Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou (pronounced: WA-ga-DOO-goo) is the capital of Burkina Faso and the nation's cultural & economic centre. Its name is informally shortened to Ouaga (pronounced: WA-ga).

Ouagadougou Halal Explorer

The dominant ethnicity is Mossi (60%), but many other tribes are also represented (Samo, Gourounsi, Lobi, etc).

Languages spoken: French, Moore, some Jula (derivative of Bambara).

The primary language spoken by the general population is Moore. However, many merchants, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff will speak at least some French. In the nicer parts of town, most people will speak excellent French. Some people will speak English.

How is the Climate in Ouagadougou

Its climate is classified as hot semi-arid (BSh) with the rainy season from June to September. Daytime temperatures are hot all the year, but are hottest from February to May.

Travel to Ouagadougou

Place des cineastes Ouaga - Place des cineastes in Ouagadougou

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou International Airport is the main gateway and is located to the immediate south of downtown, distance from the airport to the United Nations roundabout is less than two kilometres. The airport is quite small and, like many African airports, somewhat disorganized. National carrier Air Burkina has flights most West African capitals as well as Paris, from where Air France also offers daily service. The other European capital with scheduled flights is Brussels via Brussels Airlines. Other popular connections includes East African cities of Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Some of the best fares from Europe as of June 2015 seem to be with Turkish Airlines.

A shared taxi and the green ones, to downtown should cost no more than XOF500, but be aware that many will ask for up to XOF1,000.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Ouagadougou

A twice weekly train operated by SITARAIL runs from the Ivorian capital Abidjan via Bobo-Dioulasso. First and second class carriages are available and the journey is supposed to take 36h but trains are often much delayed. Tickets are open for purchase a day before departure at the train station.

Ouagadougou's Gare Centrale GPS 12.373588,-1.526507 is located downtown just off Avenue de la Nation.

By car

Travel on a Bus in Ouagadougou

There are plenty of bus operators serving Ouagadougou but there's no central bus station, each operator has it's own depot.

Transport Confort Voyageurs, on Rue de la Mosquée is one of the largest bus companies in town with connections from most regional cities as well as the neighbouring capitals. Other operators includes STMB and SOTRAO.

How to get around in Ouagadougou

Gothic Churche_Ouagadougou - Gothic Church

Ougadougou is a very orderly and clean city, and the traffic is very civilized. The city has a grid-based street system. There are traffic lights everywhere and motorists actually obey them. The people here are proud of their country and create a good impression.

Best way to travel in Ouagadougou by a Taxi

Ouagadougou is serviced by two types of taxi: white and green. White taxis are rarer, more expensive, and exclusive. Green taxis are ubiquitous and of much lower quality, but are much cheaper to use. As there are no meters, all fees for all taxis are negotiated in advance, and you should not enter a taxi until you and the driver have agreed upon a price.

The small green taxi cabs should cost no more than XOF300 per person during the day for straight runs on primary streets. Fees increase with distance or with departures from the main routes. Be prepared to share the cab with as many people as can be crammed in, or to pay a premium rate. Cabbies may attempt to charge foreigners far more. If you have a lot of baggage, expect to pay more as well.

Prices go up at night especially to the downtown (centreville). You should never pay more than XOF1,500 per person, and this is negotiable if you have a lot of people in your group to share the cab.

Travel to and from the airport is always expensive, even if you are only going a short distance. Expect a minimum of XOF1,500, and do not be surprised at asking prices in excess of XOF5,000. Be firm, and you can negotiate the price considerably downward.

Although Ouagadougou is generally a very safe city, maintain the same caution that you would in any urban environment: only use green or white cabs, don't accept rides from drivers that appear to be drunk or who have cars that appear unsafe, and know that whites, obvious tourists, people with many bags, and people seeking rides at unusual hours are all at a higher risk of theft and other crimes.

What to see in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou place nations unies - Place des Nations Unies (United Nations Plaza)

Grand Mosque of Ouagadougou 1 2.366234, -1.521428
Ouagadougou Gothic Church 1 2.361979, -1.526989 - Built by the French in the 1930s, it is one of the largest in western Africa. The architecture is reminiscent of a European romanesque basilica, but intentionally evokes the impression of incompleteness due to its two steeples of different height.

National Museum - Musee National - Avenue du Musée national 12.380434, -1.471850 - Museum complex devoted to the many local cultures, but most of the buildings are empty. It is on the east side of the city and is open seven days a week.

Museum of Music - Musée de la Musique de Ouagadougou - 12.373528, -1.516783 - Exhibits all the musical instruments of Burkina Faso.

Bangr Weogo park 1 2.397514, -1.488892 - Urban park in Zone du Bois (also called 'La Foret') has many trails for walking and running. It also has a small zoo inside (XOF100-200 for entrance) Bring binoculars to help you spot the crocodiles in the marsh near the bridge! The park is a natural preservation area and "sacred forest" dating from the pre-colonial era.

L'Unité Pédagogique - Another notable park in Ouagadougou, shelters animals in a semi-free state. This botanic garden/biosphere system stretches over 8 hectares (20 acres) and also serves as a museum for the nation's history.

Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship - Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun - Green space that was renovated in 1996, is a symbol of the twin-city relationship between Ouagadougou and Loudun in France. It is situated in the centre of the city, near the "Nation Unies' crossroads".

Naba Koom 1 2.373008, -1.526235 In front of the train station - Small garden with a statue depicting a woman handling a calabash to pour water. The 6m (20 ft) high statue faces the train station, welcoming travellers into Ouaga. The place bears the name of an important chief in Burkina Faso’s history.

La Place du Grand Lyon - Monument that reflects the relationship between Burkina Faso's capital and Lyon in France. Located near the French cultural Center George Melies and features

Outside downtown

Musée de Manega - Also exhibits musical instruments of Burkina Faso, Mossi rifles and other cultural items. Located 55km (34 mi) northwest of the city

Laongo 1 2.536804, -1.284485 30km (19 mi) east of the city, - Features enormous granite slabs that were designed by various sculptors. The exhibit displays works of art from five continents.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ouagadougou

Monument des martyrs - Monument des martyres

Cineburkina (50 32 03 28) and Cine Reale are more comfortable/safer movie theaters
Café Zaka has live bands every night
The Moro Naaba ceremony is every Friday morning at 07:15, 15min ceremony symbolizing a Mossi historical event (preparation for battle against a rival king that stole his amulets, but being persuaded to keep peace). Ouagadougou was founded in the 15th century and became the capital of the Mossi empire. The historical palace of the Moro Naaba is located in the middle of the city.
French Cultural Centre, Proposes both local and imported concerts dance pieces and theatre. The bar/restaurant there is a popular meeting spot. It also features an air-conditioned library where you can read newspapers and magazines. Located on the same road as the main post office
SIAO (International Art and Craft Festival) Africa's most prominent craft fair, it is held for 10 days in every even-numbered year. Artisans from all over Africa attend and sell their wares.
Village Artisanal of Ouagadougou (VAO). This outdoor "shopping mall" of local arts and crafts is a gem. You can buy from a huge selection with far less hassle than on the street. It also features a shady café in the courtyard.

FESPACO - PanAfrican film festival. Africa's most prestigious film festival is held every two years in February and showcases some of the best movies from across the continent. Next one coming up in late February/March 2017.

Central Market a major attraction, burned in 2003 and reconstructed in a modern style. New stands are opening up all around it, though, so it's still worth a visit, especially if you are buying textiles.
Gounghin Market a fun place to explore, buy fabric and fruit

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou Maison du peuple - La maison du peuple (People's house).

Groceries:

Go to Marina Market (50 31 09 65) or Scimas downtown, near the grande mosque (same street, maybe three blocks apart) for all Cheese, Meat, ice cream, other needs (closed from 12 to 3).

Bookstores:

DIACFA- kind of behind SCIMAS, across from the Grande Marche. PAGES - downtown, somewhat near the grand poste

Tailors:

Dune, a block up from ISO on lefty side of street, turn up dirt road, great Mauritanian tissue vendors next door;
Anna's Fashion near Paradisio and Petrofa station
Issaka (76 67 69 79) and Victor (70 25 18 57) make house calls

Film developing:

Have had the best luck at ADC near Marina Market. Lotte Photo across from Scimas takes a bit longer, but also does a good enough job.

Money:

ATMs for Visa cards are available. Ecobank ATMs take master card/visa cards.
Banque Atlantique has an ATM linked to the Maestro/Mastercard network but its ATMs only take cards issued by the bank.

Halal Restaurants in Ouagadougou

Most larger cafés have food in the afternoons and evenings, but here are a few notables from the recommendations of Bobo Stage Goers and others:

African

Café Zaka - somewhat expensive, downtown near Scimas supermarket, live music and cool craft shop inside)
Gondwana (somewhat expensive, Zone du Bois, great atmosphere)
La NASA - Vegan, cheap, near Pharmacie Sacré-Coeur
La Colombe - Vegan, cheap, serves excellent tofu brochettes for XOF1,200. Logements, avenue Babanguida, porte n°974 - just before the Rond-point des Artistes and in front of the Stade de France (+226 60 36 24 70 / 78 62 77 12)

Indian

La Mayer-somewhat expensive, near the Grand Gothic Church) 50 30 70 87

Italian

Le Verdoyant Avenue Dimdolossom 12.372276, -1.519725 ☎ +226 50 31 54 07 Somewhat expensive, near the Place de Nations Unites, serves excellent Lasagne, beware purse-snatchers and swindlers around the exit

Les Pilliers -somewhat expensive, Zone du Bois) 50 36 19 52
La Paillote (somewhat expensive, great Pizzas, delivers 50 31 87 34)
The Belvedere (somewhat expensive, amazing Pizzas, Koulouba) 50 33 64 21

Middle Eastern

Sindibad (cheaper, downtown, Lebanese restaurant, fine hamburgers,delivers 50 30 58 74)
Chez Simon (cheaper, Kwame North Krumah, near Jimmy's 50 33 21 46).Also International food - burgers, pizza etc.
Veranda Lebanese and international. Opposite Chez Simon on Kwame North Krumah.
Baratapas (cheaper, fun, homemade near STMB gare)

Chinese

Restaurant du Chine (somewhat expensive, downtown)
L'Orient- (Zone du Bois, on Babanguida towards the Route de Fada 50 36 15 01)

American

Hamburger House (cheaper, delivers 50 34 54 41)
ISO (cheaper, delivers 50 36 21 67)
Showbiz (across the street from Hotel Splendid- great milkshakes)
American Rec Center at the U.S. embassy

Vietnamese

Le Jardin Bambou, (Route de Fada towards Zone du Bois, 50 31 35 14)
Kim Son (cnr Kwame N'Krumah / Av de l'Aeroport) good but somewhat expensive

French

Le Coq Bleu Avenue Kwame NKrumah 12.367498, -1.519125 ☎ +226 50 30 01 93 Expensive

Le Vert Galant 1 2.312341, -1.518231 In Ouaga 2000 ☎ +226 50 37 43 08 Wxpensive

l'Eau Vive Rue Du Nasser 12.369557, -1.524245 ☎ +226 50 30 63 03 Somewhat expensive, run by Catholic nuns

Street food and snacks

Palais Kossyam 2013 - Palais Kosyam—the presidential palace.

All usually c. XOF250 CFA per plate on the street, depending on quantity or if there is meat: Rice and Beans (Benga), Rice and Sauce (Riz Sauce), To and Sauces, Atteike, Spaghetti, Rice and tomato Sauce (Riz Gras), Snacks- Peanuts and dates everywhere, semi-easy to find dried mangoes. There are many bars.

Music Hall (reasonable prices, often has a European crowd, somewhat near the grand post, towards the zone du bois)
New Jack's (more expensive, great mirrors, across from Hotel Splendid)
Cactus Bar (expensive, swimmingpool tables, European crowd, across from Hotel Splendid)
BarK(affordable and good food; often concerts on fridays; nice roof top terasse)

Le Privé Av Nelson Mandela 12.370392, -1.523627 - More expensive bar located in downtown.

The Sahel (often has live music, great atmosphere, cheaper)
Bar DeNiro (run down, bad hygenic conditions and therefore not popular any more, more expensive, swimmingpool tables)

L'Axe On Route de Fada - A favourite of Peace Corps volunteers and local residents alike.

Le Citadel (cheaper, local crowd)
The New Acropoli, Zogona (just off the Circulaire near the Total Station, cheaper, local crowd)
Paladium (cheaper, downtown, local crowd)
Gazoum (local crowd, racy, always a big crowd, Babanguida)

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ouagadougou, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ouagadougou. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ouagadougou and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ouagadougou. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ouagadougou. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inOuagadougou: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ouagadougou.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ouagadougou: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ouagadougou, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ouagadougou.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ouagadougou, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ouagadougou, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ouagadougou and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ouagadougou, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ouagadougou, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ouagadougou without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ouagadougou is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ouagadougou.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ouagadougou is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ouagadougou, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ouagadougou Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Cailcedrat - 12.3234, -1.4977 Near the Institut Africain de Management (African Institute of Management) in the Ouaga 2000 neighbourhood ☎ +226 25375569 - €21-37 Guesthouse offering accommodation to individuals or groups. Cailcedrat has 10 pleasant bedrooms with standard amenities (single and double bedrooms with air-con/fan, TV, fridge and bathrooms). Free breakfast and internet service. CCTV and security men. Bicycles and cars available for rent. Airport pick up.

Pavillon Vert, Ave De La Liberte quartier Dapoya, next to Point Afrique office. Has a garden and Wi-Fi, good place to meet backpackers.
Hotel Zamdogo, Zogona (50 30 10 69)
"The Mission", FEME near the Meat Palace on the Route de Fada
Ouaga Dream, Quiet and clean place close to the airport, English spoken by friendly owner and there's great food. It's at Rue 6.43, close to crossroads av Bassawarga and av De la Revolution
Hotel Continental across from CineBurkina (50 30 43 60)
SIL near Gare de l'Est on the Route de Fada, no drinking or smoking allowed in compound (50 36 48 51)
CACS(Centre d'Acceuil et...): On the route de Fada.
Pension Sarah Located in Cite An II, good place to meet fellow travellers, good food

Splendid Hôtel Avenue Kwame Nkrumah 12.361359, -1.518049 ☎ +226 25 31 72 78
Hotel Yibi - Avenue Kwame Nkrumah 12.36133, -1.51742 Opposite Hotel Splendid - A good budget option. Rooms have air-con, Wi-Fi and TV. Nice cool swimmingpool and bar/restaurant.

Sopatel Silmandé Hotel - Route de Kaya BP 4733 12.391970, -1.501902 Zone du Bois, near the barrage ☎ +226 50 35 60 05
Hotel Palm Beach - 10 Avenue Kwame Nkrumah 12.362229, -1.518269 ☎ +226 50310991 - Hotel
Hotel Ricardo Rue 23.02 12.390869, -1.527452 Near the barrage ☎ +226 50311717

Youth Inn

Iledeben - Somgande, near the barrage. Low cost for good comfort.

Telecommunications in Ouagadougou

Post Office:

Grande Post (Sonapost) downtown, right on the Place des Nations Unies (Monday to Friday 08:00-12:00, 15:00-17:00; Saturday 08:00-12:00. No cash withdrawals on Saturdays). Other postal offices seem to follow the Monday-Friday schedules, but possibly closed on Saturdays. (If you don't have a box and there is a man who packages things to be shipped for XOF500-1000. Coming in the entrance, ask at the desk on the right.) There are also postal offices in Dassasgho at the junction of Charles de Gaulle and the Circulaire, and on Charles de Gaulle near the intersection with Babanguida, just down from Surface Alimentation.

Internet Cafe's in Ouagadougou

Dependable connections next to the grand post (across the street from the Verdoyant) and diagonal from Café Zaka (next to the fish market).
Hole in the wall places everywhere, just ask. XOF500-1,000 /hr.

Stay Safe

Loads of agents, purse snatchers and faux types at the Grand Marche. Don't go without local assistance.

If you are a foreign woman, don't tell anyone (except trusted friends) where you are staying unless you want everyone you meet to show up at your hotel or home.

When travelling, take the STMB buses: they drive slowly, but safely. SOGEBAF has the most crashes.

Cope

Embassies & Consulates in Ouagadougou

{{flag|Canada

Canada - @maeci.gc.ca 316 Professeur Joseph KIZERBO ave. ☎ +226 5031 1894 +226 5031 1900 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:00; Friday 08:00–13:30
British Honorary Consulate - Based at ICI, Initiatives Conseil International, Impasse Thévenoud, 330, Secteur 01 ☎ +226 5030 8860 +226 5031 2543

United States | Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Rue 15.873 BBC World Service radio broadcast in English and French in Ouagadougou on 99.2MHz FM.