Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso
The people of Burkina Faso are called ‘Burkinabe’

Currency: CFA

American Embassy: Avenue Raoul Follerau. +266 306723

From Niger
SKV (located in the EHJS?? station) offers service from Niamey to Ouagadougou for 15,000F and takes approximately 14 hours, including stops on the border. Be aware, however, that you will have to wait at the border for an armed escort, as there are reports of bandits. Also, they are likely to play extremely loud music and sitcoms the entire time. Pack earplugs.

Peace Corps Presence
The Burkina Bureau is located in the Zone de Bois. From there they can direct you to the hostel, but be advised the hostel is only for PCV and RPCV use.

Eating in Ouagadougou
NB: All commentary reflects the views of individuals and not that of Peace Corps or any other agency.

Good Places to Eat in Ouagadougou
Le Verdoyant – Located at the Ronde Pointe Les Nations Unis, Le Verdoyant is a little slice of the western world, serving reasonably priced delicious salads, pizzas and to-die-for ice cream. However, plan ahead as they don’t serve food before 6:30 pm, though ice cream is available all the time.

Blue Marlin – A few blocks from the Peace Corps Bureau, the Blue Marlin serves reasonably priced Burkinabe fare.

Sleeping in Ouagadougou
NB: All commentary reflects the views of individuals and not that of Peace Corps or any other agency

Good Places to Stay in Ouagadougou
Karite Bleu – An amazing little bed and breakfast not far from the hostel. The simplest rooms are around 30,000F per night for two people, which includes air conditioning, a shower across the hall (there are more expensive rooms with en suite), and a hearty breakfast of egg, bread, fruit and your choice of coffee or tea. 214 Blvd de l’Onatel, Zone de Bois. Tel 5036 9046, email karate.bleu@yahoo.fr

Where NOT to Stay in Ouagadougou
Hotel Yennenga – Older guidebooks still list this as a decent hotel. A visit in July of 2009 proved otherwise. The neighborhood is sketchy and the rooms are bare bones. Not somewhere you’d want to be at night by yourself (or perhaps even in a group).  

Activities in Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou Artisanal Center – within a block of the Ronde Pointe Les Nations Unis the artisanal center offers a wide range of batiks, drums, jewelry, and other fun items