BURKINA.com

Tourism, Travel, & Information Guide
to the African Country of Burkina Faso.

Travel & Tourism:

What to Do & See:

Information on what to do and see in Burkina is coming soon...

Getting There & Away

There are several major airlines flying into Burkina Faso from many cities around the world. Burkina.com recommends comparing various airlines and ticketing agents with our Travel partner Booking Wiz. (see widget on top right of page)

SEE OUR BURKINA MAPS SECTION

Getting Around

Modes of transportation for getting around Burkina include cars, buses, and mini vans. There is also train service servicing Abidjan-Bobo-Ouaga-Kaya. Hitch hiking is not common.

• By Plane:
  Obviously, flying between the main cities is the quickest way to get around Burkina Faso. (see list of cities below). Keep in mind that when you fly, you miss out on many opportunities to intermix and experience the people and culture of the country.

• By Train:
  There is a train running 517 km from Ouagadougou to the Cote d'Ivoire border.

• By Bus:
  You can also easily take the bus in and out of of Burkina to many countries, such as Ghana, Mali, and Benin. Buses are the absolute most economical mode of transportation possible.
  

Something to think about:
Getting around by bus in any developing country is a sometimes harrowing but often rewarding mode of transportation.... for it is on the bus where you will intermix and experience the locals of the land you are traveling in. For those with the time and inclination to do so, every hardened traveler will always recommend taking at least one bus ride in any country you really want to experience fully.

Main Cities of Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, also known as Ouaga (pronounced "Wa-Gha"), is the capital city, located in the center of the country, in the area known as the Mossi Plateau.

Other cities in Burkina Faso include: Banfora, Bobo-Dioulasso- (the country's second largest city, located in the south-west), BOKIN, DEDOUGOU, DJIBO, DORI, FADA N'GORUMA, GAOUA, GOROM-GOROM, KAYA, KOUDOUGOU, LEO, ORADARA, OUAHIGOUYA, and ZORGO.

Where to Stay

Information on where to stay in Burkina Faso is coming soon...

Buying Things/ Money:

The currency of Burkina Faso is the CFA franc, or the Communaute Financiere Africaine franc known generically as (CFA).

For conversion tables of all international currencies to CFA, click here.

Credit cards are rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with a card at certain banks in Ouaga and Bobo. Mastercard is not widely accepted at ATMs. Travellers' checks (better luck in euros than in dollars) can usually be cashed at local banks in Ouaga and Bobo

Dangers & Responsibilities

• Dangers:
  According to the editors of Wikipedia, Burkina Faso is a "remarkably safe and respectful country" in West Africa. There are no special precautions necessary, in terms of safety, to take. Women travelers rarely experience any problems and foreigners, especially white ones, frequently garner significant attention (Nassara!) - but the interest is entirely harmless.
  
  Having said that, Burkina.com believes you should always do some research about the modern day safety climate before actually taking your trip. One of the best sources for doing this is Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree bulletin- Africa Section, where you can get information from the most recent travelers to go there.

• Respect:
  As there is a majority of Muslim people, remember to use always your right hand for eating, greeting, etc.

Immigration/ Requirements:

Passport and a visa are required to enter the country. You generally should obtain your visa in advance, although European Union citizens can obtain visas upon arrival at the airport (10,000 CFA).

Vaccinations:

Yellow fever vaccination required. Malaria is a serious problem. Cholera vaccination may be required in event of outbreak. Meningitis is also a problem, and vaccination is highly suggested.

Maps: Here is a collection of maps for Burkina Faso, Africa. Click to enlarge this one. (243kb)