Burkina Faso Off The Beaten Path

Gaoua's Lobi Country--More Images

by atufft

Nestled in the corner of Burkina Faso, where Cote de Ivore and Ghana also converge, is the Gaoua region. The town can be reached within a few hours by bus from Bobo Dioulasso. Besides the marketplace there, the Lobi Villages outside town maintain traditional charms. Stay at the Lebanese owned hotel (see Gaoua accommodation tip), but avoid the pesty young Lobi guide that hangs around there. He'll drive the motorscooter drunk and then argue with the hosting Lobi families. Find instead a smooth veteran guide that will take you directly to what you want to see. You can't find it alone. Check out my Gaoua Page for more details and images. Even with the mistakes we made, the trip was totally worthwhile.

Bazoule

by Svillegas

There's a park where you can see wild caimans. Usually you have to buy a chicken (alive) to give to the animals to get out of the water and being able to see them. If you are too sensitive I adviese you not to go.There are also some ancient turtles.Hay un parque donde puedes ver caimanes salvajes. Normalmente has de comprar un pollo (vivo) para darselo a los caimanes y asi ver como salen del agua (Abstenerse las personas muy sensibles).Tambien hay tortugas centenarias.

Visiting small Lobi and Gan...

by jarkhot

Visiting small Lobi and Gan villages in the Gaoua region. You can buy local art in these villages. Interestingly, a village will specialise only in woodcarving. In another village, you'll only meet potters. Etc. It is essential then to be with a local guide that can bring you to the villages of your choice.

When it concern tourism I...

by Narviking

When it concern tourism I think whole Burkina Faso is off the beaten path. If you do visit the country then not only stay in the captial but head off to the countryside too. I found especailly the south west and the far north of the country to be interesting. PHOTO: OUR MINIBUS HAS ITS TYRE BROKEN SOMEWERE IN THE BURKINA FASO COUNTRYSIDE.

I've been working in the...

by lichinga

I've been working in the Yatenga region, in the North-West, close to the border with Mali - the Dogon county, that is the 'falaise' of Bandiagara is right beyond the border - in a town called Ouahigouya. Ouahigouya is an agricultural centre, but the main commercial route to Mali and the Niger inner delta passes trough here. The farmers are concentrated in the limited irrigated areas, using the waters from a earth-dam (in the picture).

Rural Life

by NEILHALLIDYA

Deux Bales National Park (near Boromo)

by jeremy73

Beautiful spot on the Volta River, can stay at Kaicedra campement, almost guaranteed sightings of elephants in dry season