Day 1: Arrive in Ouagadougou
Start your trip in the capital, Ouagadougou. After a long flight, spend the day settling in and getting familiar with the city. Take a walk through the lively streets to soak in the vibes or check out a local café.
If you have the energy, visit the Ouagadougou Cathedral or the bustling Central Market. It’s the perfect place to buy local crafts and interact with vendors.
Day 2: Visit the National Museum
Dive into Burkina Faso’s rich culture by visiting the National Museum of Ouagadougou. This museum displays a variety of artifacts, traditional clothing, and art—it’s a great place to learn about the country’s history.
After the museum, grab a local lunch at a maquis, an outdoor eatery. Try tô, a traditional staple made with sorghum or millet, served with a sauce of your choice.
Day 3: Explore Laongo Sculpture Symposium
Head outside the city to the Laongo Sculpture Symposium. This open-air site showcases rock carvings by artists from around the world. The mix of art and nature makes it unique and feels off the typical tourist path.
Afterward, take some time to relax at your accommodation or wander around town for dinner. Ouagadougou has plenty of good restaurants offering local and international food.
Day 4: Discover Ziniare’s Crocodile Park
Take a day trip to Ziniare, a small city around 35 km from Ouagadougou. Visit the Crocodile Park, where crocodiles live side by side with the local population, something quite special.
Later, you can stroll through Ziniare’s beautiful presidential park or visit the small zoo. It’s an easy-going day.
Day 5: Travel to Bobo-Dioulasso
Today is a travel day. Take a bus or shared taxi to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second-largest city. The ride takes around five hours, so spend the rest of the day relaxing and adjusting to the slower pace of Bobo.
Day 6: Explore the Old Mosque and City
Start your day with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, built in the Sudanese style during the 19th century. Its mudbrick architecture is a must-see.
Later, wander through the Kibidwé district, the old part of town. The narrow alleys and traditional homes make it an interesting place to explore. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Day 7: Visit the Dafra Sacred Fish Pond
A highlight of Bobo is the sacred fish pond at Dafra. Visitors feed the fish, which are said to be protected by local spiritual beliefs. This is a peaceful spot, but be respectful—it’s a place of deep cultural significance.
Finish the day with a leisurely walk through Bobo’s lively market to pick up souvenirs or try some freshly made street food.
Day 8: Relax and Recharge
After a week of non-stop travel, today is all about relaxing. Wander around the city at your own pace, head to a local café, or even spend the afternoon resting at your accommodation.
If you’re up for it in the evening, check out some live music. Bobo is known for its thriving music scene, particularly traditional and griot performances.
Day 9: Head to the Banfora Region
It’s time to head south to Banfora. This region, known for its stunning landscapes, offers a more rural experience. The town is a gateway to waterfalls, lakes, and sugarcane fields.
Settle into your accommodation, and for a nice introduction, take a walk through the town or stop by Tengrela Lake. You might spot its famous hippos.
Day 10: Visit Karfiguéla Waterfalls and Domes of Fabedougou
Start the day by visiting the beautiful Karfiguéla Waterfalls. It’s a great escape from the heat, and swimming is possible in designated areas, so pack a swimsuit!
Later, hike to the nearby Domes of Fabedougou. These sculpted rock formations are millions of years old and perfect for an adventure day.
Day 11: Explore Sindou Peaks
Venture to the Sindou Peaks, only a short drive from Banfora. The landscape is almost otherworldly with its sharp, needle-like rocks. It’s a great place for hiking and taking in panoramic views of the region.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it. The peaks are quiet, and you can often explore them in peace.
Day 12: Return to Ouagadougou
Make your way back to Ouagadougou. Since it’s a long journey, use the evening to recuperate once you’ve reached the capital. Grab a simple local dinner, and take it easy after the long trip.
Day 13: Visit the Village Artisanal
Spend your last full day exploring the Village Artisanal. This is the best place to buy local crafts, textiles, and artwork. You can even watch artisans at work, which offers an authentic experience.
In the afternoon, you can revisit any favorite spots like the National Museum or relax in one of the city’s parks.
Day 14: Departure
As your trip ends, enjoy a laid-back breakfast, do any last-minute shopping, and take one last stroll through Ouagadougou before heading to the airport for your flight home.
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