Togo is a narrow West African nation stretching from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, offering diverse landscapes from pristine beaches to lush mountains. This compact country combines vibrant markets, UNESCO heritage sites, rich Voodoo culture, and warm hospitality, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous travelers.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Lake Togo pirogue boat ride
A gentle traditional dugout canoe (pirogue) crossing of the calm Lake Togo to Togoville village is a memorable experience even for young children. The flat calm water, colourful boats, and friendly fishermen create an engaging and safe water adventure.
Duration: 2-3 hours including crossing and village visit
Cascade de Womé waterfall and butterfly spotting
A 1.5km forest walk leads to a spectacular double waterfall with a natural pool for swimming, surrounded by over 270 butterfly species. Children are fascinated by the butterflies landing on hands and clothing in this extraordinary cloud forest environment.
Duration: Half day
Hotel pool day at Sarakawa or Hotel 2 Février
Both Lomé's major luxury hotels allow day access to their pools for a small fee. The large pool complexes with beachside access at these hotels provide a very safe, organised environment for children to swim and play in the tropical heat.
Duration: Half to full day
Kpalimé craft village and weaving demonstration
The village of Tové near Kpalimé is home to Ewe kente weavers and pottery makers who welcome family visitors. Children can watch the complex weaving process on traditional looms and try their hand at basic pottery techniques under artisan guidance.
Duration: Half day
Mountain biking in Kpalimé highlands
Gentle circular cycling routes through coffee and cocoa plantations around Kpalimé connect craft villages and highland viewpoints on well-maintained dirt tracks. Available through Togo Trek Adventures with appropriately sized bikes for older children.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Lomé Beach and beachside lunch
The beachfront along Boulevard de la Marina provides a safe and enjoyable beach experience for families, with local vendors grilling fresh fish and vendors selling cold drinks and snacks. Hotel beach areas like Sarakawa offer additional supervision and facilities.
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
CIKA Golden Hotel and Suites
Contemporary 4-star hotel near the airport with a rooftop pool, family rooms, business centre, and a very secure, well-managed environment ideal for families travelling with children.
Family features: Rooftop pool, family interconnecting rooms, airport shuttle, 24-hour room service, reliable AC
Hôtel Sarakawa
The iconic beachfront hotel offers large tropical gardens perfect for children to explore, a lagoon-style pool with shallow areas, and direct beach access in a supervised setting.
Family features: Lagoon pool with shallow end, direct beach access, large garden grounds, family rooms, children-friendly restaurant
Napoleon Lagune
Waterfront bungalow resort on Lake Togo ideal for older children (8+) interested in water activities and nature. Pirogue boat trips, fishing, and kayaking add an adventurous dimension to a comfortable resort stay.
Family features: Waterfront bungalows, kayaking, boat trips, natural environment, freshwater lake activities
Hotel Chez Fanny (Kpalimé)
A beloved family-run guesthouse in Kpalimé with a homely atmosphere, excellent home-cooked meals, and helpful staff who arrange local excursions to waterfalls and craft villages — perfect base for highland family exploration.
Family features: Home-cooked family meals, garden, local excursion arrangements, welcoming family atmosphere, lower altitude and cooler temperatures
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most mid-range and tourist-oriented restaurants in Lomé welcome children; simple pasta, grilled chicken, and pizza options are available at places like La Dolce Vita for picky eaters
Hotel restaurants at Sarakawa and Hotel 2 Février offer the most reliable hygiene standards for very young children or those with sensitive stomachs
Fresh baguettes and pastries from pâtisseries like Le Diplomate make excellent breakfast or snack options for children accustomed to European-style food
Bissap (hibiscus juice) and fresh ginger drinks are child-friendly alternatives to alcohol served pre-bottled and generally safe; coconut water from roadside vendors is also a hit with children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all family members including children — consult a travel health specialist well before departure for age-appropriate medication
Book accommodation with pools — this is non-negotiable in Togo's tropical heat to keep children comfortable and entertained during hot afternoon hours
Pack children's sun protection (SPF 50+), insect repellent with DEET, and a basic first aid kit including rehydration sachets as stomach upsets are possible in any new food environment