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- Destinations
- Africa
- Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's name translates into 'the land of upright people'
although it equally well known for the remarkable hospitality of
the locals, its stable political situation, and vibrant cultural
life.
Burkina Faso is landlocked, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin,
Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. With sixty different ethnicities,
this nation is a diverse blend of culture and traditions. Burkina
Faso is ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, and
the most illiterate.
There are a surprising number of tourist attractions in Burkina
Faso, despite the fact that very tourists ever visit here. The
capital Ouagadougou is an agreeble place with excellent restaurants
and entertainment options and famously friendly citizens. The most
interesting city to visit is Bobo Dioulasso, known throughout West
Africa for its music and nightlife, and as the home of the Djembe
drum. The city's atmospheric Old Quarter and Grande Mosque are also
well worth visiting. Another city, Gorom Gorom, is famed for its
Thursday market and for the Feminine Artisan Centre of Gorom, where
the local women demonstrate their skill in art, sculpture and
pottery. Other camera-worthy Burkino Faso attractions include the
granite-sculpting artists of Loango, the sacred crocodiles of
Sabou, the mausoleum commemorating Princess Guimbi Ouattara and the
natural waterfall of Banfora.
Getting around Burkina Faso entails roughing it a bit, but the
adventure and scenery is compensation enough for the inconvenience
of potholed roads. There is a train service running from
Ouagadougou, the capital city, to the main towns but flying is
invariably the quickest travel option. Credit cards are rarely
accepted throughout the country, but cash can be withdrawn with a
card at certain banks in Ouaga and Bobo. Mastercard is also not
widely accepted at ATMs. Some travellers' checks can be cashed at
local banks in the city.
This diverse destination has a tropical climate with two very
distinct seasons; the rainy season and the dry season. The
Harmattanseason runs from November to January and, although
windy and dusty, it is considered the best time to visit because
it's usually dry and cooler.
Burkina Faso will interest travellers looking for a rich and
varied slice of West African life in the company of some of
continent's friendliest people.
Information & Facts
Customs
There are several customs in Burkina Faso that visitors need to
be aware of: photography is strictly controlled, and tourists
should always ask permission before photographing any person, and
never attempt to take a picture of a military or government
building. Women should not wear short skirts or revealing clothing,
and should refrain from smoking in public. Shaking hands is an
appropriate way to greet a person regardless of sex, and one should
always return a greeting. Homosexuality is not generally accepted
in Burkina Faso. Eating, touching another person, and giving
someone money with the left hand is considered offensive.
Duty Free
Visitors to Burkina Faso may import up to 200 cigarettes/50
cigars/100 cigarillos/250g of tobacco, one litre of spirit and one
litre of wine, 500ml each of eau de toilette and perfume, and two
still cameras/one movie camera. Sporting guns may be brought in by
license only.
Passport Visa
It is recommended that all travellers ensure their passports
have six months' validity remaining.