The black continent is undoubtedly a place of great stories and myths. Here you will find Burkina Faso, one of the most humble countries in Africa but also one of the most hospitable and captivating. Lush forests alternate with desert areas and sacred places in this nation inhabited by 67 different ethnic groups. Here's why Burkina Faso should become your next adventure.
To travel to Burkina Faso is to do it in the heart of Africa. For a long time, this country has lived with its back to tourism and little by little it begins to gain notoriety as an exotic and adventure destination.
What is Burkina Faso like?
It is an ancient territory where its population has traditionally lived from hunting and gathering. In the XNUMXth century it played a prominent commercial role in the Songal empire, a kingdom that occupies much of the west side of Africa. Years later, two European powers such as Great Britain and France disputed the occupation of the country, France being the one who took control of it until the middle of the XNUMXth century. In this way, French is the official language of a country divided into thirteen regions in which 67 different ethnic groups live.
Each of these groups has different peculiarities and they differ from each other mainly due to their customs and culture. For example, the Mossi (the predominant ethnic group) have a long warrior tradition, while the Guruntsi are distinguished by their beautiful polished adobe houses decorated with geometric designs and religious reliefs.
Thus, Burkina Faso divides its territory among the majority ethnic groups. Therefore, it is advisable to visit all the corners to become familiar with the different ways of life of its people. However, if all these ethnic groups have something in common, it is hospitality, a recurring feeling when arriving in any town.
Ouagadougou, the capital
Uagagudú Cathedral
It was founded in the 1400th century and acquired relevance from the year XNUMX. It is probably one of the least known African capitals, but it is not without its monuments and places of interest for tourists.
Once here, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (one of the best examples of colonial architecture in the country that was built around 1930 during the French occupation), the Manega Museum (created by the writer Fréderic Pacéré Titinga to preserve and disseminate the Burkinabe cultures), Naba Koom Square, the Ethnographic Museum, the Ouaga-Loudun Garden, the Bang-Wéoogo Urban Park, the National Music Museum and the Great Central Market (a meeting point for merchants and customers to carry out commercial exchanges , which has been celebrated for centuries.)
Other destinations of interest in Burkina Faso
Kaboré Tambi National Park
The Kaboré Tambi National Park, located on the border with Ghana, has an abundant vegetation, with more than 200 species of plants, and an important fauna, being able to find elephants, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, wild boars and crocodiles.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Bobo-Dioulasso is the second largest city in Burkina Faso and is considered the economic capital. It is also an attractive destination for travelers thanks to its old Sudanese-style mosque that was built at the end of the XNUMXth century, its old neighborhoods, a museum, a zoo, a ceramic market, the sacred fish lake and the Konsa palace. .
Ouahigouya
It is the third largest city in Burkina Faso and a northern city that functions as the capital of the Northern Region. Its main tourist attractions are its artificial lake, the Yanea Naba complex and the tomb of Kaba Kango.
banfora
Near Banfora are the Karfiguela Waterfalls. An ideal place to get caught up in nature and even take a dip in its pools, waterfalls and fresh water jets. As a curiosity, in the rainy season in Africa, the waterfalls are even more spectacular.
Ruins of Loropéni
Loropéni is a village located in the south of Burkina Faso, where the ruins of Loropéni are found, which are considered a World Heritage Site. This archaeological site occupies an area of 11.130 square meters and has the best preserved fortress of a group of ten that were built more than 1.000 years ago. The Loropéni ruins are made up of red stone walls that can exceed six meters.
How to get to Burkina Faso?
Air France connects Paris with Ouagadougou daily for approximately € 700 round trip. Once there, the most advisable option is to hire a specialized agency that organizes personalized trips around Burkina Faso and the surrounding countries.
Whether it is the traveler's first contact with the most remote and unknown Africa or the need to live a great adventure, Burkina Faso is the perfect country. In all likelihood, the experience in this friendly territory will surprise you and eventually win you over. Reason that explains that when the trip comes to an end, the desire to return or to know one of the other neighboring countries will be irrepressible.