Burkina Faso Tours & Holidays

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).

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.

1. Be considerate of Burkina Faso’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
3. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water.
4. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
5. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!
6. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.
7. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
8. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
9. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
10. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.