Holiday in Burkina Faso

Drumming · Festivals · Savannah

The travel experts at Holiday Hamster can plan your trip to Burkina Faso, taking care of all the details, so all you have to think about is what to pack.

Burkina Faso Culture, Crafts and Landscapes

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. Bordered by Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, the country is known for its unique architectural wonders, its UNESCO-listed sites and its vast, beautiful savannah landscapes.

Previously known as Upper Volta which means ‘Land of the Honourable People’, this French colonial country is one of the world’s least developed countries with a predominantly poor population with little natural resources or wealth.

The country is proud of its African art and culture and operates the largest craft market in Africa paying homage to its historic roots and traditions. From a fascinating culture to ancient sites and breathtaking landscapes, Burkina Faso has lots to offer to intrigued travellers.

Burkina Faso Arts, Culture and Mosques

Ouagadougou, or Ouaga as it is more commonly known, is the capital city of the country. The economic centre of the country is known mostly for its hive of performing arts and crafts. Lively dance and music, and unique craft markets make this a must-visit stop on your Burkina Faso adventure.

The country’s second-largest city is Bobo-Dioulasso, or Bobo for short, which is another major hub for culture, music and craft. The biggest attraction here though is the unusual Grand Mosque which is made of clay mud bricks and wooden struts. Still used to this day, the mosque is a fascinating architectural spectacle.

Burkina Faso Ruins, Wildlife and Wonders

Visit the UNESCO-listed Ruins of Loropéni – a 1,000-year-old fortified settlement heritage site that once played an important role in the trans-Saharan gold trade. Named the country’s first UNESCO site, the area is still being excavated today and makes a fascinating trip.

Another of the country’s UNESCO sites is the stunning W National Park which is home to a vast array of wildlife and gorgeous landscapes. The park is spread over neighbouring countries Niger and Benin, and as well as offering a unique display of animals, it has also shown signs of early Neolithic settlers!

The town of Sindou is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path spot to experience African culture and marvel at the Sindou Peaks – rugged rock peaks which pepper the beautiful landscape.

Lake Tengrela is a unique spot where you can see the majestic hippo in their natural glory. A fantastic place to spot these wild creatures year-round, the lake also serves the local fishermen and people of this area.