Kpalimé sits in the coffee and cocoa-growing hills of western Togo, about two hours northwest of Lomé. The surrounding landscape is the greenest and most scenic in the country — lush hills, waterfalls, and dense vegetation that feels a world away from the dry Sahelian north.
The area is ideal for hiking. Mount Agou, Togo's highest peak at 986 metres, is just 20 km away and can be climbed in a half day. The villages around Klouto, north of town, are the starting point for walks through forest full of butterflies and birdsong — guides are easy to find (or they find you). Kpimé Falls is the most accessible of several waterfalls in the hills.
In town, the market on Rue du Marché is worth a visit, and the Centre Artisanal about 5 km north on the road to Klouto sells locally made batik cloth, wood carvings, and other crafts. On the same road, the colonial-era folly Château Viale is one of West Africa's stranger landmarks. Kpalimé has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and enough simple guesthouses and restaurants to make it a comfortable base for exploring the region.