Burkina Faso — land of the sincere people
Named by Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso means literally "the country of honest men." Some sixty ethnic groups, extraordinary mask traditions, the Fabedougou rock domes, the Sindou peaks, and a festival calendar packed with film, horse races and pan-African celebrations.
The country
The name Burkina Faso was chosen by the revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara: it means "the land of the sincere (or upright) people." Roughly sixty ethnic groups share this landlocked country, which sits between the Sahel and the forested south. The people are known across the region for hospitality, music, and a deeply rooted mask culture.
What to see
- Ouagadougou — the capital, home to FESPACO (pan-African film festival) and a strong artisan scene
- Bobo-Dioulasso — southern cultural hub, old colonial quarters, mud-built Bolomakoté quarter
- Sindou peaks — eroded sandstone pinnacles, perfect for hiking
- Domes of Fabedougou — otherworldly rock formations, best visited by 4×4
- Tiébélé — Kassena painted earth architecture, unique in West Africa
- Gaou — Lobi country, animist shrines, fortified compounds
- Dori — Fulani nomad country in the Sahel
Festivals
Burkina runs an impressive calendar: FESPACO in February (cinema), the Sindou and Dedougou mask festivals in March, horse racing at Boromo, and cycling races that draw teams from across the region.
Safety
Burkina Faso's security situation is more constrained than it was a decade ago. We run safe transfers between the major cities on our established routes — border zones and some northern districts are currently excluded from our itineraries. We update as the situation evolves.
Practical information
Scenes from Burkina Faso — land of the sincere people.
Journeys that visit Burkina Faso — land of the sincere people
Want to go to Burkina Faso — land of the sincere people?
Tell us your dates and dreams — we'll come back with a shortlist and an honest quote.
Plan your trip