices.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans by purchasing directly from them. This ensures more of your money goes directly to the makers and communities.

Avoid Illegal Items

Do not purchase items made from endangered species (e.g., certain animal skins, ivory, protected hardwoods). Be aware of international import regulations.

Shipping & Customs

For big buys, international courier services like DHL are available. Check your home country's customs regulations before your trip for cultural artifacts or items of animal origin.

Shopping Tips

Bargain Politely
  • Haggling is common, approach it respectfully.
  • Do not push for excessively cheap prices that undervalue the artisan's work.
  • A friendly approach can often yield better results and a pleasant interaction.
Where to Buy Crafts
  • Visit the Village Artisanal.
  • You can often see the artisans at work.
  • Buying provides direct support to local creators.

Affiliate Resource: GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide presents an internet platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences. It covers many attractions and unique local experiences in Lomé and beyond. You can browse and reserve various activities to enhance your trip. Explore activities on GetYourGuide.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximize Your Experience

  • Balance urban exploration with cultural immersion.
  • Consider a mix of major landmarks and local hidden gems.
  • Allocate time for leisurely dining to enjoy local cuisine.
  • Embrace opportunities for spontaneous local interactions.

Practical Considerations

  • Find out when it's open and entry fees for attractions, as they can differ.
  • Schedule your day-to-day routes geographically to minimize travel time.
  • Stay hydrated and use sun protection, especially during outdoor activities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring markets.