Burkina Faso, a landlocked country and one of the poorest in Africa, compensates for its limited resources and wealth with remarkable spirit and natural beauty.
While its list of “must-visit” destinations might be shorter compared to other African countries, visitors will be warmly welcomed by the locals, who are dedicated to ensuring a memorable stay.
The primary draw of Burkina Faso is its stunning natural landscapes, which include the dramatic rock formations of the Sindou Peaks and the rich wildlife found at Lake Tengrela and within its four national parks.
Here are some popular and notable places to visit in Burkina Faso:
1. Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou, commonly known as Ouaga, is the capital of Burkina Faso and serves as the center of the country’s administration and economy.
While the city’s architecture might not be particularly striking, except for the impressive Roman Catholic cathedral, Ouagadougou is a vibrant hub of performing arts.
Its lively dance scene, live music, exciting festivals, and bustling craft markets contribute to a memorable and enriching travel experience, making a visit to Ouaga well worth it.
2. Bobo-Dioulasso
The city of Bobo-Dioulasso, which fortunately also has an abbreviated name; Bobo, is the second largest city in Burkina Faso.
Despite its size, the city has a laid back and exclusive feel which makes it a favourite resting spot for travellers from all backgrounds and with all budgets.
The city is worth exploring in the daytime but the main attraction here is the nightlife. The live music and restaurants in the city are some of the best in Burkina Faso. The local music on offer in various clubs and bars attracts the residents of the city as well as tourists from Europe and The States.
3. Ziniare
Ziniare is situated in the Oubritenga Province and is notable for being the birthplace of the former president of Burkina Faso; Blaise Compoare.
The sites of interest to travellers in the area include the Ziniare Wildlife Park and the unusual granite sculpture which was the work of a collective group of 18 artists from 13 different countries.
The animals at the Ziniare Wildlife Park include hyenas, lions, tigers, elephants and a single giraffe. The park seems to have been neglected somewhat in recent years and could do with a revamp to make it more of a tourist attraction.
4. Gorom Gorom
Gorom Gorom is a town in the north of Burkina Faso, situated at what was once an important location at the crossroads of the Sahel.
The main reason to visit the town is without question the market. Each Thursday, traders from all over the country travel to sell their wares at this impressive market.
It is a great place for souvenir shopping with items ranging from jewelery to handcrafted leather items.
5. Tiebele
Tiebele is a small village located right next to Burkina Faso’s border with Ghana.
The Kassena people of Africa, one of the oldest ethnic groups of the country, originate from this village and as such there are a great number of traditional mud huts and other architecture all of which are beautifully decorated.
The houses here, mainly due to the poverty in the area, are built entirely from straw and mud but they are decorated with character and pride, making them a great spot to visit.
6. Arli National Park
This national park, situated in southeast Burkina Faso, is one of four in Burkina Faso and is home to thousands of animals. The park occupies an area of around 700 square kilometers and species that call the park their home include lions, antelopes, monkeys and hippos.
Formerly the park was home to the African wild dog although it is thought that, due to the expanding human population and other factors, the species may have been wiped out in the area. The watering hole in Tounga is one of the park’s most reliable and popular animal watching spots and draws a variety of wildlife year round.
A variety of guided tours are available and are usually offered at a fair price.
7. The Ruins of Loropeni
These ruins, thought to be at least 1000 years old, serve as a vivid reminder of just how vast and important the cross-Sahara gold trade once was. The site is a Unesco World Heritage site and was the first to be rewarded with such a status in the country.
The stone ruins here make for a fascinating day trip and are still, at present, being excavated with many more secrets expected to be discovered with time.
The nearby town of Gaoua is not really worth visiting and has a bad reputation in the country. However, if you do choose to visit the town, lookout for the sacred grove of trees and the museum.
8. W National Park
This National Park is actually shared with both Benin and Niger. The animals situated here enjoy a transition of terrain between savannah and forest and include huge flocks of migratory birds.
The park is another of Burkina Faso’s Unseco World Heritage sites. Impressively, the park has also shown evidence of early neolithic settlers. Further proof of the vast diversity in the ecosystem located here.
Visitors to the park must pay for 24 hours access and 4×4 or trekking tours of the park are also available.
9. Nazinga Reserve
Not far from the border shared with Ghana, the Nazinga Game Reserve covers an expanse of around 97,000 hectares. If you are visiting the country for its wildlife then this reserve is a must.
The elephants here steal the show although the birdlife and crocodiles are also popular. The best time to see the reserve’s elephants is between the months of December to April.
There are various accommodation options in the reserve including the impressive Nazinga Ranch which occupies prime real estate by the reserve’s most lively watering hole.
10. Sindou
The lively town of Sindou is located in the Loraba Province of Burkina Faso and is mainly know for the nearby rugged rock peaks that appear suddenly from the surrounding shrubbery.
The great thing about Sindou is that, although the Sindou Peaks are a genuine tourist draw, the town retains its character and charm and does not feel like a tourist spot at all.
Guides are readily available in the area and reasonably priced. Be sure to visit the peaks at sunset for some good photographs and memories.