The most interesting thing about travelling is the prospect of soaking in new cultures and experiences new places, landmarks and people. Zikoko is here to help you with that. This short guide will help you find the best places to be if you ever find yourself in Togo
The Grand Marche
This is Lome’s melting point for all kinds of market experiences. It is the place you feel the familiar entrepreneurial pulse Africans are known for. It just might remind you of home.
First things first: there are two portions of the market – the indoor and outdoor, so prepare your mind for a long day of navigation. The chaotic but strangely fun atmosphere of the market will give you all the goosebumps you need. There are a ton of stuff to buy too, just make sure you have the bag and the energy to carry them, because… well, there are other places to visit.
The Lome Cathedral
Your next stop should be the cathedral. It is actually surrounded by the market, so its towering frame should have caught your attention during your time in Grand Marche. Built in 1902, it is a relic of the country’s German colonial history. Yes, Togo used to be a German colony.
The bright red and white colours of the exterior make for great aesthetics for the eyes to see, and the ambience of the interior, which is in sharp contrast to the bustle of the market is something the mind should experience – the calm after the storm.
Monument de l’Independence
This is a beautiful and striking representation of the end of the colonial rule in Togo and a new beginning for the country. Perfect for aesthetic purposes; it is something that should be sitting pretty in your phone’s gallery or your camera’s storage.
The National Museum
Is a trip to a new country complete without visiting the National museum? The museum can be found inside the Palais de Congress with the 1960s architecture to admire. It is quite small, but it is the place to go if you would like a quick rundown of Togo’s history – both cultural and colonial. Just make sure you find a guide to interpret the significance of the artifacts.
There is a payment attached before entry, and you can’t take pictures of the artifacts or anything you see inside the complex. This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, though, don’t you think?
The Beach, Yayy!
Unless you have a crippling fear of large bodies of water and the waves, the beach should be on your to-do list. There are numbers of beaches in Lomé and finding them wouldn’t be difficult. Find a good one, especially one close to a restaurant or a hotel. But if you are all about adventure and living dangerously, any nice one will do. Just be safe.
Cascade de Womé, Kpalime
Ha! Waterfalls! They make for breathtaking views, don’t they? Well, there is one to literally soak in, in Kpalime. It has to be nature at its finest what with a cool ambience and the potential of taking a quick dip in the water.
Mount Agou
In the spirit to do some hiking? Then you should make time for Mount Agou. It is the highest mountain in Togo at 980meters, which makes it relatively easy to get to the summit. The locals are friendly, so take time out to talk to them.
Now you have your perfect holiday in Zikoko. No need to thank us, that’s why we’re here for you. And oh, by the way, we think you deserve something good, so this is a reminder of sorts: some cool people from Zikoko are on the journey of a lifetime. They’re travelling through 14 countries in West Africa, collecting stories as they go. You can follow them and catch up to what they are up to on Jollofroad.com. You can also catch up to what they are up to on the Zikoko socials.
