Burkina Faso：A Country in Western Africa which Is Rich in Culture and Traditions

Burkina Faso is a country situated in West Africa. Being a landlocked country, Burkina Faso is surrounded by six countries such as Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Burkina Faso is an excellent place for sightseeing should you want to experience African culture and music. To guide you where you should go sightseeing when in Burkina Faso, we have listed ten of the best tourist attractions when in Burkina Faso.

1. Reserve de Nazinga

Reserve de Nazinga or the Nazinga Game Ranch is a ranch situated in southern Burkina Faso. Established by Robert and Clark Lungren in 1979, Reserve de Nazinga has initially been a project meant to develop the resources and human posterity. Now, it is a protected area with more than 20,000 animals. With 94,000 hectares of land, tourists who are sightseeing can witness thousands of antelope, 800 elephants, and 275 species of birds, among others. All of these animals freely roam around the ranch.

2. Les Cascades de Banfora (Banfora)

Les Cascades de Banfora - or Les Cascades de Karfiguela - is a series of waterfalls situated in Southwestern Burkina Faso. Its water flows along the scenic Komoe River. It gets it name from the Cascades region of the falls. The flow of the falls is at its peak from June to September, during the rainy season of Burkina Faso. The Les Cascades de Banfora is one of the most significant tourist attractions worth sightseeing due to its magnificence and sheet beauty.

3. Laongo Sculpture Symposium (Ouagadougou)

Established sculptor Siriky Ky, the Laongo Sculpture Symposium aims to invite sculptors and create their works of art using granite rocks found from the site. Other sculptors do integrate other materials such as metal with the local granite. Found in Oubritenga, in Burkina Faso, the symposium opened in 1989, with 18 different sculptors coming from 13 different countries. The symposium has been regarded as a biennial event. The tenth edition of the symposium took place in May 2012.

4. Les Pics de Sindou (Sindou)

Les Pics de Sindou, or the Peaks of Sindou, is a rock formation situated near the city of Sindou in Burkina Faso. The rain and wind-carved These peaks that rise to the sky over a period. Locals believe that the Peaks of Sindou have provided shelter and protected the spirits that allegedly thrive in their place in Burkina Faso. When sightseeing to the peaks, one may trek around the attraction, or just marvel at the scenic view from a certain point.

5. Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso (Bobo Dioulasso)

Built in the 19th century, the Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is an Islamic shrine in Burkina Faso. The shrine was created as a result of a deal in local politics between an Islamic leader and a local king. It features a stunning representation of the Sudano-Sahelian architecture with rounded forms and wooden sticks that protrude from the walls. Tourists who are in Burkina Faso may visit the place for prayer or sightseeing. They may climb the rooftop if they want to. The Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is regarded as the tallest shrine of its style in Burkina Faso.

6. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo (Ouagadougou)

The Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo is a natural park situated in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. It is comprised of a natural forest, a sports area, and a hiking circuit. It also houses a small zoo which houses a few animals. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo is a great place for sightseeing or relaxing. It may also serve as a natural diversion from the hustle of the city. Tourists are ensured that their visit to the park will be worth it. When going to Burkina Faso, you should not miss visiting this tourist attraction.

7. Mare aux Hippopotames (Bobo Dioulasso)

Created in 1937, the Mare aux Hippopotames or the Lake of Hippopotamuses is a national park situated in Burkina Faso. The national park was established in order to protect and house around 100 hippos. It was developed around a lake. The park also includes marshes and pools in the floodplain of the Black Volta River. A forest surrounds the national park. Around 1,000 tourists visit the Mare aux Hippopotames for sightseeing every year. In 1977, the national park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the only one of its kind in Burkina Faso.

8. Cour Royale (Tiébélé)

The Cour Royale or Royal Court is an architectural attraction situated in Burkina Faso. It is a significantly large compound of traditionally painted houses locally known as sukhalas. Style of paintings varies from illustrative to geometrical in form. Each of the drawings has a deeper meaning in them. They could symbolize wisdom, or fertility, among others. Painting of the huts is typically done after harvest, usually during February of March. When sightseeing around the Cour Royale, you may want to go with a local guide who will tour you around this distinct compound in Burkina Faso.

9. Cathedral of Ouagadougou (Ouagadougou)

The Cathedral of Ouagadougou is a Roman Catholic Church in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Built in the 1930s, the cathedral venerates the Immaculate Conception. The place is a good avenue for personal prayer and silence. When sightseeing around the church, visitors may see an altar dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary behind the cathedral near the carpark. A statue of Mary which is carved in a stone arch can be seen on the altar.

10. Grand Marché (Bobo-Dioulasso)

The Grande Marché is a vast yet remarkable African market situated in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Fruit and vegetable stalls occupy the inner circle of the market. Surrounding these stalls are the fish and meat section. At the outer portion of the market, tourists may be able to see stalls selling household wares and traditional African cotton prints. There are also stalls dedicated for objects in bronze and gold, and traditional masks sold in the place. Purchasing goods and sightseeing around the market will allow you to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the people of Burkina Faso.

◎ Closing

If you are seeking for an excellent place for sightseeing, you might want to consider Burkina Faso. It is home to a lot of cultural and natural attraction which are worth your time. From cascading falls to towering shrines, a visit to Burkina Faso will surely be worth it.