Things To Do
in Toma
Toma is a small town in central Burkina Faso that serves as a local hub for surrounding farming communities. The town bustles with daily life at the central market, mosques, and modest markets where locals trade millet, peanuts, and produce. The landscape is flat savannah with red earth, acacia trees, and warm, dry winds for much of the year.
Visitors encounter authentic Burkinabé hospitality, from friendly greetings to flavorful, millet-based meals and sunset strolls along dusty streets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Toma and settle into your accommodations. Take a moment to refresh and get ready for your adventure ahead. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to get a taste of Burkina Faso's delicious cuisine.
Explore the local market, where vibrant colors and lively interactions bring the town's culture to life. Engage with local vendors and immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of Toma. Pick up some handmade crafts and spices to take home as souvenirs.
Find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a traditional Burkinabé dinner. Sample dishes such as tô and riz sauce while mingling with locals. Conclude the evening with a picturesque walk around town under the starlit sky.
Visit the nearby village of Bani, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the local customs. Engage with community members and witness traditional crafts being made.
Return to Toma and head to the National Museum of Burkina Faso to deepen your understanding of the country’s history. The museum features captivating exhibits, including artifacts, textiles, and art. Spend some time wandering through the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
Attend a local cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance. Experience the energy and joy of Burkinabé performing arts firsthand. Enjoy mingling with fellow attendees over snacks and refreshments after the show.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $10-25 |
| 🚎Local transport per ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🥖Street food snack | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and strong sense of community
- Cost-effective travel and authentic rural experiences
- Rich markets, crafts, and opportunities to photograph daily life
- Accessible countryside with short transfers from Ouagadougou
- Limited healthcare facilities in town; travel for advanced care may be needed
- Limited English speakers in rural areas
- Nightlife and Western-style entertainment are minimal
- Seasonal travel can be affected by rains and road conditions
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché ?" - Where is the market?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Toma
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over stalls, colorful textiles, and people preparing goods—great for candid street photography.
Flat savannah with scattered acacia trees and long shadows; ideal for silhouettes and landscape shots.
A quiet spot where reflections and daily life along the water provide tranquil photo opportunities.
Food in Toma
Toma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Millet or sorghum porridge (tô) served with a rich peanut sauce or tomato-based sauce, typically with vegetables or meat on the side.
Must-Try!
A thick peanut-based stew with meat or vegetables, usually served with tô or rice.
Herbed grilled or roasted chicken served with rice and a simple sauce, common in home-style meals and local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can buy millet, peanuts, fresh produce, spices, and street snacks; great for authentic photo opportunities and tasting quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a smile and a handshake; address elders with respect and use polite phrases when possible.
Modest clothing is appreciated in public spaces; avoid discussing sensitive topics in crowded areas, and show respect for local customs and religious practices.
Safety
Tipping in Toma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary for good service; small amounts (a few hundred CFA francs) or rounding up bills are common for guides, drivers, and waitstaff.
Cash in West African CFA francs (XOF) is widely used; mobile money (Orange/Moov) is increasingly accepted in towns and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny to hot days with mild evenings; dusty streets and low humidity; great for outdoor photography and clear skies.
Regular rains, lush green fields, and occasional flooding in low-lying areas; landscapes are vibrant but travel can be slower due to rain.
Toma at Night
Hiking in Toma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Low-elevation trails with open landscapes, offering scenic views and opportunities to observe wildlife and rural life.
Airports
How to reach Toma by plane.
Main international gateway to Burkina Faso; typically the starting point for trips to Toma; road transfer or domestic flight connections available.
Second-largest airport; useful for domestic or regional connections; drive to Toma may take several hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Likely the largest ethnic group in central Burkina Faso, with strong cultural presence and influence in markets and daily life.
Widely spoken and involved in trade networks across the region.
Pastoral communities present in the area and nearby regions.
A smaller but distinct community contributing to regional diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; played at schools and in community leagues.
Common recreational activities and school sports; social events often feature matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Request vegetable-based sauces and tô without meat stock; many dishes can be prepared with legumes or vegetables instead of meat.
Most dishes rely on millet/sorghum—confirm if sauces include added flour or thickening agents; opt for tô with vegetable sauce or peanut stew.