Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Ouagadougou
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $15-49 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Ouagadougou
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Basic guesthouses, shared rooms, budget lodges in local neighborhoods
Food & Dining
$3-8 per day
Street food, local markets, traditional eateries serving rice and sauce dishes
Transportation
$2-6 per day
Shared taxis, local buses, motorcycle taxis for short distances, walking
Activities
$2-10 per day
Free cultural sites, local markets, occasional museum entry, walking tours
Currency: CFA West African Franc (XOF) - approximately 600 XOF = $1 USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Ouagadougou
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and street stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use shared taxis and buses instead of private transport (usually 70% less expensive)
Shop at traditional markets rather than tourist craft centers (generally 40-60% lower prices)
Stay in local neighborhoods away from central tourist areas (typically 30-50% cheaper accommodation)
Travel during rainy season for significantly lower accommodation rates (usually 25-40% discounts)
Buy bottled water in bulk from local shops rather than hotels (typically 300% markup at hotels)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating at hotel restaurants and tourist areas (typically costs 2-3x more than local options)
Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of shared options (usually 4-5x more expensive)
Not negotiating prices at markets and for services (can overpay by 50-100% without bargaining)