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Saaba, Burkina Faso
Saaba, Burkina Faso by Yoda Adaman on Unsplash.

Travel Notes: Africa - Burkina Faso Travel Notes.

Burkina Faso Travel Notes

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Burkina Faso Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

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From vibrant markets to breathtaking landscapes, embark on an unforgettable West African experience in the diverse nation of Burkina Faso.

About Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is home to several natural attractions, including waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and unique rock formations.

Burkina Faso may not be a suitable destination for first-time travellers, but for those looking for an adventure off the beaten path, there are unique experiences to be had.

Countries neighbouring Burkina Faso: Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo and Ghana.

Travel Map Mapping Burkina Faso

Map of Burkina Faso

Map of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is bordered by Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south-east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the south-west.

Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso Overview

Burkina Faso is a land-locked country in West Africa, formerly known as Upper Volta.

Upper Volta gained full independence from the French in 1960, and the name was changed to Burkina Faso in 1984.

The country has an area of about 274,200 square kilometers and a population of approximately 21 million people.

Early History

Burkina Faso was once a Mossi Kingdom, built up by those migrating from the north of present day Ghana.

By the 19th century, the Mossi states were considerably weakened and the French set up a protectorate over the kingdom of Ouagadougou in 1896.

Burkina Faso was formerly known as Upper Volta until its name was changed in 1984.

The country gained independence from France in 1960.

Since then, Burkina Faso has experienced several coups and political instability, but has made significant progress towards democratic governance since the 1990s.

Economy

The economy of Burkina Faso is largely agrarian, with cotton being the country's most important export.

Other important industries include gold mining, livestock, and food processing. Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, with high levels of poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition.

Language and Culture

The culture of Burkina Faso is diverse, with many ethnic groups and languages spoken throughout the country.

The most widely spoken language is French, which is the official language of the country, but many people also speak indigenous languages.

Music and dance are an important part of Burkinabe culture, with traditional instruments like the balafon and the kora being widely used.

Burkina Faso Tourism

Burkina Faso is known for its rich culture and traditions, including its music, dance, and crafts.

Burkina Faso is also known for its hospitality and friendliness, and is home to several natural attractions such as the Sahel Reserve and the Loropeni Ruins, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is home to several national parks and reserves, such as the W National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to many endangered species.

If you are planning to visit Burkina Faso, it is important to keep in mind that the country has a hot and dry climate with a rainy season from May to October.

It is also recommended that you obtain a visa before traveling and take necessary precautions for personal safety and security, as the country has experienced occasional incidents of terrorism and criminal activity.

Attractions

Some popular attractions to visit in Burkina Faso include the Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, the Nazinga Game Ranch, the Banfora Cascades, and the Musee National.

Additionally, Burkina Faso's vibrant markets and street scenes offer an immersive cultural experience.

Bobo-Dioulasso

Bobo-Dioulasso, in the west of Burkina Faso, is smaller and much more interesting for travellers who like to get to know the people than the capital, Ouagadougou.

Bobo-Dioulasso is the site of some ancient tombs and there are also a few mosques.

Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou was the centre of a powerful Mossi state around 1400, and you can visit the palace of a Mossi chief.

Map of Ouagadougou
Map of Ouagadougou.

Getting Around Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso by Air

Airports

The international airport (OUA) is 8km from Ouagadougou.

The domestic airport in Borgo, is about 16km from Bobo Dioulasso.

Airlines

Air Burkina (VH) is the country's national airline. The country also holds minority shares in the regional Air Afrique airline.

Other airlines flying to Burkina Faso include Aeroflot, Air Algerie, Air France, Air Ivoire, Ethiopian Airlines and Sabena.

Air Volta operates flights to Bouake (Cote d'Ivoire), Tambao and Bamako (Mali).

Burkina Faso by Road

You'll have no problem with buses to the major towns in Burkina Faso, during the dry season, although things start to get sticky when the rains arrive.

Shared taxis also run on set routes when full.

Burkina Faso by Rail

The only train line is between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. Trains run daily although you may have people sitting in your lap.

Ouagadougou Accommodation

Where to Stay in Ouagadougou

Lancaster Ouaga 2000

Lancaster Ouaga 2000

Lancaster Ouaga 2000: Avenue Pascal Zagre, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Located in the heart of the new administrative centre of Ouagadougou, the hotel's Tenakourou restaurant offers gusts a taste of gastronomic cuisine while the coffee shop and Bar Wamde are local meeting places.

Guests at the Lancaster Ouaga 2000 rated the clean rooms, stunning pool and tasty breakfast.

Sopatel Silmandé Hotel

Sopatel Silmandé Ouagadougou

Sopatel Silmandé Ouagadougou: Route de Kaya, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

This luxury Ouagadougou resort hotel offers French cuisine and African specialities in the 'Samandin' restaurant while 'Le Beli' serves grilled food and fresh juices by the pool.

With a spectacular view of the nearby lake and surrounding park, guests at the Sopatel Silmandé Ouagadougou enjoyed the stunning pool, excellent service and great location.

Hotels in Ouagadougou.

Burkina Faso Tours

Visit the countryside and markets of Burkina Faso and meet the Tuareg, Bells, Peuhl and Songhai people.

Burkina to Timbuktu Independent Adventure

Stroll around the central market in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, before moving on to visit the Mossi, a strongly individualistic people who have resisted the wave of Islam that swept the Sahel.

Then travel on to Mali and Timbuktu.

Latest From Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso News:
Latest up to date news stories concerning Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso Maps and Travel Guides

Lonely Planet West Africa (Travel Guide) 1. Burkina Faso and West Africa map

Burkina Faso Travel Guides - Burkina Maps.

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