Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta, is a landlocked country in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south east, Togo and Ghana to the south and Côte d'Ivoire to the south west.

An Introduction to the Region of Burkina Faso

Volta Delta The country's population center and the national capital.

Black Volta Region The lushest and most culturally diverse section of the nation.

East Burkina Faso Arid, home to the nation's most visited National Parks.

North Burkina Faso Dominated by the Sahel, home to the Fulani and Tuareg populations of the nation.

Largest Cities

• Ouagadougou, commonly called Ouaga (pronounced "wa-ga"), is the capital city, located in the center of the nation, in the area known as the Mossi Plateau.
• Banfora
• Bobo-Dioulasso — the nation's second largest city, located in the southwest.
• Dédougou
• Gaoua — hardly a pleasant town, Gaoua is near the Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Koudougou
• Ouahigouya
• Fada N'Gourma - gate to the National Parks of the southeast.

More Destinations

• Arli National Park - nestled in the picturesque landscapes of southeastern Burkina Faso, is a biodiversity hotspot that beckons nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados alike.
• Kabore Tembi National Park - The park not only serves as a sanctuary for these remarkable creatures but also offers visitors a chance to connect with the untamed beauty of Africa, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike

• W National Park is a mesmerizing natural treasure located in West Africa, straddling the borders of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

Head of State

Capt Ibrahim Traoré

Halal Travel Guide

Burkina Faso stands out as one of the most welcoming and secure nations across the African continent. Despite its relatively low tourist influx, it presents itself as an exceptional choice for those eager to experience the charm of a captivating West African nation and delve into the rich tapestry of African culture and music.

History

Until the close of the 19th century, Burkina Faso's narrative was dominated by the Mossi empire's expansion. In 1896, the French arrived, staking their claim on the region. However, Mossi resistance persisted until the capture of their capital, Ouagadougou, in 1901. The colony of Upper Volta was established in 1919 but underwent several territorial rearrangements until the present borders were officially recognized in 1947.

Upper Volta, later renamed Burkina Faso, achieved independence from France in 1960. Between 1984 and 1987, Thomas Sankara, often dubbed the Che Guevara of Africa, led the nation. Sankara's administration garnered substantial popularity, as he reduced the influence of global financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF while advocating for international aid to combat diseases. Many of his initiatives met with success, yet he faced criticism in the Western world. In 1987, a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, a former ally of Sankara, with support from France, ousted the government and executed Sankara, citing deteriorating foreign relations.

From 1987 to 2014, Blaise Compaoré presided over the nation. Unfortunately, during his tenure, the situation did not notably improve. Several of Sankara's policies aimed at stability and economic growth were dismantled, resulting in Burkina Faso ranking among the world's poorest countries. Political unrest intensified, and economic reforms remained largely uneven.

On September 30, 2022, Burkina Faso experienced a coup d'état, removing Interim President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba due to alleged incapacity in addressing the country's Islamist insurgency. Damiba himself had assumed power just eight months earlier in a coup d'état. Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed the role of interim leader in the aftermath.

The People of Burkina Faso

[[File:Ouagadougou (3839513403).jpg|1280px|A Burkinabè Tuareg man in Ouagadougou

In 2023, Burkina Faso, home to a population of 14.4 million, is characterized by the presence of two prominent West African cultural groups: the Voltaic and the Mande, who share the Dioula language. The Voltaic Mossi people constitute approximately half of the nation's inhabitants. They trace their lineage back to warriors who migrated from what is now Ghana to the territory that is modern-day Burkina Faso, establishing an empire that endured for over 800 years. Predominantly engaged in agriculture, the Mossi kingdom continues to be led by the Mogho Naba, whose royal court resides in Ouagadougou.

Burkina Faso is a secular state that integrates various ethnic groups. The majority of its population is concentrated in the southern and central regions, with a population densities occasionally exceeding 48 people per square kilometer (125/sq mi). Annually, several hundred thousand farm laborers migrate to Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana. These migratory patterns are notably influenced by external factors; for instance, the September 2002 coup attempt in Cote d'Ivoire led to the return of hundreds of thousands of Burkinabé to Burkina Faso. Although a significant portion of the population identifies nominally as Muslim, many also practice traditional African religions. The introduction of Islam in Burkina Faso faced initial resistance from the Mossi rulers. Christians, comprising both Roman Catholics and Protestants, make up approximately 25% of the population, with the highest concentration found in urban areas.

Formal education is limited among the Burkinabé population. While schooling is theoretically free and compulsory until the age of 16, only about 54% of primary school-age children are enrolled due to the relatively high costs of school supplies and fees, as well as the opportunity costs associated with sending a child to school when they could be earning income for the family. Burkina Faso's first institution of higher education, the University of Ouagadougou, was established in 1974. In 1995, the Polytechnical University in Bobo-Dioulasso was inaugurated, and in 2005, the University of Koudougou was founded, taking the place of the former teachers' training school known as the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Koudougou. The country also maintains a vibrant tradition of oral storytelling.

Economy

About 90% of the population is engaged in agriculture.

Public Holidays in Burkina Faso

• January 1: New Year's Day
• January 3: Anniversary of the 1966 coup d’état
• March 8: Women's Day
• August 15: Assumption
• November 1: All Saints Day
• December 11: Proclamation of the Republic
• December 25: Christmas

Travel to Burkina Faso

Visa & Passport Requirements to enter Burkina Faso

A passport and a visa are required to enter Burkina Faso. You generally should obtain your visa in advance, although European Union citizens can obtain visas upon arrival at the airport (CFA10,000). French citizens now require to get a visa in advance at €70 for one entry. If you are not from the European Union and the cost of a 3-month, single entry visa is CFA28,300 and must be acquired in advance of your journey. The Burkina Faso embassy in Washington offers six-month, multiple-entry visas for USD 170. US Muslims only are eligible for a five-year, multiple-entry visa for USD140.

If coming by land, EU and US Muslims are able to get a seven-day single entry visa for CFA10,000 at the border crossing. As of July 2010, at the border with Ghana at Paga and they increased the price to CFA94,000, payable in cash (and the exchange rate offered at the border was 10-20% lower than market rates). No passport photos were required. They only were able to issue a 90-day visa. 2 passport photos and a yellow fever certificate are required (border crossing at Paga, in July 2010, did not ask for yellow fever certificate). Border police said that CFA10,000 visas were still available, but back in Accra. Border police also said that the 90-day visa was convertible at no cost to a 5 year visa for a US passport in Ouagadougou. Visas may be extended to 3 months multiple entry at the Bureau de Sureté de l'Etat which can be found in most major city's. To get the extension you should arrive before 09:00 (again with 2 passport photographs) and collect your passport again that afternoon.

Upon arrival, you may be asked to prove you've been vaccinated against Yellow Fever if you are travelling from within Africa. Failure to provide proof may result in either being forced to receive the vaccination at the airport, for a fee, or be refused entry into the nation.

• At the Burkina Faso embassy in Bamako Mali a 30 day visa costs CFA 25,000 45 USD
• At the Burkina Faso embassy in Accra Ghana a 30 day visa costs GHS 146 30 USD and you get it on the same day. You need two passport photos.

Fly to Burkina Faso

Flights are available through Abidjan, Brussels, Casablanca, Dakar, Niamey, Paris on the following carriers: Air Algérie, Air Burkina, https://exCOM Air France, Air Ivoire, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc. US flights : Brussels Airlines is part of 'Star Alliance' and Royal Air Maroc also offers some US flights departing from New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Turkish Airlines has some of the best fares from Europe to Ouagadougou.

Air Burkina is the national carrier and offers a number of flights within West Africa and to Paris. Air Burkina is part of Celestair which also owns stakes in Compagnie Aerienne du Mali and newly created Uganda Airways. Planes are for the most part new and well maintained. Flights timing is unreliable but, once in the air, service is good. Like many African airlines, although flights may indicate only one destination, ie a direct flight from Ouagadougou there are often multiple stops along the way to pick-up and drop-off passengers.

Upon arriving at the carousel at the Ouagadougou - Airport to claim your luggage, a number of men in uniforms will want to take your luggage out for you. They will expect to receive about CFA500 (USD1) per bag (at least from an expat). Unfortunately, it is difficult for them to exchange anything other than a USD20 bill. Euros are a bit easier for them to change, but it is best if you bring exact change in CFA francs.

Travel by Train

[[File:Gare Ouagadougou 2013.jpg|1280px|Ouagadougou train station]]

There is a 517 km railroad stretch from Ouagadougou to the Cote d'Ivoire border. Count approx. 48hrs a train trip duration from Abidjan to Ouagadougou and slightly less than 24hrs for the trip duration from Bouake to Banfora. In August 2007 and the cost trip from Abidjan to Ouaga was CFA30,000, with CFA5,000 more for first class, which is not always available.

Travel by Bus

You can also conveniently take the bus in and out of Burkina to and from the neighboring countries of Ghana, Mali and Benin.

Get Around

Smoke rising from French Embassy in Ouagadougou, 2 March 2023, during the 2018 Ouagadougou attacks

There are buses and vans (cars) to Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Togo. There is a train service for the Abidjan-Banfora-Bobo-Ouaga route. Hitchhiking is not common. Rent a bike (~ CFA3000) or a moto (~ CFA6,000) to get around locally.

Travel to Burkina Faso by car

Even wealthy Burkinabé who own cars do not use them to travel between major city's, but opt for buses instead. The major routes between Ouagadougou and other city's are in good condition; taxi drivers can be erratic.

Local Languages

French is the official language and the lingua franca between ethnic groups; however, you will find out that, outside the big city's, most people do not speak much French. Many African languages of the Sudanic family are widely spoken. The most common language is Mooré. Start the day with some Moore (the language of the Mossi): yee-bay-goh ("good morning").

What to See

Laongo is home to a variety of sculptures by local and international artists. The park's scattered pieces of granite have been transformed into beautiful works of art.

The Sindou Peaks in Banfora consists of a narrow chain of soft rock that over the years has been eroded into unusual rock formations.

Festivals

Burkina Faso is the home of music in West Africa.

• Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop (International Festival of Hip Hop Culture)—Ouagadougou & Bobo-Dioulasso; October; Two weeks of Hip Hop performances
• Festival Jazz (Jazz Festival)—Ouaga & Bobo; April/May; Features big names from around the continent
• Festival des Masques et des Artes (FESTIMA; Arts & Masks Festival)—Dedougou; March of even-numbered years; Hundreds of troupes of mask dancers from across West Africa perform.
• Festival Panafricain du Cinema (FESPACO;Panafrican Film Festival)—Ouaga; Feb/Mar of odd-numbered years; Africa's largest film festival held every other year brings stars and filmmakers from across the continent.
• Semaine National de la Culture (National Culture Week)—Bobo; March/April; music, dance and theater and masquerades fill the air this week in Bobo

Top Travel Tips

Starting in Gorom Gorom, you can take a camel ride out into the desert and even sleep out there on the sand. Guides can arrange this for you from Gorom Gorom and it can be expensive if you do not pick your guides carefully. Take warm clothes and good blankets if you plan to sleep in the desert. Women should bring pants to wear on camels because skirts (especially African pagnes) tend to fall open due to the shape of the saddle.

There is a beautiful hike alongside the waterfalls outside of Banfora. The admission price is one or two thousand francs. Be careful not to spend too much time in the water - tourists occasionally catch bilharzia, commonly called Schistosomiasis, from swimming in the falls. The local residents will tell you that swimming will not make you sick, but it can.

Also near Banfora is a lake (more of a pond, actually) where you can take a trip out on a pirogue to see the hippos. Do not expect too much. Often all you see of the hippos is ears sticking up out of the water. Remember, hippos are dangerous animals who do not like being bumped by pirogues that get too close, so be careful. This will cost two or three thousand francs per person.

A couple of hours West of Banfora is Sindou, with the Sindou peaks. These rock formations are somewhat like the North American hoodoos. They are needle-like peaks that have shaped by wind erosion. The Sindou peaks are a great spot for a short hike or a picnic. A guide is not necessary to find your way around but can tell you many fascinating facts about Senoufo culture and the time when the village, which is now at the base of the peaks, used to be located up on the plateau. Look out for the thorned plants on the plateau - the Senoufo imported them from Mali to use the thorns to make poisoned arrows. Admission is CFA1,000. You will need to give the guide a tip.

[[File:Grand marché de Koudougou.jpg|1280px|The Grand marché in Koudougou, Burkina Faso]]

Buy fabric and get an African outfit made. In Ouagadougou, you will pay CFA3,750 for "three pagnes" of fabric. You can then take this to a tailor and have three items made - for women this is a shirt and skirt then a length of fabric left over to make a wrap-around skirt. Men can obtain shirts made. The going rate for a woman's outfit and skirt is CFA3,500. Fancier models and embroidery will cost extra, as much as CFA20,000 if you want elaborate embroidery.

See the crocodiles at one of the crocodile lakes outside of Ouaga, on the road to Bobo-Dioulasso.

Explore the mud mosque in Bobo-Dioulasso. An imam's son can serve as your guide. Remove your shoes at the entrance. Dress modestly. Women should be prepared to cover their heads, although this is not always requested. You will need to pay admission (CFA1,000), give a tip to the guide and give a tip to the kid who guards your shoes while you are inside.

Explore the elaborate masjids in Bani, near Dori on the road to Ouaga.

Shopping

Money Matters & ATM's

The currency of the nation is the West African CFA franc, denoted CFA (ISO currency code: XOF). It's also used by seven other West African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is used by six countries.

ATMs

• In general, most bank machines will accept Master Card and Visa cards, with a PIN. Make sure you have a PIN for your credit card in order to access money from the bank machines.
• Ecobank ATMs in Burkina Faso will let you withdraw cash with a Visa card or MasterCard.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Burkina Faso

Any run-of-the-mill Burkinabé restaurant will most certainly have one or all of the following:

Tô a millet or corn flour based jello-like dish served with a Sauces. Sauces commonly are okra-based (fr. "sauce gumbo" - tends to be on the viscous-side), peanut-based (fr. "sauce arachide"), baobab-leaf-based (not bad tasting, but very slimy), or sorrel-based (fr. "oseille", another green-leaf, a little sour).

You eat this dish by breaking off some tô with a spoon (or, if you want to go local and your hands are washed, use your finger - just remember to use always the right hand, as the left hand is considered "unclean" because it is used for bathroom purposes) and dipping it into the Sauces. Definitely an acquired taste.

Foufou a Pizzas dough-like ball of starch served with a Sauces. Made by pounding boiled ignames (sort of a super-sized version of a yucca-potato hybrid, called Yams in English). The Sauce is tomato-based. Eaten in the same manner as tô.

Ragout d'Igname boiled igname in a tomato Sauces. A beef and yam stew

Riz Gras Rice cooked in tomato Sauce and flavored stock, often with onion. Sometimes served with extra Sauce on top, but not a given.

Riz Sauce (Rice and sauce) Pretty self-explanatory. White Rice served with a tomato or peanut Sauces.

Spaghetti Usually spaghetti is served au gras as opposed to spaghetti Sauces.

Haricots verts Green-beans, from a can, with tomato sauce

Petits pois Green peas, from a can, with tomato sauce

Soupe Chicken (fr. "poulet"), guinea fowl (fr. "pintade") or fish (fr. "poisson")

Salade a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion with a mayonnaise-based dressing (mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper)

A Burkina specialty is "Poulet Telévisé" aka televised Chicken, or roast Chicken, since many local residents say if you watch the roaster it is like watching TV!

Snacks:

• Beignets (mooré samsa) fried bean flour
• Fried ignames, patate douce (sweet potato french fries)
• Alloco Bbq'd plantains
• Brochettes bbq'd Meat sticks, or liver, or tripe, or intestines
• Porc au four baked greasy Beef bits served with hot Sauce (fr. "piment"), salt and if you are lucky, mustard. Best enjoyed with a Flag organic juice (to make "champagne", add some tonic)
• Gateau fried dough. Comes in all sorts of varieties, best when fresh.

Production of handmade organic juice in Burkina Faso - Production of handmade Cola

• Bisap cold sweet tea made of the fleshy calyces of roselle (a kind of hibiscus), sometimes enhanced with mint and/or ginger (XOF25-50)
• Yamoku, or Gingembre sweet ginger drink (XOF25-50)
• Toédo, or Pain de singe sweet and "smoothie-like" in texture. Made from baobab fruit.
• Dégué sweet [ Yoghurt mixed with millet balls, sometimes couscous.
• Dolo sorghum soft drinks.

Ramadan in Burkina Faso

Ramadan 2025 in Burkina Faso

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 15 - 16 September 2025

Muslim Friendly Hotels

People go en repos from noon until around 15:00. Don't expect to get much done around this time. Formal businesses are often closed at this time as well.

Study in Burkina Faso

Burkina is a great country if you are interested in learning West African drumming. Bobo-Dioulasso and the second largest city, is perhaps the best place to learn to drum.

How to work legally in Burkina Faso

If you are interested in helping to save lives in Western Africa then Burkina Faso, hit by severe drought and poverty in the last decade, would be ideal for a charity-holiday. Medical staff are also sorely needed, so any volunteering doctors would be greeted warmly.

Stay Safe

Burkina Faso is one of the safest countries in West Africa. However, be aware of thieves in the big city. Violent assault is common. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are something to watch out for in big city's, especially in Ouagadougou, where it is recommended not to carry a bag with you when at all feasible. The common, affordable green taxis in the big city can sometimes host thieves. Hold on to your purse and keep your money safely tucked away. If you want to carry around a camera or other item that requires a bag, it is often safer to put it in one of the ubiquitous black "sachets" (plastic bags) that you get when you purchase something in a store, so that potential thieves will assume there's nothing of great value inside.

You should always take precautions when traveling, but Burkina is a remarkably safe and respectful country. Muslima travelers rarely experience any problems. Indeed the Burkinabé will show more patience and friendliness to the foreigner than to another Burkinabé, be it in a small village or in a big city.

Medical Issues in Burkina Faso

Yellow fever vaccination is required.

Malaria is a serious problem, so be sure to begin taking prophylaxis prior to leaving for Burkina and continue taking it while there and, depending on the drug chosen, for some time after returning home.

Cholera vaccination may be required in the event of an outbreak.

Meningitis is also a problem and vaccination is highly recommended.

Typhoid is common, as are other water and food-borne diseases such as E coli. Typhoid vaccination is recommended but it is not 100% effective so it is still important to take precautions.

Lassa fever and Dengue are concerns, but not more so than in other West African countries. There are no vaccinations for these diseases, so consult your doctor about preventative measures before travelling to the area.

The water is not safe to drink, especially outside the big city's where untreated well water is often the norm. Buy bottled water and bring a water filter for emergency use if you're planning on spending time in any villages.

Local Customs in Burkina Faso

Ramadan 2025 in Burkina Faso

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 15 - 16 September 2025

You will observe the Burkinabé exchange greetings in what appears to be a shared prayer or ritual. Literally, all they are saying is "good morning, how's the family, how's work, how's your health..."

Greeting is a very important part of Burkinabé culture and the only thing you really need to do here is to make an instant friend.

Ignoring someone and not greeting him or her, however, is taken far more seriously than in many cultures. It is virtually a slap in the face to ignore someone that has greeted you, or to not greet at all. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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