Things To Do
in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked West African country known for its warm, hospitable people, vibrant markets, and rich cultural traditions. The landscape ranges from Sahelian plains in the north to wooded savanna and sandstone formations in the southwest. Ouagadougou, the capital, is a lively hub for music, arts and festivals, while smaller towns like Bobo-Dioulasso offer colonial architecture and lively markets.
Visitors can explore waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and traditional villages, though infrastructure can be basic outside main cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival at Thomas Sankara International Airport, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ouagadougou. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a traditional Burkinabé breakfast of porridge and bread. A visit to the nearby Boulmiougou market will give you a taste of local life and crafts.
Explore the National Museum of Burkina Faso to learn about the rich history and culture of the country. Wander through the grounds and admire the traditional architecture and artifacts on display. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local eatery featuring delicious local dishes such as riz gras.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll around Place de la Nation, a popular gathering spot for locals. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant serving grilled fish or chicken with spicy sauce. Cap off your evening with a night market visit, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and local snacks.
Travel to Bobo-Dioulasso, the cultural heart of Burkina Faso, after breakfast. As you drive through scenic landscapes, you’ll get a sense of the rural life and the beauty of the countryside. Once you arrive, check into a local guesthouse and get ready to explore.
Visit the famous Grand Mosque, a stunning example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. Spend some time exploring the lively streets filled with artisans, cafes, and shops selling traditional crafts. Break for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring specialties like tô and sauce.
As evening approaches, enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars that overlook the city. Savor the tranquility as night falls, filled with the sounds of laughter and local music. Join a cultural performance to experience traditional music and dance, connecting you further with the local community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or street snack | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-50 |
| 🛵Motorbike taxi (per short trip) | $0.50-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural life with music, festivals and crafts
- Diverse landscapes: waterfalls, sandstone peaks and savanna
- Warm hospitality and welcoming communities
- Affordable travel costs compared with many destinations
- Security risks in some regions and changing travel advisories
- Limited infrastructure and basic services outside major towns
- Health risks such as malaria and limited medical facilities in rural areas
- Language barriers outside French- and major local-language speakers
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening (French)
- "Sahn-zaa (Môoré)" - Thank you
- "I ni ce (Jula/Dioula)" - Hello / Greetings
- "N baara fo? (Môoré)" - How are you?
- "O ka kéné (Jula/Dioula)" - Thank you / I appreciate it
Places to Visit in Burkina Faso
Visit one of these nice places.
Open-air stone sculpture park near Ouagadougou with dramatic works set across baobab-studded savanna — excellent for creative landscape and portrait photography.
Striking sandstone pinnacles near Banfora that form dramatic silhouettes at sunrise and sunset — great for wide-angle and silhouette shots.
Picturesque waterfalls and pools offering lush scenery, reflections and opportunities for long-exposure water shots; crowd levels vary by season.
Colonial architecture, narrow streets and the photogenic Grande Mosque provide cultural and architectural photography opportunities.
Colorful markets, craft stalls and cultural festivals (FESPACO, SIAO) offer vivid street photography and portraits — always ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick porridge made from millet, sorghum or corn flour, typically served with a savory sauce (peanut, okra, or vegetable) — widely available at local canteens and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
A one-pot rice dish cooked with tomato-based sauce, vegetables and sometimes meat; a popular everyday meal found in restaurants and food stalls.
Locally raised grilled chicken often served with spicy sauces and sides; commonly offered at maquis (outdoor eateries) and BBQ stalls.
French-style fried potatoes and skewered grilled meat sold by street vendors in urban centers — a popular evening snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the main craft and food market areas; explore stalls selling fresh produce, spices, roasted peanuts and street snacks. Great place to sample grilled fish, brochettes and fried dough.
Large market with fresh fruits, vegetables, local spices and cooked food stalls. Try local pastries, grilled meats and regional sauces here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important; use French or local phrases and shake hands when appropriate. Ask about well-being and family as part of social etiquette before discussing business.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and conservative communities; cover shoulders and knees to respect local norms.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in villages and markets; offering a small gift or token is appreciated.
Show deference to community leaders and elders — some interactions require permission or following local protocols, particularly during visits to traditional sites.
Safety
Tipping in Burkina Faso
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; small tips (a few hundred CFA / a couple of dollars) for guides, drivers and restaurant staff are common. In informal eateries and markets, rounding up or leaving small change is typical.
Cash (West African CFA franc) is king, especially outside major hotels and restaurants; major banks and ATMs in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso dispense CFA but can be unreliable. Mobile money services are increasingly used; credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler mornings and evenings, low humidity and clear skies ideal for travel and photography. Daytime temperatures are pleasant but can be warm; dust and the Harmattan wind (fine dust) may reduce visibility at times.
Temperatures rise significantly, especially in the north; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.
Frequent rains green the landscape and create dramatic skies; some dirt roads can become impassable, and travel in rural areas may be disrupted. Mosquito activity increases — bring repellant and take malaria precautions.
Burkina Faso at Night
Hiking in Burkina Faso
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An area of dramatic narrow sandstone spires and ridges with short hikes and stunning viewpoints — best explored with a local guide for routes and safety.
The highest point in Burkina Faso near the western border; a moderate hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Walks and short treks around the waterfalls and surrounding countryside near Banfora, combining water features, greenery and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Burkina Faso by plane.
The main international gateway located near the capital; serves regional and some international flights, with ground transport options to the city by taxi and hotel shuttles.
Second-largest airport serving the southwest and Bobo-Dioulasso; convenient for visiting Banfora, Sindou and surrounding attractions with regional connections.
Smaller regional airstrips and occasional charter flights serve more remote parts of the country; services can be infrequent and weather-dependent.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group, primarily in central regions around Ouagadougou, known for the Mossi kingdoms and strong cultural traditions.
A pastoralist group spread across the Sahel, often involved in cattle herding and distinctive cultural practices.
A variety of ethnic groups in the southwest and south with unique languages, crafts and cultural festivals, contributing to Burkina Faso's cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide with local clubs and passionate fans; matches and informal games are common in towns and villages.
Local traditional wrestling contests remain culturally important in some regions and draw community audiences during festivals.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tô with vegetable or peanut sauce, rice dishes) but protein often includes meat. Communicate dietary needs in French or Mooré; bring snacks and plan ahead in rural areas where choices are limited.
Vegan options are less common; peanut-based sauces are widespread — inform cooks about nut allergies. Carry necessary medications and consider asking hotels or larger restaurants for ingredient details.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Burkina Faso.