Burkina Faso
Welcome to Burkina Faso, the 'Land of Honest People' With rich wildlife in its central interiors, vibrant culture and traditions, friendly welcoming people and impressive sightseeing Burkina Faso is a wonderful getaway for a relaxing unforgettable vacation.
Formerly Upper Volta, Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in western Africa which gained independence from France in 1960. Covering an area of 105,869 sq miles, Burkina consists of extensive plains and low plateaus rising to 1,100 feet above sea level, high savannas prevailing in the south and a desert area in north. A bog portion of the country is covered with forests where you can find many rare species of mammals and birds. Burkina Faso is home to West Africa's largest elephant population.
The country enjoys a tropical climate and is characterized by three distinct seasons: warm and dry that lasts November to February, hot and dry (March to May) and hot and wet between June and October with average temperatures hovering between 16°C during the coolest season and 38°C during the hottest.
Ouagadougou is the largest city and commercial capital of the island, housing almost 1.5 million inhabitants. 'To see' things in Ouaga (as locals call it) include Musee National featuring tribal artifacts, textiles and masks, Village Artisanal, a great place to watch local craftsman at work, Grant March, a lively market for bargaining, as well as excellent dining options and bars. Ouagadougou is home to good hotels, including Hotel les Palmiers ideal for business travelers, the 5-star Laico Ouaga 2000 Hotel, a perfect getaway for seminars and conventions and others.
Burkina Faso is home to a wealth of can't miss attractions, both natural and man-made, including spectacular waterfalls and beautiful lakes, national parks and zoological gardens, historical sites with plenty of ancient and archaeological buildings and much more. The 'must see' attractions include:
Musee de Manega (Manega Museum), located near the capital Ouaga, is one of the few museums that attracts a large number of visitors. The museum features several articles on display dating back to the 17th century, including some 500 mysterious and thrilling masks, a wealth of musical instruments that speak of the active cultural life of the country, several halls depicting the various rituals and customs and artifacts related to festivities and ceremonies. On the premises of the museum you can also find many traditional houses that make the museum look natural. There are guided tours that will help you to explore the museum better.
At 13 km from Banfora, the modest 20 meters high Karfiguela Waterfalls is another famous attraction in Burkina Faso, offering at least pleasant bathing opportunities. The route to Karfiguela Falls is also impressive and interesting as you will pass through a large orchard of mango trees, where the air is filled with the aroma of fresh mangoes lingers, making ideal for picnicking. On getting nearer you will see the water splashing on the rocks and scattering in all directions.
Other not-to-be-missed attractions are Grand Marche, a market in the second largest city of Bobo-Dioulasso, offering plentiful shopping opportunities; the Moro-Naba Palace, where you can experience the traditions and ceremonies of the Moro-Naba; Tegrela Lake, one of the most enjoyable natural wonders well known as a hippo lake boasting pristine atmosphere and short kayaking opportunit; Sindou Rock Formations, La Guinguette; Kabore Tembi; Snake Museum and much more. Burkina Faso offers activities for active adventurous travelers, for nature enthusiasts and sports lovers, as well as for those in search of a romance vacation.