Burkina Faso Travel Information

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant landscapes. From visiting ancient ruins to exploring bustling markets and natural reserves, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see in Burkina Faso. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting the country:

1. Visit the Mangfalla Falls

Take a trip to the Mangfalla Falls, located in the Poni Province of Burkina Faso. This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for picnicking and swimming.

2. Explore the Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso

Take a stroll around the Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in West Africa. The mosque, which is made of clay and wood, is a beautiful example of traditional Burkinabé architecture.

3. Visit the Gourounsi Terracotta Sculptures

Check out the Gourounsi Terracotta Sculptures, located in the town of Kaya in Burkina Faso. These unique sculptures, made by the Gourounsi people, are considered to be some of the finest examples of West African terracotta art.

4. Discover the Artisanal Centers of Banfora

Visit the artisanal centers of Banfora, where visitors can see traditional Burkinabé crafts being made and purchase handmade items, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry.

5. Visit the Nazinga Game Reserve

Take a trip to the Nazinga Game Reserve, located in southwestern Burkina Faso. This reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and antelopes.

6. Explore the W National Park

Visit the W National Park, located in the southwestern region of Burkina Faso. This park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and antelopes, and is a great place for birdwatching.

7. Visit the Marka Boho Village

Take a trip to the Marka Boho Village, located in the province of Kadiogo in Burkina Faso. This traditional village is known for its rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Burkinabé life.

8. Visit the Royal Palace of Ouagadougou

Take a stroll around the Royal Palace of Ouagadougou, located in the capital city of Burkina Faso. This impressive building, which was once the home of the Mossi Kings, is now a museum and cultural center.

9. Explore the Grand Marché of Ouagadougou

Take a trip to the Grand Marché of Ouagadougou, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in West Africa. Visitors can purchase a range of goods, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and spices.

10. Visit the Tengrela Dam

Take a trip to the Tengrela Dam, located in the center of Burkina Faso. This impressive dam is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and offers visitors the chance to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Climate

Burkina Faso has a tropical savanna climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from June to September and a dry season from October to May. During the rainy season, temperatures are generally warm, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C. During the dry season, temperatures are slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Burkina Faso is during the dry season, from October to May, when temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall. This time of year is also the best for exploring the country's national parks and wildlife reserves, as many of the animals are more easily visible during the dry season. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures, especially in the northern regions of the country, which can be especially hot during the dry season.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Burkina Faso, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale hotels.

Budget Accommodation

Budget accommodation options in Burkina Faso include basic guesthouses and hotels, which offer simple rooms at a low cost. These options are ideal for travelers on a tight budget, and they can be found in major cities and towns throughout the country.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Mid-range accommodation options in Burkina Faso include mid-sized hotels and lodges, which offer comfortable rooms with more amenities than budget options. These options are ideal for travelers who want a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Upscale Accommodation

Upscale accommodation options in Burkina Faso include large hotels and resorts, which offer luxurious rooms and facilities. These options are ideal for travelers who want a more luxurious stay and are willing to pay more for it. These options can be found in major cities and tourist areas.

There are several transportation options available for travelers visiting Burkina Faso, each with its own pros and cons.

Taxis

Taxis are a popular form of transportation in Burkina Faso and can be found in major cities and towns. They are a convenient option for traveling short distances, and they offer a comfortable and relatively safe way to get around.

Buses

Buses are a popular form of transportation for long-distance travel in Burkina Faso. They are a cost-effective option and provide a comfortable way to get around the country.

Cars and Motorcycles

Cars and motorcycles can be rented in major cities and towns in Burkina Faso. Renting a vehicle gives travelers the freedom to explore the country at their own pace and provides a convenient way to get around.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are available in Burkina Faso and can be a convenient option for traveling between major cities. However, they can be more expensive than other forms of transportation and may not always be the most reliable option.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.