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BURKINA FASO
Burkina Faso is a West African landlocked country of many natural wonders and a home to ethnically and culturally diverse population. The Voltaic Mossi make up almost 50% of the population and are descendants from warriors who established an Empire in the land of Burkina in the 11th century which lasted over 800 years. Formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta established on 11 December 1958 as a self-governing colony within the French Community, it gained independence on 5 August 1960 with Maurice Yaméogo as president. The country was renamed "Burkina Faso" on 4 August 1984 by the revolutionary president Thomas Sankara, known as the African Che Guevara.
Burkina Faso covers an area of around 274,144 square kilometers (105,900 sq. mi) and is bordering Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin and Togo to the southeast, Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. Its capital is Ouagadougou, centrally located and largest city. Some of the 60 different ethnic groups across the country include the Mossi, Fullani, Dioulla, Bobo, Loby, Gurism, the Belle and Sonhaire.
HIGHLIGHTS
OUAGADOUGOU
Ouagadougou became capital of the Mossi Empire in 1441 and 250 years later it was the chosen residence of the Mossi emperor Moro-Naba. The town grew around the imperial palace and was extended during colonization, becoming the country’s largest city, with a population of 2, 202 000 (2015.). Moro-Naba was the most powerful traditional chief in Burkina Faso and stayed an important personality up to this day: the government consults him before making any major decision and he continues to govern the traditional customs. Every Friday around 06:00 the prominent Mossi people arrive to celebrate the weekly greetings ceremony performed at royal palace of Moro Naba. Every two years FESPACO, the largest Pan African film festival founded in 1969 is held in Ouagadougou. Amog the biggest city attractions are also the National Museum displaying regional clothing, wooden masks and ancestral statues and the craft market at the artisanal with traditional jewelry, local fabrics, handmade bags, box and masks.
TIEBELLE
Tiebelle is one of the most beautiful villages of Burkina Faso, located at the foot of a hill. The royal court of Tibelle is an exceptional testimony of Kassena ethnic group traditions, notably through the architecture and decoration of its houses. Every painted house in the village is a result of community work done by the women by hand. The materials used for house construction are all natural: cow dung, mud, wood, straw etc. Wall decorating or painting is an ancient practice typical for the Kassena people who belong to the greater Gurunsi ethnic group, living in southern and northern Burkina Faso.
GAOUA
Gaoua is located southwest of Ouagadougou, very near to the border with Ivory Coast. It is known as the home of the Loby, but also the Birifor, Djan, Pougouli, Thuni, Gan and the Dagara ethnic groups. They share several common points, particularly the fortress house architecture and fetishing. Their strong attachment to animist beliefs makes them one of the most fascinating populations in West Africa. Main attranctions in the city and surroundings include: the Poni Museum (Musée des Civilizations des Peoples du Sud-Ouest), beautiful traditional houses of Loby people and some spectacular villages with traditional bars for local millet beer. At 40 km west of Gaoua there is an amazing UNESCO site: the Ruins of Loropéni with imposing stone wall dating from 11ty century, was used by the population for protection against dangerous wild animals
BOBO-DIOULASSO
Bobo Dioullasso Is the second largest city in Burkina Faso, offering a rich cultural life and numerous examples of Sudano-Sahelian style architecture. It was founded in the 11th century by the Bobo and Dioula ethnic groups. Traditional animist religions are still practiced in this area and many large mask festivals are held throughout the region. These events, based on boys’ initiation rituals to prepare them for manhood, include mask dances and gathering of the young and old, men and women with traditional millet beer. Some of the main attractions are the bustling market of Bobo and the spectacular mud-brick mosque in the Kibiwed district. The Houet Museum holds a regional collection of arts, crafts and traditional clothing while the Museum of Music exhibits a collection of musical instruments such as the popular kora, ballofons or other local string instruments.
BANFORA
Take a river trip to the 100-hectare lake of Tengrela to enjoy the sunset, spot hippos and explore the Banfora escarpments. Karfiguela waterfalls are a great place for a picnic while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Hiking along the of Domes of Fabedougou, a thrilling rock formation, offers a panoramic view of the Banfora region.
SINDOU PEAKS AND TROGLODYTE
Sindou Peaks is a site of unique geological rocks formation located about 40 km west of Banfora. The sandstone rocks of Sindou rise in the sky in long, mystical and sacred site among the Senoufo people. The place was once used by the locals to protect themselves from tribal wars as well as for initiation ceremonies of young boys. About 40 km southwest of Sindou there is an ancient remote Troglodyte village called Niansogoni. It is the place where the Wara-Wara tribe, living in Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso since the 12th century, took refuge from Senoufo tribes.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Area: 272 144 sq. km
Capital: Ouagadougou
Country Code: 00226
Language: French, More, Fullani, Dioulla, Tamacheq, Gourimse
Population: 19, 75 million (2015)
Documentation | You will need a visa for most countries in West Africa with a valid passport at least 6 months longer than your visit. One can obtain a visa at the airport or border.
Money | ATMs are available in the big cities. Euros and US dollars are the preference for foreign currency. The currency of all West Africa is the CFA franc, the exchange rate is generally: 1 euro = 655 Cfa, 1 US dollar = 580 Cfa
Religion | Around 50% of Burkinabe are Muslim and 40% are Christian. The remainder retains animist beliefs or no religion.
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When to travel | The best time for a visit over the whole country is from November to January, when you can expect fine weather. June to September is an ideal time during the rainy season as the countryside is very green. March to May the hot and dusty Harmattan wind blows across the all the country.
Transportation | We ride in bush taxis or private 4WD vehicles, travel by pinasse (wooden traditional boat), by charter plane, and take donkeys and camels on the sands of the Sahara.