Nightclubs and bars in Togo

Loved this Bar on one of the main drags in Kpalime. Not at all touristy, but very laid back, cheap, and with the freindliest waiting staff.

The Bar often hosts a DJ, with the usual mix of African and Western dance tunes. A funky place to knock back a few large beers and watch the world go by on the busy road outside.

Didn't stay later than about 10pm, but there was space inside for a dance floor, and I'm sure the friendly welcoming vibe would have lasted into the night.

We were also accosted (but in a very low key way) by a local guy who insisted on taking us to another bar in town where his music and dance group met regularly to perform and rehearse. The show put on was pretty lively and full of energy and the bar attracted a fairly mixed clientele of locals, expats and tourists. Will update with the name of the other bar once I dig out some lost notes from the trip.

Regardless of that, Le Robinet was definitely my first choice - mainly for the apparently genuine warmth of the welcome from the waitresses.

Food is available from the street seller on the pavement outside (great yam chips).

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This place had a real local feel to it. The bar was dimly lit with plastic and wooden chairs around low tables in a covered area directly outside. Next to the bar was a fast food seller who specialised in brochettes and rice. Around the corner on the Blvd 13 Janvier were other food sellers including one selling great fried yam chips (yam fritures). A few of these and a couple of brochettes with piquant sauce was a perfect accompaniment to a big Flag or Castel Beer at low prices.

The clientele were primarily locals, but I regularly saw expats/visitors having a beer or two as well. It's a 2 minute walk to Hotel le Galion, a favourite with tourists.

Bottles of red wine (chilled) were available, but the excellent staff don't serve them regularly. It's the perfect place, however, to relax with a few beers and watch the world go by Lome style.

Dress Code: Absolutely no dress code.

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The Fire Dance was held in a clearing in the small village of Tinadou, just outside Kparatoa, some miles from Sokode. There was a large sign at the roadside advertising the dance. Villagers from many nearby settlement came to witness the show, as well as us 15 tourists. The dance takes place round about a month after the festival of cutlasses. The dancers will attempt to prove their prowess by various daring stunts.

Noah explained the story behind the origin of the Fire Dance: The Kotokoli were often fighting with the neighbouring Taberma tribe and often the they were caught unawares whilst tending to their everyday activists. The women and children were in the huts, by the fire, and weren’t always able to escape in time, so it often happened that they got burnt. The Kotokoli therefore made a pact with the God of Fire. The dance is to recognise this alliance and celebrate it.

Another good place for live music most nights of the week. Silva, the owner spent 10 years in New Jersey singing blues and jazz.You can eat and drink here,(2000,00 cfa the glass although beer is cheaper). When the musicians take a break, has a very good selection of c.d's ,most in the same veine as the live music, although I did find Led Zeppelin amongst them.

Dress Code: No problems

The red and green Colonial House instantly brings back the scene in old Havana-Cuba, and the mood goes by as u go up the stairs to the first floor. cozy place playing a mixture of Latin music and Claude Challe's chillouts (probably the only place in town playing Budha-bar). a perfect spot to have a drink with friends after dinner.

Dress Code: anything goes

Le Mandingue is very close to l'abreuvoir and offers very good live music most evenings during the week, mainly blues-rock for the 30 to 60 age group. Chez Alice, already mentioned in the hotel tips, is very good on Wednesday evenings for traditional drumming, dancing and music for an all-in cost, with dinner of 7500,00 cfa

Nice bar to start the night. Situated at a corner with plenty of different bars, l'Abreuvoir offers the best bar and music, together with the best gallery of beautiful sexy girls.
People use to go from bar to bar between 10 and 12.

Dress Code: Casual.

the biggest most famous night spot in Lome a typical night club with all the typical garniture: Drinks, rich locals, Foreigners and women; just beware and play safe