Burkina Faso is becoming somewhat of a sensation of late, being the leading force in the recent trend of young, revolutionary leaders breaking ties with the west, while trying to forge a new style of African unity. It’s also like the 60s and 70s are being repeated.
Burkina Faso, home to 23 million people, is a landlocked West African country that is one of the most off the beaten track destinations in the world.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from November to February when temperatures are moderate, with daytimes between 25 and 32°C, and cooler nights around 15-20°C. Temperatures rise sharply from March to May, reaching upwards of 40°C.
Getting In and Out
Ouagadougou International Airport is the main entry point, served by Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and ASKY Airlines, amongst others. Visas on arrival and e-visas are available for some nationalities.
Bobo-Dioulasso Airport connects mainly to Abidjan. Domestic flights run between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, offering significantly shorter travel than buses, which are cheaper but slower and less comfortable.
Major land border crossings exist with Ghana, Benin, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. Some borders require convoy travel due to security. Land travel may be affected by fuel shortages and security concerns; 4x4 shuttles are recommended for border transfers. Always verify border status before travel.
See and Do
Ouagadougou
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Bangui Grand Marché, known for its indigo-dyed bogolan cloth markets where haggling becomes a sport.
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Moro-Naba Palace hosts traditional weekly rituals open to visitors, but there are photography restrictions which apply during prayers.
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Laongo Sculpture Park, an open-air sculpture area spread across granite formations.
Bobo-Dioulasso
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The Grand Mosque, an example of Sudanese-Sahelian architecture.
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Kôrô Yéla crocodile pool.
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Farafina balafon workshops offer lessons and drum-making experiences.
Banfora and Cascades Region
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Karfiguéla Cascades, a waterfall suitable for swimming with varying water levels seasonally.
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Tengrela Lake, home to hippos and crocodiles, best viewed at dusk with licensed boat guides.
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Sindou Peaks, a distinctive rock formation maze ideal for guided early morning hikes.
Why Visit?
Burkina Faso is a challenging but rewarding destination for travellers interested in off-the-beaten-path experiences. It lacks developed tourism infrastructure found in more popular countries, and parts of it face security concerns and basic service limitations. However, it offers a chance to see West Africa beyond the usual routes, with authentic local cultures, traditional crafts, and less commercialised natural sites. Visitors should be prepared for simple accommodations, rough roads, and the realities of a developing country. Those willing to accept these conditions can experience a raw and largely unexplored country with distinctive landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Rules
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Handshakes use the right hand along with greeting questions.
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Eat only with the right hand; the left is considered impure.
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Avoid whistling at night.
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Bargaining is expected; starting offers below asking price are common.
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Do not point at graves or shrines without permission.
Dress Code
Loose cotton clothing is recommended for heat and modesty. Women should carry scarves for covering hair and shoulders around mosques and dusty conditions. Men should avoid shorts in rural areas. Hats and closed sandals are advised to protect against sun and dust. Urban dress is more relaxed than in remoter areas.
Topics of Discussion
Topics of discussion for foreign tourists in Burkina Faso that are straightforward and practical include: talking about local music such as the kora and balafon, asking about popular local dishes like tô and riz gras, and discussing everyday life such as farming, markets, and traditional crafts like bogolan cloth and bronze work. Mentioning well-known historical figures like Thomas Sankara, especially his bicycle initiatives, is often appreciated. Football (soccer) is a common interest and a good conversation starter. It is best to avoid sensitive topics such as politics, security issues, or religion in casual conversations to keep discussions friendly and comfortable.
Religion
The population is mainly Muslim, with Christian and animist minorities. Ramadan is observed annually; discreet conduct regarding eating and drinking during fasting times is advised. Modest dress near religious sites is recommended.
Politics
Burkina Faso has experienced significant political turmoil since gaining independence from France in 1960. The country has seen multiple military coups, political instability, and contested elections over the decades. In recent years, the political landscape has been shaped by efforts to stabilise governance and address security challenges, especially in the northern regions.
The current leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, came to power following a military coup in September 2022, which ousted the previous transitional government. His rise was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government's handling of Islamist insurgencies and economic issues. Traoré's leadership is part of a wave of young left-wing leaders taking over Africa.
Ethnicity
Burkina Faso is a multi-ethnic country with more than 60 distinct ethnic groups. The largest and most dominant ethnic group is the Mossi, comprising about half of the population (around 50-52%). The Mossi have a long history in the region, establishing powerful kingdoms from the 11th century onward. Other major ethnic groups include the Fulani (about 8-9%), who are predominantly Muslim pastoralists spread widely across West Africa; the Gurma (around 7%); the Bobo (approximately 5%); the Gurunsi (about 4.5%); and the Senufo (around 4.5%). Smaller groups include the Lobi, Bissa, Dagara, Tuareg, and others.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing individuals and offer a small tip, especially to elders. Avoid photographing military, police, or religious ceremonies. Zoom lenses can be used discreetly at festivals. Drone use is generally prohibited.
Hotels
Accommodation ranges from basic fan-cooled budget hotels to mid-range options with pools, and eco-camps in wildlife areas.
Nightlife
Ouagadougou’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse, featuring a mix of traditional African music and modern international genres. Visitors can enjoy lively bars, nightclubs with live music and DJ sets, and relaxed lounges serving local drinks and cuisine. The atmosphere is generally friendly and welcoming, with nightlife continuing into the early morning. Safety precautions are advised, especially avoiding late outings alone.
Shopping
Common items include bogolan cloth, shea products, and bronze masks. Bargaining is expected. A good idea is to support women’s cooperatives when buying shea products.
What to Eat
Typical dishes include millet tô with peanut or okra sauces, riz gras with meat, street brochettes, and poulet yassa. Shea-flavored ice cream is popular in Ouagadougou.
