Things to Do in Ouagadougou

About Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou pulses with an energy found nowhere else in West Africa—a capital where contemporary African culture isn't just preserved but actively created and celebrated. This is where the Sahel meets urban innovation, where red-earth streets buzz with moped traffic and artistic ambition, and where one of the continent's most welcoming populations has cultivated a reputation for genuine hospitality that travelers discover is entirely deserved. Far from the well-worn tourist trails, Ouaga offers something increasingly rare: an authentic encounter with a city confidently charting its own path forward.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: ATMs are limited and often unreliable in Ouagadougou, so carry sufficient CFA francs in cash, which you can exchange at the airport or major banks like Ecobank and Bank of Africa upon arrival.

• Transportation: Negotiate taxi fares before getting in (typical rides within the city cost 1,000-2,000 CFA), or use green "taxi-compteur" cabs with meters for more transparent pricing around major areas like Avenue Kwame Nkrumah.

• Cultural Etiquette: Always greet people with "Bonjour" (French) or local Moore phrases like "Ne y kiban" (good morning) before any interaction, as proper greetings are essential in Burkinabé culture and skipping them is considered very rude.

• Safety Timing: Avoid traveling outside Ouagadougou city limits due to security concerns in surrounding regions, and plan activities during daylight hours since street lighting is minimal and most businesses close by 8-9 PM.

When to Visit

Visit Ouagadougou between November and February when temperatures range from a comfortable 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the dry season, with December and January being ideal for attending FESPACO (Festival Panafricain du Cinéma et de la télévision de Ouagadougou), Africa's largest film festival held in odd-numbered years, which transforms the city into a vibrant cultural hub but significantly raises accommodation prices. March through May brings intense heat with temperatures soaring to 40-45°C (104-113°F) and the dry, dust-laden Harmattan winds from the Sahara that can reduce visibility and cause respiratory discomfort, though budget travelers will find better deals during this oppressive pre-rainy season period. The rainy season from June to October sees temperatures drop slightly to 25-35°C (77-95°F) with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms that turn roads muddy and can disrupt transportation, but this greener season offers the unique SIAO (Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou) craft fair in late October/early November and fewer tourists willing to brave the soggy conditions. Avoid late August through September when rainfall peaks at 200-250mm monthly, making many outdoor activities impractical, unless you're specifically interested in experiencing the agricultural festivities and lush Sahelian landscape that briefly emerges during this wettest period.