Lome -> Activities

 

Activities

 

Once the most sought after tourist destinations in the city, the beaches wear a deserted look due to lack of visitors. Visitors are advised to take care while using the beaches as there is a strong undertow and some locals use the sands as their toilet. The best visitors can do is to head for the secluded and protected shores at Robinson's Plage, 9km (6mi) east of the town centre. For those who prefer swimming pools, there is Hotel Sarakawa's Olympic-sized dip - the biggest in West Africa.

Hiking and camping are other popular activities. National parks are favourite destinations and visitors must check with the rangers before setting out. The flattish woodland savannah of La Fosse aux Lions makes for some lovely hiking excursions in the far northern reaches of the country, just south of Dapaong.

It is a good idea to visit Lome in the second week in September during the Guin Festival. It begins on the second Thursday of the month and visitors can join the townsfolk in their celebrations that include four days of parading, dancing, drinking and other rituals both sacred and profane. Voodoo is the local religion, so people going into trances are a common, albeit bizarre, sight and visitors do not have to be taken by surprise.