Ougadougou  

Ouagadougou, more commonly know by the abbreviated name Ouaga, is the capital city of Burkina Faso and also the home of the country’s administration and economic centers.

The architecture here is far from inspiring and the sights will leave you underwhelmed (except for the impressive Roman Catholic cathedral) but the city is a true hive of performing arts inspiration.

Dance, live music, awesome festivals and craft markets make for a memorable and rewarding travel experience and make a trip to Ouaga worthwhile.

The city of Bobo-Dioulasso, which fortunately also has an abbreviated name; Bobo, is the second largest city in Burkina Faso.

Bobo-Dioulasso

The city of Bobo-Dioulasso, which fortunately also has an abbreviated name; Bobo, is the second largest city in Burkina Faso.Despite its size, the city has a laid back and exclusive feel which makes it a favourite resting spot for travellers from all backgrounds and with all budgets.

The city is worth exploring in the daytime but the main attraction here is the nightlife. The live music and restaurants in the city are some of the best in Burkina Faso. The local music on offer in various clubs and bars attracts the residents of the city as well as tourists from Europe and The States.

 

Banfora

Banfora is situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Burkina Faso, the Comoe Province.

The town is not much of a draw for tourists in itself but the location is perfect; the nearby attractions include Tengrela Lake, which is a great place to spot hippos, especially in the dry season, and the Karfiguela Waterfalls which make for a great hiking or picnic spot.

The falls have their own parking area with security for self-drive holidaymakers.

 

Gorom Gorom

Gorom Gorom is a town in the north of Burkina Faso, situated at what was once an important location at the crossroads of the Sahel.The main reason to visit the town is without question the market. Each Thursday, traders from all over the country travel to sell their wares at this impressive market.It is a great place for souvenir shopping with items ranging from jewelery to handcrafted leather items.

Tiebele

Tiebele is a small village located right next to Burkina Faso’s border with Ghana.The Kassena people of Africa, one of the oldest ethnic groups of the country, originate from this village and as such there are a great number of traditional mud huts and other architecture all of which are beautifully decorated.The houses here, mainly due to the poverty in the area, are built entirely from straw and mud but they are decorated with character and pride, making them a great spot to visit.

Nazinga reserve

Not far from the border shared with Ghana, the Nazinga Game Reserve covers an expanse of around 97,000 hectares. If you are visiting the country for its wildlife then this reserve is a must.

The elephants here steal the show although the birdlife and crocodiles are also popular. The best time to see the reserve’s elephants is between the months of December to April.

There are various accommodation options in the reserve including the impressive Nazinga Ranch which occupies prime real estate by the reserve’s most lively watering hole.

Ruins of Loropeni

These ruins, thought to be at least 1000 years old, serve as a vivid reminder of just how vast and important the cross-Sahara gold trade once was. The site is a Unesco World Heritage site and was the first to be rewarded with such a status in the country.

The stone ruins here make for a fascinating day trip and are still, at present, being excavated with many more secrets expected to be discovered with time.

The nearby town of Gaoua is not really worth visiting and has a bad reputation in the country. However, if you do choose to visit the town, lookout for the sacred grove of trees and the museum.

Sindou

The lively town of Sindou is located in the Loraba Province of Burkina Faso and is mainly know for the nearby rugged rock peaks that appear suddenly from the surrounding shrubbery.

The great thing about Sindou is that, although the Sindou Peaks are a genuine tourist draw, the town retains its character and charm and does not feel like a tourist spot at all.

Guides are readily available in the area and reasonably priced. Be sure to visit the peaks at sunset for some good photographs and memories