Things to do in Kara
And where to stay, the best time to visit, what a day costs, and the traps to skip.
Best time to visit Kara
• a note or something on ✦ an occasion worth the trip
Dry season, the best general window: passable tracks, wildlife near water, with harmattan dust from December to February and cool nights in the north.
The hardest heat of the year, highs toward the high 30s C. Sightsee early and rest at midday, while roads are still dry.
The single rainy season: green savanna but muddy laterite tracks, storm damage possible to mud houses, and plans need slack.
Evala wrestling falls in mid July despite the rains. Book rooms well ahead and build in spare days.
What's on
- Evala mid July, about a week
Kabiye initiation wrestling moving between the cantons around Kara, with the biggest finals toward the end of the week. Dates shift slightly by year and are confirmed locally.
Best things to do in Kara
Evala
A week of Kabiye initiation wrestling each mid July, village against village, and the most powerful week to be in Kara.
Grand Marche de Kara
Kara's main market and commercial heart, best in the morning for cloth, produce and watching the whole region trade.
Palais des Congres de Kara
Kara's signature congress hall from the Eyadema era, the building that explains how this town became the north's capital.
Place de la Victoire
A free public garden square in the centre of town, Kara's easiest hour and a natural orientation point.
Musee Africart
A small art museum that gives an hour of context on regional art before you head into Kabiye and Tamberma country.
Where to stay in Kara
Kara centre
all-round base for excursions and eating out
The central hotels sit within a short moto ride of the market, Place de la Victoire and most restaurants, and drivers for day trips are easiest to arrange here.
Hotel Kara grounds
the quietest night and a pool
The town's top hotel sits apart from the centre with bungalows facing the woods, trading walkability for space and calm.
Think twice about
- Areas north of Kande
Terrorism risk. Do not continue north from the Tamberma excursion road into this zone.
- Within 30 km of the Burkina Faso border
Stay at least 30 km from the Burkina Faso border, excepting Dapaong and the N1 leading to it from the south. The northern border region carries terrorism risk.
Best restaurants in Kara
Kara Pizza
Kara's best known sit-down restaurant, a family place with pizzas and Togolese dishes, open daily to about 11pm.
Le Nere
Hotel Kara's hilltop restaurant, the closest Kara has to a destination dinner. Order the African specialties.
Kfet L'Elysee No 1
A local maquis where locals and truck drivers gather all day, for hearty Togolese plates at the lowest prices.
Mini Rizerie
A hearty, low price local lunch address with a big terrace, built on rice dishes and daily Togolese cooking.
Chez Maman Abire
A small family restaurant near Hotel La Douceur with a strong local reputation for home style Togolese cooking.
Outdoor things to do in Kara
Koutammakou
The UNESCO listed land of the Batammariba, whose fortified mud tower-houses are Togo's national symbol and its finest sight.
Parc Sarakawa
A small savanna reserve with antelope, buffalo, zebras and crocodiles on a guided pick-up tour, best early in the day.
Tchare
A terraced Kabiye hill village where women pot without a wheel and blacksmiths still work iron the traditional way.
Faille d'Aledjo
A dramatic fault in the escarpment on the Sokode road, the classic stop at the edge of Kabiye country.
Best hotels in Kara
Hotel Kara
Kara's top address since 1974, best in a bungalow facing the woods, with a pool, bar and restaurant. Cash only.
Meka Hotel
Kara's most predictable modern stay, a 3 star with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, restaurant and bar near the centre.
Hotel La Douceur
Recently renovated, clean central rooms with hot showers, praised by guests, but inspect your room before accepting it.
Hotel Etoile de la Kozah
A solid central fallback with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a bar and a 24 hour desk for when the first choices fill.
Hotel Marie Antoinette Kara
The budget pick, a simple 2 star with a restaurant and balconies, so your money can go on guides and fuel instead.
Hotel La Concorde - Kara
The old reliable budget backup in the centre, basic but fairly priced. Confirm the air conditioning works before paying.
Is Kara expensive? What a day costs
| Budget | F CFA 15,000 a person |
|---|---|
| Classic | F CFA 30,000 a person |
| Splurge | F CFA 60,000 a person |
A day of food, drink, sights and getting around, before the room
What to book ahead
- Koutammakou: a few days ahead
- Tchare: a few days ahead
- Hotel Kara: weeks ahead
- Book Kara's top hotels ahead for the Evala week in mid July, when the town fills.
- Arrange your Koutammakou guide and driver a few days ahead through your hotel or a tour operator.
Is Kara safe?
- Areas north of Kande and the Burkina Faso border region are zones to avoid for terrorism risk, and the Savanes is under a state of emergency.
- Koutammakou is reached by heading north toward Kande, so take a current local check before going and do not travel onward north.
- Malaria is present year-round, medical care outside Lome is limited and hospitals expect payment up front, so carry medicines and cash.
- Avoid demonstrations and large crowds, keep a low profile in crowded markets, and take a moto or car after dark rather than walking far.
Kara travel tips: tourist traps to skip
- Unofficial extra entrance fees on the Koutammakou road. Pay once at the official gate and keep the ticket in your hand.
- Handing gifts or cash directly to children in Tamberma villages. Pay the community fee through your guide instead.
- Assuming a card will work in Kara. Even the top hotel is cash only, so carry XOF.
Getting around Kara: public transport and more
- Buses on the N1 cover the 413 km from Lome in about 7 hours, typically leaving early morning from both cities.
- In town, moto-taxis are the transport. Agree the fare before you ride.
- Hire a car with a driver by the day for Sarakawa, Tchare and Koutammakou, and travel by day on excursion roads.
Who Kara suits
| Solo travellers | Good |
|---|---|
| Groups of friends | Good |
| Couples | Good |
| Bachelor parties | Not ideal |
| Families | OK |
| Bachelorette parties | Not ideal |
Make Kara your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
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