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The village of Obiré is about 25 kms. back on yourself by a very bad track. To me, after having done it, I would say that it is not really worth the hassle, unless you want to meet a real, live KING. There are the mausoleums of the ex-kings to visit, but these are now only inhabited by some emblematic icones. The meeting with the king follows a certain ritual, but no problems the guide will explain the protocole.
This is a short visit just off the road in Loropeni to visit the ruins. As always the guide is obligatory. Ask for Yvonne. She knows what she is talking about and on top of that is a lovely, friendly girl. At the moment , the origin of the ruins is a mystery. Perhaps a way-station for slaves on the way to the coast? Nobody really knows.Objects dating back 3/3500 years have been found on the site although the walls do not date from this period. Mysterious Africa.
A further 40 km. further on from the lake, you can also visit the "Pics de Sindou". This is a vast plateau surrounded by rocks like saw teeth. It is also a sacred place for the local Senoufo people. A guide is absolutely necessary to fully understand the meaning of this place to the people. It costs 1000 cfa for the guided visit. A very do-able hike of around an hour allows you to see quite a bit. If you want a longer hike, then this is negociable with the guide.
This is also known as the Hippos lake. In the lake are about 30 specimens, reachable with a pirogue, that you hire with a piroguier once at the lake. These guys know just how close you can get to them without problems. A lot depends on the weather as to how close you can get. If the water is choppy then the piroguier will not take the risk of getting too close. Cost is 1000 cfa for just a walk around or 2000 cfa with the pirogue. A tip is generally left to your piroguier as well.
Obviously these falls are no rivals to Niagara or Victoria but in their own way bring life to this barren and parched part of the world. A restful walk through a long avenue of trees in the shade before the climb up to the falls. There are 3 distinct parts to these falls. on the 2 lower parts there are places you can swim, no problems with catching somethig nasty. On the upper fall this becomes too dangerous. Many people come out here from Bobo and Banfora at the weekend with the kids so it is recommended to try and come during the week.
A short way out from Banfora are the Domes. Although there is a place where you pay for the visit (1000 cfa) this is a self-exploratary visit. A fair bit of climbing to do so good shoes are recommended. Some lovely views to be had. I thought these domes were similar in aspect to the "Hogons" in Mystery valley- Monument Valley Arizona.A guide with vehicle is really necessary for the 4 main visits from Banfora, unless you hire a bike in town and then find yourself a VERY good map of the area.
Nice walking tour around the old part of Bobo, especially the animist quarter. You have to take a guide, 1000 cfa, from just across from the old mosque. Around 1 hour for the tour. Very quaint surroundings and things to see.
The people of Burkina Faso are generally very hospitable. If you visit a Rural community you may be treated to the local tribal dancers. These are colourfull, energetic and, considering the instruments are traditional, very loud. Everything is very enthusiastic. Normally, the dances have some kind of significance (this may be a simple thank you or acting out some local play). You will be encouraged to join in.
Ouagadougou is an easygoing city.South of the big market I walked around in the streets, chatted with local people, played table-footballl for 25 CFA with the boys, champions of the street.I had a lot of practice in table-football at the camping of my parents, but that was years ago. It was an exciting match: the Netherlands- Burkina Faso. BF won.What to do more in Ouaga:Buying souvenirs at the big market (bargaining makes always a lot of fun).After a long time in the bush: visit to the post-office, the bank, eat cake at the pastellaria La Bonbonniere.
You have to visit the chaotic, noisy, confusing main market in Ouagadougou at least once during your visit, but keep your cool and don't hang around the area once it gets dark.The market is in a massive concrete construction, which was built in the 1980s under the country's then-leader Thomas Sankara. Although Burkinabes still rave about Sankara, the market is hardly an example of great architecture and it manages to make Burkina's temperatures even more hellish. Still, it's an extraordinarily intense experience, sprawling over several levels, from the meat-market (not for the faint of heart) in the dark lower reaches to the spice markets and textile sellers to the craft market, which is aimed squarely at tourists. The stalls are jammed close together, and form an intricate and very confusing maze; people will happily lead you in and, once you've spent a little, will help you out too.In...
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Reviews and photos of Burkina Faso attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Burkina Faso sightseeing.
Q: Could someone please tell me if Mastercard can be used in Burkina Faso? I have conflicting reports on this. thank you.
A: I haven´t tried Mastercard there, but in general it is rather difficult to pay with Mastercard in most African countries. If hotels etc accept a credit card at all, they...
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