Centrale

Centrale is a region of Togo, a transition zone of rolling hills between the forested south and the savannah north. It contains most of Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Togo's largest protected area, which sits between Centrale and Kara regions and extends to the Ghana border. The park holds Togo's last significant elephant population, a remnant of a few dozen to around a hundred animals following heavy poaching in the 1990s and 2000s.

December–March for dry weather; April–November for the rainy season.

Taxis-brousse (shared minivans) connect all main towns. Motorcycle taxis serve shorter routes. Roads are paved on main corridors.

• Sokodé — The second-largest city and commercial hub
• Tchamba — Market town in the north
• Sotouboua — Access point for Fazao-Malfakassa National Park
• Blitta — Market town south of Sokodé
• Fazao-Malfakassa National Park — Togo's largest national park with elephants and primates

Centrale is known for fufu (pounded yam), grilled meats, and peanut-based sauces. Sokodé has a lively food scene with brochettes (grilled skewers) and grilled corn.

Home to the Kotokoli and Tchamba peoples. Sokodé's grand mosque is a landmark. The Kotokoli's main cultural event, held around August–September on the lunar calendar, is the three-day Adossa-Gadao-Kosso festival: Gadao gives thanks for the harvest, Adossa ("Festival of Knives") is an initiation rite in which Semassi warriors demonstrate strength and courage, and Kosso is a women's dance festival in Sokodé's municipal park.

• Safari in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park — Togo's largest park with forest, elephants, and primates
• Explore Sokodé's Central Market — One of Togo's largest markets
• Hike in the Central Hills — Scenic walks and birdwatching around Sotouboua