Kara
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At a glance
- Country
- Togo
- Region
- Kara
- Population
- 100,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Niamtougou International (LRL), limited flights; main gateway is Lomé (LFW)
- Coordinates
- 9.55°N, 1.19°E
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Overview
Kara is the main town of northern Togo and the heartland of the Kabye people, set among green hills along the river of the same name. It is tidy and well laid out, with broad avenues and good hotels for the region.
Most travellers come here on the way to Koutammakou, the UNESCO-listed land of the Batammariba, whose fortress-like clay houses are among the most remarkable buildings in West Africa.
Things to see
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Photo: Essohanambenedicte, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kara market
A busy regional market for grain, yams, pottery and cloth, liveliest on market day.
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Photo: Hermannkass, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kara river
The river that gives the town its name, lined with trees and pleasant for an evening walk.
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Photo: Erik Kristensen, CC BY 2.0 Koutammakou
Fortified two-storey earth houses, called takienta, scattered across the landscape north-east of town.
Things to do
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Photo: Hermannkass, CC BY-SA 4.0 Watch the Evala
Each July young Kabye men take part in traditional wrestling bouts as a rite of passage.
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Visit a Tamberma village
A local guide can explain how the tower houses are built and lived in.
Find tours -
Explore the Kabye hills
Drive or walk out into terraced hills dotted with villages and small markets.
Where to stay
Town centre
The widest choice of hotels in the north, near the market.
Hotels in Town centreRiverside
Quieter hotels on the edge of town by the river.
Hotels in Riverside
Getting around
Motorbike taxis cover the town. Hire a car with a driver and guide for Koutammakou.
Buses and shared taxis run up the national road from Lomé, a long day's drive.
When to go
The dry season from November to February is best for travel, while Evala falls in July during the rains. March and April are the hottest months.
Plan your trip to Kara
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.