Overview
Ouagadougou (informally Ouaga) is Burkina Faso's capital and its cultural and economic hub, offering a more manageable alternative to larger West African capitals. The city is renowned for the Friday morning Moro Naaba ceremony, the biennial FESPACO film festival (held in odd-numbered years in March), and SIAO craft fair (every even-numbered year).
Culture · Festivals · Museums · Nightlife
Before you go
Connectivity
Sonapost main post office downtown; open M-F 08:00-12:00, 15:00-17:00, Sa 08:00-12:00. No cash withdrawals on Saturdays.
Culture
Mossi culture dominant (60%); Moro Naaba ceremony every Friday 07:15. FESPACO film festival in March (odd years), SIAO craft fair in even years.
Food
Vegan options at La NASA and La Colombe (tofu brochettes XOF1,200). Italian at La Paillote and The Belvedere. Street food available throughout.
Money
ATMs accepting Visa cards available at Ecobank; Banque Atlantique ATMs take Mastercard but only cards issued by that bank. Currency is CFA franc (XOF).
Safety
Beware of touts and purse snatchers at Grand Marche; women should not share accommodation details with strangers. Use STMB buses over SOGEBAF for safer travel.
Transport
City has orderly grid system with functioning traffic lights. Taxis widely available. STMB buses recommended for intercity travel.
Weather
Hot semi-arid climate; rainy season June-September with up to 232mm/month in August. Hottest months February-May exceeding 39°C.