Discover Burkina Faso - 7 Days

Nestled in the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso—the "Land of Honest Men"—is a destination brimming with vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes. For years, planning a trip could be a complex affair, but the recent introduction of the Burkina Faso eVisa system has opened the door for future travel, making it easier than ever to plan an adventure.

While it's essential to be aware of the current political and security situation, Burkina Faso remains a bucket-list destination for the intrepid traveler. This 7-day itinerary is designed to help you plan for a future trip, showing you the incredible highlights from the bustling capital of Ouagadougou to the ancient architectural wonders of the south and west.

How Do I Apply for the Burkina Faso eVisa?

When you're ready to plan your trip, you have the main options for apply for Burkina Faso e-Visa.

1. Fill out the form: You'll need your personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
2. Upload documents: This typically includes a scan of your passport's bio page, a passport-style photo, and potentially proof of accommodation or a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
3. Pay the fee: Payment is made securely online.
4. Receive your visa: Once approved (usually within a few business days), you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print it out and bring it with you.

Using a Visa Agency for Guided Support

For many travelers, especially first-time visitors,  If you are worried about making mistakes on your application, determining the correct visa type, or facing issues during travel, services like burkina-faso-evisa.com and other visa agencies offer full support for an additional fee.

The benefits of this approach include:

• Expert Guidance: They will guide you on exactly which visa you need for tourism.
• Error Checking: They review your application for common problems (like incorrect photo sizes or missing information) that can lead to rejection.
• Full Support: These agencies typically offer 24/7 assistance, so if you face any real problems or have questions during your travel, you have a dedicated contact to help you.
• Peace of Mind: They help ensure all your documentation is correct before you leave, which is crucial for a smooth entry into the country.

What Vaccinations Do I Need for Burkina Faso?

Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Burkina Faso. You will need to present your yellow vaccination card upon arrival.

It's also highly recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations (like Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Tetanus) and to consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip about other travel-specific vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningitis. Anti-malarial medication is also essential, as malaria is prevalent.

What Are the Current Travel Advisories for Burkina Faso?

This is the most important question for any potential traveler. As of late 2025, many Western governments (including the U.S. Department of State and the UK FCDO) advise against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to a volatile security situation, including the risk of terrorism and political instability, particularly in the northern and border regions.

Before planning or booking any travel, it is essential to check the most current advisories from your country's foreign office. This guide is intended for informational and future planning purposes, for when it is deemed safe to travel again.

What is the Best Time to Visit Burkina Faso?

When the time is right, timing your visit is key. The best time to travel to Burkina Faso is during the dry season, which runs from mid-October to April. During this period, the weather is hot but dry, and roads are most accessible. The months of December and January offer the most pleasant temperatures. The rainy season, from June to September, can make travel to remote areas difficult.

What is Burkina Faso Famous For?

Burkina Faso is renowned for several incredible things:

• Culture & Music: It's a powerhouse of West African music and arts, hosting the famous biennial Pan-African Film and Television Festival (FESPACO).
• Unique Architecture: From the Sudanese-style mud mosques in Bobo-Dioulasso to the painted Gourounsi houses in Tiébélé, its traditional buildings are world-famous.
• Artisan Crafts: The country is known for its skilled artisans, especially in bronze casting, mask carving, and bogolan (mud cloth) textiles.

Your Ultimate 7-Day Burkina Faso Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the more accessible and culturally rich corridor from the capital, Ouagadougou, to the second city, Bobo-Dioulasso.

Days 1-2: Arrival and Rhythms of Ouagadougou

Your journey begins in the capital, Ouagadougou, affectionately known as "Ouaga." This city is the country's vibrant, beating heart. Spend your first two days acclimatizing and exploring.

• National Museum: Get a fantastic overview of the country's many ethnic groups and their rich artistic traditions.
• Ouagadougou Cathedral: A striking piece of colonial architecture, its unfinished appearance adds to its unique character.
• Grande Mosquée: A beautiful example of Sudanese-style mud architecture.
• Laongo Sculpture Park: Just outside the city, this park features incredible granite sculptures carved by artists from around the world.
• Music Scene: In the evening, dive into Ouaga's legendary live music scene. Ask a local for a recommendation—you won't be disappointed.

Day 3: The Royal Court of Tiébélé

Today is a journey south to one of the most visually stunning sites in Africa. Tiébélé is home to the royal court of the Gourounsi people, a complex of traditional, hand-painted earthen homes. The women of the community decorate the walls with intricate geometric patterns using natural pigments and mud. It’s a living work of art and a photographer's dream. A local guide is essential to explain the symbolism and facilitate a respectful visit.

Days 4-5: The Cultural Heart - Bobo-Dioulasso

Travel west to Burkina Faso's second city, Bobo-Dioulasso. "Bobo" feels worlds away from Ouaga—it's more laid-back, green, and steeped in history.

• Grand Mosque of Bobo: An absolute masterpiece of Sudanese mud architecture, built in the 1880s. Its "porcupine" style, with wooden beams jutting out, is iconic.
• The Old Quarter (Kibidwé): Get lost in the narrow, ancient lanes of the city's oldest neighborhood.
• Musée de la Musique: Explore a fascinating collection of traditional instruments from across West Africa.
• The Sacred Fish of Dafra: A short trip from town, this sacred pond is home to giant, protected catfish, where locals come to make wishes.

Day 6: The Natural Wonders of Sindou

From Bobo, take a day trip to the Peaks of Sindou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a surreal landscape of sharp, cone-shaped sandstone formations sculpted by erosion. It’s a fantastic place for a hike, offering incredible views and a sense of profound peace. The local Senoufo people consider the area sacred.

Day 7: Last Souvenirs and Departure

Travel back to Ouagadougou for your final day. This is the perfect time for souvenir shopping. Skip the tourist traps and head to the Village Artisanal (SIAO). Here, you can watch artisans at work—bronze casters using the lost-wax method, leatherworkers, and mask carvers—and buy high-quality goods directly from the source. Enjoy a final Burkinabé meal before heading to the airport for your departure.

How Do You Get Around Burkina Faso?

For travel between major cities like Ouaga and Bobo, comfortable, air-conditioned buses (run by companies like TCV or STMB) are the best option. Within cities, small green or white taxis are plentiful—just be sure to agree on the fare before you get in. For trips to places like Tiébélé or Sindou, hiring a 4x4 with a driver is the most practical and safest choice.

What Currency is Used in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). It's best to bring Euros in cash, which can be easily exchanged at banks or official exchange bureaus in Ouaga and Bobo. ATMs are available in major cities, but they can be unreliable. Cash is king, especially in rural areas.

Can I Use Credit Cards in Burkina Faso?

Relying on credit cards is not recommended. Cash is essential for almost all transactions. High-end international hotels in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso may accept major credit cards (like Visa), but most restaurants, markets, and local shops will not. ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable and may not accept all foreign cards. It's best to carry Euros to exchange for CFA francs.

What Should I Pack for Burkina Faso?

Given the hot, dry, and dusty climate, pack:

• Lightweight Clothing: Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes are best. Long sleeves and trousers are respectful and offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or sandals for city exploration and hiking.
• Health Kit: Your Yellow Fever card, anti-malarial pills, insect repellent (with DEET), and any personal medications.
• A Scarf or Head Covering: Useful for dust and for respectfully visiting religious sites.

What Food Should I Try?

Burkinabé food is hearty and delicious. The national dish is Tô (pronounced toh), a stiff paste made from millet or sorghum, served with a sauce (often okra, baobab leaf, or peanut). Also, be sure to try:

• Riz Gras: "Fat rice," a flavorful one-pot rice and vegetable dish, often with meat.
• Poulet Yassa: A classic West African dish of chicken marinated in lemon, mustard, and onions.
• Poulet Bicyclette: "Bicycle chicken" — a local free-range chicken, so named because it's "all legs."
• Brakina & Sobbra: The two most popular local beers.

Is English Spoken in Burkina Faso?

The official language is French. Dozens of local languages, like Mooré and Dyula, are spoken daily. English is not widely spoken, especially outside of major hotels. Learning a few basic French phrases will go a long way:

• Bonjour (Hello)
• Merci (Thank you)
• Au revoir (Goodbye)
• Combien ça coûte? (How much does it cost?)

Why Your Burkina Faso Adventure Starts Now

While now may not be the moment to go, it is the perfect time to plan. Keep Burkina Faso on your bucket list, and when it is safe to explore this "Land of Honest Men" again, the new eVisa and its incredible culture will be waiting.