East Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Plan your trip to East Burkina Faso with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, week-long itinerary, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and much more.


Travel Guide to East Burkina Faso: Discover the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Welcome to East Burkina Faso, a region boasting of its culturally rich heritage, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Located in West Africa and bordering Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, East Burkina Faso features unique attractions that will surely leave you in awe.

Introduction to East Burkina Faso

East Burkina Faso is a region that is home to a diverse range of ethnic tribes and provides a glimpse of African tradition and customs. This region is filled with natural wonders, such as the cascading Karfiguela Waterfalls, rolling hills, and the magnificent Arly National Park, which is home to several exotic wildlife species like lions, elephants, baboons, and antelopes.

List of Places to Visit in East Burkina Faso

Here are the top attractions that you should not miss when you visit East Burkina Faso:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Moro Naba Palace
  • National Museum of Music
  • Bangre Weogo Park
  • Royal Palace of Tiebele
  • Parc Urbain Bangr Weoogo

Natural Attractions of East Burkina Faso: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arli National Park
  • Tengrela Lake
  • Karfiguela Waterfalls
  • Sissili River
  • Pic De Nahouri

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Burkina Faso

East Burkina Faso provides plenty of options for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Hiking in Arli National Park
  • Trekking in Tenkodogo hills
  • Biking along the banks of the Sissili River

Best Things to Do in East Burkina Faso: Activities and Tours

East Burkina Faso has plenty of fun activities and engaging tours that will keep you entertained throughout your stay. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Take a cultural tour of Ouaga
  • Visit a local handicraft village
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on Tengrela Lake

Week-Long Itinerary for East Burkina Faso

Here is a sample itinerary that you can follow if you have one week to spend in East Burkina Faso:

Day 1: Arrive in Ouagadougou Day 2: Visit Moro Naba Palace and National Museum of Music Day 3: Hike in Arli National Park Day 4: Visit the Tiebele mud houses and Bangre Weogo Park Day 5: Take a cultural tour of Ouaga and visit a local handicraft village Day 6: Enjoy a sunset cruise on Tengrela Lake Day 7: Departure from Ouagadougou

Food and Drink Scene of East Burkina Faso

Burkinabe cuisine is flavorful and diverse, with influences from West African and French cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages in East Burkina Faso:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poulet Yassa
  • Riz Gras
  • Thiéboudienne
  • Fufu and Sauce
  • Choukouya

Local Beverages

  • Bissap Juice
  • Zoom-Kom
  • Beergina

Where to Stay in East Burkina Faso: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East Burkina Faso offers a variety of accommodations that cater to all budgets. Here are some options:

  • Splurge: Hotel Laico Ouaga 2000
  • Mid-Range: Faso Hotel
  • Budget: Chez Taam and Splendid Hotel

What to Buy in East Burkina Faso: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

East Burkina Faso offers plenty of unique souvenirs and local products that represent the region’s traditional culture. Here are some must-buy items:

  • Handicrafts from Tiebele mud house village
  • Traditional clothing
  • Local jewelry
  • Baobab oil

Local Culture and Customs of East Burkina Faso

Burkinabe culture is rich in tradition and customs, with most locals embracing their ethnic heritage. Religion plays a vital part in local culture, with over 60% of the population practicing Islam.

Best Time to Visit East Burkina Faso

The ideal time to visit East Burkina Faso is between November and February, which is the dry season. The weather is mild, and the skies are mostly clear, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Burkina Faso

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind when visiting East Burkina Faso:

Do:

  • Dress modestly
  • Visit and respect traditional villages
  • Embrace local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Take photos of locals without asking for permission
  • Disrespect traditional customs and beliefs
  • Consume tap water

Safety and Health

Safety in East Burkina Faso

East Burkina Faso is generally safe for travelers. However, like in any other destination, tourists should practice common sense and exercise caution. It is essential to avoid walking or traveling alone in deserted areas at night, especially in Ouagadougou.

Health in East Burkina Faso

Tourists should consult their physicians before traveling to East Burkina Faso to get the necessary vaccinations. Malaria is prevalent in the region, so it is essential to take antimalarial medication, use mosquito repellent, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Getting to East Burkina Faso: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near East Burkina Faso

The main airport in East Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou International Airport, which serves several domestic and international airlines.

Bus Stations Near East Burkina Faso

There are several bus stations in Ouagadougou that serve domestic routes to the rest of Burkina Faso and neighboring countries.

Other Options

Renting a car is not advisable, but if you do, ensure that you are aware of the driving rules in Burkina Faso.

How to Get Around in East Burkina Faso

The most popular mode of transportation in East Burkina Faso is taxis, which are readily available in cities and towns. Motorbikes and buses are also available, but buses are overcrowded and uncomfortable.

Where to Go Next from East Burkina Faso: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider after visiting East Burkina Faso:

  • Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Loropeni
  • Explore the Ghanaian city of Tamale
  • Experience the vibrant culture of Lome, Togo

Conclusion

East Burkina Faso offers a unique and authentic African experience to travelers, featuring a diverse culture, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Plan your trip well in advance, and you will not be disappointed with what East Burkina Faso has to offer.



    Fada N'gourma