Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Discover Why You Should Visit Burkina Faso

Why Visit Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, is known for its vibrant culture, resilient people, traditional music, and colorful festivals. Though often overlooked on the travel map, it offers a rich and authentic cultural experience.

Home to a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with unique customs and languages, Burkina Faso has a strong artisan culture and a deep respect for heritage and community life.

Ideal for: Cultural travelers, music and festival enthusiasts, and those looking for immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Must-Know Facts

Capital/Major City: Ouagadougou

Language(s): French (official), Mooré, Dioula, Fulfulde, and others

Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Best Time to Visit: November to February (cool dry season)

Fun Fact: The name Burkina Faso means ‘Land of Honest People’.

Top Things to Do

Visit the National Museum and art galleries in Ouagadougou

Explore the vibrant Grand Marché in Bobo-Dioulasso

Attend the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO)

Take part in the traditional mask festivals in Dedougou

Discover the mud-brick architecture of the Kassena people in Tiébélé

Local Culture & Lifestyle

Burkina Faso’s population is composed of many ethnic groups, each contributing to the country’s rich traditions in music, dance, crafts, and oral storytelling.

The Mossi people are the largest ethnic group, and traditional chieftaincy systems still play an important social role.

Music and festivals are integral to everyday life, with drumming, dancing, and ceremonies regularly taking place across regions.

Food & Drink Highlights

Street Food: To (millet or sorghum dough), riz gras (spiced rice), grilled meat skewers

Restaurants: Le Verdoyant and La Perle in Ouagadougou, Maquis-style local eateries

Drinks: Bissap, ginger juice, dolo (local millet beer), fresh fruit juices

Desserts: Peanut brittle, fried sweet plantains, coconut snacks

Main Dish & Culinary Symbols

Signature Dish: Tô with okra or peanut sauce, typically served with meat or fish

Common Ingredients: Millet, sorghum, rice, tomatoes, onions, peanuts, leafy greens

Culinary Culture: Meals are communal, with sauces served over grains and eaten using the hand or spoon

Symbols & Icons of the Area

Natural Icons: Arly and W National Parks, Karfiguéla Waterfalls

Cultural Icons: Masks, bronze statues, woven textiles, gourds, traditional compound houses

Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path

The village of Tiébélé with traditional painted homes of the Kassena people

Sindou Peaks, a dramatic rock formation near Banfora

Lobi region with fortress-style homes and animist traditions

Shopping & Souvenirs

What to Buy: Handwoven cloth, bronze statues, leather goods, traditional musical instruments, carved masks

Where to Shop: Ouagadougou Artisan Village, Bobo-Dioulasso markets, village cooperatives

Getting Around

Public Transport: Buses and bush taxis connect cities and towns

Car Rentals: Recommended for exploring rural areas or multi-day excursions

Tip: Hire local guides for cultural experiences and remote travel

Walkability: Good in urban centers and markets, with friendly pedestrian zones

Travel Tips

Basic French is very helpful; local languages are widely spoken regionally

Be respectful of local customs, especially during traditional ceremonies or in religious areas

Travelers should stay informed of current security conditions before visiting

Cash is essential, especially in markets and small towns

Where to Stay

Budget: Hotel Kadiogo (Ouagadougou), guesthouses in Bobo-Dioulasso

Mid-range: Pacific Hotel, Villa Yiri Suma

Luxury: Laico Ouaga 2000 Hotel

Unique: Traditional style lodges or community-run eco-stays in cultural villages

Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ouagadougou, explore the National Museum and Artisan Village

Day 2: Travel to Bobo-Dioulasso, visit the old mosque and music studios

Day 3: Explore the Sindou Peaks and Karfiguéla Waterfalls near Banfora

Day 4: Visit Tiébélé to see the painted Kassena houses before returning to Ouagadougou

Book With Region Waze Travel

Region Waze Travel helps you explore Burkina Faso’s cultural depth, vibrant traditions, and artistic communities.