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 south to the intricately patterned villages of the Kassena people, and travel from there to 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.
Day 1 – Ouagadougou Arrive in Ouagadougou, the lively capital of Burkina Faso. Overnight Hotel Ricardo or similar.
Day 2 - Tangossokkou - Po 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. We continue on to Po for the evening. Overnight Hotel Tiadora or similar. (BL)
Day 3 - 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 4 – 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 or similar. (B)
Day 5 – Gaoua - Banfora Continue exploring the region around Gaoua, including the mysterious ruins at Loropeni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the village of Obire with its tombs of previous kings. We visit Senoufou villages before ending up in Banfora for the evening. Overnight Hotel Canne a Sucre or similar (B)
Day 6 – 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 break any local taboos, we take an easy hike through this awesome landscape. Overnight Hotel Canne a Sucre or similar. (B)
Day 7 – Banfora - Bobo Dioulasso 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 then drive to Burkina's second city Bobo Dioulasso. Overnight L'Auberge or similar. (B)
Day 8 – Bobo Dioulasso Visit the old quarter of the city, dating back many centuries and with seperate 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 of similar. (B)
Day 9 – Ouagadougou After some last minute sightseeing in Bobo, return to Ouaga, visiting the 19th Century adobe mosque at Ouahabou en route. Overnight Hotel Ricardo or similar (B)
Price Includes Arrival and departure transfers All accommodation based on twin share Meals as listed (B - Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner) Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary Services of English speaking guide/tour leader
Price does not include International flights Travel insurance Drinks Visa Single Supplement
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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
