Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in the west of the African continent. Its border neighbors include Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Burkina Faso, which was a colony of France in the past, gained independence in 1960 and was called Upper Volta at that time. The country, which witnessed various coups after its independence, changed its name to Burkina Faso with the revolution that took place in 1983, and it meant "land of happy people".

Burkina Faso, with its capital city being Ouagadougou, is divided into 13 administrative regions. The country consists of 45 provinces and 350 districts. According to the 2020 census, the population of Burkina Faso is 20.903.273. Only about 3% of the country's population is aged 65 and over, indicating limited healthcare services. In addition, 65% of the population is between the ages of 0 and 24, indicating that the country has a high population growth rate.

Burkina Faso is located south of the Niger River and the Sahara Desert, with most of the country consisting of plains. The highest point in the country is Mount Tena Kourou, and the lowest point is the Oti River.

Burkina Faso is a country that stands out with its historical and cultural riches, as well as being home to many beauties waiting to be discovered with its natural wonders. If you are planning to visit Burkina Faso, unique landscapes and cultural experiences await you on the travel routes from Ouagadougou to Banfora, from Kaya to Bobo-Dioulasso. The country's different villages, traditional markets and natural areas will add unforgettable memories to your holiday. For more detailed information about places to visit in Burkina Faso, you can review our article titled "Places to Visit in Burkina Faso".

Burkina Faso Culture

Burkina Faso is a rich cultural mosaic where 60 different ethnic groups live together. This ethnic diversity makes the country's cultural structure very interesting and the joyful celebration of special days by different communities creates a joyful atmosphere throughout the country. Each ethnic group maintains its own traditions and rituals, and this diversity is reflected in local festivals and ceremonies.

One of the figures that has an important place in Burkina Faso culture is griotsGriots are important figures who orally transmit the history, customs and traditions of tribes, tell stories and sometimes lead ceremonies. These individuals play a critical role in preserving collective memory.

Music is also one of the cornerstones of Burkina Faso culture. Especially drum ve balafon, are among the most popular musical instruments in the country. These percussion instruments increase the enthusiasm of the people during ceremonies and enable communities to celebrate together more lively.

Although the literacy rate is low compared to other regions, some female writers in Burkina Faso have achieved great fame. Important names in the literary field include Bernadette Sanou, Sophie Kam and Monique Ilboudo. Their works have found a wide audience not only in Africa but also around the world.

Burkina Faso Economy

Burkina Faso is known as one of the poorest countries in the world. It ranks 2020nd out of 189 countries in the 182 Human Development Index, and 2019rd in per capita national income according to 173 data. The average income is calculated around $775.

The country's economic structure is based on agriculture. Approximately 90% of the population grows staple crops such as corn, rice, and sorghum for personal consumption. Cassava, sugar cane, and yam are also grown in the southern regions. Burkina Faso's most important exports include peanuts and cotton. However, the country's climatic conditions, frequent droughts, and harsh weather conditions can lead to famine problems, especially in the northern regions.

Although the mining sector is not significant in Burkina Faso, minerals such as gold and manganese are mined in small amounts. Although the northern regions have rich mineral deposits, lack of infrastructure and low processing capacity prevent these resources from being used efficiently.

When to Go to Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has a hot climate throughout the year, divided into two main seasons: the wet and dry seasons. The wet season lasts from late May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to mid-May. During the dry season, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with hot winds from the Sahara Desert further increasing the temperature. Rainfall increases as you move south of the country, ranging from 400 mm to 800 mm. The best time to visit Burkina Faso is during the months of March and April, when the weather is milder and the rainfall is less intense.

How to Get to Burkina Faso?

There are no direct flights from Turkey to Burkina Faso. However, Turkish Airlines operates flights to Thomas Sankara International Airport in the capital Ouagadougou. Because direct flights are often expensive, many passengers choose connecting flights. These flights usually operate via cities such as Casablanca, Paris, Amsterdam and Lomé.

Burkina Faso Nightlife

Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, so its nightlife is quite quiet and limited. The club “The Best” in the capital Ouagadougou is one of the few entertainment venues in the country. Apart from that, there is a place called “Fun Top Fun Burkina Faso” for beer lovers. Here you can taste beers with different flavors or join tasting tours of beverages such as coffee and tea.

Shopping in Burkina Faso

One of the most popular products when shopping in Burkina Faso is shea butter. Obtained by crushing the nuts of the shea tree, this natural oil is known as an excellent treatment for dry skin and is one of the most valuable products in Africa. In addition, handmade bags, rugs decorated with traditional patterns and wallets made of colorful fabrics are also unique gift options from Burkina Faso. These products make great gifts that reflect both local crafts and African culture.

Burkina Faso Festivals and Fairs

Burkina Faso hosts a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year. These events provide excellent opportunities to celebrate local culture and African arts. Here are some of the most popular festivals and fairs:

These festivals offer you rich experiences, both culturally and artistically.

Holidays and Important Days

Important holidays and days celebrated throughout the year in Burkina Faso are:

These days hold an important place in the cultural and religious calendar of Burkina Faso.

Things To Consider

• Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, so it can be hard to find plenty of places to eat or party. If you’re looking to spend your vacation eating at different restaurants and exploring the nightlife, Burkina Faso may not meet your expectations.
• There is a water shortage in many parts of the country, and even in the capital Ouagadougou, access to water can be difficult at times. It is useful to be careful about water supply during your trip.
• If you want to visit Crocodile Lake, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Burkina Faso, you may want to be very careful before taking photos with the crocodiles in the pond. Since crocodiles' behavior is unpredictable, it is important to stay away from them for your safety.
• If you travel in the country without bargaining, especially in taxis, there is a high probability that the fare you have to pay will be much higher than normal. Be sure to bargain before getting into the taxi.
• Service in restaurants in Burkina Faso can often be quite slow. For example, if you order soup, it can take 40-50 minutes for your food to arrive, so be patient.

Transportation

Railway transportation is important in Burkina Faso. The Abidjan-Niger Line connects the port city of Abidjan in Ivory Coast with the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. The existence of this line plays a major role in transporting the trade products of landlocked Burkina Faso to the sea routes. The line is used for both freight and passenger transportation.

Burkina Faso has 33 airports, but only two have paved surfaces: Ouagadougou Airport and Bobo-Dioulasso Airport. These two airports have infrastructure that meets international flight standards. The country's airline, Air Burkina, operates regular flights to countries such as Ivory Coast, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Regarding road transportation, Burkina Faso has a total of 12.806 kilometers of roads, 2.001 kilometers of which are paved. The country was evaluated as having a "good" infrastructure in terms of transportation, thanks to the roads connecting it to Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Niger in 2001.

How to Get a Burkina Faso Visa?

Those wishing to travel to Burkina Faso must meet visa requirements based on their passport type:

• Black Passport Holders: Until the day of 90 visa free they can travel.
• Grey, Green and Maroon Passport Holders: He/she must obtain a visa.

Visa Types:

• 3-month tourist visa (Single entry)
• 3-month business visa (Single entry)
• 3, 6 or 12 month visas (Multiple entry)

Where to Apply for a Visa?

• Visa application only Burkina Faso Ankara Embassy'what can be done.
• İstanbulThe Honorary Consulate of Burkina Faso in deals only with the issues of Benin citizens.

Documents Required for Application:

1. Burkina Faso visa application form
2. Passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months)
3. 2 biometric photos
4. Travel and health insurance
5. Bank statement

Visa Application Process:

• Your application will be finalised within approximately 7 working days, however, to avoid any problems, please submit your application at least 20 days ago It is recommended that you do this.

Representative Offices in Türkiye

Embassy of Ouagadougou

• Address: 01 BP603, Ouaga2000, Rue El Hadj Goama Ousmane Kienfangue Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• Email: embassy.ouagadougou@mfa.gov.tr
• Phone: + (226) 25 37 63 18