Sokodé
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At a glance
- Country
- Togo
- Region
- Centrale
- Population
- 120,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Lomé (LFW)
- Coordinates
- 8.98°N, 1.13°E
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Overview
Sokodé is Togo's second-largest city and the centre of the Tem people, a mainly Muslim trading town on the main road north. It is unhurried and welcoming, with mosques, a busy market and red-earth streets.
Few tourists stop, which is part of its appeal. Use it as a base for the forests and hills of central Togo, or time a visit for one of its colourful festivals.
Things to see
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Grand Marché
The main market, busiest on market days, with produce, cloth and goods from across the north.
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Photo: PhReym, CC BY-SA 3.0 Central mosque
A focal point of the town's Muslim life, especially at Friday prayers.
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Photo: Alfrednadjere, CC BY-SA 4.0 Faille d'Alédjo
A dramatic cutting where the main road north squeezes through a rock wall, north of the town.
Things to do
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Photo: Zayneb Dhahbi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
A large park of forest and savannah hills to the west, best visited with a local guide.
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Photo: Farouk Talented, CC BY 4.0 Adossa festival
A traditional festival of the Tem people, held after Muharram and known for its knife dance.
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Photo: Milos58, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Kara
Continue north to Kara for markets and the road to the Tamberma country.
Where to stay
Town centre
Simple hotels near the market and main road.
Hotels in Town centreKara
A better choice of hotels about 80km north, if you are touring the region.
Hotels in Kara
Getting around
Motorbike taxis are the easiest way to get around town. Hire a car and driver for the park and the gorge.
Buses and shared taxis run north from Lomé along the national road, taking most of a day.
When to go
The dry season from November to February is easiest for travel, with dusty Harmattan winds. The rains fall mainly from May to October.
Plan your trip to Sokodé
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.