Things To Do
in Fara
Fara is a small, rural town in western Burkina Faso characterized by a relaxed market rhythm and traditional village life. The town serves as a local trading and farming hub surrounded by savanna, fields and seasonal waterways. Visitors encounter a mix of ethnic groups, local crafts, and everyday markets rather than tourist infrastructure.
Travel to Fara is best for people seeking an authentic, low-key West African cultural experience and willing to accept basic services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's vibrant capital, by visiting the National Museum where you can delve into the rich cultural heritage and traditional artifacts of the country. Take in the beautiful architecture and the colorful local markets that make this city so unique. Delight in a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like 'bissap' and 'to' to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, head to the vibrant central market, SIAO, where you can immerse yourself in local crafts, textiles, and art while engaging with friendly artisans. Don't forget to haggle for some souvenirs, embracing the lively atmosphere and local cuisine options. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the new town for a delicious lunch at a popular local restaurant.
As night falls, stroll through Ouagadougou, experiencing local music and dance performances at live venues or public spaces. Indulge in traditional Burkinabé dishes at a bustling outdoor restaurant, allowing the flavors and aromas to envelop you. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the city as it transforms under the stars.
Embark on a day trip to Tiebele, known for its stunning traditional houses adorned with intricate designs. Enjoy the scenic drive through the beautiful countryside, observing daily life in rural Burkina Faso. Once you arrive, meet local artisans who will explain the importance of their art and architecture.
Spend your afternoon exploring the village, visiting the beautifully decorated houses, and learning about the customs and traditions of the Bwa people. Engage with locals and perhaps try your hand at painting a traditional house in the unique style of the community. Enjoy a packed local picnic lunch with fresh, local ingredients while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere around you.
As the sun sets, make the return trip to Ouagadougou, and unwind from your day of cultural immersion. Dine at a local restaurant that serves a variety of regional specialties, reflecting on the warmth and hospitality you've encountered throughout the day. Relax with a refreshing drink as you prepare for another exciting adventure tomorrow.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1-4 |
| 🥤Bottled water (0.5–1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🏠Basic guesthouse room | $8-25 |
| 🛵Motorbike taxi (short ride) | $0.50-3 |
| 🚍Local bus / bush taxi between towns | $1-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural and cultural experience with friendly local communities
- Low cost of travel and living, simple and direct interactions
- Strong opportunities for market and everyday life photography
- Close contact with traditional farming, crafts and food practices
- Very limited tourist infrastructure (few formal hotels, restaurants or services)
- Roads and transport can be unreliable, especially in the rainy season
- Healthcare and ATM access are limited — major services are in larger cities
- Parts of Burkina Faso face security concerns; check advisories before travel
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day (French — widely understood)
- "Merci" - Thank you (French)
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please (French)
- "I ni ce" - Hello / Good day (Dioula/Jula greeting commonly used in markets and villages)
- "I ni tile" - Thank you (Dioula/Jula)
Places to Visit in Fara
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively place for vibrant photos of produce, textiles, vendors and everyday commerce; best early morning when activity peaks.
Capture compound layouts, clay buildings, door carvings and domestic scenes—ask permission before photographing people up close.
Wide-open plains around Fara make dramatic sunset photos with silhouetted trees and termite mounds.
When water is present, riverbanks attract people and wildlife — great for candid shots of fishing, washing and birdlife.
Busy, colorful and a prime time for street photography and portraiture of traders, customers and local crafts.
Food in Fara
Fara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick porridge made from millet or sorghum, usually served with a vegetable, peanut or okra-based sauce; widely available at local eateries and homes.
Must-Try!
A rich rice dish cooked with tomatoes, vegetables and sometimes meat; common for celebrations and available at market stalls and maquis.
Skewered grilled meat (often goat, beef or chicken) sold by street vendors — a popular snack or light meal in the evenings.
Free-range chicken prepared simply — often grilled or stewed — commonly found at village tables and small restaurants.
Fried dough snacks sold by market vendors, eaten as breakfasts or snacks with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market is the best place to try a variety of street foods: brochettes, beignets, fresh fruit, and simple rice or tô dishes. Vendors cook fresh in the morning and evening; bargaining is common for goods but food prices are usually fixed.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings are very important: always greet elders and shopkeepers before starting a conversation. Use polite French greetings or local phrases and allow conversations to begin with social enquiries.
Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees, particularly in more traditional or Muslim parts of town.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and elders. A smile and simple greeting helps; some people may expect a small payment for posed portraits.
Bargaining is common in markets for goods but less so for prepared food. Be friendly and patient during negotiations.
Be aware of local gender norms; interactions between unrelated men and women can be more formal. Follow the lead of local hosts and ask if unsure.
Safety
Tipping in Fara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory and generally modest. For guides or drivers a small tip (a few hundred to a couple thousand CFA, equivalent to $1–$5) is appreciated. In small eateries or markets tipping is uncommon, but rounding up small bills is welcome.
Cash (West African CFA franc, XOF) is king in Fara; card acceptance is rare and ATMs are unlikely in small towns. Mobile money services are increasingly used in Burkina Faso — ask locally which providers work here. Bring cash from larger towns and exchange as needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Landscape turns green and vibrant; however many roads become muddy or impassable, and rural travel slows. Expect afternoon storms and higher mosquito activity; pack waterproofs and mosquito protection.
Temperatures are at their highest, dust and heat haze are common; afternoons can be exhausting for outdoor activities — early starts and siestas recommended.
Mornings and nights are pleasantly cool, days are warm and dry, and fine dust (harmattan) can reduce visibility and irritate eyes/respiratory tracts. This is a comfortable travel period for many visitors.
Fara at Night
Hiking in Fara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Community paths through farmland and savanna offer gentle hikes, birdwatching and insight into rural agriculture; best with a local guide who knows seasonal conditions.
Seasonal waterways create pleasant shaded trails for short hikes, fishing and photography when water is present.
Many villages have nearby low hills or termite-mound viewpoints that provide panoramic views for short hikes and sunset photography; ask locally for the best access and permissions.
Airports
How to reach Fara by plane.
The capital's main international airport; from here you can travel by road to western towns. Expect several hours' drive to reach rural destinations depending on exact locations and road conditions.
A second major airport in the west of Burkina Faso that can be more convenient for western regions. Ground transport from Bobo-Dioulasso reaches surrounding towns faster than from the capital in many western itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The town reflects Burkina Faso's ethnic diversity: Mossi are the largest group nationally, while in the west you will also meet Dioula/Jula traders, farming groups like Samo and semi-nomadic Fulani (Peulh). Communities are generally young, family-oriented and multilingual.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal matches are common in open fields and evenings draw local spectators.
Traditional wrestling and seasonal cultural competitions are celebrated in many communities and can be important social events.
Bicycle travel is common and informal local races or group rides occur, especially among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tô with vegetable or peanut sauces, rice and bean dishes) but ask about meat or fish stock in sauces. Clearly explain your needs in French or through a translator and stick to vegetable-based sauces and stews.
More challenging: many sauces include palm oil or occasionally fish/stock; confirm ingredients and prefer simple vegetable preparations. Bring snacks if you are unsure.
A large portion of the population is Muslim, and much meat is prepared in line with halal practices in local markets; if halal is essential, ask locally to confirm.
Staples like tô (millet/sorghum) are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with sauces and fried foods that may use wheat-based batters.