Burkina Faso 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Burkina Faso

This itinerary focuses on experiencing Ouagadougou, the capital city, and Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city. It’s designed for a traveler who wants a taste of both cultural exploration and nature’s tranquility.

Day 1: Ouagadougou - Culture & History:

  • Morning:

    • Things to Know:

      • Begin your day with a traditional Burkinabe breakfast at a local eatery in Ouagadougou. Think “couscous” (a savory dish made from semolina), fresh fruit, and strong coffee.

    • Activity: Explore the vibrant capital city of Ouagadougou. Visit the Musée National de la Musique, which houses a fascinating collection of musical instruments and traditional costumes from different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso.

    • Transportation:

      • Use taxis or “taxis-bush” (shared minibuses) for getting around within Ouagadougou.
      • Taxis are readily available but negotiate the price beforehand.
      • For a more authentic experience, consider using public transport to explore different neighborhoods and markets.

    • Potential Itinerary Stops:

      • Musée de la Musique (Ouagadougou): Experience the musical heritage of Burkina Faso with exhibits showcasing the diverse instruments and musical styles of the country.
      • Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou: Marvel at the architecture of this impressive mosque, a landmark of the city’s religious history.
      • La Place de la Révolution: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this central square, a popular gathering point for locals and tourists alike.
      • Village Artisanal de Bobo-Dioulasso: Immerse yourself in the local arts scene by exploring this village where artisans showcase their traditional skills.

Afternoon:

  • Activity: Visit the Ouagadougou Market (Marché de Grand-Marché de Ouagadougou) for a vibrant taste of local life. Explore the colorful stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and textiles to fresh produce and spices.
  • Things to Know:
    • Bargain hard when buying souvenirs at the market.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.

Evening:

  • Activity: Enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Burkinabe cuisine, followed by a relaxing evening listening to live music in a local café or restaurant.
  • Things to Know:
    • Burkina Faso’s official currency is the CFA Franc (XOF).

Nightlife:

  • Explore the nightlife options at Ouagadougou’s vibrant bars and clubs.

Day 2: Exploring Art & Culture

  • Activity: Visit the city of Bobo-Diououssou, known for its rich cultural heritage.

  • Things to Do:

    • Experience a traditional dance performance: Immerse yourself in the rhythm and energy of Burkinabe music and dance at the “Ballet du Burkina Faso”.

    • Visit the Musée de la Musique (again!): This time, explore the historical exhibits focusing on the cultural significance of music and dance in Burkina Faso.

  • Food & Drinks:

    • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local market.
    • Lunch: Sample some of the delicious street food available in Bobo-Dioulassou, such as “fufu” (a dough-like dish made from cassava) and “soumbala” (fermented locust bean paste).

Afternoon:

  • Relaxing Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Musée de la Musique, listening to the traditional music playing and admiring the craftsmanship of the instruments.

  • Visit the Musée du Cinéma: Located in Ouagadougou, this museum showcases the history of Burkinabe cinema.

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife:

    • Visit a local bar for a drink and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Ouagadougou’s social scene.

Things to Remember:

  • Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Burkina Faso based on your nationality. If needed, obtain a tourist visa beforehand by contacting the nearest Burkinabe embassy or consulate (https://www.diplomatie.bf/index.php?optioncom_content&taskview&id1290&Itemid1367).
  • Health: Consult with your doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions for travel to Burkina Faso. Malaria prophylaxis may be required, and it’s essential to drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent, and carry a basic first-aid kit.

Accommodation:

  • Day 1 & 2:

    • Hotel:
      • Consider a hotel in the city center of Ouagadougou for easy access to restaurants and attractions.
    • Airbnb: For a more local experience, find an Airbnb outside the city center, closer to Bobo-Dioulassou’s markets and cultural hubs.

Transportation:

  • Be prepared for negotiating prices when using local taxis. It is crucial to agree on a fare before starting your journey.
  • Consider visiting the Musée du Cinéma, which is a great place to learn about the history of film in Burkina Faso and the vibrant culture surrounding it.

Food & Drink:

  • Explore local cuisine:
    • Street food: Sample dishes like “**fufu” (a dough-like dish made from cassava), “sauce poisson”, “tô”, or “fufu à la sauce arachide” (fufu with peanut sauce).

Things to Consider for Your Trip:

  • Budget: Burkina Faso offers budget-friendly travel options, but it’s still a good idea to have a clear budget in mind and plan accordingly.

  • Accommodation Type:

    • Choose your accommodation type carefully.
    • “Taxis-brousse” (local minibuses) are a common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and hot.

    Consider using a combination of transportation methods:

  • Public Transport:

    • Explore the vibrant transport hubs like the Grand Place de la danse in Ouagadougou.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxis: For convenience, negotiate a fare for the duration of your trip.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Be sure to try some local dishes while you are there.

  • Safety: Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Travel Tips:

  • Respect local customs:
  • Learn basic French phrases: French is the official language of Burkina Faso, so knowing a few greetings and polite expressions will go a long way in fostering positive interactions.
  • Pack light: Travel within Burkina Faso can be challenging, so it’s best to pack only what you need.

Remember:

  • Bring enough cash for your trip:

  • Be aware of your surroundings:

  • Negotiate fares:

    • Respect the local currency (CFA Franc) and be prepared to pay a fair price for transportation, as taxis often don’t use meters.

Things to Know About This Itinerary:

  • This is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it based on your interests and budget.

  • You will need a few days to fully experience the diversity of Burkina Faso’s cultural scene.

  • Allow for extra time in Ouagadougou**:

    • Visit local markets:

  • Negotiate transportation:

  • Consider a tour guide: For a more comprehensive and comfortable journey, hiring a local guide is recommended. They can help you navigate the city, find the best cultural experiences, and ensure your safety while traveling.

This itinerary provides a basic framework for exploring Ouagadougou’s vibrant music scene and the rich cultural heritage of Burkina Faso (especially the historical significance of the instruments).

Remember to:

  • Pack light and consider packing practical clothing:

    • This will make it easier to navigate the markets and public transport.

Accommodation in Bobo-Dioulasso:

For a deeper dive into the culture, you can also:

  • Visit the Great Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso:

This is a good opportunity to

  • Experience the traditional market:

The Musée de la Musique is a great place to see how local music is intertwined with everyday life.