10 Best Ways to Get Around Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Ouagadougou is a great city to explore, and it’s not difficult getting around. It’s renowned for culture and history, sights like Musee de la Musique de Ouagadougou, and of course, the biggest attraction – food!
It is the busiest and largest city in Burkina Faso, with jaw-dropping museums, dams, nature reserves, and more.
Ouagadougou has been growing increasingly popular over time, and there’s a good reason for that. The city offers lots of options when it comes to transportation, whether you’re trying to get around on foot or driving.
Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, is a fun place to explore; below are ten (10) of the best things to do in town;
1. Musee De La Musique De Ouagadougou
Musee de la Musique de Ouagadougou is a music museum in Oubritenga Avenue, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The museum provides excellent experiences for visitors, and it’s an ideal destination for a day of cultural immersion.
In Ouagadougou, the museum is a traditional brick structure two stories high with a unique atmosphere where local music history is soaked.
Music is a part of the many different aspects of Burkinabe culture and is something that non-music enthusiasts can visit museums to learn.
Musical instruments on display
The museum hosts instruments ranging from aerophones, idiophones, and membranophones to chordophones.
Each instrument collected at the museum has lasted between two to five hundred years. Researchers believe that some of these artifacts are even older than they are.
Things to know before visiting the museum
· The interior of the museum shelters instruments accompanies photos and is illustrated by a social-cultural context.
· The collections of musical instruments in the museum are from different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso.
· A guided tour is always at the service of visitors willing to understand the beliefs, fear, legends, and origins behind the history of the instruments.
· Musee de la Musique has the Sudanese Sahelian style with dome-shaped roofs and is accessible to all and sundry.
· The museum holds portraits of great Burkinabe musicians.
· Musee de la Musique is a site where music enthusiasts and the general public can enjoy.
Things to Explore at the museum
The museum tour is just one of the many things visitors can do while in town. They meet at the entrance, where tour guides will give them all their information and introductory materials, then learn about the different types of instruments and how to play them.
On tour, you will see instruments women are only allowed to play during a particular time of the day.
Various traditional instruments are on display in the museum’s Entertainment Room. Visitors can learn about these and have tons of fun trying them out.
2. Cathedral De Ouagadougou
Cathedral de Ouagadougou is a unique orange cathedral, known initially as the Cathédrale de l’Immaculée-Conception de Ouagadougou. It is a French Gothic-style cathedral in Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital.
It’s an impressive official construction situated at Avenue de la Cathédrale, Saint Léon, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The closest thing you’ll find to a religious souvenir is the Grotto. It is worth visiting for both its beauty and historical value.
The large Catholic cathedral, serving as a tourist destination, is one of the largest religious sites in Burkina.
Attraction at the cathedral of Ouagadougou
There are a lot of attractions in Ouagadougou, so it might overwhelm you to choose what you want to visit. The cathedral, however, is always worth including in your itinerary.
· An altar with a Virgin Marys statue carved into a stone arch
· The large red adobe exterior of the cathedral
· Worth looking scenic view inside the church
· Birds serve as a beautification inside the church
· Beautiful design attributed to the Romanesque Basilica of Europe
3. Reserve de Nazinga
Ouagadougou may not have the enormous variety in nature or wildlife; still, Reserve de Nazinga in 4G57+VVM, Kouliga Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is one of the best places to take in all it has to give. It’s a great place offering some excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.
The National Park of Nazinga is home to many types of animals, including nearly 400 different kinds.
Its establishment dates back to 1979, but it currently operates under the Canadian government.
The park has many significant tree species, such as the baobab and shea trees, making it a must-visit destination.
It’s easy to reach with a fitness trail, and access for cyclists will provide a sanctuary for 275 bird species surrounded by some of the most exciting exhibits.
Animals available at the park
The park hosts varieties of animals serving as a getaway to the park, and such animals include:
· Elephants
· Antelope
· Black-headed parrot
· Red-billed Hornbill
· African buffalo
· Crocodiles
· Warthogs
When best to visit the Nazinga reserve
The best time to enjoy Nazinga Park is during the dry season, from September to April. The grass doesn’t get too tall, and the elephants will have a few drinking holes.
The park of Nazinga is the best reserve for in-the-bush experiences and elephant sightings.
4. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo
Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo also called the Pamurku Urban Park at N 3 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, restores recreation for tourists in the city.
The massive forest rooted in culture represents a place of environmental education, recreation, relaxation, leisure, and a playground for children.
Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo is a large outdoor area with clean and peaceful paths that have become an essential part of the urban landscape. It contains many stores, cafés, zoos, and other sports facilities, including basketball courts and playgrounds for kids.
It’s a unique way to explore the rich wildlife and intellectual ideas in your place of birth while protecting nearby nature and helping your home country thrive.
Attractions at the park
· Environmental education for researchers, students, and pupils exists at the park.
· The park has a museum exhibition center that entertains its travelers
· Songs of birds and good times between hares and peacock is an experience second to none
· Exploring the natural sanctuary of the forest is a remarkable activity to engage
Structures at the park
· Economic unit
The economic unit consists of a gap for volleyball, table tennis, a restaurant, a badminton court, a petanque court, and a playground for children.
· Relaxation unit
The relaxation unit comprises rest benches, a space of happiness, a triangle of peacocks, and a rest area for rehabilitation.
· Educational unit
The academic unit in the park hosts animals in semi-freedom, animals in an enclosure, and residual animals.
It also consists of the botanical garden offering recognition brochures for different species of flora.
5. Laongo Sculpture Symposium
The Laongo Sculpture Symposium, also known as Sculptures Sur Granite De Laongo, features some incredible artisanal sculptures.
The Spanish sculptor Siriky Ky established the Symposium a long time ago, in 1989, and since then, the lively collection of attractions has been an impressive sight across West Africa.
It is the home of Africa’s most famous artists and sculptures, ensuring that the city of Ouagadougou is a paradise for art lovers.
Outstanding sculptures at the sculpture garden entrance are a fantastic introduction to the extensive grounds, not just for visitors from different parts of the world but also those who want to enjoy their surroundings in complete peace and solitude.
Laongo Sculptures is an art haven where African sculptors express their creative artistic imagination, skills, and thoughts on granites.
You might consider stopping by some art exhibitions, like the sculpture symposium. There are dozens of beautiful pieces to look at, explore, and get new information about artworks.
Activities to enjoy at the sculpture symposium
· The sculpture spot displays blocks of granite skillfully exploited by artists from the whole of Africa.
· The annual gathering of artists leaving their impression on the gray-pink rock is a great activity to enjoy.
· The taste of cultural cuisines and wines at the small onsite restaurant is fun for tourists and researchers.
· The Laongo Sculpture Symposium has perfect trails for hiking.
6. Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou
Another spot for handicrafts is the “Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou,” one of the city’s best tourist sites for producing and selling handicrafts.
It’s a top choice in souvenirs and gifts situated at Boulevard des Tensoba, Sanyiri, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The artisanal village is solely for general entertainment, arts and crafts store, and performance arts.
The array of local handicrafts that tourists can buy here is perfect for souvenir shopping.
The artisanal village brings over 500 best artists in Burkina to produce architectural designs for potential tourists.
Why Tourists love Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou
Tourists seldomly get around the Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou as it is a melting pot of talent and a platform for artisans with creativity and vitality.
Most tourists would like to enhance their skills related to the arts and contribute meaningfully to their community. The one thing they could do is participate in the arts collective and show off their talents!
Burkinabe Crafts to Explore
Trades from Burkinabe artists worth presenting to tourists include sculpture, pottery, weaving, ceramics, painting, tannery, etc.
7. Grande Mosquee de Ouagadougou
Grande Mosquee de Ouagadougou is another beautiful landmark, visible from all spheres of the city.
The Burkinabe Mosque in 9F8H+C9G, Koulouba, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is the biggest in the city and houses some of the most sincere worshipers.
The picturesque is a must-see for tourists. It features an exceptional blend of modern architecture and traditional elements, making it a one-of-a-kind familiar sight in the city.
Things to Know Before Visiting
· The mosque has brilliant color serving as an appealing spot for photographers and attractive to the human eye.
· It’s a mosque that welcomes travelers with peace from the temple.
· The mosque plays a role in educational, economic, social, and religious practice.
· It’s an easily accessible place of ablution and can accommodate thousands of congregations and devotees.
8. Moro-Naba Palace
Moro-Naba Palace is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and dates back to the 18th century. You can find this beautiful landmark in 9F5C+FQC.
It’s an important center that contains a substantial collection of artifacts and residences of the Moro-Naba ruler.
The palace holds an exciting event known as the Moro-Naba ceremony, attracting travelers every Friday around 7 pm.
The spectacle depicts a historical affair where the Moro Naba dresses in warrior reds for war while the king dresses in white for peace.
How to get around the palace
The ceremony in the palace describing the event where the king was about to wage war allows visitors to attend and experience the 15 minutes formal ritual.
Visitors to the palace can watch the incredible bird’s eye view of the jungle from the escarpment top, a sight to behold. That is why the otherwise inaccessible structure is so entertaining.
9. Marche de Sankariare
Marche de Sankariare is a collection of stalls in Boulevard do la Liberte, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, offering different types of artwork, local crafts, and lots more.
The Marche de Sankariare, a landmark, point of interest, and famous market, has everything you need to make your trip successful.
Additional information on the market
· The nearest bus stop to March de Sankariare in Ouagadougou is the Tamoil Dapoya
· The first bus to the Marche de Sankariare is the L6B bus which takes off around 4:50 am
· Visitors can visit the Marche de Sankariare using the L1 bus, the last bus that moves around 11:23 pm.
· The lines and routes to Marche de Santariare use L1, L10, L5, L3, L6, and L6B.
· It also has close stations, including the Naaba Koom, Tamoil Dapoya, Sonapost, and Maison du Peuple.
10. Musee National
Musee National is a museum that features historical events and experiences about the Burkinabe.
The Musee National is a prominent cultural institution in Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, Dassasgo Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
It’s a scientific, technical, and cultural establishment embodying the nation’s history.
The museum sheds light on the cultural heritage and contemporary art of Burkinabe. There are exhibitions to showcase this.
Collections in the museum
The museum has more than 14,000 collections, categorized into contemporary, ethnographic, miscellaneous, and archaeological objects.
Exhibitions
The number of people coming to museums is growing in the country, landing at the number 1 spot. Artists display their artworks in the museum for exhibitions because of the constant flow of visitors for many years.
The exhibitions at the museum include women builders of Africa, Voltaic masks and sculptures, Pan-African festival in Algiers.
Some other exhibitions are Burkina Faso’s national values – culture, religion, and traditions – which you will see in its art and life here.
Conclusion
Getting around Ouagadougou is an adventure, so it’s well worth the trip. With the historical landmarks and picturesque destinations mentioned above, you will be blown away by its arts and wildlife.
Ouagadougou hosts two significant annual celebrations- the Ouagadougou Pan-African Cinema and Television Festival (FESPACO) and the Ouagadougou International Craft Fair (SIAO). Attending these events is most exciting because they have great cultural significance.
