C
Cour Royale
More than 450 people live in Tiébélé's royal court, a large compound of typical sukhalas, or traditional painted houses. Children live with their…
Getty Images/Flickr RF
Burkina Faso
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to the following areas: northern Burkina Faso (anywhere north of Boulsa); areas within 40km of the Niger and Mali borders; and the south-eastern provinces of Gourma, Kompienga, and Tapoa (including the W National Park and the Arly National Park). Advisories against all-but-essential travel exist for the rest of the country. Click here for more information.
Burkina should be on everyone's travel list, but sadly the current security situation means the unforgettable journey here will have to wait. The country may not have many big-ticket attractions, but the warmth of its welcome and the friendliness of the Burkinabé people is unique. When it's again safe to travel, you'll be greeted with a memorable bonne arrivée ('welcome') and a handshake.
Burkina Faso is also home to a lively cultural scene. The capital, Ouagadougou, and Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina's two largest and gloriously named cities, are famous for their musical traditions and beautiful handicrafts.
Tourism infrastructure is fairly limited, but the true gems of Burkina Faso are in the remoter areas, outside of the cities: the enchanting beauty of the landscapes – from rolling savannah and surprising geology to the mesmerising painted houses at Tiébélé – and the unique culture and genuine hospitality of the Burkinabé.
Explore Burkina Faso
- CCour Royale
More than 450 people live in Tiébélé's royal court, a large compound of typical sukhalas, or traditional painted houses. Children live with their…
- SSindou Peaks
One of Burkina Faso's most spectacular landscapes, the Sindou Peaks are a narrow, craggy chain featuring a fantastic array of tortuous cones sculpted by…
- RRéserve de Nazinga
This 97,000-hectare wildlife reserve, about 40km southwest of Pô near the Ghanaian border, has become a highlight on many a wildlife-lover’s itinerary…
- Grande Mosquée
Built in 1893, this mosque is an outstanding example of Sahel-style mud architecture, with conical towers and wooden struts (which both support the…
- NNiansogoni Village
The old Niansogoni village is nestled in an alcove of the escarpment, where you can see old adobe granaries and dwellings that perch on the cliff side…
- DDômes de Fabedougou
These limestone formations were sculpted into quirky domelike shapes over millennia by water and erosion – an arresting sight. They're found 3km north of…
- GGrand Marché
Bobo-Dioulasso's centrepiece, the expansive Grand Marché, is hugely enjoyable and atmospheric, and a wonderful (and largely hassle-free) place to…
- MMoro-Naba Palace
On Fridays at 7am the Moro-Naba of Ouagadougou – emperor of the Mossi and the most powerful traditional chief in Burkina Faso – presides over the Moro…
- KKibidwé
Bobo's historical centre is a thriving neighbourhood. Little has changed over the centuries in terms of organisation: Muslims, griots (traditional…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Burkina Faso.
See
Cour Royale
More than 450 people live in Tiébélé's royal court, a large compound of typical sukhalas, or traditional painted houses. Children live with their…
See
Sindou Peaks
One of Burkina Faso's most spectacular landscapes, the Sindou Peaks are a narrow, craggy chain featuring a fantastic array of tortuous cones sculpted by…
See
Réserve de Nazinga
This 97,000-hectare wildlife reserve, about 40km southwest of Pô near the Ghanaian border, has become a highlight on many a wildlife-lover’s itinerary…
See
Grande Mosquée
Built in 1893, this mosque is an outstanding example of Sahel-style mud architecture, with conical towers and wooden struts (which both support the…
See
Niansogoni Village
The old Niansogoni village is nestled in an alcove of the escarpment, where you can see old adobe granaries and dwellings that perch on the cliff side…
See
Dômes de Fabedougou
These limestone formations were sculpted into quirky domelike shapes over millennia by water and erosion – an arresting sight. They're found 3km north of…
See
Grand Marché
Bobo-Dioulasso's centrepiece, the expansive Grand Marché, is hugely enjoyable and atmospheric, and a wonderful (and largely hassle-free) place to…
See
Moro-Naba Palace
On Fridays at 7am the Moro-Naba of Ouagadougou – emperor of the Mossi and the most powerful traditional chief in Burkina Faso – presides over the Moro…
See
Kibidwé
Bobo's historical centre is a thriving neighbourhood. Little has changed over the centuries in terms of organisation: Muslims, griots (traditional…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Burkina Faso
Ready to go? Get to the heart of Burkina Faso with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.
