Burkina Faso offers a lot to its visitors! Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Burkina Faso so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Burkina Faso and the best places to visit in Burkina Faso. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.
Table Of Content
- Burkina Faso
- Arli National Park, Tapoa Province
- Bangr-Weogo, Ouagadougou
- Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Bobo-Dioulasso Grand Mosque
- Cour royale de Tiébélé
- Gorom Gorom, Burkina Faso
- Laongo
- Lake Tengrela, Tingrela
- Loropeni
- Musée de Bendrologie de Manéga
- Musée de la Musique
- National Museum of Ouagadougou
- Nazinga Reserve
- Ouagadougou
- Ouagadougou Cathedral
- Ouahigouya
- Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou
- Sacred Crocodile, Sabou
- Pics de Sindou, Banfora
- Stade Du 4 Août, Ouagadougou
- Tiebele Painted Houses
- W National Park
- Ziniare Wildlife Park
- Explore Africa
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked African country, is one of the world’s poorest nations. What it lacks in resources and wealth, it more than overcomes by the allure of its soul and natural beauty.
The “must-visit” places list may be less than in other African countries. Still, the people here will go out of their way to make guests feel at home and ensure their time here is unforgettable.
Burkina Faso’s national parks and the Sindou Peaks and Lake Tengrela are the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Still, the country’s natural landscapes are also a significant draw.
Burkina Faso’s cities don’t have many sites or tourist attractions. Still, music and other performing arts are undoubtedly some of the best in Africa.
The elephant population in Burkina Faso is the greatest in West Africa.
The country has four national parks, one UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, three Complete Reserves, six Partial Reserves, and ten protected forests.
While the lack of visitors might be discouraging, some places you visit will have fresh air. The family-run guesthouses will provide a warm and personal experience.
Arli National Park, Tapoa Province
It’s the only one where thousands of animals call home out of four national parks.
Around 700 square kilometers is the park’s total area. Animals like lions, zebras, antelopes, monkeys, and hippos are all found here.
The African wild dog may have been eradicated due to the increasing human population and other causes.
About 100 lions, 200 elephants, and 200 hippos live in the park. Visitors to the park can also see baboons, baboons, green monkeys, pigs, warthogs, duikers, and antelopes.
The park’s rich fauna may be seen and learned during a game drive.
One of the park’s most reliable and popular wildlife viewing areas, Tonga’s watering hole attracts various species year-round.
When animals congregate around Tonga’s water basins during the dry season, the park offers the finest opportunities for wildlife viewing.
If you’re traveling with children, this national park is a must-see because of the wide variety of wildlife you’ll be able to witness there.
Address: Tapoa Province, Burkina Faso
Bangr-Weogo, Ouagadougou
Bangr Weogo Park is another place to see animals. It is more than simply a park; it has a variety of attractions, eateries, and activities that will keep you entertained.
In Burkina Faso, it was known as Fôret Classée du Barrage d’Ougadougou. It was previously owned by the Mossé Moro-Naba Emperor.
Ouagadougou’s wonderful animal park may be found right in the middle of the city. There are so many animals and plants here that it has to be one of the best urban parks in the world.
A botanical garden that is short to be extended and an area of swampy, tree-covered savannah that can be used for walks and amusement in the natural environment.
The park is a natural treasure. Many bird species, including the highly endangered African green parrot, African hornbill, and hooded vulture.
Take a stroll around the nature preserve, looking for Sahel tortoises, hyenas, roan antelope, and little monkeys, among other animals. You may include the Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo in your Ouagadougou vacation plans.
Address: 9GX6+7PF, N 3, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Despite its size, it is a popular resting place for travelers from all walks of life and economic levels.
The second-largest city in Burkina Faso is Bobo-Dioulasso, fortunately known by Bobo’s shorter name.
People have remarked that Burkina Faso’s “Bobos,” or individuals who have spent time in Bobo, absorbed some of the “Bobolaise” characteristics. It is the most welcoming Burkina Fasoans in the world.
From strangers to neighbors, anyone is always welcome to sip tea or some bissap and eat meals at the house.
Tea parties, older women out on a stroll, and youngsters in groups are familiar sights in every neighborhood, unlike many other cities and villages.
The local music at numerous clubs and pubs draws the city’s locals and tourists from Europe and The States.
The Bobo Dioulasso is the perfect spot to meet new people who won’t criticize you if you need a break from social media.
Address: Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Bobo-Dioulasso Grand Mosque
There are many Muslims in Burkina Faso. This significant component of Burkinabe culture may be seen in Ouagadougou’s large mosque in the city’s heart.
The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is the country’s second-largest city’s oldest and also the country’s oldest mosque.
The city and the mosque’s titles derive from the fact that it is home to two distinct ethnicities: the Bobo and the Dioula.
Since its construction began in 1870, it has been built using laterite, clay, and shea butter in the traditional Sudanese style.
Traditionally, women were barred from entering the mosque, but as the times have changed, so have the laws. The first two rows of the mosque are designated for older women who have completed having children or have traveled to Mecca.
Over 800 people may be accommodated in the mosque, making it one of the largest mosques in the region.
For that mosque in Bobo-Dioulasso, don’t waste your time wandering around the city. What are the chances? Come and have a look for yourself!
Address: Bobo-Dioulasso, Houet, Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso
Cour royale de Tiébélé
The chief’s compound in this African community has lovely traditional artwork painted on the walls.
The Kassena cultural legacy may be seen in the designs painted by women on the buildings of the Cour Royale de Tiébélé.
Black, white, and red lacquer made from ground beans are used to produce traditional patterns painted by hand in these three hues. It’s a group effort, with as many as 15 women working on a single building at a time to decorate the walls.
Not just residences get this kind of extra attention. The graves of the deceased are also ornamented.
The structures’ architecture is indicative of the bigger Gurunsi ethnic group.
People and climate are protected by the solid walls and few windows.
Historically, earth, straw, and cow dung were used to build the structures, but currently, mud, brick, and stone are more commonly used.
Take a look at the village women’s efforts to build these remarkable buildings. You’ll be blown away by their talent!
Address: Nahouri, Burkina Faso
Gorom Gorom, Burkina Faso
The market is undoubtedly the most important reason to visit the town.
An intriguing village, Gorom-Gorom isn’t actually a town but rather an area of Burkina Faso that is distinct from the rest of the country.
Every week, many Tuaregs, Bellas, Fulas, and other traders congregate in this market, which is also home to a slew of mosques. Essakane, not far away, is home to a gold mine.
Deserts, camels, and individuals with unique clothing and jewelry make up the landscape.
The Peul and the Tuareg are two ethnic groups that make up the African continent. The Thursday market in Gorom is well-known and draws a few tourists.
You sit down, and we’ll sit down, referring to its significance as a major intersection in the Sahel region. Oudalan Province’s capital is located here.
You may get everything from jewelry to leather goods here as a keepsake. You will surely love the market here!
Address: Gorom Gorom, Burkina Faso
Laongo
African sculptors use granite to record their memories and create works of art.
The Laongo Sculpture Symposium, sometimes an open-air museum, is home to a collection of granite sculptures created by various African artists.
Laongo is a sculpture paradise for Africans. Using a natural stone like granite, artists carve their ideas and inspirations into the rock.
From the spacious grounds’ entrance to its wooded expansion, a short distance away, over 2000 sculpted sculptures confront the visitor.
A wide range of works is inscribed in stone from the spiritual, political, traditional roots, family life, history, culture, and ordinary art.
The traveler or art admirer is quickly attracted to traveling from one majestic stonework to the other as they beckon with a special message.
Impressive artworks by some of the world’s greatest painters will leave you speechless. As an example of modern architecture, these statues have African-themed designs. This is a must-see location!
Address: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Lake Tengrela, Tingrela
Even though Banfora was named a local destination before. On this list, this lake deserves its own spot.
Landlocked Burkina Faso is home to a small natural lake called Lake Tengrela, located near the city of Banfora.
Due to the sacred nature of the hippos, many believe they will not harm people when visiting this area.
Being one of the country’s most official and tourist-friendly destinations. It’s also a significant source of cash for the city, thanks to the influx of tourists it attracts.
The friendly villagers offer flat-bottom boats, lighter than the hippos, for rides around the lake. Still, one must be careful since the hippos can feel intimidated and capsize the boat.
Residents of Tengrela, just a few miles away, flock here to go fishing.
This is a great area to watch if you haven’t seen hippos before because the water is apparent and looks shallow in certain spots.
Address: Tingrela, Burkina Faso
Loropeni
Many mysteries are still unearthed in these ancient stone remains, making for an exciting day excursion.
The fortified villages’ validity as ruins is unquestionable.
At least 1000 years old, these ruins offer a striking reminder of how significant the cross-Saharan traffic in gold was at its peak.
The landmark was the first to be designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
People lived in the Lohron or Koulango, which was in charge of gold mining and processing at its height in the 14th to 17th centuries. As yet, many areas of this site have not been excavated.
Remarkable Loropéni Ruins are a collection of magnificent, six-meter-tall laterite stone walls around a massive abandoned village.
There are some sacred trees and a museum in the town, so if you decide to come, keep an eye out for these two places! It’s one of the must-see attractions to visit too!
Address: Niratoma, Burkina Faso
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Musée de Bendrologie de Manéga
The Museum of Manéga focuses on Burkina Faso’s art and musical instruments.
In the town of Manega, Burkina Faso, the Musée de Bendrologie de Manéga (Bendrology Museum) is located 55 kilometers (34 miles) northwest of Ouagadougou.
This area is a shrine to all things African. An invitation to the “Prize for African Literature” jurors is included.
Burkinabé lawyer and author Frédéric Pacéré Titing, who has published over two dozen books and amassed a library of more than six hundred volumes, founded the organization.
A collection of around 40 “Boura flutes,” employed in ceremonies in the Niger Valley between the 2nd and 11th centuries, may be found in the museums.
It is also famous for its 200-year-old Mossi weapons.
An exhibit hall dedicated to Burkinabé national culture and so-called pavilions, such as the Youyounse pavilion, are available at the African Art Museum.
It’s a must-see for tourists who want to admire the local artworks in the area!
Address: Nongou, Burkina Faso
Musée de la Musique
To enjoy this museum, you don’t need to be a music fan: the Burkinabé lives and breathes music.
The structure has dome-shaped roofing in the manner of Sudanese Sahelian architecture. It’s right in the city’s commercial district, making it accessible to everyone.
Because of the museum’s new location, ADAUP, a non-profit organization, had its headquarters renovated.
The initial collection was assembled between September 1998 and March 1999 and is still expanding.
Aerophones, membranophones, idiophones, and chordophones are among the instruments covered. Each item is unique and can be anywhere from five to 200 years old.
Local music history may be experienced in an authentic setting thanks to the new structure’s native adobe materials.
Among the instruments on display at Ouagadougou’s Museum of Traditional Music are instruments worldwide.
Curator Parfait Z. Bambara is in charge of the museum.
A visit to the museum is a great way to learn about Burkinabé culture.
Address: Ave dÓUbritenga, Ouagadougou
National Museum of Ouagadougou
Weary of seeing wild animals in their natural habitats? You’ll be amazed by the variety of artifacts and the opportunity to learn more about Burkina Faso at this site.
The National Museum of Ouagadougou is one of the country’s most prominent museums.
Sacred objects, ethnic costumes, masks, old monuments, and artifacts are all on display, an intriguing glimpse into the country’s history and culture.
Its mission is to enhance the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Burkinabé concerning events and experiences that embody Burkinabe history and identity.
The museum’s African Art collection includes over 7,500 items, including archaeological remnants, jewelry, Bobo masks, Lobi and Senufo sculptures, musical instruments, weaponry, and agricultural equipment.
The famed Burkinabé Museum of History, located in the center of the Capital Region, attracts an increasing number of tourists yearly.
The most popular national museum in Burkina Faso is a must-see for everyone eager to better understand the country’s history and culture.
Address: Blvd Charles de Gaulle E, Ouagadougou
Nazinga Reserve
Through one man’s dedication, a dying savannah’s indigenous species have been successfully restored to the Nazinga Game Reserve.
With an area of 239,692 acres (97,000 hectares), Ranch de Nazinga is home to approximately 20,000 creatures, including monkeys, warthogs, and more than two-dozen species of birds.
Protected and repopulating operations in the core region are available to photography and observation tourists.
According to the yearly census, the outside strip is reserved for sport hunting, restricted to certain species and a predetermined number of animals.
Despite the magnificent array of animals, the reserve’s most significant draw is still elephants.
The most incredible way to see all the wildlife that calls this location home is on a safari tour in the protected area.
December through April are ideal for viewing the reserve’s elephants.
The Nazinga Ranch sits on ideal real estate near the reserve’s busiest watering hole. It is one of several available lodging alternatives and a must-see for Burkina Faso tourists.
Address: 4G57+VVM, Kouliga, Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
The city of Ouagadougou is characterized by its abundance of giant trees and its juxtaposition of new public buildings next to older residential areas.
An international airport and a train link to the port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, are also available. Textiles, fizzy beverages, matches, and footwear are examples of significant products.
Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, serves as the country’s administrative, cultural, and economic hub.
Ouaga is a commonly used term for the city. Residents are referred to as Ouagalais.
As well as the Ouagadougou University, the city contains a market, a crafts center, and the National Museum.
Dance and music venues, live musicians, and theater groups are just some things you’ll find in Ouaga, a flourishing and diversified cultural center.
Even if Ouga isn’t the most abundant of destinations, there are still many things to enjoy about the city’s unique approach to tourism. Visits to their city will help visitors understand their nation better and may even boost the economy of the city’s residents.
Address: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou Cathedral
Be awed by the beautiful orange architecture of the Cathédrale de l’Immaculée-Conception de Ouagadougou, a unique orange cathedral.
Ouagadougou Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Ouagadougou. A vast Roman Catholic cathedral is located in Ouagadougou’s capital city, Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa.
When the territory was known as French North Africa, apostolic vicar Joanny Thévenoud from the White Fathers erected this religious complex in 1930.
Even though it may be one of West Africa’s greatest cathedrals, this one stands out for its unusual external architecture, entirely made of mud brick.
It bears some resemblance to the Notre Dame de Paris’s front door. But the design is based on Romanesque Basilica architecture that can be seen across Europe.
Even though there are two towers on either side of the arched entryway, the red mud bricks give the entire construction an African vibe.
It’s a must-see if you’re ever in the area. You’ll find various religious memorabilia at the entryway for sale.
Address: Ave de la Cathédrale, Saint Léon, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Ouahigouya
Visiting a new place may be an eye-opening experience. Ouahigouya is the place where this happens for many guests.
Don’t be fooled that Ouahigouya is not as well-known as other cities in Burkina Faso.
Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso’s most famous town in Yatenga Province’s Nord Region, at 315 meters above sea level.
The city of Ouahigouya is mountainous, making it one of the country’s oldest inhabited settlements.
Small industrial and artisan businesses are concentrated in the city of Ouahigouya.
Most people come to the market because of the street food sellers and the Yatenga Chef, the spiritual leader of his community. A wealth of knowledge about Mossi culture for a donation of any amount they choose.
Ouahigouya, despite its small size, is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. There are so many things to do and see at this hidden treasure that you’ll be amazed. You may wish to return to Ouahigouya at some time to savor the calm once again.
Address: Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou
In Burkina Faso, Africa’s biggest film festival begins!
FESPACO serves as both a showcase and a gauge for African cinematic excellence. It’s also a chance for socializing and networking with other professionals.
A long-running and venerable film festival, the Burkina Faso International Film Festival has honored African cinema and culture in the West African nation since 1969.
TV Festival Director Alex Moussa Sawadogo stated that despite the difficulties, organizers intended to continue with the festival known as FESPACO. To demonstrate that Burkina Faso can still “inspire creativity via the film.”
Hundreds of filmmakers, industry insiders, and festival-goers visit Ouagadougou to participate in the most prominent African film festival atmosphere every year.
When it comes to awards in Hollywood, the Academy Awards of Merit, or Oscar, is the highest honor a filmmaker can get. There are two golden statues that filmmakers across Africa strive for: the Golden Stallion, or L’Étalon de Yennenga, which is the top honor given to films at Africa’s largest film festival, the FESPACO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which takes place every two years.
Come see what all the FESPACO excitement is about!
Address: Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
Sacred Crocodile, Sabou
Burkina Faso’s Sacred Crocodile Lake is undoubtedly one of the country’s most intriguing and popular tourist destinations.
Most people come to Sabou to see the town’s famous holy crocodiles.
Keepers feed the reptiles, and tourists get to pose for a picture with the crocodile.
The lake is surrounded by crocodiles. According to local belief, these reptiles are said to be descendants of their forefathers.
Crocodiles are seen as harmless, and there have been no crocodile-related accidents in the area for more than 70 years.
In this town, feeding crocodiles is prohibited, and the people who live there closely watch the well-being of these reptiles.
Even though crocodiles are among the most lethal predators in the animal kingdom, it’s not uncommon to see a person perched on one in Burkina Faso.
Locals here will push you to sit on top of one of these animals for a photo if you seek a unique opportunity to impress your friends back home.
Address: Sabou, Burkina Faso
Pics de Sindou, Banfora
With their tight, rugged chain and stunning variety of twisted cones formed by nature, Burkina Faso’s Sindou Mountains are one of its most breathtaking sights.
Sindou, a vibrant town in Burkina Faso’s Loraba Province, is well known for its neighboring jagged granite peaks, which burst out of the surrounding greenery without warning.
These brown, sandy cones were once submerged millions of years ago, and they’ve been sculpted ever since.
This geological wonder is located in a small, traffic-free settlement, making it ideal for hiking and camping.
This is a beautiful feature of Sindou: Even though it is a tourist destination, Sindou preserves its own character and charm.
In addition to being a geological wonderland, this area is well-suited to trekking, being only 50 kilometers west of Banfora.
A spectacular start to the day awaits you here, as does a hearty breakfast. Visit the peaks around dusk to get the best photos and memories of your trip.
Address: Banfora, Burkina Faso
Stade Du 4 Août, Ouagadougou
Do you want to view the country’s most multifunctional stadiums? The Stade Du 4 Aout is one of the country’s largest stadiums.
French football’s Stade Du 4 Aout is the country’s largest and most versatile multifunctional stadium. There is enough room for roughly 35,000 people to sit in this stadium at any given moment.
The Etoile Filante of Ouagadougou and Burkina Faso’s team football matches may be seen here.
It has an essential history because it was built by China. It was named after Burkina Faso’s first revolution in 1983.
Facilities at this location include an athletics arena and meeting rooms. In addition to hosting the 21st African Cup of Nations, the Stade Du 4 Août is frequently utilized for concerts or political protests.
In addition to hosting football games, it also features an athletics track.
The Stade Du 4 Août is a must-see location you should not miss. This beautiful location is often overlooked by tourists.
Address: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Tiebele Painted Houses
The houses here, mainly due to the region’s poverty, are made entirely from straw and mud. Still, they are ornamented with individuality and pride, making them a fantastic site to visit.
A tiny community called Tiebele is situated close to Burkina Faso and Ghana’s border.
In this community, the Kassena people, one of Africa’s oldest ethnic groups, have many traditional mud dwellings and other structures, all elegantly adorned.
Tiébélé is a small, isolated settlement. The traditional mud cottages with painted walls are the main draw for tourists. These artworks add cultural and artistic value to the town.
Tiebele has also been recognized by the World Monument Fund, which has gathered cash to help promote and preserve the local culture.
Tiebele’s dwindling tourist numbers may be saved by growing interest from the travel community. As a result, more people are coming to Tiebele.
For an escape the commotion of the city’s streets, Tiébélé is a beautiful destination. Despite this, the locals are kind and open, so you may stay longer than expected.
Address: Tiebele, Burkina Faso
W National Park
One of Africa’s most critical transboundary landscapes is the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (WAP), including the W and Pendjari National Parks in West Africa.
The W National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans three countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It is a transboundary conservation area.
Park’s name is derived from a river in Niger that serves as its northern boundary. In the Sudano-Sahelian bioregion, W is located in the climate that goes along with it.
Savanna woodlands and gallery forests along the park’s southern edge, while thorny scrub and open savannah make up much of the north.
The Mekrou and Alibori rivers, both major tributaries of the Niger, empty into the park.
The Northwest African cheetah, a critically endangered subspecies found only in the WAP Complex, is one of the region’s final remaining populations.
The most thrilling element of a trip to this park is taking a 4×4 or trekking tour in a 4×4.
Address: W Bénin Niger National Park, Address
Ziniare Wildlife Park
It has taken months of starvation for the lionesses of Ziniaré Animal Park, now known as “Ziniaré Animal Sanctuary,” to learn to roar again.
Blaise Compoare, the former president of Burkina Faso, was born in Ziniare, part of the Oubritenga Province.
The Ziniare Wildlife Park and a remarkable granite sculpture created by a collaboration of 18 artists from 13 nations are two of the most popular attractions in the region for tourists.
Ziniare Wildlife Park features hyenas, tigers, an elephant, and alone solitary giraffe.
Ostriches, parrots, and other birds may be seen during the tour.
The park might need some care and new attractions to entice visitors as a tourist destination.
Even though it appears to be a natural jungle, there are only a few species of animals to see. No signage means visitors must be accompanied by a guide if they wish to explore the area independently.
There are also no facilities inside, so visitors cannot roam the area without assistance.
Learn about the lives of these creatures as you tour the park with a guide.
Need more convincing to travel to Burkina Faso, right? Check out reasons to visit Burkina Faso at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: Ziniaré, Burkina Faso
