Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Highlights

Burkina Faso, in West Africa, is a landlocked country known for its rich culture, traditional music, and handicrafts. Ouagadougou, the capital, hosts the Pan-African Film and Television Festival (FESPACO), Africa’s largest film festival. The city of Bobo-Dioulasso is known for its historic mud-brick mosque and vibrant market. The Sindou Peaks, a striking rock formation, and the Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase the country`s natural and historical wealth. Burkina Faso`s cuisine features African staples like sorghum, millet, and maize, prepared in traditional dishes like riz gras and tô. Despite challenges, Burkina Faso welcomes travelers with its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality.

Top 10 Attractions

Arly National Park

Arly National Park, situated in the southeastern region of Burkina Faso, is part of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is known for its abundant wildlife, which includes elephants, lions, leopards, and over... more

Arly National Park, situated in the southeastern region of Burkina Faso, is part of the W-Arly-Pendjari complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is known for its abundant wildlife, which includes elephants, lions, leopards, and over 200 species of birds. Arly National Park offers one of the finest safari experiences in West Africa, with its diverse landscapes of grassland, woodland, and savannah.

Bobo-Dioulasso Old Market

The Old Market of Bobo-Dioulasso is a bustling hub where local traders sell a vast array of goods, from food items to traditional textiles and handcrafted items. The market is housed in a beautiful old building that reflects the city`s colonial past.... more

The Old Market of Bobo-Dioulasso is a bustling hub where local traders sell a vast array of goods, from food items to traditional textiles and handcrafted items. The market is housed in a beautiful old building that reflects the city`s colonial past. It`s a great place to immerse oneself in local culture, sample local cuisine, and purchase traditional crafts and textiles.

Deux Balé National Park

Deux Balé National Park is located in western Burkina Faso. This protected area is primarily known for its population of African bush elephants. The park also supports a variety of other wildlife, including baboons, warthogs, and various bird species... more

Deux Balé National Park is located in western Burkina Faso. This protected area is primarily known for its population of African bush elephants. The park also supports a variety of other wildlife, including baboons, warthogs, and various bird species. Its picturesque landscape of dense woodland interspersed with small grassland areas makes it a great spot for nature lovers.

French Cultural Centre (CCF)

The French Cultural Centre in Ouagadougou is a hub for the arts and offers a diverse programme of events, including concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. The centre also hosts the biennial Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Oua... more

The French Cultural Centre in Ouagadougou is a hub for the arts and offers a diverse programme of events, including concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. The centre also hosts the biennial Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), one of the most important African film festivals.

Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso

The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is one of the finest examples of mud-brick architecture in West Africa. Built in the late 19th century, the mosque is a major landmark in the city and remains a center for Islamic worship. Its conical towers and woo... more

The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is one of the finest examples of mud-brick architecture in West Africa. Built in the late 19th century, the mosque is a major landmark in the city and remains a center for Islamic worship. Its conical towers and wooden struts create a striking profile that reflects the traditional Sudanese architectural style.

Kabore Tembi National Park

Kabore Tembi National Park is a wildlife park situated just south of Ouagadougou. It is home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, antelopes, warthogs, and many species of birds. The park`s accessibility and its rich biodiversity make it a popu... more

Kabore Tembi National Park is a wildlife park situated just south of Ouagadougou. It is home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, antelopes, warthogs, and many species of birds. The park`s accessibility and its rich biodiversity make it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Koudougou Artisan Village

Koudougou Artisan Village is a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can meet local artisans and witness the production of traditional crafts. This village showcases the country`s rich artisanal heritage, with local artisans demonstrating skills in pot... more

Koudougou Artisan Village is a vibrant cultural hub where visitors can meet local artisans and witness the production of traditional crafts. This village showcases the country`s rich artisanal heritage, with local artisans demonstrating skills in pottery, weaving, metalworking, and more. Visitors can purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs directly from the artisans, supporting the local economy.

Laongo Sculpture Symposium

Laongo Sculpture Symposium is an open-air museum located on a granite hill near Ouagadougou. This site is unique as artists from all around the world are invited to carve sculptures directly into the rocks and boulders of the hill. The result is an e... more

Laongo Sculpture Symposium is an open-air museum located on a granite hill near Ouagadougou. This site is unique as artists from all around the world are invited to carve sculptures directly into the rocks and boulders of the hill. The result is an extraordinary collection of art made in collaboration between nature and human creativity. Walking through this area, visitors can appreciate the diverse array of artistic styles represented, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the setting.

Manega Museum

The Manega Museum, located 55km from Ouagadougou, houses a rich collection of Burkina Faso`s cultural artifacts, including musical instruments, traditional weapons, and burial objects. The museum provides valuable insights into the country`s traditio... more

The Manega Museum, located 55km from Ouagadougou, houses a rich collection of Burkina Faso`s cultural artifacts, including musical instruments, traditional weapons, and burial objects. The museum provides valuable insights into the country`s traditions and customs, as well as its historical practices concerning birth, life, and death.

Mare aux Hippopotames

The Mare aux Hippopotames, or `Hippo Lake`, is a biosphere reserve located near Bobo-Dioulasso. This reserve is named for its most famous inhabitants - a community of hippos. Besides these majestic creatures, the area also hosts a variety of birds an... more

The Mare aux Hippopotames, or `Hippo Lake`, is a biosphere reserve located near Bobo-Dioulasso. This reserve is named for its most famous inhabitants - a community of hippos. Besides these majestic creatures, the area also hosts a variety of birds and other wildlife. Visiting this area provides an opportunity to witness hippos in their natural habitat.

National Heroes` Memorial

The National Heroes` Memorial in Ouagadougou is a significant monument dedicated to the national heroes of Burkina Faso. It`s an important site for understanding the country`s struggle for independence and its post-colonial history. more

The National Heroes` Memorial in Ouagadougou is a significant monument dedicated to the national heroes of Burkina Faso. It`s an important site for understanding the country`s struggle for independence and its post-colonial history.

National Museum of Music

Located in Ouagadougou, the National Museum of Music boasts a vast collection of musical instruments from across Burkina Faso. From balafons and koras to djembes and tambourines, the instruments on display represent the country`s rich musical traditi... more

Located in Ouagadougou, the National Museum of Music boasts a vast collection of musical instruments from across Burkina Faso. From balafons and koras to djembes and tambourines, the instruments on display represent the country`s rich musical traditions. The museum offers demonstrations and performances, allowing visitors to not only see the instruments but also hear them in action.

Nazinga Game Ranch

Nazinga Game Ranch is a wildlife reserve known for its elephant herds. Other animals in the park include antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, and over 275 species of birds. Nazinga offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly at the man... more

Nazinga Game Ranch is a wildlife reserve known for its elephant herds. Other animals in the park include antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, and over 275 species of birds. Nazinga offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly at the man-made waterholes which attract animals, especially during the dry season.

Ouagadougou Grand Market

The Ouagadougou Grand Market is the largest and most vibrant market in the country. It`s a bustling hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts, textiles, spices, and more. The market offers an authentic slice of l... more

The Ouagadougou Grand Market is the largest and most vibrant market in the country. It`s a bustling hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts, textiles, spices, and more. The market offers an authentic slice of local life and is a great place to pick up traditional Burkinabé crafts and souvenirs.

Pô-Nazinga-Sissili

The Pô-Nazinga-Sissili complex is a combination of two game ranches and a partial faunal reserve. The highlight of this reserve is its large elephant population, which can be seen during their migratory movements. Other wildlife such as antelopes, mo... more

The Pô-Nazinga-Sissili complex is a combination of two game ranches and a partial faunal reserve. The highlight of this reserve is its large elephant population, which can be seen during their migratory movements. Other wildlife such as antelopes, monkeys, and a variety of bird species can also be spotted. The reserve, with its scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity, offers a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting and photography.

Royal Court of Tiébélé

The Royal Court of Tiébélé is a traditional Gurunsi village and cultural heritage site. The village is notable for its distinctive architecture, with the houses beautifully decorated with intricate geometric designs. This site offers a unique insight... more

The Royal Court of Tiébélé is a traditional Gurunsi village and cultural heritage site. The village is notable for its distinctive architecture, with the houses beautifully decorated with intricate geometric designs. This site offers a unique insight into the traditional lifestyles of the Gurunsi people.

Ruins of Loropéni

The Ruins of Loropéni are the country`s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient ruins are the country`s best-preserved archaeological site. The ruins, which include imposing stone walls, are believed to date back at least 1,000 years, and wer... more

The Ruins of Loropéni are the country`s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient ruins are the country`s best-preserved archaeological site. The ruins, which include imposing stone walls, are believed to date back at least 1,000 years, and were possibly a center of gold production and trade. The site offers an intriguing glimpse into the region`s ancient history.

Sindou Peaks

The Sindou Peaks are a breathtaking natural wonder featuring a series of sandstone spires sculpted by wind and erosion. Located near the town of Sindou, this geological formation is part of a larger protected area known as the Sindou Peaks Natural Re... more

The Sindou Peaks are a breathtaking natural wonder featuring a series of sandstone spires sculpted by wind and erosion. Located near the town of Sindou, this geological formation is part of a larger protected area known as the Sindou Peaks Natural Reserve. A walk through the Sindou Peaks reveals a surreal landscape that is one of Burkina Faso`s most impressive natural attractions.

The National Museum of Burkina Faso

Located in Ouagadougou, the National Museum of Burkina Faso is the country`s primary cultural and historical institution. It houses a vast collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits that showcase the country`s rich cultural heritage. The... more

Located in Ouagadougou, the National Museum of Burkina Faso is the country`s primary cultural and historical institution. It houses a vast collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits that showcase the country`s rich cultural heritage. The museum`s collections span the history of Burkina Faso, from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Old Towns of Djenné

Although not located in Burkina Faso but in neighboring Mali, the ancient city of Djenné is often included in the itineraries of many travellers due to its proximity. Djenné is famous for its distinctive adobe architecture, including the largest mud-... more

Although not located in Burkina Faso but in neighboring Mali, the ancient city of Djenné is often included in the itineraries of many travellers due to its proximity. Djenné is famous for its distinctive adobe architecture, including the largest mud-brick building in the world - the Great Mosque of Djenné. Its historical importance and unique architectural style have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Ruins of Loropéni

The Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the most significant historical sites in the country. They are the remains of an ancient fortified settlement that was an important link in the trans-Saharan gold trade. This site provide... more

The Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the most significant historical sites in the country. They are the remains of an ancient fortified settlement that was an important link in the trans-Saharan gold trade. This site provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich and complex history of the region.

The Sacred Crocodile Ponds of Sabou

The Sacred Crocodile Ponds of Sabou is a unique cultural attraction near the town of Sabou. These ponds are home to a large number of crocodiles that are considered sacred by the local people. Visitors can learn about the local culture and traditions... more

The Sacred Crocodile Ponds of Sabou is a unique cultural attraction near the town of Sabou. These ponds are home to a large number of crocodiles that are considered sacred by the local people. Visitors can learn about the local culture and traditions surrounding these revered animals, and the bravest among them can even interact with the crocodiles under the supervision of a local guide.

Tiebele

Tiebele is a unique village known for its fascinating Gurunsi architecture. The village consists of a complex of intricately decorated earthen huts, which are both visually stunning and practical, providing insulation against extreme temperatures. Th... more

Tiebele is a unique village known for its fascinating Gurunsi architecture. The village consists of a complex of intricately decorated earthen huts, which are both visually stunning and practical, providing insulation against extreme temperatures. The intricate motifs painted on the houses by the women of the village are a sight to behold. Visiting Tiebele offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles and rich cultural heritage of the Gurunsi people.

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