Travel to Burkina Faso to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Image

Image
 Burkina Faso

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Burkina Faso?

  • The land of cultural diversity (more than 60 different ethnic groups), music, unprecedented handmade cultural art and also a fascinating interplay of savannas, lakes and rock formations. A highlight is the mix of traditional African villages with their unique architecture and festivals, offering travelers an authentic experience. Mass tourism is not yet a major phenomenon here, allowing you to discover the country in its purest form. It lends itself to both the traveler and backpacker, although it will take some effort to understand and discover the infrastructure. 
  • Although the political situation was quite stable for a long time, the country has been unsettled in recent years. So pay close attention to your own safety. 
  • Activity spotting: explore the lively markets and impressive mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso; hike through nature and swim in the refreshing Karfiguela waterfalls; admire the impressive rock formations near Banfora; spot wildlife in Nazinga Game Ranch; go on safari in W National park; visit the annual mask festival; watch hippos and relax at Lake Tengrela; visit the capital Ouagadougou and the National Museum of Burkina Faso; visit the ruins of Loropéni; explore the famous market of Gorom Gorom. 
  • Animal spotting: elephants, antelopes, hippos, lions, buffalo, African osprey, bee-eater, crocodiles, chimpanzee, pangolins etc. 
  • Food spotting: riz gras (rice dish with tomatoes and meat), toh (thick corn porridge), poulet bicyclette (roasted chicken), babenda (mix of rice and fish), sumbala sauce (spicy sauce of fermented beans), sagabo (porridge of sorghum with sauce, vega), fufu (cassava or cornmeal served with vegetables, also vega). 

Studying in Burkina Faso?

  • Education in Burkina Faso does not rank very high in world rankings. There are a limited number of universities you can attend. Popular studies are agriculture-related studies, engineering, natural sciences, business administration and management and education. 
  • Study cities: Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso. 
  • Language: French, with some opportunities in English. 

Internship in Burkina Faso?

  • There are many internship opportunities in Burkina Faso, especially in the areas of community development, education, and conservation. NGOs and international organizations in particular offer internships. 
  • Competencies: flexibility and adaptability, project management, collaboration in multicultural teams, language skills in French and local languages, problem-solving skills.

Volunteer in Burkina Faso?

  • Volunteer opportunities can be found mainly with international aid organizations or local NGOs. Due to the high levels of poverty, volunteering is particularly focused on poverty alleviation, health care, education and helping children. There are also opportunities in agriculture and reforestation projects. 

Working in Burkina Faso?

  • For foreigners, there are work opportunities in NGOs, international development organizations and educational institutions. Most job opportunities are in urban areas such as Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Work in the development sector and English teaching are popular options for expats. You may also be able to find work in the mining industry. 

Working as a digital nomad in Burkina Faso?

  • Although Burkina Faso is not known as a popular destination for digital nomads, you can expect an authentic environment if you like remote work. However, Internet connections are not always reliable, especially outside the cities. 
  • Favorite location: Ouagadougou is the best location for nomads because of the availability of modern amenities.

Living in Burkina Faso?

  • Life in Burkina Faso is a mix of traditional and modern. The cities offer modern amenities, but the countryside remains strongly tied to ancient traditions. Expats live mainly in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, where international schools and modern hospitals can be found. The climate is mostly hot and dry, especially in the Sahel region.
  • International schools are mainly located in Ouagadougou, where expatriate children have access to English-language education.
  • Although Burkina Faso is generally friendly, there are certain regions, particularly in the north and east, that have travel advisories due to security risks.
  • Note: It is important to speak French for most communications, and it is advisable to exercise caution in remote areas and always seek local advice on safety.
  • Climate: tropical climate with two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. 
  • Culture: people are incredibly friendly. Greet people you meet, otherwise you will be seen as very rude. Also, eating and offering things with the right hand is important. In addition, the culture revolves around dancing and the local masks, people are very proud of this. Also, Burkina Faso's film industry is very popular in Africa! 
  • Health insurance: health care is limited, especially in rural areas, but private clinics are available in the larger cities. Because medical evacuation is sometimes necessary, it is important to make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

Supporting content

Burkina Faso Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Burkina Faso Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Image

Content about Burkina Faso on WorldSupporter

Burkina Faso: Updates & Travel
How does healthcare work in Burkina Faso, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
Packing list for Burkina Faso, travel insurance for Burkina Faso, and taking your belongings
Supporting content:
Burkina Faso: Updates & Travel

Image ACTIVITIES

Check courses, jobs, projects, recipes, suggestions and tips related to: 'Burkina Faso'

ACTIVITIES
CHECK MORE ACTIVITIES

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

Activities abroad: home bundle

Image STORIES

Check blogs, experiences and information related to: 'Burkina Faso'

STORIES
Image

Voor het eerst in de geschiedenis van het straatarme land haalde Burkina Faso afgelopen woensdag de finale van de Africa Cup. In heel Afrika staat men versteld van deze prestatie. Burkina Faso gold vooraf zeker niet als een van de titelkandidaten. In de finale treft Burkina Faso Nigeria dat ongeveer...

media_not_available.png

Tijdens de derde aflevering van de serie 'Over de Grens' van Peter R. de Vries, bezoekt Peter Burkina Faso, een derde wereld land in West-Afrika. Het probleem dat in deze aflevering aan de kaak wordt gesteld betreft de kinderarbeid in de goudmijnen. Burkina Faso is een verschrikkelijk arm land, waar...

rondreis door Burkina Faso

Morgen vertrekken we weer naar Burkina Faso, voor de meer dan 30-ste keer denk ik.. ik ben opgehouden te tellen. Zaterdag a.s. volgt de groep waar we vervolgens een rondreis door dit nog vrij onbekende en weinig toeristische land gaan maken. Via Facebook houden we volgers op de hoogte en vanaf nu oo...

Image

Toeristenvisum Je hebt een toeristenvisum nodig voor Burkina Faso. Deze kan je aanvragen bij het consulaat van Burkina Faso in Rotterdam, bij de ambassade in Brussel, of aanvragen via een online dienst die het werk voor je doet. Je paspoort moet minimaal drie maanden geldig zijn na terugkomst uit Bu...

CHECK MORE STORIES

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

Countries & Destinations: home bundle

Image ORGANIZATIONS

Check sectors and organizations related to: 'Burkina Faso'

ORGANIZATIONS
ED LOOGE! (Rondreizen)

ED LOOGE! betekent Let's Go! in Mooré de taal van de Mossi. ED LOOGE! is een reisorganisatie die sinds 2010 groepsreizen naar het West-Afrikaanse Burkina Faso organiseert. Ook is het mogelijk om naar Mali, Benin, Ghana en Togo te gaan met ED LOOGE!. In de bedrijfsfilosofie van ED LOOGE! past ...

IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre

IRC is mostly run by citizens of the eight countries where they work: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Mali, Niger and Uganda. IRC works directly with communities, experts, public servants and decision-makers. IRC initiates and supports local and regional project on WASH services = wa...

CHECK MORE ORGANIZATIONS

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

Organizations & Services: home bundle

Image SUMMARIES

Check summaries and study assistance related to: 'Burkina Faso'

CHECK MORE SUMMARIES

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

Image

SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

FAVORITES
Image

Voor het eerst in de geschiedenis van het straatarme land haalde Burkina Faso afgelopen woensdag de finale van de Africa Cup. In heel Afrika staat men versteld van deze prestatie. Burkina Faso gold vooraf zeker niet als een van de titelkandidaten. In de finale treft Burkina Faso Nigeria dat ongeveer...

media_not_available.png

Tijdens de derde aflevering van de serie 'Over de Grens' van Peter R. de Vries, bezoekt Peter Burkina Faso, een derde wereld land in West-Afrika. Het probleem dat in deze aflevering aan de kaak wordt gesteld betreft de kinderarbeid in de goudmijnen. Burkina Faso is een verschrikkelijk arm land, waar...

Safety, insurances and packing list for Burkina Faso

How does healthcare work in Burkina Faso, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Burkina Faso, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Burkina Faso?

What is the quality of healthcare in Burkina Faso?

  • Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world. Life expectancy is low and mortality rates are relatively high. Due to the conflicts in the country, few people have access to healthcare and the quality of healthcare leaves much to be desired.
  • Healthcare is very limited and medical evacuation is often necessary.
  • Most healthcare is provided in the cities. Outside the cities, it is difficult to find help.
  • Healthcare workers usually speak French, but not English. It may therefore be useful to learn a few words of French before moving to Burkina Faso.
  • The country has both public and private healthcare. Most of it is public.
  • Traditional healthcare also plays a major role in Burkina Faso. It has even been implemented in regular, public healthcare. However, it is not recommended to use it for critical care.

How does the public healthcare system work in Burkina Faso?

  • Public healthcare is not of great quality, but foreigners can use it.
  • There are eleven regions and 53 health districts. Healthcare is divided into four levels: primary care, district care, regional hospitals and national hospitals. The national facilities are usually located in the cities and offer the best care.
  • There are more than 2,000 primary care facilities spread throughout the country. These include health promotion centres, medical centres, maternity clinics.
  • District care consists of 45 medical centres and hospitals that perform operations and provide more specialist care.
  • There are nine regional hospitals. These are mainly used by patients who cannot be helped in the districts. Operations are performed, midwives, gynaecologists and specialists available.
  • There is a national hospital and there are five university hospitals where the most extensive care is possible. These hospitals can be found in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.

How does the private healthcare system work in Burkina Faso?

  • Private healthcare is generally better and faster than public healthcare. You are also more likely to find English-speaking staff here. Private healthcare is only available in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
  • The private sector consists of hospitals, healthcare facilities and pharmacies.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Burkina Faso?

  • Burkina Faso works with a GP system in public healthcare. At primary healthcare institutions you can find GPs who can refer you to specialists, if necessary.
  • Private healthcare institutions also have GPs that you can consult.
  • It is not a bad idea to ask for recommendations from other foreigners so that you can find a GP that suits you.

How is the dentist arranged in Burkina Faso?

  • Dental care is not of good quality in Burkina Faso. There are major shortages of staff and facilities and many people have dental problems.
  • There are private clinics that offer reasonable care. These are usually unaffordable for the local population.
  • It may be wise to go abroad for dental care. Make sure you are well insured for this.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Burkina Faso?

  • Infant and maternal mortality rates are high in Burkina Faso and due to the state of healthcare and health problems, it is a risk to spend your pregnancy and delivery in Burkina Faso. Healthcare is available, but probably not of the standard most others are used to.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Burkina Faso?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Burkina Faso?

  • Although the people are incredibly friendly, Burkina Faso is not a safe country. The risk of terrorism is high, there is a lot of fighting between armed groups and even aid organizations are attacked.
  • Attacks can take place at any time in all kinds of public places.
  • Kidnappings are also not uncommon.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Burkina Faso?

  • There are many diseases in Burkina Faso, including mosquito-borne diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and dengue. There are many cases of HIV/AIDS.
  • Infectious diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, measles, tuberculosis and parasites are also not uncommon. So make sure you only drink boiled water, avoid ice cubes and only eat well-prepared food.
  • It is also better not to swim in freshwater.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Burkina Faso?

  • Most expats travel with their own car (and driver), but roads are not safe, many people are attacked by armed groups.
  • Only a small part of the roads are paved, especially around the cities.
  • There is a train that lives via the four major cities of the country and there is an international airport. Furthermore, there is little public transport.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Burkina Faso?

  • Is the trip to Burkina Faso and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Burkina Faso if you are going to live there for a while?

  • In most cases in Burkina Faso, you will need health insurance for a visa application, but apart from that, good international health insurance is very important because of the high risk of medical evacuation and the high costs of private care.
  • So make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.
Packing list for Burkina Faso, travel insurance for Burkina Faso, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Burkina Faso, travel insurance for Burkina Faso, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Burkina Faso: spotlighted

To bring and to check:
  • Documents: passport with at least six months validity.
  • Money: be sure to bring some West African CFA francs (XOF) and your debit card.
  • Care: sunscreen and aftersun.
  • Outdoor and practical items: hat/cap and good sunglasses. Lightweight raincoat (June-September) and a buff, scarf or bandana against the sun and dust.
  • Clothing: light and airy clothing, with long sleeves against the sun and mosquitoes. An extra layer (fleece/sweater) for the cool mornings and evenings.
  • Shoes: comfortable walking shoes and slippers/sandals.
  • Medicines and travel pharmacy: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, hand sanitizer, remedies for stomach problems. ORS and mosquito repellent.
  • Safety: money belt or fanny pack for your valuables. Technique and equipment: world plug type C & E, power bank.

What are some other options for packing as well?

  • Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
  • Quick-drying travel towel.
  • Not sure whether you will sleep in places with a mosquito net or air conditioning? Then bring your own impregnated mosquito net or mosquito net.
  • E-reader or other offline entertainment.
  • A few sentences in French, to make a good impression.
  • International driving license, if you want to rent a car.
  • Headlamp or flashlight.

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Burkina Faso with your belongings?

  • The malaria risks in Burkina Faso.
  • How to dress appropriately.

Are there mosquitoes in Burkina Faso?

  • Malaria is a significant health problem in Burkina Faso. The country is among the ten countries with the highest number of malaria cases and deaths. And not only that, mosquitoes in Burkina Faso can also transmit other nasty diseases.
  • The risk is highest during the rainy season, from June to September.
  • Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing and sleep under an impregnated mosquito net.

Are there sandflies in Burkina Faso?

  • There are sand flies all over the country, and they can transmit Leishmaniasis. So protecting yourself is important.
  • Your set of mosquito repellents with DEET can help in combination with covering clothing, good spray, and not sleeping on the beach without protection.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Burkina Faso?

  • It will be difficult to find your favorite and good mosquito repellent in Burkina Faso.
  • So it is best to bring it from home.
  • Locals use as a mosquito repellent: Faso soap or Fasoap.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Burkina Faso, or take it with you to Burkina Faso?

  • Burkina Faso has an ideal climate for cannabis, but unfortunately that does not mean you can just find and use it everywhere.
  • Burkina Faso has a very strict drug policy. Cannabis use, cultivation and possession are illegal and can lead to high fines, long prison sentences (up to 10 years!) and a spontaneous ‘extended stay’ in a cell that cannot be found on Booking.com.
  • Even small amounts or suspicion of possession can be enough to cause serious legal problems. So taking it with you is also not a good idea.

Image ALL CONTENT

Search all related content within the topic: 'Burkina Faso'

ALL CONTENT WITHIN TOPIC

Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

Check or search within: topics, countries and studies only

Search only via club, country, goal, study, topic or sector

Image

TOPICS : check associated topics and more activities

Selected Worldsupporter pages in relation with the topic
Themes: main theme pages for activities abroad (intern, study, travel, volunteer, work or emigrate)
Stay safe and insured
Go abroad!