Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Top Places to Visit

• Ouagadougou – The vibrant capital with lively markets like Grand Marché and cultural centers.
• Bobo-Dioulasso – Historic colonial architecture, bustling artisan quarters, and the iconic Grand Mosque.
• Banfora – Stunning natural sites: Cascades de Karfiguéla, Lake Tengrela full of hippos.
• Grenade de Bobo Dioulasso – Art galleries, woodcarving, and music cafés.
• National Parks – Arly and W of Niger Parks for safari wildlife viewing, elephants, hippos.
• Ouahigouya – Traditional markets, sacred yam festivals, and nearby sacred baobabs.
• Gaoua – Lobi cultural sites and terracotta villages.
• Ramsar Lake–Peaceful lakes outside city centers for boathouse stays and birdwatching.

Best Hotels to Stay

• Sopatel Silmandé – Ouagadougou
• Hôtel Urban – Ouagadougou
• Residence Bobo Dioulasso – Bobo-Dioulasso
• Karibotel – Banfora

Language & Culture

Burkina Faso is a culturally diverse West African nation known for its friendly people and warm hospitality. The official language is French, used in administration, media, and education. However, the everyday lingua franca is often Moore or Dioula, reflecting the country’s rich ethnic tapestry.

The culture blends traditional and modern influences. Most Burkinabé are Muslim or Christian, with traditional animist beliefs still practiced, particularly in rural regions. Music and dance hold central cultural significance—Sankaa, Danse Lélé, and percussion rhythms are integral to ceremonies, celebrations, and festivals.

Burkina Faso hosts the internationally renowned Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), a biennial event celebrating African cinema with performances, screenings, and street displays. Arts and crafts—pottery, weaving, woodcarving, batik—thrive in markets throughout the country.

Family and community networks are vital to social life. Politeness and respect for elders are foundational values, and guests are offered tea, often in the early evening. Traditional attire includes colorful Faso Dan Fani cloth worn at festivals, weddings, and official functions.

Burkinabé cuisine reflects local agriculture—millet, sorghum, rice, peanuts, and local vegetables. Signature dishes include riz gras, tô, brochettes, and sauces seasoned with peanut or tomato. Street snacks like grilled maize and fresh fruit are widely enjoyed.

Hospitality extends to cultural encounters—community home-stays, village visits, and participating in music and dance workshops. With its storytelling traditions, folk music, and genuine openness, Burkina Faso offers travelers a culturally rich and immersive experience.

Transportation, Currency & Food

• Transport: Shared taxis (clandos), buses, bush taxis, regional flights to Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Banfora.
• Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit card acceptance is limited—carry cash.
• Food: Riz gras (rice with sauce), tô (staple porridge), brochettes, peanut/fish sauce, fresh fruits.

Best Season & Entry Points

Estimated Budget

A 7‑day stay in Burkina Faso typically costs between $600 and $1,200 depending on accommodation and travel style. Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses for $20–$40 a night, mid-range hotels at $50–$100, while higher-end lodges and guided safari tours increase overall spending.

Cost of Living

• Meal (local restaurant): $3–$6
• Taxi (5 km): $2–$4
• Bottle of water: $0.50–$1

Housing & Real Estate

In Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, a simple apartment rents for $200–$400/month; higher-end villas range from $600–$1,200. Guesthouses and lodge options are widespread in tourist zones like Banfora and national park areas.

Car Prices & Options

• New economy car: $15,000–$20,000 imported
• Used SUVs/4×4: $8,000–$15,000
• Car hire (with driver): $60–$120/day

Packing List Suggestions

• Light, breathable clothes; modest for rural/religious areas
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Good walking shoes—safari and bush hiking
• Insect repellent, torch/light (often limited electricity)
• Universal adapter (Type C/E), power bank
• Basic first-aid + anti-malarial medication

Basic Phrases

Health & Safety

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever (certificate required), Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis.
• Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid ice in street drinks.
• Use insect repellent—mosquitoes are active especially at dusk.
• Security: stay informed; some regions require travel permits due to unrest.
• Traffic is chaotic, especially in cities—exercise caution when crossing roads.

Festivals & Holidays

• FESPACO – Pan-African film festival in Ouagadougou (every 2 years)
• Yennenga Mask Festival – traditional masks, dance, and music in Ouahigouya
• Eid al-Fitr – Celebrated with family meals and mosque prayers
• Independence Day – August 5, national celebrations and parades
• Womé – Traditional harvest festival in rural communities

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers require a visa for Burkina Faso. You can obtain a visa at Burkinabé embassies or apply for an e‑visa online. Some nationalities qualify for visa-on-arrival—check current rules before departure.

Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Completed visa application form or e-Visa
• Passport-size photo
• Confirmed travel itinerary and accommodation proof
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate required on entry

Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient local currency—ATMs limited and often out of cash.
• Haggle gently in markets—but respect cultural norms.
• Dress conservatively, especially in rural and religious areas.
• Avoid travel at night; roads may be poorly lit and unsafe.
• Use reputable bush taxis and agree on fares in advance.
• Learn simple French greetings—they’re appreciated by locals.
• Bring hand sanitizer and basic first-aid—medical facilities may be limited.
• Check regional security advice before travel—some borders have restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)