Road Trips in Burkina Faso

One of the greatest attractions of Burkina Faso is, of course, its capital - Ouagadougou. The city can boast numerous magnificent buildings and museums covering a variety of subjects. Among the most popular ones, you'll find the National Museum and Maison du Peuple. It's also worth mentioning the multiple festivals that are organised in the city - the most well-known is the International Theatre Festival and the PanAfrican Cinema and Television Festival. 

While sightseeing around Burkina Faso, you shouldn't limit yourself to a tour around the capital. While in the western part of the country, you should definitely visit Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city in Burkina Faso. Its greatest highlights are the Great Mosque and Grand Marché, where you can find diverse products, from clothes and utensils to spices and fresh fruit. If you are travelling at the turn of March and April, you'll have the opportunity to see the extremely colourful festival of local cultures. 

Your journey around Burkina Faso won't be complete without a visit to the south-western part of the country and Réserve des Cascades de Banfora, which is a nature reserve. This place is famous for breathtaking views that are created, among others, by the scenic Karfiguéla Falls running down sandstone rocks. If you are bothered by the sweltering weather, you can take a refreshing bath in the clear water. 

If facing a wild animal has been your dream for years, you should choose Burkina Faso as your holiday destination. Here, you'll have an opportunity to visit a crocodile reserve in Sabou, located in the central part of the country. If this isn't enough, you can also head west to the scenic Lake Tengrela. In the dry seasons (January-April), you'll have the opportunity to watch hippopotamuses, which are considered gentle and even saint creatures. 

Suggested Road Trips in Burkina Faso

• Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso: This road trip takes you through the heart of Burkina Faso, starting in the country's capital, Ouagadougou, and ending in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to experience the region's rich cultural heritage, visit traditional markets, and explore historic landmarks.

• Banfora to Sindou Peaks: This road trip takes you from the city of Banfora to the Sindou Peaks, a stunning natural formation of red sandstone cliffs that are a must-visit for any traveler. On the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore the lush landscape of Burkina Faso and visit local villages, where you can learn about the region's unique culture and traditions.

• Nazinga Game Reserve: This road trip takes you to one of Burkina Faso's most incredible natural attractions, the Nazinga Game Reserve. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, and other incredible wildlife up close, as well as explore the beautiful landscapes of Burkina Faso's savanna and bush country. Whether you're an animal lover or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this road trip is not to be missed.

Burkina Faso has a very well-organised public transport system. Both residents and tourists can use buses, mini buses, trains, and taxis; however, these rarely cover distances to smaller towns and less frequented recesses. If you would like to explore the country thoroughly, it's worth taking car rental into consideration. The best option will be using the services of some of the car rental companies that can be found on the Ouagadougou Airport. 

While planning the car trip to Burkina Faso, stay extra cautious. Even though most of the residents are characterised by an amiable approach to tourists, there has been a considerable increase in crime rates over the last few years. Among the most dangerous roads, you’ll find the ones leading from Ouagadougou to Ghana, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Togo. Avoid travelling between the cities at night and try to stay away from the areas bordering Mali. Also, be prepared for frequent police controls. 

When taking a road trip in Burkina Faso, it's important to be prepared for the country's unique challenges and conditions. Some of the key things to keep in mind include:

• Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your route in advance and research the road conditions in the areas you'll be traveling through. Some areas may be challenging to navigate, so it's important to be prepared.

• Pack appropriately: Pack clothing and supplies that are appropriate for the climate and road conditions in Burkina Faso. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and other essentials for the road.

• Be aware of local customs and laws: Burkina Faso is a culturally rich country, and it's important to be aware of local customs and laws while traveling. Make sure to respect local traditions and be mindful of your behavior when visiting villages and other communities.

• Drive safely: The roads in Burkina Faso can be challenging, so it's important to drive carefully and obey all traffic laws. Make sure to take regular breaks to rest and stay alert on the road.

• Travel with a partner: If possible, it's always a good idea to travel with a partner or in a group, especially when exploring more remote areas. This can help ensure your safety and provide additional support on the road.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip in Burkina Faso. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, a road trip through Burkina Faso is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the heart of West Africa.

The best time of year for taking a road trip in Burkina Faso is from November to April, during the dry season. During this time, the roads are generally in good condition and there is less risk of rain and flooding. The dry season is also the best time to see wildlife and visit the country's many national parks and reserves.

However, it's important to note that even during the dry season, temperatures can be extremely hot, especially during the day. It's important to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade when needed. Additionally, some parts of Burkina Faso may experience water shortages during the dry season, so it's a good idea to research the conditions in the areas you'll be visiting in advance.

Overall, the dry season is the best time to take a road trip in Burkina Faso, but it's always a good idea to check the latest travel information and be prepared for the conditions you may encounter on the road.

here are some guidebooks and road maps that may be helpful for a road trip in Burkina Faso:

• "Burkina Faso: The Bradt Travel Guide" by Katrina Manson. This guidebook provides an in-depth overview of Burkina Faso's history, culture, and attractions, as well as practical information for travelers, such as accommodation and restaurant recommendations.

• "Lonely Planet West Africa" by Lonely Planet. This guidebook covers several countries in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, and provides a comprehensive overview of the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.

• "Burkina Faso Insight Guide" by Insight Guides. This guidebook is produced by Insight Guides and provides a detailed overview of Burkina Faso's attractions and activities, including national parks, cultural sites, and adventure sports.

• For road maps, you can check out the "Burkina Faso Road Map" by ITM Maps, which provides detailed maps of the country's roads, highways, and major attractions. You can also find online maps from Google Maps or other online mapping services.

Remember to always double-check information from different sources and to take note of any changes or updates to road conditions or attractions. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that Burkina Faso is a developing country with limited infrastructure, and road conditions may not be as good as those in more developed countries. Safe travels!