What to pack for Burkina Faso

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Luggage and bags: Water is a very scarce resource in most of Burkina Faso. Try to take sufficient bottled water if you are going on long bus journeys. In addition to this treat any drinking water with concern. Bring sufficient iodine to treat water and boil where you have any doubt.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Remember to take plenty of rehydration sachets and immodium.

Luggage and bags: One comfortable backpack should be more than enough; you don't need to bring much when you can wash your clothes and expect them to be dry well before morning.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Very light cotton clothing is great for Burkina. Burkinabe like to dress well - much better than most backpackers! - so some light cotton button-down shirts are often better than t-shirts. Better yet, bring a shirt you like, then go to the market, buy some cloth and get a tailor to use your shirt as a model to make some more!

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Some travellers are casual about malaria protection, but if you are only going to be in Burkina for a few weeks, it seems silly to spend a week or so sick with a preventable disease. Speak to a doctor with some tropical medical experience before you leave: not all malaria medications are suitable for everyone. You must get a yellow fever vaccination to visit Burkina, but consider getting some additional vaccinations too with the advice of your doctor. Hepatitis vaccinations are a common preparation for travel in Africa, as well as boosters for polio and diphtheria.