Burkina Faso, West Africa

Day 1: Departure from the USA – Your adventure begins as you depart from the USA for Burkina Faso. Specific flight details and departure times will be announced.

Day 2: Arrival in Ouagadougou – Upon arrival at the International Airport of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso—land of honest people—you will be met, assisted, and transferred to your hotel for the night. Hotel information will be announced. You’ll have the opportunity to acclimatize and explore the local neighborhood. For those interested, visit the National Museum of Music and Instruments, a place where you can learn about the vibrant musical heritage of the country.  Meals included: None
Hotel: To be announced

Day 3: OUAGADOUGOU – TIEBELE – OUAGADOUGOU – After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a scenic drive to Tiebele, an authentic Kassena village. The Kassena people are known for their unique architectural style, featuring intricately painted mud houses. These wall paintings, an ancient tradition, are sadly disappearing, with only a few families preserving this practice, often for tourism. In the afternoon, return to Ouagadougou, where you can unwind or explore more of the city at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast Hotel: To be announced

Day 4: OUAGADOUGOU – BOBO DIOULASSO – After breakfast, you will drive to Bobo Dioulasso, the second-largest city in Burkina Faso and an important center of trade and industry. Known for its bicycle factories, food processing plants, and vibrant craft markets, Bobo Dioulasso offers a rich cultural experience. You will visit the Grande Mosque, a striking structure with wooden spires, and explore the old quarter (Kibidwe). Discover the city’s musical heritage at the Music Museum and learn about its history at the Provincial Museum. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll be introduced to the traditional flavors of Burkina Faso. Meals included: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner Hotel: To be announced

Day 5: BOBO DIOULASSO – BANFORA – SINDOU – After breakfast, you will depart for Banfora, also known as the Cascade Region of Burkina Faso. The area is home to Les Dômes de Fabedougou, an impressive natural rock formation, as well as the stunning Karfeguela Waterfalls. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore and capture breathtaking photos. You will then continue your journey to Sindou, a peaceful region, where you will spend the night immersed in its natural beauty. Meals included: Breakfast Hotel: To be announced

Day 6: SINDOU – NIANSOGONI – BOBO DIOULASSO – After an early breakfast, you will head to Niansogoni, a village perched on a hill. The traditional architecture and caves in Niansogoni are reminiscent of Mali’s Dogon Country, offering a unique glimpse into ancient architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the troglodyte caves, marveling at the ingenuity behind them.  Afterward, return to Bobo Dioulasso, passing through Banfora on the way. Once back in Bobo Dioulasso, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening of rest. Meals included: Breakfast Hotel: To be announced

Day 7: BOBO DIOULASSO – OUAGADOUGOU

Following breakfast, you will drive back to Ouagadougou, making a stop in Sabou to visit the sacred crocodiles. Learn about the cultural significance of these crocodiles before continuing to Ouagadougou. Upon arrival in Ouagadougou, you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast Hotel: To be announced

Day 8: OUAGADOUGOU – MANEGA – OUAGADOUGOU – DEPARTURE – After breakfast, drive to Manega, a village located 50 km from Ouagadougou. Here, visit a fascinating historical and cultural museum that provides insights into the diverse tribes of Burkina Faso. Return to Ouagadougou, where you’ll have time to explore the artisan village and FESPACO, the renowned film festival site. If time allows, visit the National Museum to deepen your understanding of Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Meals included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Inclusions:

• Round-trip international airfare from the USA
• Four-star hotels – (hotel names to be announced)
• All ground transportation and airport transfers in Burkina Faso
• All tours per itinerary
• Daily breakfast and other meals
• One welcome dinner and one farewell dinner
• Guided tours and entrance fees to all listed attractions
• Visits to Tiebele, Bobo Dioulasso, Banfora, Sindou, Niansogoni, Sabou, and Manega
• Cultural experiences include: traditional villages, sacred crocodiles, historical museums, and artisan markets

Exclusions

• Travel insurance (can be arranged through Xodus International Group; highly recommended).
• Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage insurance (optional but strongly advised; available through your local insurance provider).
• Visa fees (participants are responsible for obtaining their visas).
• Passport and visa processing fees.
• COVID-19 testing, other vaccinations, or any related expenses.
• Airport departure taxes, including international departure taxes (payable in USD).
• Excess baggage fees beyond the airline’s standard allowance.
• Additional costs due to unforeseen delays (e.g., flight cancellations or schedule changes beyond the control of Xodus International Group).
• Early check-in and late check-out fees.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Beverages, except for bottled water
• En route, accommodations, meals, transportation, and other arrangements outside the itinerary.
• Tips for hotel staff, including maids and bellmen.
• Personal expenses, including telephone bills, laundry, souvenirs, and other incidental costs.
• Items not listed under the inclusions section

This itinerary is designed to balance structured group excursions with personal time for reflection or local exploration. Whether you’re delving into history at the Manega Museum or enjoying the musical heritage of Bobo Dioulasso, this journey will leave you with a deeper understanding of Burkina Faso and a lasting appreciation for its people and culture.