Burkina Faso, or “Land of Upright People,” is a landlocked gem in West Africa that captivates with its rich cultural tapestry, diverse landscapes, and resilient spirit. Formerly known as Upper Volta, this nation of over 20 million people spans about 274,200 square kilometers, bordering Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Burkina Faso offers intrepid travelers a chance to experience authentic West African life – from vibrant markets and ancient traditions to wildlife reserves and artistic festivals.
Burkina Faso’s history is a mosaic of ancient kingdoms, colonial rule and modern struggles for independence and stability. The region was once home to powerful Mossi kingdoms, which dominated from the 11th century onward, establishing centralized states with sophisticated social structures. European colonization began in the late 19th century when France claimed the area as part of French West Africa, renaming it Upper Volta in 1919 after the Volta River.
Independence came in 1960, but the country faced coups and political turbulence. A pivotal figure was Thomas Sankara, a charismatic revolutionary leader who seized power in 1983 and renamed the nation Burkina Faso in 1984 – meaning “Land of Upright People” in Mossi and Dioula languages. Sankara’s Marxist-inspired reforms focused on self-reliance, women’s rights, and anti-corruption, but he was assassinated in 1987 by Blaise Compaoré, who ruled until a popular uprising ousted him in 2014.
Burkina Faso’s landscape varies from the arid Sahel in the north to semi-arid savannahs and wooded plateaus in the south. The country is mostly flat, with elevations rarely exceeding 750 meters, but features dramatic rock formations like the Sindou Peaks and cascading waterfalls near Banfora. Major rivers include the Black, White, and Red Volta, which feed into Lake Volta in Ghana.
The climate is tropical, with a wet season from May to October (bringing heavy rains and lush greenery) and a dry season from November to April, when the harmattan wind blows dust from the Sahara. Temperatures can soar to 45°C (113°F) in the dry season, especially in the north, while the south is milder. Best travel times are November to February for cooler weather, though dust storms can reduce visibility. Climate change exacerbates droughts, impacting agriculture, which employs 80% of the population.
With over 60 ethnic groups, Burkina Faso is a cultural powerhouse. The Mossi, comprising about half the population, are known for their hierarchical society and colorful festivals. Other groups include the Fulani (nomadic herders), Bobo (farmers and artisans), and Lobi (famed for wooden sculptures). French is the official language, but Mooré, Dioula, and Fulfulde are widely spoken.
Art and music thrive here. Burkina Faso hosts FESPACO, Africa’s largest film festival in Ouagadougou every two years, showcasing Pan-African cinema. Traditional masks, bronze casting, and textiles like bogolan (mud-dyed cloth) are UNESCO-recognized crafts. Music blends balafon (xylophone), kora (harp-lute), and modern Afrobeat, with artists like Victor Démé gaining international acclaim.
Religion is diverse: About 60% Muslim, 20% Christian, and the rest following animist beliefs, often syncretized. Hospitality is legendary—Burkinabè are known for their warmth, earning the “upright people” moniker. Gender roles are evolving, with women playing key roles in markets and cooperatives.
Despite security issues limiting access to many areas, Burkina Faso’s highlights are worth noting for future travel or virtual exploration.
“Ouaga” (population around 3 million) is the heart of Burkina Faso, a bustling hub of markets, mosques, and museums. Key spots:
Grand Marché: A chaotic yet enchanting market for fabrics, spices, and handicrafts.
National Museum: Exhibits on Mossi history and traditional artifacts.
Bangr-Weogo Urban Park: A green oasis for birdwatching and picnics.
Moro-Naba Palace: Witness the weekly ceremony where the Mossi emperor’s court reenacts ancient rituals.
Bobo-Dioulasso, the cultural heartland is the second-largest city (~1 million) in the southwest is more laid-back, with colonial architecture and a thriving arts scene.
Grande Mosquée: A stunning mud-brick mosque from 1893, reminiscent of Djenné in Mali.
Old Town (Kibidwé): Mud houses and sacred catfish ponds.
Music Scene: Catch live performances at venues like the Centre Culturel Français.
There are amazing natural wonders in Burkina Faso.
Les Cascades de Karfiguéla (Banfora Waterfalls): Refreshing falls amid banana plantations, ideal for swimming.
Sindou Peaks: Bizarre sandstone formations for hiking and photography.
Nazinga Game Ranch: Spot elephants, antelopes, and warthogs on safari-like drives.
Arli National Park: Near the Benin border, home to lions, hippos, and over 200 bird species.
Laongo Granite Sculptures: An open-air symposium where artists carve massive rocks into art.
Other gems include the ruins of Loropéni (a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient fortifications) and Lake Tengrela, where “sacred” hippos roam.
Burkinabè cuisine is hearty, communal, and based on staples like millet, sorghum, and rice. Meals are often shared from a common bowl, emphasizing social bonds.
Tô: The national dish, a stiff porridge from millet or corn, served with sauces like peanut or okra.
Riz Gras: “Fat rice” cooked with tomatoes, onions, and meat—Burkina’s take on jollof.
Brochettes: Grilled skewers of beef, goat, or chicken, spiced and sold street-side.
Babenda: A fermented leaf stew with fish or meat, packed with nutrients.
Drinks: Try bissap (hibiscus tea), zoom-koom (millet beer), or dolo (sorghum beer) from local maquis (bars).
Vegetarian options abound with yams, beans, and mangoes. Food security is a challenge, but slow food movements promote local, organic produce. In cities, fusion eateries blend French and African influences.
Most visitors need a visa, obtainable online or at embassies. ECOWAS citizens enter visa-free. Yellow fever vaccination is required, with proof at borders. As of 2025, check for updates amid regional tensions.
How about getting there and around? Fly into Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) via Air France, Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines. Overland borders are risky due to security.
Internal transport includes buses (STMB or Rakieta), shared taxis (bush taxis), and motorbikes. Trains connect Ouaga to Bobo, but services are sporadic. Renting a 4×4 is best for rural areas, though roads are poor outside cities.
Burkina Faso is easy to accommodate. Options range from budget guesthouses (~$10-20/night) to mid-range hotels (~$50-100) like the Sofitel in Ouaga. Eco-lodges in reserves offer immersive stays. Camping is possible in parks but not recommended due to safety.
The CFA franc (XOF) is used (1 USD ≈ 600 CFA). ATMs are in cities; carry cash elsewhere. Daily costs: Budget $30-50, mid-range $50-100, luxury $100+.
Follow some tips for responsible travel. Buy crafts from cooperatives and eat at family-run maquis to boost the economy. Stick to trails in parks, avoid single-use plastics, and choose sustainable tours. Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), ask before photographing people, and learn basic Mooré greetings like “La yiri kan be?” (How are you?). Register with your embassy and be in touch for emergencies.
Burkina Faso’s allure lies in its unpolished authenticity—a place where history, culture, and nature converge in profound ways. While current realities demand caution, the country’s resilient people and hidden treasures promise rewarding experiences for those who venture responsibly. Always prioritize safety and consult official sources before planning. Safe travels—or as they say in Burkina, “Bon voyage!”