TOGO

Togo is situated in West Africa region which is an intriguing, largely undiscovered destination. Though small in size, the country's length allows it to straddle an incredibly diverse range of environments. Savannahs and rolling hills contrast with sandy beaches, and lush rainforests compete with lakes and swamp plains. Add to this the interesting and diverse local peoples, a rocky political climate and a varied colonial history, and this is indeed 'Africa in miniature'. Part of the magic of the Togolese Republic comes from its 37 ethnic tribes, and visitors may be lucky enough to see one of the many traditional festivals that take place throughout the year, celebrating the culture and spirituality of the people in an interesting and varied environment. It may be small and off the beaten track, but Togo has plenty to offer.

CLIMATE

Despite its size, the Togolese climate is diverse, ranging from tropical to savannah. The south of the country is humid, and temperatures can range from 75°F to 90°F (23°C to 32°C), while the north, described as semi-arid, experiences greater extremes, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 100°F (18°C to over 38°C). The south experiences two rainy seasons, from March to early July and September to October, while April to August is the wettest time north of the Togo Mountains. Evenings can be cool in all regions, and dust storms are not uncommon. The best time to travel to Togo is in August, early September, and from November to April, as these are the driest periods.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS:

All travelers require a valid passport. A seven-day visa is available on arrival for all travelers; passports of non-Schengen countries will be confiscated, to be collected with the visa at the local police station the following day. An entry visa is required after the initial seven-day period, which is valid for 90 days. Visitors from non-Schengen countries are required to have three passport photos, and all require yellow fever vaccination certificates. Proof of a return or onward ticket is necessary, otherwise a refundable deposit to the amount of the normal return airfare must be paid to a bank or the transporting airline. Visitors must also hold all documentation for next destination if continuing from Togo. Americans: US nationals require a visa and a passport.

UK nationals: UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
Canadians: Canadians require a visa and a valid passport.
Australians: Australians require a visa and a valid passport.
South Africans: South Africans require a visa and a valid passport.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport

ATTRACTIONS IN TOGO

Koutammakou the Land of the Batammariba

The Koutammakou landscape in north-eastern Togo, which extends into neighbouring Benin, is home to the Batammariba whose remarkable mud tower-houses (Takienta) have come to be seen as a symbol of Togo. In this landscape, nature is strongly associated with the rituals and beliefs of society. The 50,000-ha cultural landscape is remarkable due to the architecture of its tower-houses which are a reflection of social structure; its farmland and forest; and the associations between people and landscape. Many of the buildings are two storeys high and those with granaries feature an almost spherical form above a cylindrical base. Some of the buildings have flat roofs, others have conical thatched roofs. They are grouped in villages, which also include ceremonial spaces, springs, rocks and sites reserved for initiation ceremonies.