Burkina Faso: Overview
Interesting and mysterious Burkina Faso is a landlocked country of western Africa; it is surrounded by Mali to the northwest, by Niger to the northeast, and by Benín, Ivory Coast, Togo and Ghana to the south. This country which name means “land of the honest man” in the local languages (mossi and dyula), is an ideal destination for those who want to get in touch with the culture and traditional music of the continent or to see the breathtaking landscapes of this part of Africa.
Climate
The Burkinabe climate is mainly tropical with two different seasons a rainy season (May / June - September), shorter in the north areas of the country, and a dry season, when the harmattan, a hot and dry wind coming from Sahara, blows. At the end of the dry season (March-May), the harmattan makes temperaturas rise considerably (40-48 ºC). The best moment to visit the country is between November and February, after the rainy season and before the arrival of the harmattan; during that period temperatures are a little lower. In January temperatures vary among the 7-13 ºC.
Important information
Entry requirements for anyone who wants to visit Burkina Faso are an effective passport and a visa. Although in most cases visas must be processed with anticipation, European Union citizens can get their visa when arriving at the airport by 10.000 CFA.
The official currency of Burkina is the Financial Community of Africa franc (CFA). Credit cards use is not very extended, although you can use them to get cash advances from some banks in Ouaga and Bobo. It is important to keep in mind that MasterCard cannot always be used in ATMs. Traveller's checks, preferably in euros, can be cashed in the banks of Ouaga and Bobo.
Concerning health it is necessary to know that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is an entry reuqirement. You are especially adviced to take measures to prevent cholera, malaria and meningitis.
Where to go
In Ouagadougou (Ouaga), the capital city, you can visit Bangr Weogo Park, located downtown and home of hundred of different plants, birds and animals; it also has a museum, a sports area and a restaurant. Another good choice is the National Museum where you can see recreations of different cultures and tribes of Burkina Faso, sacred objects that and an interesting library; it is the ideal place for anyone wanting to know the culture and the people of the country.
In Ziniaré there are three main options. The Wilde Life Park has an important variety of captive animals such as elephants, antelopes and lions. Next to the Park is President Blaise Compaoré’s house, a good visit if you have some free time. In Loango area, famous worldwide and among sculptors, located near to Ziniaré city, you can see important granite sculptures. Also, once a year you can attend a meeting of sculptors from all over the world who gather to carve the stones. Manega Museum, the third choice and one of the most visited by the tourists, has a collection of 500 sacred masks used in funeral rites and dozens of yakouga (tablets). This Museum is the perfect place for the African mysterious culture lovers.
You cannot miss the sacred Crocodiles of Sabou in the city of Koudougou. In this city inhabitants worship meek crocodiles; you can sit next to those peacefull animals and take a picture.
West of the country there are also many places to visit. In Bobo-Dioulasso you can go to the old mosque of Dioulassoba that dates from 1890; the mausoleum of Bobo-Dioulasso, located in the entrance of the city and representative of several local cultures. You can also visit the mausoleum of Guimbi Ouattara, great defender of the city during the beggining of the 1800s. Other good choices are the old city and the area of Guinguette, a paradisiac place to swim and relax without being bothered. In Banfora, another city that is worthwhile to visit, stands out the Natural Cascade, the Lake of Tengrela and the Picks of Sindou.
To the east is Diapaga, where it is worthwhile to visit the national beautiful parks of Arly and of W, the cliffs of Gobnangoua and the Reserves and ranch of Nazinga. This is the best place for hunters.
In Sahel you can visit Djibo and Gorom Gorom. In the first one you can go to the archaeological Museum and to the rock excavations of Pobé Mengao, where diverse cultural objects can be appreciated and you will learn about the history of the country. In Gorom Gorom you should visit the interesting Feminine Crafts Center and see the samples of poetic and sculptural habilitéis of Burkina Faso’s women.
Fetivales
Probably the main attractive of Burkina Faso are its musical traditions kept to the rhythm of the yembe and its International Fair of Arts and Crafts (Le Salon International de L'Artisanat de Ouagadougou), one of the most important of the world. In the capital you can enjoy the International Salon of Arts and Crafts (SIAO) and the Cinema Festival (FESPACO). The Salon and the Cinema Festival are two important tourist attractions that take place every two years and are the ideal opportunity to know the African industries of cinema and crafts. In the city of Bobo - Dioulasso you can enjoy an interesting National Culture Week during which the different cultures of Burkina Faso can be known through their musical and artistic representations.
