Itinerary

Sunday 20 December – Ouagadougou

Arrival in Ouagadougou the lively capital of Burkina Faso at your own convenience OR from our Mali Highlights Tour. After meeting your guide and driver at the airport, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy some time to relax after your journey.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Ouagadougou.

Monday 21 December – Ouagadougou – Bobo-Dioulasso

Today, we’ll travel west towards Bobo-Dioulasso, the cultural heart of Burkina Faso and the country’s second largest city. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes, roadside villages and daily life far away from the usual tourist routes.

Upon arrival, we’ll start exploring the historic centre of Bobo-Dioulasso. The city is famous for its Sudano-Sahelian mud architecture, music culture and relaxed atmosphere.

Visit the impressive Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll also visit the old Kibidwé Artisan Quarter, where traditional blacksmiths, potters and fabric dyers still work using techniques passed down through generations.

Depending on our arrival time, we may also visit the colonial railway station, the cathedral, and the lively central market.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and drinks in one of the local maquis bars while live music fills the streets.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bobo-Dioulasso.

Tuesday 22 December – Bobo-Dioulasso – Ouagadougou

This morning we continue exploring Bobo-Dioulasso before driving back to Ouagadougou.

Depending on timing, we may stop at local villages or roadside markets along the route. Burkina Faso is known for its strong local traditions, making even simple stops along the road an experience in themselves.

Stop at Bazoulé, home to Burkina Faso’s famous sacred crocodile pond. The crocodiles are considered sacred by local communities and have lived alongside residents for generations. For those who dare, you can get surprisingly close to the animals.

After arriving back in Ouagadougou, we explore some of the capital’s most important landmarks.

Discover the legacy of Thomas Sankara and modern Burkina Faso with visits to the Thomas Sankara Memorial, the FESPACO Monument and the lively craft market. Depending on timing, we may also visit the cathedral or other parts of the city centre.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Ouagadougou.

Wednesday 23 December – Ouagadougou – Tiébélé – Ouagadougou

Early morning departure for a day trip south towards Tiébélé, one of the cultural highlights of Burkina Faso.

On the way, we pass through the town of Pô, historically known as the place where the military uprising of 1983 helped bring revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara to power.

Explore the royal compounds and traditional Kassena Houses of Tiébélé. The village is famous for its beautifully painted homes, decorated with geometric patterns and symbolic artwork. The Kassena people have preserved these artistic traditions for centuries, turning the village into one of West Africa’s most unique architectural sites.

The painted mud houses reflect local beliefs, history, and social identity. Women traditionally repaint the walls before important ceremonies and festivals, keeping the traditions alive from generation to generation.

After lunch, return to Ouagadougou for your airport drop-off, as most flights leave in the evening. If needed we can arrange an extra night of accommodation for you.

End of tour.