70 Best Places to Visit in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, the “Land of Upright People,” is a hidden gem in West Africa that offers travelers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. Despite being less frequented by international tourists, this landlocked country boasts a remarkable diversity of attractions—from ancient ruins and vibrant markets to breathtaking waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, or nature lover, Burkina Faso’s authentic experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories. Join us as we explore the 70 best places to visit in this fascinating country.

Major Cities and Urban Centers

1. Ouagadougou

The capital city, often called “Ouaga,” serves as the cultural and economic hub of Burkina Faso. Visit the National Museum to explore the country’s rich heritage, wander through the bustling Grand Marché, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss the Moro-Naba Palace, where you can witness the colorful Friday morning ceremony depicting the emperor going to war.

2. Bobo-Dioulasso

Burkina Faso’s second-largest city is known for its colonial architecture, traditional crafts, and relaxed atmosphere. The old town, with its mud-brick buildings and narrow streets, offers a glimpse into traditional West African urban life. The Grand Mosque, built in Sudano-Sahelian style, is a must-see architectural marvel.

3. Koudougou

This vibrant market town is famous for its weekly market, one of the largest in the country. Koudougou is also home to the International Festival of Puppet and Marionette Art, which showcases traditional puppetry from across West Africa.

4. Banfora

Known as the “City of Fruits,” Banfora serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions. The city itself offers a pleasant atmosphere with its tree-lined streets and friendly locals.

5. Gaoua

The capital of the Poni Province is considered the cultural center of the Lobi people. Visit the Provincial Museum to learn about Lobi culture, traditions, and their distinctive architecture.

Natural Wonders and Landscapes

The breathtaking Karfiguéla Waterfalls near Banfora

6. Karfiguéla Waterfalls

Located near Banfora, these cascading waterfalls create natural swimming pools along the Komoé River. The falls are at their most impressive during or just after the rainy season (June to September), offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

7. Sindou Peaks

These dramatic rock formations near the village of Sindou have been shaped by erosion over millennia. The jagged peaks create a maze-like landscape that’s perfect for hiking and photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows.

8. Domes of Fabedougou

Often compared to Australia’s Bungle Bungle Range, these natural limestone domes near Banfora create an otherworldly landscape. The unique geological formations are best explored with a local guide who can explain their cultural significance.

9. Lake Tengrela

This serene lake near Banfora is famous for its friendly hippos, which can be observed from a safe distance in small boats operated by local guides. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best viewing opportunities.

10. Nahouri Peak

The highest point in the region near Tiébélé, this granite outcrop offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The moderate climb takes about an hour and rewards hikers with a 360-degree vista.

11. La Guinguette

This natural spring near Banfora creates a refreshing river that’s perfect for swimming. Local families often gather here on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere.

12. Mare aux Hippopotames

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Bobo-Dioulasso is home to around 100 hippos and numerous bird species. Take a pirogue (traditional canoe) tour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

13. Cascades de Banfora

This series of waterfalls and pools near Banfora offers excellent swimming opportunities. The multi-tiered falls create natural jacuzzis and slides that are popular with both locals and visitors.

Cultural and Historical Sites

The ancient Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site

14. Ruins of Loropéni

This UNESCO World Heritage site features stone ruins dating back to at least the 11th century. The mysterious stone walls once enclosed a settlement linked to the trans-Saharan gold trade, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

15. Tiébélé Royal Court

Famous for its elaborately decorated mud houses, this royal compound of the Kassena people showcases traditional Sahelian architecture at its finest. The geometric patterns and symbols painted on the walls tell stories about the families who live there.

16. Cour Royale de Tiébélé

This complex serves as the official residence of the Kassena community chief. The architecture reflects traditional building techniques, with different hut shapes indicating the status of inhabitants—square for singles, rectangular for couples, and figure-eight shapes for children and grandparents.

17. Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou

This impressive mosque in the capital city showcases traditional Sudano-Sahelian architectural style with its distinctive mud-brick construction and wooden support beams that protrude from the walls.

18. Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso

Built in the late 19th century, this mud-brick mosque is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Sudano-Sahelian architecture in West Africa. Its intricate details and towering minarets make it a photographer’s dream.

19. Bani Grand Mosque

One of Burkina Faso’s most beautiful mosques, this ornate structure in the Sudano-Sahelian style features impressive mud-brick construction with wooden support beams and distinctive minarets.

20. Maadaga Rock Paintings

These ancient rock shelters contain abstract paintings that offer a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past. The geometric patterns and symbols remain a mystery to archaeologists.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

The National Museum in Ouagadougou houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts

21. National Museum of Burkina Faso

Located in Ouagadougou, this comprehensive museum showcases the country’s cultural diversity through exhibits of traditional masks, musical instruments, textiles, and archaeological findings. The rotating exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover.

22. Musée Communal SogossiraSanon

This small but impressive museum in Bobo-Dioulasso features full-scale examples of traditional buildings alongside displays of masks, statues, and traditional clothing that represent the region’s cultural heritage.

23. Manega Museum

Located about 55 km from Ouagadougou, this fascinating museum houses artifacts related to African mysticism, including tools used by traditional healers and items from various cultural groups. The open-air museum also features traditional architecture.

24. Musical Instrument Museum (Musée de la Musique)

This specialized museum in Ouagadougou celebrates Burkina Faso’s rich musical heritage with displays of traditional instruments and interactive exhibits. Visitors can even try playing some of the instruments.

25. Ethnography Museum

Located in Ouagadougou, this museum contains a substantial collection of artifacts from the Mossi Empire, which has dominated the region since the 15th century. The exhibits provide insight into traditional governance systems and cultural practices.

26. Provincial Museum of Gaoua

Dedicated to the culture and traditions of the Lobi people, this museum in Gaoua displays traditional weapons, household items, and religious artifacts that offer insight into this fascinating ethnic group.

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Elephants roaming freely in W National Park, a transnational protected area

27. W National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site spans three countries—Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger—and is named for the W-shaped bends in the Niger River. The park is home to some of West Africa’s last remaining elephants, as well as lions, buffalo, and numerous bird species.

28. Arly National Park

Located in southeastern Burkina Faso, this park features vast savannas and diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and various antelope species. The park is best visited during the dry season (November to May) when animals gather around water sources.

29. Deux Balés National Park

Named for its two prominent hills, this park is known for its elephant population and diverse landscapes, from forests to grasslands. The park’s relatively small size makes it manageable for day visits.

30. Kaboré Tambi National Park

Formerly known as Pô National Park, this protected area south of Ouagadougou features diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including warthogs, monkeys, and numerous bird species. The park is crossed by the Nazinon River, creating important wetland habitats.

31. Reserve de Nazinga

One of Burkina Faso’s most accessible wildlife viewing areas, this reserve is famous for its elephant population, which can be observed year-round. The reserve also hosts antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, and crocodiles.

32. Mare aux Hippopotames Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO-designated reserve protects a freshwater lake and surrounding forests that are home to hippos, various monkey species, and over 160 bird species. The lake can be explored by boat with local guides.

33. Partial Wildlife Reserve of Pama

This reserve in southeastern Burkina Faso is known for its buffalo population and diverse savanna landscapes. The reserve is popular for safari experiences and wildlife photography.

Markets and Shopping Destinations

The vibrant Grand Marché in Ouagadougou offers a wide variety of goods

34. Grand Marché (Ouagadougou)

This sprawling market in the capital is the commercial heart of the city, offering everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, crafts, and electronics. The market provides an authentic glimpse into daily life in Burkina Faso.

35. Grand Marché (Bobo-Dioulasso)

The central market in Bobo-Dioulasso features narrow, labyrinthine lanes filled with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, African cotton prints, drums, masks, and other crafts. The market is also known for its reasonably priced tailors who can create custom clothing.

36. Village Artisanal (Ouagadougou)

This crafts village in the capital offers a more organized shopping experience, with dedicated artisans selling sculptures, musical instruments, and handcrafted items directly to visitors. The fixed prices eliminate the need for haggling.

37. Jardin de l’Amitié Market

Located near the Rond Point des Nations Unies in Ouagadougou, this smaller market offers a more relaxed shopping experience with a good selection of handicrafts and souvenirs.

38. Gafreh

This Women’s Cooperative in Bobo-Dioulasso creates unique fashion accessories by recycling plastic sachets into handbags, wallets, and other items. The shop offers eco-friendly souvenirs while supporting local women.

39. Koudougou Market

One of the largest weekly markets in the country, this bustling commercial center attracts vendors and shoppers from throughout the region. The market is particularly known for its textiles and agricultural products.

Festivals and Cultural Events

The FESPACO film festival attracts cinema enthusiasts from across Africa

40. FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival)

Held every two years in Ouagadougou, FESPACO is one of Africa’s largest film festivals, showcasing the best in African cinema. The event attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond.

41. SIAO (International Arts and Crafts Fair)

This biennial event in Ouagadougou brings together artisans from across Africa to exhibit and sell their crafts. The fair has become an important platform for promoting African craftsmanship and creating export opportunities.

42. Festima (International Festival of Masks and Arts)

Held in Dédougou every two years, this festival celebrates the mask traditions of West Africa with performances, parades, and competitions. The colorful masks represent spirits and ancestors in traditional belief systems.

43. Waga Hip Hop Festival

This annual music festival in Ouagadougou showcases hip hop artists from Burkina Faso and neighboring countries, highlighting the vibrant contemporary music scene in West Africa.

44. Festival International de Théâtre et de Marionnettes de Ouagadougou (FITMO)

This theater and puppet festival brings together performers from across Africa and beyond to showcase traditional and contemporary performing arts.

45. Semaine Nationale de la Culture (National Culture Week)

Held every two years in Bobo-Dioulasso, this week-long celebration features traditional music, dance, theater, and crafts from all of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s cultural diversity.

Traditional Villages and Architecture

The elaborately decorated traditional houses of Tiébélé showcase Kassena artistry

46. Tiébélé Village

Famous for its elaborately decorated mud houses, this Kassena village features intricate geometric patterns painted with natural pigments. The designs are refreshed annually, creating an ever-changing outdoor gallery of traditional art.

47. Koumi Village

This traditional Bobo village near Bobo-Dioulasso offers insight into rural life and traditional architecture. The village is known for its distinctive mud-brick buildings and traditional religious practices.

48. Niansogoni

This village near the Sindou Peaks features traditional cliff dwellings that were historically used for protection during tribal conflicts. The village offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

49. Kibidwé District (Bobo-Dioulasso)

The oldest neighborhood in Bobo-Dioulasso preserves traditional Bobo architecture and urban planning. The narrow streets and mud-brick buildings create an atmospheric setting for exploring local culture.

50. Pabre

This ancient Mossi village near Ouagadougou maintains traditional customs and architecture. The village chief’s compound offers insight into traditional governance structures.

51. Gani Village

Located in the Lobi region, this traditional village showcases the distinctive fortress-like architecture of the Lobi people, designed for defense during historical tribal conflicts.

Religious and Spiritual Sites

The Cathédrale de l’Immaculée-Conception in Ouagadougou with its distinctive orange façade

52. Cathédrale de l’Immaculée-Conception (Ouagadougou)

Dating back to the 1930s, this Catholic cathedral features a striking orange façade and unique architectural elements that blend European and African influences. Don’t miss the hidden grotto at the back of the cathedral.

53. Sacred Grove of Koro

This sacred forest near Bobo-Dioulasso plays an important role in traditional religious practices. The ancient trees are believed to house spirits and are protected by local customs.

54. Laongo Sculpture Park

Located about 35 km from Ouagadougou, this open-air gallery features sculptures carved directly into granite outcrops by artists from around the world. Many of the works explore spiritual and cultural themes.

55. Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park

Once the sacred forest of the Mossi tribe, this urban park in Ouagadougou preserves traditional spiritual connections to nature while providing green space for the city’s residents.

56. Mare de Dori

This sacred lake in the Sahel region holds spiritual significance for local communities and attracts numerous migratory birds, creating a peaceful setting for contemplation.

57. Mosque of Bani

This impressive mud-brick mosque showcases traditional Sudano-Sahelian architecture and serves as an important spiritual center for the surrounding community.

Adventure Activities and Experiences

Trekking through the dramatic rock formations of the Sindou Peaks

58. Hiking the Sindou Peaks

The maze-like rock formations near Sindou offer excellent hiking opportunities with varying levels of difficulty. Local guides can lead you through narrow passages and to viewpoints that offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.

59. Kayaking at Banfora Cascades

The series of pools and waterfalls near Banfora provides opportunities for kayaking and swimming in a stunning natural setting. Equipment can be rented from local operators.

60. Hippo Watching on Lake Tengrela

Take a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) onto Lake Tengrela to observe hippos in their natural habitat. Early morning offers the best viewing opportunities and magical light for photography.

61. Safari in Nazinga Game Ranch

This wildlife reserve offers self-drive and guided safari experiences to observe elephants, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species. The reserve’s relatively small size and good road network make it accessible for independent travelers.

62. Climbing Nahouri Peak

This granite outcrop near Tiébélé offers a moderately challenging climb that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The climb takes about an hour and is best attempted in the cooler morning hours.

63. Mountain Biking around Banfora

The varied terrain around Banfora is perfect for mountain biking adventures, with routes that pass waterfalls, rock formations, and traditional villages. Bikes can be rented in Banfora town.

Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems

The colorful Friday morning Moro-Naba ceremony in Ouagadougou

64. Moro-Naba Ceremony

Every Friday at around 6 AM, the Moro-Naba Palace in Ouagadougou hosts the “Nabayius Gou” ceremony, depicting the emperor being restrained by his wife and subjects as he sets off to war with his brother. This colorful traditional ceremony offers insight into Mossi culture.

65. Bronze Casting in Bobo-Dioulasso

Visit traditional bronze casters in Bobo-Dioulasso to observe the lost-wax casting technique that has been practiced for centuries. Many artisans welcome visitors to their workshops and sell their creations directly.

66. Lobi Country Homestay

Experience traditional Lobi culture by arranging a homestay in a village near Gaoua. This immersive experience offers insight into daily life, traditional cuisine, and cultural practices.

67. Bani Market Day

The weekly market in Bani brings together vendors and shoppers from throughout the region, creating a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to observe traditional commerce and social interactions.

68. Sabou Sacred Crocodiles

Visit the sacred crocodile pond in Sabou, where dozens of crocodiles are protected by local traditions. Local guides can help you safely observe and even touch these surprisingly docile reptiles.

69. Traditional Music Performance in Bobo-Dioulasso

Experience the rich musical traditions of Burkina Faso by attending a performance of balafon (traditional xylophone) or djembe drumming in Bobo-Dioulasso, known as the country’s cultural capital.

70. Sunset at Tengréla Lake

Witness the spectacular sunset over Tengréla Lake, when the sky explodes with color and hippos begin to emerge from the water. The peaceful setting and beautiful light make this a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Essential Travel Tips for Burkina Faso

Experiencing the warm hospitality and rich culture of Burkina Faso

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Burkina Faso is during the cooler dry season from November to February, when temperatures are more moderate and rainfall is minimal. This period offers comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season (June to September) brings lush landscapes but can make travel challenging due to flooded roads.

Getting Around

Transportation options in Burkina Faso include shared taxis, buses, and car rentals. For longer distances, consider domestic flights between major cities. In urban areas, taxis and motorcycle taxis (called “taxi-motos”) provide convenient transportation. For exploring remote areas, hiring a local guide with a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.

Accommodation

Major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso offer a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels. In smaller towns and rural areas, options are more limited, so advance booking is advisable. Consider staying at community-based tourism initiatives that benefit local populations.

Cultural Etiquette

Burkina Faso is a conservative country, and modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural communities. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or sacred sites. Learning a few phrases in French (the official language) or local languages like Mooré will be greatly appreciated by locals.

Safety Considerations

Planning your journey with local knowledge is essential for a safe trip

Before traveling to Burkina Faso, it’s essential to check the latest travel advisories from your home country’s government, as security situations can change. Some regions, particularly in the north and east, have experienced security challenges in recent years.

Consider these safety precautions:

• Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival
• Avoid traveling at night, especially in rural areas
• Consider hiring reputable local guides for exploring remote regions
• Maintain copies of important documents and keep emergency contacts handy
• Stay informed about local conditions through reliable news sources and your accommodation
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation

With proper planning and awareness, many visitors enjoy safe and rewarding experiences in Burkina Faso, particularly in the southern and western regions that are generally more stable.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Burkina Faso

The magical sunset over rural Burkina Faso captures the country’s timeless beauty

Burkina Faso offers travelers an authentic African experience that goes beyond typical tourist destinations. From the vibrant urban energy of Ouagadougou to the tranquil beauty of its natural landscapes, from ancient cultural traditions to warm local hospitality, this West African nation rewards those who venture off the beaten path.

What makes Burkina Faso truly special is the resilience and creativity of its people, who have maintained their cultural heritage while embracing positive change. Whether you’re admiring intricate mud architecture, swaying to the rhythms of traditional music, or simply sharing a meal with locals, you’ll discover the true meaning of “Burkina Faso”—the land of upright and dignified people.

As you plan your journey to this remarkable country, remember that the most memorable experiences often come from unexpected encounters and genuine connections. Approach your travels with an open heart and mind, and Burkina Faso will reveal its treasures to you.