Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by Sarah Wilson
I visited Togoville as part of a tour with Undiscovered Destinations, which made the trip very easy because everything from transport to the lake crossing was organised for me. You can visit independently, but you will need to put in a little more effort. Most travellers head to the waterfront at Agbodrafo or Aného and arrange a pirogue across Lake Togo with local boatmen. Boats leave when they’re full, or you can pay a bit more for your own departure.
Or I found this highly rated day trip with Get Your Guide that also includes a visit to Lome’s weird and wonderful Fetish Market.
The Place That Gave Togo Its Name
The town of Togoville gave Togo its name. In the local Ewe language, “To-go” is commonly explained as meaning “behind the lake” or “on the other side of the lake.”This village became known as the place “behind the lake.” When the Germans signed a treaty here in 1884, that name was used for the entire territory.
Crossing Lake Togo
I am usually terrified of boats — properly terrified. But the crossing to Togoville felt absolutely fine. The water was calm, the pirogue was steady, and once I was sitting down, I actually felt safe. The only tricky part was getting in and out of the narrow wooden boat from the sandy bank. Still, once I was settled, it was a peaceful and surprisingly enjoyable ride.
A Blend of Voodoo and Catholicism
Togoville is known for its strong Voodoo (Vodun) traditions, and it also has a significant Catholic presence. In the 1970s, a local woman reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary. The story eventually reached Rome, leading to a visit from Pope John Paul II.
And just to be clear: Voodoo here isn’t the Hollywood version with dolls and pins — that’s mostly a Western invention. Instead, the practices you see in Togoville are traditional, spiritual, and deeply rooted in everyday life.
Rather than one belief system replacing the other, both Voodoo and Catholicism coexist. The large Togoville Cathedralsits close to Voodoo shrines and spiritual symbols. That peaceful coexistence is part of what makes Togoville so compelling.
The Barter Market
Try to visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, if you can. Togoville still holds a twice-weekly barter market where people trade goods directly rather than using money. Apparently, it’s lively, authentic and offers a glimpse into a tradition that has mostly disappeared elsewhere. I was there on a quiet Monday, though, so unfortunately, I did not get to witness this.
Trees Wrapped in Cloth: Honouring Twins
You may notice a number of trees wrapped in colourful cloth. It is said that this region has a high number of twin births, and in Voodoo traditions, twins are considered spiritually significant — often seen as powerful or blessed. The cloth-wrapped trees are part of rituals that honour or protect twins and reflect the strong connection between daily life and spiritual belief here.
Is Togoville Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. It’s not about dramatic sights or ticking off attractions. Instead, it’s about atmosphere and everyday culture — the calm boat journey, the layered beliefs, the barter market, and the traditions connected to twin births. Everything here feels meaningful in a quiet, understated way.
Whether you visit independently or as part of a tour, Togoville is one of those small places that leaves a surprisingly deep impression, mainly for its quiet atmosphere and layered traditions.
For most travellers, spending about half a day in Togoville is ideal. This gives you enough time to cross the lake, explore the main sights, visit the market if it is open, and soak in the local atmosphere without feeling rushed. If you are especially interested in the spiritual traditions or want to experience the barter market, consider dedicating a full day.
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