Surrounded by six countries it is landlocked nation in West Africa. Niger from the east, Mali from the north, Ghana and Togo from the south, Benin from the south east side, Cote d Ivories from the south west. It was previously called as Republic of Upper Volta and was renamed by the president Thomas Sankara on 4th August, 1984. It was called as “The land of upright people” and now with the name Burkina Faso where Burkina means “men of integrity” and Faso means “father’s house”. Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso, after the independence from France in the year 1960 the change started after this year in the government operations at present it operates in a different way then before. This country is stated at sixth place in the Human Development Index. The hunter-gathers in the northwestern part of this country were the early inhabitants in 5000 B.C. as in these regions the relics of Dogon were found.
The traditional Mossi states were broken by the French in the 19th century during the scuttle for Africa. The poor people started working as laborers, and Upper Volta was neglected. The history and conflicts continued but the Burkina Faso remained one of the stable countries in the region. In April 2000 the street demonstrations were organized which forced government for and constitutional amendments for the presidents of two terms. It is the place which captures imagination it wins the heart of travelers with the relaxed and peaceful life, beautiful tourists attractions and friendly people. The markets, deserts, green sights, and unique rock formations on the southwest side, there are variety of landscapes; it is the place of cultural mix. Burkina Faso is may be one of the poorest countries but it is stable in West Africa and fine running efficiently and the most important film festival takes place here in the town of Bobo-Dioulasso. The wildlife safaris in the south while the capital of this country called Ouagadougou is worth watching with glorious sight seeing, this all is enough to explore this place, and your tour to this place is the experience you will never forget.
However many less number of places visit Burkina Faso but it is the perfect destination for those who want to explore African culture and music. Bobo Dioulasso is one the best cities in this country which should be visited, it is famous for music and nightlife, while the architecture can be seen in the old city in the striking Grande Mosque. The market of Grande Marche is a beautiful colorful market where you will get variety of things that you need to live in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso is a bush country with its flora and fauna you will find small trees and grass with many wind animals. The savanna region is the semi desert and grassland in the monsoons. The country is rich in its flora and fauna. There are around 330 marine species, 655 mammal and 1054 different species of plants. There are around 60 different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso with their own variety of culture and traditions and different variety of folk music. The country is less popular in case of music as compare to other neighboring countries. The National Museum of Music in the Ouagadougou has the collection of music of few years old with different music instruments like Bara and balafon which were played in the olden times.
How to reach Burkina Faso
Flights are available from Casablanca, Brussels, Dakar, Niamey, Abidjan, and Paris etc Air France, Ghana Airways, Air Algeria, Air Burkina, Air Ivories, etc are the carriers and also offer flights from U.S. all arrive at Ouagadougou Airport. Air Burkina is the National carrier and offer regular flights all around West Africa. There are many flights which are connected with Burkina Faso. The Ouagadougou airport has many facilities for tourists. If you want to travel by train then it takes 48 hours from Abidjan to Ouagadougou. Traveling in and around Burkina Faso is convenient. Busses are also available from one city to another and busses to sights and tourists attractions are also available for the visitors.
From mid-October to December is the best time to visit Burkina Faso. From June to September the country is wet and humid. The weather is cooler from December to February with grimy winds and obscure skies in January and February, while from March to early June the weather is hot. It is one of the friendliest and safest counties in Africa. With very smaller tourists every year it is the best people for those who want to know about African culture and music.
Accommodation in Burkina Faso
There are many hotels, hostels, bed & breakfast, guest houses, lodges etc are available in this country. There are many accommodations which offer African style with European levels of comfort. The leafy compounds and traditional wooden masks with many facilities like satellite TV and Internet connection make your stay more comfortable and relaxing with all the basic facilities. The bars and restaurants, fun parks and games etc all can be enjoyed in the hotels of Burkina Faso. Tourist often visits this country so accommodation is easily available but in the capital of the country you have to book in advance for your comfortable stay in Burkina Faso.
The currency of Burkina Faso is West African CFA franc, which can easily be changed with euros in cash only in the banks and on the counter on the airport. There are ATMs but in larger cities only and money withdrawal at exorbitant costs so take more cash each time. Everyone needs a visa to enter this country expect the people of Economic Community of West African States. You can also get a visa at the Ouagadougou airport with two photos, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and a valid identity proof.
Places to visit
Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso and largest town formerly known as Upper Volta. It is city of trees and modern public buildings, market, crafts center, museum and a university. From 300 kilometers away in the south Bob Dioulasso is located which is a very interesting city built on river Houtet with wonderful trees and Sudan style architecture. There are other places like Desert, game reserve, mountain, waterfall etc
Festivals in Burkina Faso
The Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou is one of the largest African Film Festival which is a regular cultural event which focuses of African Filmmakers and African Films. It gets celebrated for two weeks. The National Culture Week of Burkina Faso is the most well known festival for its cultural activities of Burkina Faso. This even takes place every two years in Bobo Dioulasso which is the second largest city Burkina Faso. It was started in the year 1983 of which the thirteenth year was celebrated in the year 2006.
