Aneho, Togo Travel Guide

Discover Aneho, Togo: A coastal haven with colonial charm, vibrant markets, and serene beaches, where history and nature blend seamlessly.

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Togo, Aneho is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as Little Popo during colonial times, Aneho was once the capital of German Togoland. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past with well-preserved colonial buildings and historical landmarks. Stroll through its charming streets and you'll find a unique mix of European and African architecture, reflecting Aneho's rich cultural heritage. The city's vibrant markets are a treasure trove of local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce, giving you a taste of the daily life of its friendly residents. Aneho's picturesque coastline is perfect for relaxation and exploration. The golden sandy beaches invite you to unwind and soak up the sun, while the coastal waters are ideal for swimming and fishing. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the serene Lake Togo, where you can take a boat ride and observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Aneho.

Visit Aneho during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather.
Bring cash, as many local shops and markets do not accept credit cards.
Try the local cuisine, especially fresh seafood and traditional Togolese dishes.
Hire a local guide to explore the historical landmarks and learn about the city's unique history.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Explore Aneho: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Aneho

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Akodessewa Fetish Market

Discover the enchanting Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé, a cultural treasure trove of traditional crafts and spirituality.

3.6

Akodessewa Fetish Market

Explore the fascinating Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé, where vibrant culture meets unique voodoo traditions and artisanal craftsmanship.

3.6

Fil'o Parc

Experience fun and excitement at Fil'o Parc, Agouenyive's premier amusement center for family-friendly adventures and unforgettable memories.

3.8

Funny Park

Experience laughter and excitement at Funny Park, Lomé's premier amusement park with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.

4.0

Best landmarks in Aneho

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Hedzranawoe Market

Dive into the vibrant Hedzranawoe Market in Lomé for an authentic local experience filled with culture, flavors, and unique crafts.

3.8

Crossroads of the Two Lions

Discover the Crossroads of the Two Lions in Lomé, a historical landmark showcasing Togolese culture and artistry amidst the vibrant city life.

4.0

Kégué Stadium

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kégué Stadium in Lomé, Togo, where sports and community spirit come together in a spectacular venue.

3.8

Colombe De La Paix

Discover the Colombe De La Paix in Lomé, Togo - a stunning symbol of peace and unity, perfect for cultural exploration and memorable photographs.

4.1

Best restaurants in Aneho

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Miadjoe

Discover authentic Togolese flavors at Miadjoe, where delightful cuisine meets stunning views in the heart of Aného.

4.1

Bar-restaurant Mon Village (chez Léo) nouvelle gérance

Savor exquisite local and international cuisine at Bar-Restaurant Mon Village in Agbodrafo – a culinary haven for every traveler.

3.8

La Table d’Ahoé

Discover authentic Togolese barbecue at La Table d’Ahoé in Lomé - where every bite tells a story.

4.3

RO-DEO HOME BOX

Experience authentic Togolese cuisine at RO-DEO HOME BOX, where every dish tells a story of rich African heritage.

3.8

Best bars in Aneho

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Miadjoe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Togolese cuisine at Miadjoe, Aného's beloved dining destination, perfect for food-loving travelers.

4.1

La Chunga bar restaurant

Discover the lively ambiance and delicious cuisine at La Chunga Bar Restaurant, a top destination for food lovers in Lomé, Togo.

4.1

Le MYTHE LOUNGE

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Lomé at Le MYTHE LOUNGE, where good music and great vibes come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.9

Hôtel Restaurant Oasis

Experience the flavors of Togo at Hôtel Restaurant Oasis in Aneho, where local cuisine meets warm hospitality in a charming atmosphere.

3.9

Best nightclubs in Aneho

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Miadjoe

Discover Miadjoe, a culinary gem in Aneho, serving authentic Togolese cuisine amidst a warm and inviting atmosphere.

4.1

Before and after nightclub

Discover Lomé's nightlife at Before and After Nightclub, where vibrant music and dancing create an unforgettable experience.

3.8

Le MYTHE LOUNGE

Discover a lively nightlife at Le MYTHE LOUNGE in Lomé, where modern elegance meets vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable experiences await.

3.9

XS LOUNGE LOME

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Lomé at XS Lounge, where great music, delicious cocktails, and a lively atmosphere await you.

4.2

Best shops in Aneho

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Best Shops

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Lomé Grand Market

Experience the vibrant culture and local flavors at Lomé Grand Market, the heartbeat of Togo's capital and a shopper's paradise.

4.1

Village artisanal de Lomé

Discover the vibrant artistry and culture at Village Artisanal de Lomé, Togo's premier shopping destination for authentic handmade crafts.

4.1

Marchè

Discover the vibrant Marchè in Aneho, where local culture, delicious food, and unique crafts come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.6

Offrir du Bonheur Lome

Explore Offrir du Bonheur Lome for unique Togolese gifts and souvenirs, celebrating local craftsmanship in the heart of Lomé.

4.9

Explore Aneho on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Aneho, mapped for you.

Aneho Essentials

Aneho is located in the Maritime Region of Togo, near the border with Benin. The nearest international airport is Lomé-Tokoin International Airport in Lomé, about 50 kilometers away. From Lomé, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private taxi to Aneho, which usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Public minibuses (known as 'bush taxis') also operate between Lomé and Aneho and are a more budget-friendly option.
Within Aneho, the primary modes of transportation are taxis and motorcycle taxis (known locally as 'zemidjans'). Both are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For short distances, walking is also a viable option as the town is quite compact. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring surrounding areas, but it's advisable to hire a local driver familiar with the roads.
The official currency in Togo is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Aneho, so it is essential to carry cash. ATMs are available but can be sparse, so withdrawing sufficient cash in Lomé before traveling to Aneho is advisable. Ensure you have smaller denominations for easier transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.
Aneho is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, petty theft can occur. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 117 for the police and 118 for the fire department. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in Aneho. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest major hospital is in Lomé, so for serious medical emergencies, transportation to Lomé may be necessary.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow or nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Aneho like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic colonial buildings and the Aneho Lagoon, which is a great spot for bird-watching. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Ewe festival if your visit coincides with one.

When is the best time to visit Aneho?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Aneho

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Aneho. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
- GoodbyeAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
- YesAwo
  [ah-woh]
- NoAyi
  [ah-yee]
- Please/You're welcomeAyi
  [ah-yee]
- Thank youAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
- Excuse me/SorryKu
  [koo]
- How are you?Ako se?
  [ah-koh seh]
- Fine. And you?Yeh. E se?
  [yeh. eh seh]
- Do you speak English?O se gbe English?
  [oh seh gbeh English]
- I don't understandMi nɔvi wɔe
  [mee noh-vee woh-eh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ɖo xɔ menu, ɖeka
  [mee doh kho menu theh-kah]
- I don't eat meatMi wɔ ɖo agbli
  [mee woh doh ah-gblee]
- Cheers!Ayo!
  [ah-yoh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMi ɖo xɔ xɔ esia, ɖeka
  [mee doh kho kho eh-syah theh-kah]
- Help!Mawu
  [mah-woo]
- Go away!Vɔ xɔ
  [voh kho]
- Call the Police!Vɔ xɔ Polisii!
  [voh kho poh-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Vɔ xɔ dokita!
  [voh kho doh-kee-tah]
- I'm lostMi tsoe
  [mee tsoh-eh]
- I'm illMi ɖe
  [mee theh]
- I'd like to buy...Mi ɖo xɔ...
  [mee doh kho...]
- I'm just lookingMi ɖo ɖe ɖe
  [mee doh theh theh]
- How much is it?E ɖe ena gbɔmɛ?
  [eh theh eh-nah gboh-meh]
- That's too expensiveE si sɔsɔ ɖe ɖe
  [eh see soh-soh theh theh]
- Can you lower the price?O ɖe ɖe ɖe
  [oh theh theh theh]
- What time is it?E ɖe ɖeka?
  [eh theh theh-kah]
- It's one o'clockƉe ena ɖe
  [theh eh-nah theh]
- Half past (10)Xɔ xɔ (10)
  [kho kho (10)]
- MorningƉeka
  [theh-kah]
- Afternoonɖe ɖe ɖeka
  [theh theh theh-kah]
- Eveningalɔ
  [ah-loh]
- YesterdayDziɖɔ
  [zee-zoh]
- TodayDzo
  [zoh]
- TomorrowAɖa
  [ah-dah]
- 1Yi
  [yee]
- 2Eɖe
  [eh-theh]
- 3Eha
  [eh-hah]
- 4Ena
  [eh-nah]
- 5Evi
  [eh-vee]
- 6Eɖo
  [eh-theh-oh]
- 7Ese
  [eh-seh]
- 8Eva
  [eh-vah]
- 9Nawo
  [nah-woh]
- 10Kɔme
  [koh-meh]
- Where's a/the...?Ɖe ena...
  [theh eh-nah...]
- What's the address?E ɖe ɖe ɖe?
  [eh theh theh theh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?O ɖe ɖe mi (ɖe lɔgɔ)?
  [oh theh theh mee theh loh-goh]
- When's the next (bus)?E ɖe ɖe xɔ xɔ (bus)?
  [eh theh theh kho kho (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Xɔ xɔ (to ....)
  [kho kho (to ....)]

History of Aneho

Aneho, historically known as Little Popo, was founded in the late 17th century by the Guin people. It served as a refuge for the Guin who fled from wars in the east. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it quickly became a significant trading post.
Aneho became a focal point during the colonial era, first falling under German control in the late 19th century as part of Togoland. The town's strategic location made it a valuable hub for trade and administration.
Aneho played a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade. The town's coastal location facilitated the export of enslaved people to the Americas. The remnants of this dark period in history are still visible in some historical sites and local oral traditions.
Aneho is known for its diverse religious landscape. It is a center for Vodun (Voodoo) practices, and also home to one of the oldest Catholic missions in Togo, established by French missionaries in the 19th century. The coexistence of these different religious traditions highlights the town's cultural diversity.
After World War I, Togoland was divided between the British and the French. Aneho came under French control and continued to serve as an important administrative and commercial center. The French influence is still evident in the town's architecture and educational institutions.
Togo gained independence from France in 1960, and Aneho has since evolved into a peaceful town that blends historical significance with modernity. It remains an important cultural and touristic destination, known for its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and dances.