| Lome | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms  | ||
| State | Togo | |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Maritime Region | |
| Altitude | 10 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 99.14 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 837.437 (2010 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 228 | |
| Time zone | UTC | |
Position
| ||
Lome is the capital of Togo.
To know
Overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, near the border with the Ghana, is the main industrial, administrative, economic and cultural center of the Togo, as well as its largest port.
Geographical notes
Originally the municipality of Lomé was bordered by the lagoon to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the village of Bè to the east and the border of Aflao West. Following its great expansion it is currently bordered by the Groupement Togolais d'Assurances (GTA) to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the oil refinery to the east and the border with the Ghana West. One third of the city develops in the lagoon area.
When to go
| Climate | gen | Feb | mar | apr | mag | down | Jul | needle | set | Oct | nov | dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum (° C) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 |
| Minimum (° C) | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 9 | 23 | 53 | 96 | 153 | 252 | 91 | 33 | 65 | 75 | 20 | 8 |
As in most equatorial climates, the city has two rainy seasons, the main one runs from April to July and a second less important one from September to November.
The average maximum temperature in the shade is 30 ° C in the afternoon and the minimum is 23 ° C in the morning. At the beginning of the year, the harmattan sometimes blows, a dry wind from the Sahara which can bring the temperature down to 19 ° C in the morning.
The climate of Lomé is also strongly influenced by the sea, which mitigates it. The heat is stable, without excessive peaks, and the wind from the sea makes it more pleasant.
The rainfall is, in the context of an equatorial climate, moderate; In fact, Lomé enjoys a microclimate that allows it to have a relatively low rainfall.
Background
The toponym Lomé comes from Alotimé, which in the Ewe language means "in the midst of the Aloe plants". The Alo is a tree that dominated the historic site of Lomé at the time of its foundation.
Lomé was founded by the Ewe in the 18th century. In 1897 it became the capital of the then German colony called Togoland; thus began its urban development. During the First World War it was occupied by the France and from Great Britain, only to be controlled by France from 1922. The city was the capital of the French colony until 1960, when after independence it became the capital of Togo. The city's population grew at a frightening rate after independence, just think that if about 30,000 people lived in Lomé in 1950, twenty years later, in 1970, there were about 200,000 inhabitants. But if the population grew, the same could not be done. say about the communication routes or services; this situation brought serious problems but did not stop growth. Lomé is one of the largest cities in the Gulf of Guinea and its expansion has led it to conurbate with the nearby town Ghanaian of Aflao.
How to orient yourself
Lomé: full screen map.Lomé is a typical African city in the sense that many of the styles, influences and traditions are mixed. The city has large boulevards and squares, gardens and colorful buildings. There are several remnants of colonial architecture from the turn of the century, such as the arcades, galleries and the German Gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral. There are also several modern buildings. Near the city center is the Akodessewa market, which sells fetishes and gris-gris (voodoo amulets) among other things.
In the west, a residential area overlooks the sea. This area houses the headquarters of the government, with the exception of the Palace of Justice. Further north, near the Independence Monument, is the seat of the Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais, an important congress center which houses the National Museum of Togo. The museum houses collections, jewels, musical instruments, dolls, ceramics, weapons and many other objects of the Togolese art and tradition.
The colonial old town is located around the governor's palace and the train station about one kilometer from the border Ghanaian. From the time of administration French, urbanization only grew in the east. Near the sea, the city today almost reaches the height of Togo lake, 12 km from the center. The streets of the new neighborhoods are almost perpendicular to each other. The main traffic axis is the coastal Boulevard (du Mono or de la République) which flows east to west as part of the N2. The city was once bordered on the north by the 1 Lac Ouest and from 2 Lac Est, which at the time were lagoons.
How to get
By plane
- 3 Lomé – Tokoin International Airport (Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, IATA: LFW). The international airport has direct flights from Lisbon, Casablanca is Paris. Ethiopian Airlines uses Lomé as its hub, with flights from Addis Ababa, Dakar, Johannesburg and a transatlantic flight from Newark. The regional airline ASKY Airlines connects Lomé with the capitals of neighboring countries.
By car
The Togo motorway network that passes by Lome it is easily described. To the north, the RN1 passes by Tsévié (35 km), Notsé is Sokodé (340 km) to the border with Burkina Faso (662 km in total). L'RN2 connects parallel to the coast the border crossings with Ghana is Benin.
The main border crossing from Ghana is Aflao, less than two kilometers from the city center. The visa on arrival is available at the airport and the land border from Ghana for 10,000 / 15,000 CFA depending on the nationality and is valid for one week. It can be extended for one month at no additional cost. As of January 2019, you can obtain a 3-month border visa for Ghana for 705 GHS if you have not already obtained it in your home country.
By bus
There are bus services from Lomé to almost every city in the country, as well as to nearby cities such as Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Lagos (Nigeria) or Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
- STC, Ave. de La, Victorie (At the height of Lac Ouest on the bridge).
8:00-22:30. State company of the Ghana, also buses to the Benin is Lagos. - SNTV, Boulevard du 13-Janvier. State company Nigerian, long-distance bus to reach this country.
- 4 Gare Routière Agbalepedo, Immeuble GTA-C2A. Minibus e bush-taxi.
- 5 Kpalimé station (Near Tokoin Hôpital).
8:00-22:30. State company of the How to get around
By public transport
- 6 Société des Transports de Lomé (SOTRAL), Av. Des Calais, Place des Martyrs, Bâtiment N ° 876, ☎ 228 93 88 81 91, @[email protected].
Distance-based ticket: 150, 200, 250 or 350 CFA, monthly pass: 6,500 CFA. 7: 30-12: 30 and 14: 30-17: 30. The only urban public transport company that offers a regular city bus service in the Togolese capital. It was created by political will to meet the mobility needs of the population of Grande Lomé. Therefore, the social prices are the cheapest compared to the tariffs of the artisanal transport sector (taxis, motorcycle taxis, minibuses). Thanks to its precise bus lines, you will be able to move more easily and safely.
Distance-based ticket: 150, 200, 250 or 350 CFA, monthly pass: 6,500 CFA. - In 2018 the company had 83 vehicles to cover the 736 stops located along 19 lines, with a passage frequency ranging from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the line.
By taxi
Motorbike taxis are plentiful throughout the capital and a medium / long distance trip on one of them can cost 300 CFA. Classic taxis, on the other hand, can be hired from 500 CFA, while with 2,000 CFA you can get almost anywhere in the city. There are collective taxis (collectif) which follow predefined routes like buses, which normally cost 200/400 CFA, but for a visitor they are difficult to locate, in fact they are only used by locals.
By car
There are car rental agencies in the center, but if you come for just a few days, motorcycles are the best option.
The beach road runs directly to the ocean from Ghana to the Benin. The Boulevard Circulaire (le 13 Janvier) serves as the main thoroughfare through downtown Lomé, a hemisphere that encloses the market and government buildings. It starts at Kodjoviakope beach and ends at Bea beach.
A speaking driver or guide can also be hired in Lomé English.
What see
.jpg/220px-Building_in_Lomé_(30668258326).jpg)
.jpg/220px-Lomé_Grand_Marché_with_the_Cathédrale_du_Sacré_Coeur_(33592985581).jpg)
- 1 National Museum of Togo. 1,500 CFA. Housed in the complex of Palais du Congrès (National Assembly), this museum, founded in 1975, contains collections, jewelry, musical instruments, dolls, pottery, weapons and many other objects that showcase the arts and traditions of Togo.
- 2 Musée International du Golfe de Guinée (Museum of African Historical Objects), Boulevard du Mono. 3,000 CFA. Mon-Sat 8: 00-17: 00. This small museum, founded by the Swiss René David, houses a rather large collection of authentic historical objects mainly of theWest Africa, such as masks, wooden chairs, and objects for funeral ceremonies such as stretchers, chests or similar. A little out of the city center, right on the beach but for those who have time it may be worth a detour.
- 3 Sacred Heart Cathedral (Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur). Roman Catholic church built around 1901/1902.
- 4 Governor's Palace (In the middle of a large park). Built 1900-05, in 1970-91 it was also used by the government as a presidential palace, including the Palais des Hôtes de Marque. Damaged by this year's riots. Proposed for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites in Benin in 2002 and renovated in 2017. The intention is to create a cultural center with an art gallery.
- Place de l'Indépendance (Independence square). With the monument to independence.
Events and parties
What to do
- Golf Club Togo (In the northern suburb Agoeniévie along the N1), ☎ 228 90 57 50 50. Mon-Fri 10,000 CFA, Sat-Sun 15,000 CFA. Mon-Sun. 9-hole course created in 1965.
- Motocross track (In the northern suburb Agoeniévie along the N1).
- 1 Fil'o Parc. Children's pool with playground.
- 2 Cocobeach (East of the port). Sandy beach not always maintained.
Shopping
Lomé's biggest attractions are its markets where bargaining is imperative.
- Grand Marché (Great market). With a large 3-story hall, it sells everything from red peppers, green lemons and dried fish, to scallops, travel bags and traditional medicinal remedies. On the first floor is Nana Benz, known for her clothes.
- Fetish market. Admission 3,000 CFA, authorization to photograph 2,000 CFA. Smaller and more specialized. It sells vongoo, gongon and gris-gris fetishes.
- Artisanale Center. Souvenir market selling wood carvings, clay pots, authentic textiles, local paintings and African clothing. Most are made on site and of great value.
How to have fun
.jpg/220px-Plage_de_Lomé_au_Togo_(Afrique_de_l'Ouest).jpg)
Night clubs
Lomé really comes alive at night, the locals dress up well and go to the many bars and nightclubs. There are many western-style discos in the center. Two of the best (and most expensive) are:
- Privilege, Rue de Kourome (Attached to the Palm Beach hotel).
- 7Clash (In Dekon on the Boulevard).
To relax, take a look at the beach near the border with GhanaSeating is plentiful, and if you're lucky, you can find frozen Castle Milk Stouts. Make sure you get away from the beach right after dusk, as it is the most dangerous part of the city.
Local drinks can be found if you dig a little deeper. Favorite local beer is Tchouk, locally brewed millet beer. A calabash full of tchouk costs 100 CFA in town. Other drinks are Deha (palm wine) e Sodabe (cereal liqueur).
Where to eat
Local street food is in abundance and a large plate of rice or pate will cost 200 CFA.
The restaurants Lebanese they are scattered throughout the city, with the best in Kodjoviakope and around the Boulevard. Recommended are Al Mohatas on the Route de Kpalime and Al Sultan's in Kodjoviakope. Most dishes cost 1,000 / 2,000 CFA.
There are two restaurants Chinese, one in Kodjoviakope, the other in Asigame, down the road from Togocel's main offices.
Average prices
- The Belle Époque, Rue Homma. CFA 6,500 menu of the day, CFA 1,500 burgers. Restaurant French at the back of the embassy German.
- 1 Marox Bena Grill (Bena Grill), 24 Rue du Lac Togo, ☎ 228 22 224138. German schnitzel of CFA 3,300, chips of CFA 900, a liter of beer CFA 2,200.
- Hamburger du Togo, Avenue Pompidou, ☎ 228 22 64 78 94.
High prices
- 2 Alt München, Boulevard Du Mono (Near the roundabout of the free port), ☎ 228 22 276321. Kitchen of Monk, but a little expensive.
- The beatiful Moon, Rue Camomilles, ☎ 228 22 21 74 48. 6 / 12,000 CFA. Excellent cuisine French, air conditioning inside, right on the beach near the embassy German. A little expensive, but the food is delicious.
Where stay
.jpg/220px-Buildings_in_Lomé_(6717151255).jpg)
.jpg/220px-Peace_dove_(3330451514).jpg)
The decent hotels (type: bed, sink and shower) are located in the north of Lomé and cost around 15,000 / 16,000 CFA. As you approach the beach you will find more expensive hotels, such as 2 Fevrier and Hotel Sarakawa. Services are very accommodating, but they are incredibly expensive for Lomé (over 100,000 CFA per night).
There are some nice fan or air-conditioned hotels in Kodjoviakope and surrounding areas that cost 7,000 / 15,000 CFA, such as My Diana. Those traveling on a tight budget can take a look at the Mammy, at the end of the Embassy of theAngola (3,500 CFA for triple room).
Moderate prices
- Auberge Le Galion, Rue Camomille (A few steps from the border crossing of Aflao. CFA 6,500 menu of the day, CFA 1,500 burgers). Ventilated room 7,000 CFA, conditioned room 15,000 CFA. Double rooms with private bathroom. Safe neighborhood, nice relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music. Popular with expats. It has a restaurant French at the back of the embassy German.
Average prices
- 1 [link previously not working]Bellevue Hotel (On the back of the embassy German), ☎ 228 22 202240. It has wireless Internet access and a lovely atmosphere with a waterfall flowing into a small pool. The food is delicious and it is a nice place to be. The owners French they are very welcoming.
- 2 Hôtel Résidence Océane, 42-44, Rue de la Gare, ☎ 228 90 05 71 29.
- 3 Le Benin hotels, Avenue du Général de Gaulle, ☎ 228 22 212485. Management French and excellent food.
High prices
- 4 Hotel 2 Fevrier, Place De Independence Bp 131, ☎ 228 22238600. Prices from 150 €. With its 36 floors, it is the tallest building in Togo and is visible from any part of the city. Built in 1980 and renovated. There is a skybar and a restaurant on the top floor which offers beautiful views. You can use their pool even if you are not a guest for 9,000 CFA including 2 cocktails.
Safety
Lomé is considered to be much more criminal than the capitals of neighboring countries, but not as serious as Lagos.
Thefts, pickpockets, but also robberies cannot be excluded in Lomé, even to the detriment of tourists Europeans.
The beaches and surrounding areas are notorious for frequent robberies, especially at night. Never wander alone on the beach at night unless there are still many people.
Swimming in the ocean is strongly discouraged except on supervised beaches due to the strong surf.
Embassies
France, Rue de la Marina Quartier Administratif, ☎ 228 22234640.
Germany, Boulevard de la République, ☎ 228 22233232. Mon-Fri 9: 00-12: 00
British Honorary Consulate, Rue de Canaris, Be Château, ☎ 228 22222714, fax: 228 274207.
United States of America, Boulevard Eyadema B.P. 852, ☎ 228 22615470, fax: 228 2615501. Mon-Thu 7: 30-17: 00, Fri 7: 30-12: 30.
Egypt, مدينة الاتحاد الأفريقى بجوار رئاسة الوزراء, ☎ 228 22262443, fax: 228 2261012.
How to keep in touch
Post office
- 7 Central post office, Ave. de la Libération, ☎ 228 22 22 94 40.
Telephony
In Kodjoviakope you can use your own mobile phone card Ghana, which will work perfectly.
- 8 Togocellulaire, Avenue du 14-Janvier, 219 (At the station), ☎ 228 22 22 66 11.
- 9 Moov, Ave de Nouvelle Marche.
Internet
Lomé has Internet cafes and they are cheap, like a couple of dollars an hour, but most of the cafes have very slow computers and slow Internet connection speeds.
