How to visit Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (West of Africa) from a native perspective

On the map: carte-BF

How to come: Best way is by plane. Buy a flight ticket  mostly expensive because we don’t get so many tourists. But don’t worry, your budget won’t grow on your journey as the country is cheap.

History : I could speak for hours about our history, our presidents and political issues with Frances and etc Let’s just say i won’t ! Let’s just say that African’s country have a solid background.

But I do invite you to look after that if your are interested.

Good to know : Burkina-Faso are called burkinabé. The capital is Ouagadougou. There are various religion. Mostly muslim and christian and they do get along.

We love our traditional King :

dolo, chips, salad of cucumber, riz gras, skewer, mango…

Languages : The main language is french but there are many others dialects. As we have various ethnic groups, such as Mossi, Dyula, Fula…

 Key word in moore :  Just in case. It can save you if you are with a local. Or just for your shopping there.

Ne-y yibeoogo Good morning
Laafi / Laafi bala. I am fine.
Bilfu See you
F’ gomda moore ? (ou Fo) Do you speak moore ?
Mam wumda moore. I understand mooré.
Fo yuur la bôe ? What’s your name?
Fo tara yuum a wâna ? How old are you?
Yaa wâna? How much?
Yaa sôama! That’s fine!
Yaa sida. That’s true !
Yaa toogo That’s is expensive.
Mam nonga foo I love you

Most of the vendor in the markets are speaking that dialect (it’s a dialect but more than8 millions speak it) so… Yeah kind like a language. No?!

 

When to come : It depends of what you want to see or do.From november to May, the dry season with the harmattan. And between june and october during rainy season.

Savety: Pay attention and you will be fine. Kind like in Asia, you can be easily be fooled. Pay attention and you will be alright. Don’t get involved in political issues i will say. Ask before taking someone or something with your camera. There are some specific places where you are free to do what you want but some where your won’t. (In spiritual places, Churges, Mosque, …) That’s common sense as you can see.

Taxi drivers are dangerous and we don’t have public transport in the city. So borrow a bike or ask to your hotel a driver. If you want to visit the area, you will find buses.

Before travelling there, verify the political situation oft he country, just in case.

What to see: 

top things to do in Burkina Faso

within/outside the capital you get to choose

What to eat: Babenda – Atcheque – Benga-  Dolo traditional beer – Bisap a natural fruit juice – Tô –  braised fish and so more delcious tropical fruits and meals.

Literature: Most oft he locals can’t buy books in the stores saddly. But you can, it won’t be a massive spent for you. So i invite you to discover african literature ! We do have excellent authors, waiting to be finally known by foreigners.

What to do: I will say enjoy the country and tell people that yes we do have poverty, political issues, analphabetism, disparity etc

On the other and, we have so many beautiful places, different kind of food, traditions, dances, etc

Did you know : Burkina-Faso is the first exporter of cotton and gold. But one oft the poorest country oddly.

Creativity anywhere:. When you can’t buy thing you find solutions. How to play, how to live, how to re invent your life!

Look how they manage to proctect them from the sun:

Why this country is awesome! !!
Pour toutes ces choses qu’on ne voit nul part ailleurs!

Why Burkina-faso is worth it ? I would just respond to you why not ? It is authentic and unique with so many things to discover and explore. So Come and give me a feedback of your trip !