What It's Like - Being in Togo, Africa

Africa is made up of many countries, each with its own unique cultures and traditions. I visited the country Togo, located in West Africa between Benin and Ghana. When I stepped off the plane, the warm, tropical heat hit me instantly – a sensation quite different from the cooler climate of the Pacific Northwest. But what really stood out were the friendly, welcoming people who greeted me with smiles and kindness. I recommend hiring a tour guide and arranging transportation before traveling to Africa. If that isn’t possible, that’s okay – they have a ride-share called “Gozem,” and the drivers typically know the city well. The main language in Togo is French.

If you don’t speak French, just come prepared with the translation app of your choice. Once you leave the airport, you may notice many things. Lomé, Togo’s capital city, can be quite a contrast to what we’re used to in America. You might see trash along the streets, and off the main paved roads, the terrain can be bumpy and untidy. It’s common to see stray animals, such as dogs, cats, and goats, along with people going about their day. Sometimes you will see men and women who might need to relieve them- selves, which I witnessed many times. It’s a different standard than many may be accustomed to, but it’s important to understand that public restrooms are not always accessible. Togo faces economic challenges; many people live on the streets, and you may see piles of garbage being burned because there is no formal waste management system in place.

The smells – burning trash, exhaust fumes, urine, and street food – are part of the environment. Despite that, many areas of Lomé are clean, vibrant, and full of life, with busy streets, lively markets, quality hotels, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife. The energy after sunset is exhilarating – people gather in bars and lounges, dance to loud music, and enjoy a sense of community that’s truly special. Traffic can be chaotic as people will often walk in the middle of the streets trying to sell items from food and phone cases to electronics and clothing. I still wonder how there are not more accidents. I’ve also never seen so many motorcycles, as ride-sharing is one of the main jobs in Lomé.

Motorcycles are the most affordable way to transport clients in Togo. The street vendors take care to keep their food stalls clean, and the street food they prepare is delicious and safe to eat. The beaches and parks are beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation. The Togolese are hardworking people who are deeply rooted in family and religious values. Many work long hours – sometimes over 12 – to earn roughly $30 per day.

Still, the cost of living is very low; rent for most apartments ranges from $50 to $150 per month. After settling into your accommodations, get ready to eat or explore; you will have many options. Just be careful of pickpocketers in parts of the city. That being said, whatever restaurant you choose will be good. I’ve never had a bad experience. I will warn you that the food can be very spicy, so be sure to tell the server if you don’t like spicy food. I honestly have never met a more genuine, hardworking group of people in my life.

Despite the hardships they face, the Togolese show incredible resilience and gratitude. They often lack amenities we take for granted in America such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and accessible healthcare. There’s no welfare system, and disabled individuals often rely on family support; if that isn’t available, they may suffer. Visiting a country like this can help you appreciate what we have back home. In Togo, you don’t pay taxes on your belongings, so everything you own is truly yours, including any business you run.

Education is privately provided, and families pay for their children’s schooling. There’s no national curriculum or penalties for dropping out, which gives families flexibility. The family structure here can be complex – many children grow up without a father, and men typically hold most of the power. At the same time, women focus on raising children and managing the household. Yet, women’s rights are protected, and most women are content with their roles. What makes Togo special is the warmth of its people.

They are welcoming and embrace other cultures. Tourists are often treated with kindness and respect. I often felt like royalty during my visit, and the community feels genuine and caring. All in all, Togo is a beautiful and intriguing place. It can be different from what we’re used to, but if you’re open-minded and willing to look past the cultural shock and imperfections, you could have a truly unforgettable experience.