Lomé

The city, like other equatorial climates, has two rainy seasons: tropical wet and dry. The first rainy season runs from April to July, followed by a second rainy season that runs from early September to late November.

The heat is steady; the average maximum temperature in the shade in the afternoon is 30 °C (86 °F), and the average lowest temperature in the morning is 23 °C (73 °F). The Harmattan, a dry wind from the Sahara, may drop the temperature to as low as 19 °C (66 °F) in the mornings early in the year.

The ocean has a significant impact on Lomé’s climate. The temperature is consistent, with no extremes, and the sea breeze makes it fairly comfortable.

To the north, a lagoon, to the south, the Atlantic Ocean, to the east, the settlement of Bè, and to the west, the border of Aflao, Ghana. Due to an oil refinery in the east, the city has undergone enormous expansion in recent years.

Ablogamé, Adawlato, Amoutivé, Bé, Dékon, Forever, Kodjoviakopé, Noukafou, Nyékonakpoé, Tokoin, and Xédranawoe are some of Lomé’s neighborhoods.

The Togolese government has designated Lomé as a Municipal Greater Urban Area, separating the city’s northern neighborhoods from the rest of the city. Aflao (Ghana), Agbalépédogan, Akodésséwa, Anfamé, Baguida, Kanyikopé, Kélékougan, Lomé II, Totsigan, Adidogome, Kegue, and Totsivi are among the cities and towns of the Greater Lomé Metropolitan Area.

Lomé is a significant port, with a free trade zone that established in 1968. It is 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Accra and 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Cotonou. Phosphates, coffee, cocoa, cotton, and palm oil are among the products exported, with most of the transit traveling to Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. A refinery is also located at the port.

In West Africa, the University of Lomé is well-known. Outside of the city lies the country’s primary airport. The Hotel Corinthia is the highest skyscraper in Lomé and in the nation (36 storeys or 102 m).

Because tourism is booming in the nation, the city as a whole has a lot of promise. However, political unrest that started to emerge in recent years and continues to this day has had a significant impact on the country’s tourist industry. In 2003, the nation welcomed 57,539 tourists, a 1% increase over 2002. France accounted for 22% of visitors, Burkina Faso accounted for 10%, and Benin accounted for 9%.

Aflao is the primary border crossing from Ghana. Visas are 10,000CFA each and are valid for two weeks. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the international airport receives direct flights from Casablanca and Paris. There is more aviation activity, although it is intermittent.

Motos are abundant throughout the city, and a reasonable distance on a moto costs 300CFA. Taxis may be booked for as little as 500CFA and as much as 2000CFA, with 2000CFA transporting you pretty much wherever in town. There are route taxis, which typically cost between 200 and 400 CFA, but they are difficult to navigate and are only utilized by locals.

While there are rental vehicle firms downtown, motos are the greatest alternative if you’re just there for a few days.

From Ghana to Benin, the beach road runs parallel to the ocean. The Boulevard Circulaire (le 13 Janvier) serves as the principal thoroughfare through downtown Lomé, enclosing the Marche and Government buildings in a globe. It begins at Kodjoviakope Beach and winds its way around to Bea Beach.

Tourist (Backpacker) – 33 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 100 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

The city’s notable monuments include the Grand Market de Lomé, the Togo National Museum in the Palais de Congrés, a fetish (voodoo) market, the Lomé Cathedral, beaches, and the historic port.

Lomé is a typical African city in that it combines a variety of styles, influences, and customs. The environment is characterized by red dirt, broad boulevards and vast squares, lush gardens and vibrant residences.

There are relics of colonial architecture from the turn of the century, such as arcades and galleries, as well as the German Gothic-styled Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. There are also several contemporary structures, including the BCEAO’s headquarters, the BTCI, the beautiful ECOWAS complex, the Hotel de la Paix, the Hotel Mercure Sarakawa, the Palm Beach Hotel, and the 102-metre-tall Hotel du 2 Fevrier.

Not far from here is the Lomé Grand Market, which has a big three-story hall. It offers a variety of items, from red peppers and green lemons to combs, travel bags, and traditional medical cures. The Nana Benz is located on the first level and is well-known for its apparel. The Akodessewa market, located in the city center, is significantly more specialized than the regular market. Fetishes, gongons, and gris-gris all exist.

The shore is more calmer than the market, with local fisherman gently launching their enormous boats out to sea. A residential neighborhood facing the sea is located west of the city. The neighborhood is characterized by lengthy avenues lined with official government buildings, with the exception of the Palace of Justice and several embassies and consulates. Further north, near the Independence Monument, is the Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) headquarters, a large conference facility that includes the Togo National Museum. The museum’s holdings include jewelry, musical instruments, dolls, ceramics, and weaponry, as well as a variety of other items illustrating the arts and customs.

Local street cuisine is readily available, and a hefty meal of rice or pate will set you back 200CFA.

Lebanese eateries are scattered around Lomé, with the finest clustered around Kodjoviakope and the Boulevard. Al Mohatas on the Route de Kpalime and Al Sultan’s in Kodjoviakope are also recommended. The majority of plates are between 1000 and 2000CFA.

There are two Chinese restaurants in Kodjoviakope and one in Asigame, both located just across the street from Togocel’s main headquarters.

The Galion, a Swiss-owned hotel in Kodjoviakope near the beach, features a superb restaurant providing steaks, salads, and desserts. Mains cost between 3000-5000CFA, but they are well worth it.

• La Belle Époque – On the backside of the German embassy is a French restaurant. Daily menus start at 6500 FCFA, while hamburgers start at 1500 FCFA.
• Marox Bena Grill, 24 Rue du Lac Togo,  +228 22 224138. The official name is “Bena Grill,” however this is never used. Schnitzel in the German manner starts at 3300 FCFA, fries at 900 FCFA, and a liter of beer at 2200 FCFA.
• Alt München, Boulevard Du Mono (Near the roundabout at the freeport.),  +228 22 276321. Munich food is excellent, albeit a touch pricey.
• Hamburger du Togo, Avenue Pompidou,  +228 22 64 78 94.

At night, Lomé comes to life, with locals dressed to the nines and frequenting the various clubs and discothèques. Downtown, there are several western-style dance clubs. Privilege, linked to the hotel Palm Beach, and 7Clash, in Dekon on the Boulevard, are two of the greatest (and most costly).

For a more leisurely experience, check out the beach near to the border with Ghana – seating is available and, if you’re fortunate, the Castle Milk Stouts are very cold. Make a point of leaving the beach shortly after dark, since it is undoubtedly the most hazardous portion of the city.

Local beverages may be discovered with a little digging. Tchouk, a locally produced millet beer, is the preferred local beverage. In the city, a full calabash costs 100CFA at a tchouk-stand. Other beverages include Deha – palm wine – and Sodabe – Togolese bathtub hooch – a grain liquor that burns down and up. Be cautious; it is only available to the genuinely initiated.