At this stage we don't have any organised trips to Burkina Faso. That said, Intrepid can create tailor-made tours to many destinations, including Burkina Faso. Our fully customised trips still offer the same small group experiences with local leaders, but made just the way you want it. Simply fill out your details below and one of our travel specialists will be in touch.
About Burkina Faso
Little landlocked Burkina Faso is one of West Africa’s hidden jewels.
It’s one of the world’s poorest countries, but that doesn’t stop the Burkinabes walking with pride. Some of the friendliest faces you’ll see are in the streets of Burkina Faso’s villages and towns. Dancing is a favourite national pastime and centuries-old traditions are part of everyday life. There are hippos to be spotted, waterfalls to be admired, markets to be explored and songs to be sung.
Burkina Faso facts
| Capital city: | Ouagadougou (population 1.45 million) |
| Population: | 17 million |
| Language: | French, More, Fulfulde, Lobi |
| Currency: | XOF |
| Time zone: | (GMT) Casablanca |
| Electricity: | Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth) |
| Dialing code: | +226 |
Best time to visit Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has a tropical climate which can mean some serious extremes between the wet months and dry months. The best time to visit is between October and December. From June to September the rains set in and days can be very hot and humid. The weather cools from December to February but harmattan winds bring dusty air. If you like your weather super hot then March to early June are the months for you with averages soaring into the 40s (Celsius).
Burkina Faso holiday information
This landlocked country shares borders with some of West Africa’s most fascinating countries: Mali, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Niger and Cote d’Ivoire. While the Sahara is slowly creeping in from the north, the south is savannah country. The country’s three main rivers - the Black Volta, the Red Volta and the White Volta - provide water for subsistence farming.
1. Ouagadougou
With a name that just rolls off the tongue, Ouaga (as the locals call it) is a fascinating city. It may be the capital of the third-poorest country in the world, but the town lives up to its name: ‘Where people get honour and respect’.
2. Bobo-Dioulasso
So much fun to say, and even more fun to visit. Home to the Bobo tribe, this town has vibrant markets, and music and dancing wherever you go.
3. La Mare aux Poison Sacres de Dafre
Not far from Bobo-Dioulasso is the ‘sacred fishpond of Dafra’. Locals come here to sacrifice chickens to the fish, which have, understandably, grown huge.
4. Karfiguela
Home to beautiful waterfalls, Karfiguela offers visitors a glimpse of tropical paradise. Walk through an avenue of mango trees and over a jumble of rocks to see the falls.
5. Lake Tengrela
Bring your camera for some serious hippopotamus spotting. Locals believe the hippos are sacred and therefore won’t attack humans. Bring a long lens, just to be on the safe side.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to:Â http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
From Canada?
Go to:Â http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
From UK?
Go to:Â http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
From New Zealand?
Go to:Â http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
From US?
Go to:Â http://travel.state.gov/
The World Health Organisation
also provides useful health information:Â
Go to:Â http://www.who.int/en/
| Title | Author |
| Exchange Is Not Robbery | John M. Chernoff |
| The Bobo Marche | Curtis Cushman |
| The Parachute Drop | Norbert Zongo |
| Folktales from the Moose of Burkina Faso | Alain-Joseph Sissao |
Burkina Faso travel FAQs
You are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or at the border for Burkina Faso. Allow US$20 cash. For Australian passport holders, the French Consulate in Sydney is authorized to issue short stay visas on behalf of Burkina Faso & Togo for tourism. Applications can be made on-line via their website: http://www.ambafrance-au.org/france_australie/spip.php?article1100
A 10% to 15% service charge is usually included in the bill. However it’s customary to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Internet is available in hotels in Ouagadougou and there’s an internet café in Bobo-Dioulaso. Power cuts can mean access is interrupted.
Mobile phone coverage is fairly good in major towns. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.
Burkina Faso’s toilets may be basic. Be prepared for squat toilets, even in major centres.
Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Burkina Faso. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring water purification tablets or ask your leader where filtered water can be found.
Credit cards are rarely accepted.
ATMs are very rarely available. Cash can be withdrawn from a bank using your card.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to:Â Travel Insurance
Responsible Travel
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
Top responsible travel tips for Burkina Faso
- Be considerate of Burkina Faso’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
- Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
- For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water.
- Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
- When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!
- Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
- Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
- Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
- Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
- When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.