Burkina Faso, meaning 'Land of Honest People,' is a West African nation rich in cultural heritage and traditional arts. From the vibrant capital Ouagadougou to the historic city of Bobo-Dioulasso, visitors can experience authentic West African culture, stunning natural landscapes including waterfalls and wildlife reserves, and warm hospitality.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Manega Sacred Crocodile Village
Children safely approach and even touch friendly sacred crocodiles under the guidance of local handlers at this fascinating animist site 30 km from Ouagadougou. The gentle crocodiles are considered spiritual guardians and have never attacked visitors in recorded history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bangr Weogo Urban Park
Ouagadougou's urban nature reserve is perfect for family walks with warthogs trotting along paths, monkeys in trees, and a sacred crocodile pond within safe viewing distance. The park has designated walking trails and picnic areas ideal for families.
Duration: 2-3 hours
National Museum of Burkina Faso
Children are captivated by the colourful ceremonial masks, elaborate costumes, and musical instruments from Burkina Faso's diverse ethnic groups. The museum's interactive approach and visual impact make it genuinely engaging for older children and teenagers.
Duration: 2 hours
Karfiguéla Waterfalls Swimming
The natural plunge pools at the base of Karfiguéla's cascading waterfalls are ideal for supervised swimming in a spectacular natural setting. Children love the rushing water and lush vegetation contrasting with the dry Burkina Faso landscape.
Duration: Half day
Village Artisanal Bronze Casting Demo
Watching skilled artisans pour molten bronze into wax moulds to create sculptures is genuinely mesmerising for children of all ages. The Village Artisanal in Ouagadougou hosts working craftspeople whose demonstrations are educational and engaging for families.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Sopatel Silmandé
Resort-style luxury hotel on Bam Lake shores with multiple pools, water sports, tennis courts, and extensive grounds ideal for active families. The lake setting provides a unique recreational environment and the hotel's security and facilities make it one of the best family options.
Family features: Multiple pools, lake access, water sports, tennis, spacious grounds, child-friendly restaurant
Bravia Hotel Ouagadougou
The capital's premier hotel with excellent security, rooftop pool, spacious connecting rooms, and reliable electricity supply from generators. The restaurant offers kid-friendly menu options alongside adult fine dining.
Family features: Rooftop pool, connecting rooms available, generator backup power, 24-hour security, kid-friendly dining
Azalai Hotel Ouagadougou
Elegant hotel with beautiful gardens, outdoor swimming pool, and family room options. The spacious grounds give children room to move and the hotel's reliable security makes parents comfortable.
Family features: Garden pool, family room options, spacious grounds, international restaurant with children's options
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Hotel restaurants at Bravia, Azalai, and Sopatel Silmandé offer the safest and most child-friendly dining with familiar options alongside local cuisine
Café de la Paix has pastries, fresh juices, and light meals that children enjoy in a relaxed café setting
Avoid street food for children under 8 — stick to hotel restaurants and established maquis with good hygiene standards
Restaurant l'Eau Vive serves international and local cuisine in a garden setting well-suited for families
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry — ensure all family members including children are vaccinated and carry certificates
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all family members; consult a travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure
Book hotels with pools — children need to cool off in Burkina Faso's intense heat, and pools are a daily necessity
Pack a comprehensive family first aid kit including oral rehydration salts, fever medication, and any prescription drugs
Consider visiting only during November to February when heat is manageable for children
Have comprehensive medical evacuation insurance for all family members — a serious illness would require evacuation to Europe or North America