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Ouagadougou Travel Tips

Ouagadougou Travel Tips

Greeting Customs

Politeness starts with respectful greetings in all engagements.

Practices

  • Always greet people, even before a transaction. A handshake is common.
  • Ask "Ça va?" (How's it going?) and await a response.
  • Show respect for elders and those in positions of authority.

Appropriate Attire

Dress modestly to show respect for local norms and culture.

Dress Code

  • Conservative dress is recommended for all visitors.
  • For women, shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • For men, slacks are generally preferred over shorts.

Dining & Tipping

Familiarize yourself with local dining customs and tipping practices.

Table Manners

  • Use only your right hand at mealtimes, particularly from a shared dish.
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (5-10% in restaurants).
  • It is good manners to accept food offered to you.

Photography Ethics

Be respectful and seek permission before taking photographs of individuals.

Guidelines

  • Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
  • Do not photograph military installations, police, or government buildings.
  • Be especially sensitive when photographing children.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Things to Avoid

  • Avoid using your left hand for eating or handling money.
  • Avoid gesturing with a finger the soles of your feet at someone.
  • Be cautious discussing local politics or religion with strangers.
  • Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Notes

  • Burkina Faso is a patriarchal and conservative society.
  • Women traveling alone may receive more attention or specific expectations.
  • Homosexuality is not illegal but not openly discussed or widely accepted.
  • Exercise discretion with public displays of affection for same-sex couples.

Cultural Tip

Learn a few basic phrases in The french language and Mooré. Locals appreciate the effort.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Make choices that benefit local communities and preserve the environment.

Conservation Efforts

Burkina Faso has national parks and reserves, though many are currently unsafe for tourism. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo in Ouagadougou offers a protected green space.

Waste & Water

Waste management is developing. Minimize your waste, carry reusable items (Package Free Shop), and conserve water due to scarcity.

Carbon Offset

Look into offsetting your flight's carbon footprint with international carbon offset programs like Terrapass to reduce environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Seek accommodations and tour operators that focus on the environment practices.

Sustainable Options

  • Search for accommodations with water/energy-saving practices or solar power.
  • Choose tour operators that prioritize local employment and just wages (G Adventures).
  • Consider booking through Ecobnb for eco-friendly accommodation.

Cultural Preservation

Support institutions dedicated to safeguarding Burkinabe culture.

Cultural Sites

  • Visit the National Museum and Centre National d'Artisanat d'Art (CNAA).
  • Support local cultural festivals like FESPACO, FESTIMA, SIAO.
  • Always greet people and use your right hand for interactions.

Ethical Shopping & Giving

Supporting Local

  • Eat at local maquis, stay in locally-owned guesthouses.
  • Support local by buying from markets and shops, look for "Made in Burkina Faso" labels.
  • Purchase crafts directly from artisans at CNAA and Village Artisanal.

Responsible Giving

  • Avoid direct handouts to children, which can perpetuate dependency.
  • Donate through established, reputable local NGOs or charities.
  • Consider supporting organizations like The Rainforest Site (GreaterGood).

Your Impact

Your choices as a traveler contribute to the local economy and culture. Choose to support responsibly.

Ouagadougou Itinerary Suggestions

Tailor your Ouagadougou visit based on duration and personal interests.

-Hour Layover Highlights

Maximize a quick trip with cultural and historical sites.

Short Stay Plan

  • Morning: Moro-Naba Ceremony (Thursdays, arrive by 6:30 AM), Grande Mosquée, Cathédrale.
  • Lunch: Traditional Burkinabe dining at a local maquis.
  • Afternoon: National Gallery or Centre National d'Artisanat d'Art (CNAA).

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A balanced itinerary combining city exploration, arts, and a possible excursion.

Extended Stay Options

  • Day 1: City Center & Culture (Moro-Naba, Grand Marché, Museum).
  • Day 2: Arts & Nature (Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo, Village Artisanal).
  • Optional Day 3: Excursion to Laongo Sculpture Symposium or Manega Museum (pre-arrange secure transport).

One-Week Comprehensive

immersion in Ouagadougou with a significant cultural extension.

Week-long Adventure

  • Days 1-3: Ouagadougou immersion, exploring more markets and museums.
  • Days 4-5: Cultural Extension to Bobo-Dioulasso (fly for safety).
  • Days 6-7: Journey back to Ouagadougou, revisit favorite spots, prepare for departure.

Longer Stays & Interests

For extended visits or specific interests, tailor your experience carefully.

Beyond a Week

  • Two-Week Exploration: Largely unadvisable for tourists due to current security. Focus on Ouagadougou and very limited secure day trips.
  • Long-Term Stay: Apartment rentals are available. Integration through language classes is possible.
  • Focus On history: Moro-Naba Palace, National Museum, Grand Mosque, Cathedral, colonial architecture in Centre Ville.

Interest-Based Routes

Food & Culinary

Market visits (Grand Marché), street food, local maquis, traditional dishes like Tô and Riz Gras. Sample bissap and dolo.

Find local food tours

Art & Architecture

CNAA, Village Artisanal, French Institute exhibitions, Laongo Sculpture Symposium (day trip), colonial architecture.

Explore cultural experiences

Family-Friendly

Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo (zoo and nature walks), hotel pools for recreation, pre-arranged private transport for security.

Family activities

Itinerary Planning

For more specific routes and reserving activities, visit GetYourGuide.

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