Soccer, the national sport
Led by the best player in the history of Togolese soccer, Emmanuel Adebayor (who played for Monaco and English clubs Arsenal and Manchester City), the Eperviers enjoyed their moment of glory in 2006, when they took part in the World Cup for the first time (and only time to date). At the German World Cup, Togo found themselves outsiders in a group that also included South Korea, Switzerland and France. After losing to the South Koreans (2-1) and the Swiss (2-0), the Togolese also lost to Zinedine Zidane's Les Bleus (2-0), who needed a win to qualify. The French went on to reach the final, where they suffered a cruel defeat at the hands of Italy. As for Togo, despite being eliminated in the group phase, the team thrilled a whole nation during these historic encounters and achieved their best-ever FIFA ranking (46th place).
Unfortunately, the Togolese national team also suffered the worst of it, when they were the victims of an attack in the enclave of Cabinda, on the Angolan border, on their way to their first match at the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2010. The Togolese bus was machine-gunned by rebels and two people were killed: Amélété Abalo, the assistant coach, and Stanislas Ocloo, the team's press officer. The attack was later claimed by the pro-independence group FLEC-Position militaire. A tragedy that traumatized the team, who eventually refused to take part in the competition and prompted Adebayor's international retirement (despite a brief comeback the following year).
Since then, the Sparrowhawks' main achievement has been the quarter-final of the 2013 CAN, where they beat Algeria and Tunisia in the group stage, before falling to Burkina Faso in extra time (1-0). The country's best result on the continent. A new generation of great players is now expected.
Awale, the traditional leisure activity
Awale is a very popular pastime in Togo. It's a board game played by all Togolese, young and old alike. This game of strategy, which in many ways resembles backgammon, is played with a board made up of two hollow half-logs, each with six holes, containing pebbles or seeds. The aim is to grab as many of your opponent's seeds as possible. Different variations of awale exist throughout West Africa. Wood-carved awalés are often beautifully decorated, and can make great handicrafts to slip into your suitcase before departure.
Lounging, swimming and deep-sea fishing
Togo's 56 km coastline is a popular source of leisure activities. What a pleasure to stroll between coconut palms to the rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean waves, just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of the capital! The big market is just around the corner, and the autonomous port of Lomé is bustling with activity. But the coastline stretches peacefully to the Beninese border, between coconut plantations and typical fishing villages. Beyond the port, you'll find the capital's inner suburbs and the seaside villages of Baguida and Avepozo, where several beaches have been developed (the finest on the coast). These beaches are very popular with locals at weekends. They are particularly lively on Sundays, when you can sunbathe to the rhythm of music, dance, soccer or beach volleyball. Beware, as far as swimming is concerned, it is possible to take a dip in places, but most of the time the sea is quite dangerous and there is a lot of current: for experienced swimmers essentially (otherwise, prefer the many swimming pools in the capital's hotels, such as the mythical Olympic pool at the Sarakawa Hotel).
The rest of the time, you can enjoy leisurely strolls and discover traditional fishing scenes. Finally, a few kilometers further on, near Kpessi and Agbodrafo, you'll find Lake Togo, which also offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and leisure: water sports, pirogue rides, fishing..
Fishing. While traditional fishing can be enjoyed, deep-sea fishing is also possible on the Togolese coast. Several professionals offer their services to reel-loving tourists for full-day or half-day outings, on 4 to 6-person boats. Try your hand at reeling in swordfish, tuna, jacks, captains, barracudas..
Whale watching. Between late August and mid-November, humpback whales can be seen from the Togolese coast. At this time, they migrate to the Gulf of Guinea from their feeding grounds in Antarctica. To see them at a distance of just a few meters, you need to set sail a few miles out to sea. 1001 Pistes organizes these sea outings. A serious agency that can also offer kayak trips on Lake Togo or mountain bike rides throughout the country.
On land, hiking and nature walks
Togo offers exceptional birdlife and flora, ideal for hiking and other nature walks. Several agencies and organizations offer nature walks, including 1001 Pistes (again), run by a French scientific couple. In the maritime region, in addition to the whales off the coast, the Mono valley and the Aného region boast outstanding biodiversity and a number of remarkable ecosystems, including mangroves, where you can meet birds, crocodiles and hippopotamuses (in the Tabligbo region). In the Plateaux region, the area around Kpalimé offers numerous opportunities for hiking and walking to discover the flora and fauna of rural Togo, as well as bathing under superb natural waterfalls. The central region offers safaris, while the Kara region offers the splendid mountain scenery of the Kabyé and Défalé mountains. Finally, in the Savanes region, it's time for walks in the reserves.
