Exploring Burkina Faso is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Burkina Faso is often referred to as the "land of upright people" and is known for its vibrant and …
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Backpacking Burkina Faso in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Burkina Faso with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Burkina Faso
Discover the heart of West Africa in Burkina Faso, where vibrant culture and diverse landscapes create a unique backpacking experience. Pros? Immerse in traditional music and dance, explore lively markets, and journey through scenic savannahs. Burkina Faso offers a genuine encounter with local communities. However, limited tourist infrastructure and security concerns in certain regions require careful planning. For the intrepid backpacker seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Burkina Faso's cultural richness and warm hospitality provide an authentic West African journey, making it a distinctive destination for those who crave unique and immersive experiences.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Burkina Faso
Uniqueness
People
People in Burkina Faso are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in their culture, and they take great pride in making visitors feel at home. Whether it is a simple greeting on the street or an invitation to …
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Scenery
Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, offers a variety of stunning sceneries for exploration. One of the must-visit destinations is the Sindou Peaks, a unique rock formation in the southwest of the country. These towering cliffs and spires create a …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Burkina Faso
- Visit the Ruins of Loropéni: These ancient ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history.
- Explore Ouagadougou: The capital city of Burkina Faso is known for its vibrant markets, lively music scene, and interesting architecture.
- Go on a Safari in Arly National Park: This national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and antelopes, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Discover the Sindou Peaks: These unique rock formations in the southwest of Burkina Faso offer stunning views and are perfect for hiking and photography.
- Experience the Festima Mask Festival: This annual festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Burkina Faso and features traditional mask dances, music, and performances.
But Burkina Faso offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Burkina Faso
The best time to visit Burkina Faso for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is generally cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Additionally, the dry season is ideal for exploring national parks, hiking, and visiting cultural sites. However, it's important to note that Burkina Faso experiences extreme temperatures, so it's advisable to pack appropriate clothing and stay hydrated throughout your trip.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Burkina Faso
- We continue to advise you do not travel to Burkina Faso. The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in Burkina Faso. If, despite our advice, you travel to Burkina Faso, get professional security advice.
- There's an ongoing high threat of terrorism and kidnapping. Extremist militant groups continue to attack targets across Burkina Faso. Further attacks are highly likely, including in the capital Ouagadougou.
- Pay attention to your personal safety. Civil unrest may occur. If you're in Burkina Faso, you should limit movements and avoid intercity travel. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. Monitor the media, follow the directions of local authorities and monitor for security alerts from the US Embassy in Burkina Faso and the Canadian Embassy in Burkina Faso.
- Land and air borders may close with little or no notice. Some locations are subject to curfew. Be on high alert and obey any restrictions. You may face penalties if you break curfew.
- Security measures may change at short notice.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
Burkina FasoMy tips to get you on the way!Does Burkina Faso sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Burkina Faso. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Burkina Faso may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Burkina Faso. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Burkina Faso may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Burkina Faso, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Burkina Faso, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024