Burkina Faso is greatly gifted with amazing sights, natural beauty and a number of historical and cultural sites. There are a number of beautiful impressive landmarks and the people of Burkina Faso are very hospitable and welcoming. Its national parks are home to a variety of flora and fauna species, whereas the museums are a great place to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Burkina Faso
Below are the top things to do and places to visit while on holiday in Burkina Faso.
Arli national Park
Arli is home to a good diversity of plants and animals and it’s located in the southwestern part of the country. Its landscape is crossed by two major rivers Gobnangou and Tamnarga which together with its diverse habitants support a diversity animals including elephants, gazelle, boars, lions, various antelopes, hippos, different monkey species and baboons. One of the best places to see different animals during your visit is the Tounga waterhole especially during the dry season where a large number of animals congregate to quench their thirst. The African wild dog is among the unique species found in this park.
The ruins of Loropeni
The ruins of Laura penny which are believed to dates back to 1000 years ago are among the world heritage sites found in Burkina Faso they cover an area 36,515 sq ft and they are found close to the border of Burkina Faso with Togo, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. This well-preserved site is fortified ancient settlement that was established during the era of the Sahara gold trade. The enclosures which are made of stone are another sunning wonder worth observe while in this area
W national Park
This National Park is shared by Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger. The section of the park found in Burkina Faso has an amazing hunting zone and a game viewing area where you will see various large animals including elephants plus a great profusion of migratory bird species. Several holidaymakers also visit the park to see some or the remnants of the ancient Neolithic settlers.
Ouagadougou
This is Burkina Faso capital city and the center for business administration and economic policy making. The vibrant City is home to craft markets, large restaurants and hotels and offers a very vibrant nightlife that includes live music performances and dance halls making it a great place to forget your worries as you enjoy different places of leisure found in different parts of the capital
Musee De La Musique
Also known as the Museum of traditional music the Musee De La Musique is located within the capital city and offers a great display of different musical instruments collected from different parts of Western Africa.
Gorom Gorom
Gorom Gorom has a very impressive market that receives a very large number of both local and international visitors who come to see and buy the various goods and house wares sold there. This market offers a variety of items including some of the finest qualities of items such as leather bags and jewelry across western Africa.
Tiebele
Tiebele is a tiny small village found in Southeastern Burkina Faso within Nahouri Province and has characteristic mud huts that are grass thatched which clearly depicts the level of poverty experienced by the people on this part of the country. These houses have been designed and organized in a methodical unique way which attracts various tourists into this area. The Kassena which is among the oldest ethnic communities that settled in this place back in the fifteenth century live here.
Nazinga national park
Nazinga national park is home to the largest population of elephants across western Africa and it is among the best places to have an up close encounter of the large land giants. Its beautiful terrain is comprised of a variety of natural habitants that serve as home to different wild animals.
Sindou Rock Formations
The rugged and sharp peaks of the Sindou Rock Formations are found in Banford region and are very fascinating to see. The rocks present in very impressive shapes and offer breathtaking views especially at sunset. It is also a highly recommended place for photographers.
Lake Tengrela
This is another spectacular tourist spot found within Burkina Faso, and there are hippos living within the shallows of this lake. During your visit you will also be able to see the local fishermen casting their nets to make their catch.
Ziniare National Park
This is another amazing and commonly visited national park in Burkina Faso and its home to a variety of animals including tigers, hyenas, lions among many other which can be seen during the guided game drives conducted here.
Bangr Weogo Park
Bangr Weogo Park is located in the middle Ouagadougou –the carpet of Bangr Weogo and it offers a variety of tourist activities such as guided game drives during which you will see various animals. There is a small onsite museum, a restaurant as well as a play area.
The National Museum
The national museum found in Ouagadougou was built in 1962 and it is among the most significant museums in Burkina Faso. During your visit here you will marvel at the impressive display of a collection of unique artifacts and sacred items including primeval statutes, ethnic costumes and masks gathered from various tribes and villages. These will give you a clear insight of the history of Burkina Faso’s people and culture.
Banfora
Banfora city is located in the middle of Comoe province and it’s among of the best places to see while in Burkina Faso. It is best known for its lively markets, varied ethnic groups and is location close to most of the national parks has made it a popular stopover for many holidaymakers visiting this part of the country.
Visit the crocodiles of Sabou
The local people of Burkina Faso regard crocodiles as sacred. When you visit the ‘sacred’ crocodiles of Sabou which are well fed and have been domesticated (tamed), visitors will get a chance to take pictures while sitting on their backs.
Frequently asked questions on Burkina Faso
Below we have comprised a list of questions that are commonly asked by tourists who visit Burkina Faso on holiday. These have been professionally answered and I believe will help you better prepare for your safari holiday.
Do I need a visa to enter Burkina Faso?
yes, persons entering Burkina Faso are required to obtain a visa and this can be applied for and obtained prior to your visit through Diplomatic commission (consulate) of Burkina Faso back in your home country, nonetheless, citizens from countries of the EU can obtain their visas on arrival at the international airport. Burkina Faso offers a number of different visa and these will depend on your reason for entering the country with most of the them valid for a duration of three (3) months. The cost of the Visa will depend on the type of Visa you are applying for with the three (3) months single entry visa being the least expensive. You can also extend your stay within Burkina Faso through the immigrations office.
Is it safe to visit Burkina Faso?
Yes, Burkina Faso is among the countries in western African considered safe, however you advise you to pay some additional attention and care especially when you are visiting the crowded city centers and market places where pickpockets and wallet snatchers are – a thing that I common in most crowded cities across the world. You should also be mindful of your personal luggage and belongings including laptops, cameras and phones especially when using public transport. You should also avoid walking unaccompanied especially on isolated streets at night. Do not move with a lot of cash on and also leave your valuable belongings locked up well in your hotel room.
What vaccinations are needed when visiting Burkina Faso?
Every person visiting Burkina Faso is required to present a yellow fever vaccine certificate / booklet as proof or receiving the shot more so if you are traveling from any of the African countries. Lack of this may result to you being forced to get the shot at the airport. Other highly recommended vaccines include hepatitis B, hepatitis E, meningococcal meningitis and rabies especially you will be in contact with a animals on your visit. You should also keep in mind that HIV /AIDS is also in the country so you should take all the necessary precautions.
What is the official language of Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso’s official language is French, however, there are three (3) national languages also widely spoken across the country and these are: Fulfulde Moore and Dioula.
What is the local currency of Burkina Faso?
The local currency used in Burkina Faso is the CFA (Communaute Finaanciere Africaine) Franc (XOF). This currency is also used among the Fasorancophone countries of West Africa.
Are credit cards accepted in Burkina Faso?
Except from major hotels and a few other places, Credit cards are not broadly accepted and in addition, there are no ATMs, therefore you are advised to carry enough cash with you through your stay. Foreign currency exchange services are also available in banks and major hotels however other currencies besides the Euros and the US Dollars might not easily be exchanged here.
What is the dominant religion for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso is largely a Muslim country with fifty percent (50%) of its local population practicing Islam, whereas the forty percent (40%) practice the indigenous religions and the remaining ten percent (10%) is Christian. all tourists visiting the mosques as well as any other sacred places within Burkina Faso are advised to wear some thin covering your shoulders (a scarf can come in handy) and the women should cover their heads as a sign of being respectful.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Burkina Faso?
No, tap water is regarded unsafe for human consumption in Burkina Faso. Therefore, make sure that all the water you consume (drink) or use to brush your teeth has been treated ore properly boiled. Bottled drinking water is also locally available however ensure that the bottle is well sealed.
Is it safe to swim in the natural fresh water?
No, Bilharzia is present in Burkina Faso; therefore all persons are warned against swimming in fresh water as they can easily contract it.
What is the Time Zone in Burkina Faso?
The time zone in Burkina Faso is GMT+0 with no Daylight Saving Time.
What is the electricity current in Burkina Faso?
The country runs on 220 to 240 Volts. Although most hotels indicate that they provide adaptors, however to be on a safe side we recommend that you carry your personal electric adaptor while coming to the country.
When is the best time to go to Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso experiences four major climatic seasons which are: the wet season which begins in the month of June to September, the early short dry season which begins in the month of September to November; the mid-dry season that begins in December to February and the late-dry season that starts in March to May.
However, the best recommend time to visit Burkina Faso is from November to February, when the country is generally dry and it is not extremely hot. Visiting in the late dry season is not recommended as the rains are soon beginning so most of the country is experiencing intense heat as a result of the higher temperatures which makes it very uncomfortable to enjoy your safari.
What are the Main Festivals in Burkina Faso?
The capital – Ouagadougou can be visited in the month of February on any year that is odd-numbered when the largest film festival on the African continent – Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is taking place.
Again within Ouagadougou the International Art & Crafts Fair is held here every even year in th month of October. The fair is more popularly renowned by its French-name SIAO and it is among the largest trade shores on the African continent.
The National Culture Week (Semaine Nationale de la Culture) is also held every even year in the month of March in Bobo-Dioulasso attracting a large number of tourists.
