Overview
Burkina Faso is a country in Africa according to constructmaterials. Despite everything, the landlocked country of Burkina Faso, which is a poor country even by West African standards, is investing more and more in tourism. The range of accommodation options is increasing and tourist destinations are becoming more attractive. The east of the country is particularly interesting for its animal population, the center around Ouagadougou focuses on business tourism, the west on cultural tourism and the north on marketing the traditions of the nomadic peoples.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Non-stop flights to Ouagadougou are operated by Air Burkina (2J) and Air France (AF) from Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and by Brussels Airlines (SN) from Brussels. In cooperation with Brussels Airlines (SN), Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M., Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna and Swiss (LX) from Zurich fly to Ouagadougou via Brussels.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Ouagadougou: 7 hours 45 minutes; Vienna – Ouagadougou: 10 hrs 5 mins; Zurich – Ouagadougou: 9 hours 30 minutes (each with a stopover). Paris – Ouagadougou: 5 hrs 45 mins; Brussels – Ouagadougou: 5 hrs 55 mins (non-stop flights).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Burkina Faso is accessible by land from Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Togo. Long-distance buses: During the dry season there are regular bus connections on the routes Bobo Dioulasso – Bamako (Mali), Ouagadougou – Niamey (Niger) and Ouagadougou – Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Bush taxis are also available on most routes. Toll: Many roads are toll roads. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, it is advisable to carry the international driver’s license with you. However, a temporary driving license can also be obtained from the country’s authorities on presentation of the national driving licence.
Arrival by train
On the only international railway line from Ouagadougou via Bobo Dioulasso to Abidjan (Ivory Coast), passenger trains run several times a week (journey time: 20-35 hours).
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Air Burkina (2J) connects Ouagadougou daily with Bobo Dioulasso, whose Borgo Airport, located about 3 km from the city center, is the main airport for domestic flights. Charter flights are also available in the country.
Traveling by car/bus
Most of the main roads run in a star shape from Ouagadougou through the country to the borders with neighboring countries. In Burkina Faso there are repeated attacks, even during the day and in convoys; cross-country and night journeys are therefore strongly discouraged. Tolls: Many roads in Burkina Faso are subject to tolls.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 1,400 km of the entire road network is paved and easily accessible. The rest of the roads are dirt roads, best traveled by 4WD vehicles; during the rainy season (June – Oct.) these are often impassable.
Road classification
The road network of Burkina Faso includes national roads, some of which are motorway-like and marked with the letter N and a number (e.g. N1), regional roads marked with an R and a number (e.g. R1) and dirt roads that connect the country’s small towns associate.
Car rental
Rental cars can only be booked with a chauffeur at airports and in the cities.
Taxi
The green taxis in the cities are often poorly maintained. Overland journeys are possible with mostly overcrowded minibuses, the “taxis brousses” or bush taxis, which are operated privately or by small companies.
Coach
Numerous bus companies connect the places in the country. TCV and Rakieta buses are air-conditioned and better maintained than most other companies. It is advisable to book planned trips the day before.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – A fire extinguisher must be carried. – Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Speed limits: – urban: 40-50 km/h; – extra-urban: 80-90 km/h. Speed limits vary by region.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, it is advisable to carry the international driver’s license with you. However, a temporary driving license can also be obtained from the country’s authorities on presentation of the national driving licence.
Traveling in the city
Green taxis drive around the city on fixed routes at reasonable prices; they often commute between the “Big Market” in downtown Ouagadougou and other destinations. It becomes significantly more expensive if travelers can be taken to a specific destination.
Locally on the way by train
Trains run several times a week between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso.
