To use an oft quoted cliché, Burkina Faso simply has to be one of Africa’s best kept secrets. This small landlocked country is home to a diversity of landscapes and peoples that many of the better known destinations would find it hard to rival. Starting from Ouagadougou we head north into the hauntingly beautiful Sahel region on the very edge of the Sahara to meet nomad traders and spend time in a shockingly colourful weekly market, sleeping out under the stars. We then head south, to the intricately patterned villages of the Kassena people, where we are privileged to be able to spend the night in the chief’s compound – a humbling and unsurpassable evening. Finally we travel to Burkina’s western region, to its unusual rock formations, traditional cultures and the fortified villages of the Lobi people, one of the last ethnic groups to accept colonial rule. We also track elephants with near guaranteed sightings, explore mud built mosques, and immerse ourselves in Burkina’s contemporary life in the amiable cities of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Fall in love with Burkina Faso on this two week journey of surprises.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Ouagadougou Arrive in Ouagadougou, the lively capital of Burkina Faso. Overnight OK Inn or similar.
Day 2 – Bani – Gorom Gorom We take the dusty road north, to Burkina’s Sahel region, a magical land on the edge of the desert. En route, we stop at the village of Bani, renowned for its seven mud built mosques. We end up in Gorom Gorom, the last real ‘town’ before the desert, full of sandy streets and colourfully dressed desert tribespeople. Overnight Hotel de L’Amitie or similar. (BL)
Day 3 – Markoye On our journey to Markoye we stop at tiny isolated settlements to visit Tuareg and Fulani families. The scenery here gives a sense of the foreboding Sahara beyond. On arrival in Markoye we visit the vibrant weekly market, a kaleidoscope of colour where nomads from miles around come to trade. We then meet our camels and camel handlers and set off into the desert. We camp tonight next to an oasis where local herders often bring their flocks to drink. Overnight bush camp. (BLD) Please note that this trek is optional – if you choose not to participate then you will travel by 4wd to the overnight camping site.
Day 4 – Desert Camel Trek - Oursi We continue on our camels through the beautiful but stark landscape of the Sahel, hoping to meet Bella, Fulani and Tuareg families on our way and learn how they manage to eke out an existence in this remote region. We end up in Oursi and depending on time can visit its small museum housing the remains of a 10th century settlement which was burned by raiders. Overnight bush camp. (BLD)
Day 5 – Ouagadougou Travel back to Ouaga. This evening we head out into the city to get a real taste of urban Burkinabe life at one of the many maquis (open air restaurants) that dot this city, and see if we can experience some of the live music that Burkina is renowned for. Overnight OK Inn or similar. (BL)
Day 6 - Tangossokkou Heading south from Ouaga we go off road to the village of Tiebele, home to the Kassena people who are famous for their painted houses. We stop at the chief’s compound, a labyrinth of earth built dwellings enclosed within mud walls. The road gets worse as we travel to Tangossokou. Although the houses here are not as visually impressive as those at Tiebele, very few tourists make it here and the sense of breaking new ground is almost tangible. We have excellent local connections here and are welcomed as guests by the chief and his family, who allow us to sleep in their compound – an utterly memorable and quintessentially African experience. Overnight local houses / bush camp. (BLD)
Day 7 - Nazinga We say goodbye to our hosts and make a short journey to Nazinga, home to the highest concentration of elephants in West Africa. Game drives around the park allow us to get up close to these magnificent beasts, as well as buffalo and the many species of antelope that live here. Overnight Ranch de Nazinga. (B)
Day 8 – Bobo Dioulasso We take rough roads across little visited parts of Burkina and end up in its second city, Bobo. Quiet and leafy, Bobo is a fantastic place to wander around and soak up the local atmosphere. It also has an outstanding local music scene, with many live venues. Overnight L’Auberge or similar. (BL)
Day 9 – Bobo Dioulasso Visit the old quarter of the city, dating back many centuries and with separate quarters for the different religions, such as Moslems and animists, that live here. Bobo’s most famous landmark, and one of the most impressive in West Africa, is its Grand Mosque, a whitewashed mud built building with the typical logs jutting out from all angles. This evening we head out to join the local crowd at one of the city’s excellent live music venues. Overnight L’Auberge or similar. (B)
Day 10 – Banfora Journey to Burkina’s south west corner and the town of Banfora. This region is home to some of the country’s most spectacular natural sites, such as the enigmatic Domes of Fabedougou and the pretty Karfiguela Falls. We visit these before heading off to a nearby lake to look for hippopotamus, taking a pirogue out onto the water and getting surprisingly close to these enormous creatures. We spend the night camping near a village and have the chance to taste some of the local millet beer. Overnight bush camp. (BLD)
Day 11 – Sindou Peaks Out towards the border with Mali lie the Sindou Peaks, jagged fingers of rock pointing into the sky which are sacred to the Senoufou people who inhabit this region. Accompanied by local guides so as not to inadvertently break any local taboos, we take an easy hike through this awesome landscape and set up camp on the isolated plateau – an unforgettable evening. Overnight bush camp. (BLD)
Day 12 – Gaoua Drive to Gaoua, the main town in the Lobi region. The Lobi are a shy and secretive people but with the help of local guides we visit their fortress style houses dotted around this region, and perhaps see women panning for grains of gold in the rivers and streams. Overnight Hotel Hala. (BL)
Day 13 – Ouagadougou Return to Ouaga. Overnight Ok Inn or similar. (BL)
Price Includes All accommodation based on twin/double share All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers Meals as listed above Park entrance fees An English speaking guide
Price does not include International flights Travel insurance Drinks Visa Single Supplement
Departure Dates 6 February 2010, 16 October 2010, 8 January 2011, 15 October 2011
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Our trip was wonderful- The staff in Angola met all of our expectations and went above and beyond- a special thanks to Ray who met us at airport, got us started on our trip, entertained us at the Flamigo Lodge and met us again on our return to Lumabgo and took us to airport for our departure to Namibia
