Bobo-dioulasso Hauts-bassins, Burkina Faso Travel Guide
Bring lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing. Loose-fitting Long-sleeved shirts and pants deliver good Sun protection while maintaining comfort. A Light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler evenings, particularly from December to February.
Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Fabrics like synthetic blends or quick-dry cotton blends are helpful. A Rain jacket or Umbrella is necessary. Light layers help manage temperature fluctuations between rain showers and humid warmth.
Ideal for daily wear around the city and exploring markets. Choose durable, breathable options.
Pack these while discovering off-road, rural areas, or for added protection from dust and insects.
Useful for the wet time of year to navigate through rain and puddles, keeping your feet dry.
Maintain security and accessibility for your important documents. Carry originals and multiple copies, both physical and digital, stored separately.
Burkina Faso uses 220-240V, 50Hz. Plug types are Type C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with an earth hole). An Universal adapter covering these types is useful. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked and supports GSM 900/1800 MHz bands, common in West Africa. Local SIM cards from Orange, Moov Africa, or Telecel are available; registration along with your passport is necessary. Airalo offers eSIM options for convenient data.
Download offline maps of Bobo-Dioulasso and surrounding areas using Maps.me or Organic Maps. Use Google Translate (with French downloaded for offline use) to assist with language barriers. Many people use whatsapp for communication. Cloud storage or an External hard drive is prudent for backing up photos and documents. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Periodically upload photos and important documents to a secure cloud service.
Carry a small, durable external drive for local backups of critical files.
Encrypt your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi, to protect personal data.
Prepare a personal health kit for common travel ailments. Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, surgical tape, and painkillers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen). Adventure Medical Kits gives complete solutions.
Bobo-Dioulasso holds low altitude, making altitude sickness remedies irrelevant. Motion sickness medication may be useful for long bus journeys. A high-DEET insect repellent (20-50%) is strongly recommended due to malaria risk.
For local outdoor exploration, consider sturdy shoes and light daypacks. The terrain can be uneven, especially in rural or older city parts.
Bicycles are available for rent locally. Bring your own specialized gear if specific quality or fit holds importance.
Protect your camera from the elements. Extra batteries and memory cards support continuous shooting.
A Neck pillow and Eye mask improve comfort for extended bus journeys. A Money belt or hidden pouch maintains security for valuables. A Small padlock for luggage or guesthouse lockers provides added protection. An RFID protection wallet safeguards your cards. Pacsafe has a selection of anti-theft bags.
A reusable water bottle supports refilling with safe water and lessens plastic waste. A shopping bag and Reusable utensils also minimize environmental impact. High-quality insect repellent, specific prescriptions, and certain electronics often cost more or are harder to find locally, so bring them from home. No specific region-unique essentials beyond general West African travel needs are common.
Quality and concentration vary, best to bring your own.
Prescription or preferred over-the-counter drugs might not be available.
Specialized gadgets or charging cables may be hard to find.
Personal filters or SteriPENs are not always stocked.
Packing light makes travel easier, especially with varied transport options. Roll clothes to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
Consider packing cubes for organization. Always leave some capacity for souvenirs!
