Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is a country with a powerful cultural identity. Its people are famously proud, friendly, and honest. The country is a major hub for West African music and arts, with its capital, Ouagadougou, being a lively center for festivals. In the southwest, near the town of Banfora, are some of the country's main natural attractions, including the beautiful Karfiguéla Waterfalls and the strange, otherworldly rock formations of the Sindou Peaks. The country is also famous for the beautiful, decorated mud-brick architecture of the Kassena people in the village of Tiébélé.

Unfortunately, the country has been battling a severe and widespread terrorist insurgency since 2015, which has made travel to almost all parts of the country extremely dangerous. This guide is for informational purposes, with the hope that the security situation will one day allow for the return of safe travel.

Reasons to Visit (in a future, stable context)

• Rich Music and Film Scene: Experience the vibrant cultural heart of West Africa, especially during major festivals like FESPACO.
• Unique Traditional Architecture: See the beautifully decorated mud-brick homes of the Kassena people in Tiébélé.
• Striking Natural Landscapes: Explore the waterfalls and unique rock formations near Banfora.
• The "Land of Honest People": Interact with the famously proud and friendly people of Burkina Faso.

Things to Avoid (Crucial Safety Warnings)

• Traveling to the Country: Most governments advise against all travel to Burkina Faso due to the very high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.
• Independent Travel: This is extremely dangerous.
• Any Travel Outside the Capital: Travel in rural areas is exceptionally dangerous.

Local Transportation Tips

In a stable security context, a good network of buses would connect the main cities. Within Ouagadougou, taxis are the main form of transport. At present, all travel is subject to extreme risk.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings are Key: Extensive and formal greetings are very important before any conversation.
• Modest Dress: The country has a mix of Muslim and Christian populations. Modest dress is recommended.
• Right Hand Use: Use your right hand for all exchanges.

Did You Know?

The country was known as the Republic of Upper Volta until 1984, when it was renamed Burkina Faso by the revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara. The name translates to "Land of Incorruptible People."

Cool Burkina Faso Stats

• A Cinematic Capital: Ouagadougou is home to the biennial Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), the largest of its kind in Africa.
• A Land of Horses: The horse is a national symbol, representing the legendary Princess Yennenga, the mythical mother of the Mossi people, the country's largest ethnic group.
• Cotton Producer: Burkina Faso is one of Africa's largest producers of cotton.

Recommended Age Group

Due to the extreme security risks, travel to Burkina Faso is not recommended for any age group.

• Babies (0-2 years):Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years):Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years):Not recommended.
• Adults (20-64 years):Not recommended.
• Seniors (65+ years):Not recommended.

Accessibility Level: Low

• There is no accessibility infrastructure in Burkina Faso.
• The infrastructure is very basic and not designed for accessibility.
• The terrain is rugged in many parts of the country.
• There are no accessible facilities.