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Togo is one of Africa’s smallest nations, forming a thin slither of land between Ghana to the west and Benin to the east. Although Togo may be diminutive in size, just 50 miles or 80 km across, it stands tall when it comes to sights. There are Atlantic beaches, intriguing Sahelian villages and elephants too. All of which begs the question, is Togo safe to visit?
A little introduction for a little nation
Archaeological discoveries suggest people first settled in what is today Togo in the eleventh century.
Largely settling on the coast and sustaining themselves through a combination of fishing and farming, they belonged to the Ewe people of Ghana and Mina and Gun of Benin.
Europeans first became interested in the region due to the transatlantic slave trade in the sixteenth century.
But it wasn’t until 1884 that Mlapa III, ruler of the kingdom of Togo-Bé in the south, signed an agreement in Togoville creating a German protectorate.
This became a colony in 1905. The main difference between the protectorate and the colony was the autonomy and semi-independence of the first, versus total control in all things in the second.
During the next decade, German influence swept north. Local people were forced to pay taxes and cultivate crops such as cotton for export.
The First World War saw German Togoland taken over by the United Kingdom and France. That’s how things stayed until after the Second World War.
Referendums in the 1950s saw the British governed west of the country unite with Gold Coast (which became Ghana). Instead of seeking unification with Benin, the eastern populations voted to become independent.
The Togolese Republic became a one party state, and remained so until 1991, as a result of protests which became known as the African Spring.
Since then, Togo has dabbled with democracy, though it’s arguable whether most elections are free and fair. It’s best not to discuss politics unless it’s brought up by those you are talking too.
Staying safe in Togo’s cities
If you don’t hear much about Togo on a daily basis, that’s because it’s one of Africa’s most stable countries.
It hasn’t suffered the mass ethnic violence of other parts of Africa. But it does see occasional flare ups of anger leading to street demonstrations.
Demonstrations are often dealt with in a heavy-handed manner by the authorities, so should be avoided at all costs.
Generally speaking, it’s safe to walk around Togo’s towns and cities by day. Try to look like you know exactly where you are going.
Pick-pocketing and mugging does occur, and can turn violent. Avoid obvious displays of wealth such as cameras or tablet computers when out and about. Try and protect yourself further against becoming a target by only carrying a small about of cash.
Since credit and debit cards can only be used in the top hotels, this will mean having a main pot of money you leave somewhere safe, alongside the amount you’ll need for the day.
ATMs are common in big towns and cities. It’s best to use those inside bank branches and to put your money away before exiting the building.
If you are targeted in a mugging, do not resist, or you risk being injured in the attack.
After dark, it’s best to take a taxi around town and stay off the country’s Atlantic beaches. This is especially the case for the beach at Lomé, the national capital.
Safety of transport in Togo
Public transport in Togo leaves a lot to be desired. There are no passenger rail services, forcing people to use roads rarely to the standard required.
During the rainy season (May to November) roads in the most rural areas can become unpassable for weeks at a time.
What’s more, vehicles are usually very run down. You won’t find seatbelts in the minibuses used, or an awful lot of legroom either.
Driving standards are also poor, with speeding and hazardous overtaking common.
Roads are rarely lit, and vehicle headlights don’t always work, so resist the temptation to travel out of town at night.
Motorbike taxis are a lot of fun and weave through traffic jams with ease. However, you are at increased risk of an accident if you choose to use them.
Are Togo’s national parks safe to visit?
Togo’s national parks are incredibly safe. A world within a world, there is little risk of being targeted by criminals.
However, you should still take precautions such as hiding expensive items in locked luggage.
Attacks by wild animals may make the headlines from time to time, but are so rare that they shouldn’t really enter you mind.
Likewise, snake bites are not common, and deaths caused by snake bites very unusual. Hippos kill more people each year.
Additional areas of potential risk in Togo
- The northern border with Burkina Faso is a flashpoint for conflict and should be avoided
- Photography near government buildings, including police stations, or infrastructure such as bridges is not recommended
- Malaria is endemic in Togo. You will need to take medication to help prevent it. No medicine is 100% effective, so you should also take measures such as using a mosquito net
- Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street. 99% of the time they will just be interested in why you are visiting the country. But there is a risk of scams from the remaining 1%
- Stay away from quiet streets as the risk of attack increases in them
- It’s rare to be overcharged. You can always try and ask a local the correct price before taking taxi trips or purchasing something in a market. Hotel staff will also be more than happy to help
- Bribery and corruption are problems in Togo. As a visitor, it’s unlikely you’ll be expected to cough up
- Head to the fetish market in Lomé for an idol to keep you safe while travelling.
Is it safe to visit Togo – final thoughts
Compared to some of the destinations in Africa I have visited, Togo is very safe. Follow the suggestions in this post and it’s more than likely your trip to Togo will go without a hitch!
