Bobo-Dioulasso Traveler Essentials

Safety rating
3.6/10
Best time to visit
The dry, cooler season from November to February offers the most comfortable conditions.
Population
1.1M

Overview

Burkina Faso's second city is a leafier, more relaxed counterpoint to the capital, known for its music, mango-lined streets and a striking mud-brick grand mosque. The old Kibidwe quarter offers a glimpse of traditional Sudano-Sahelian life.

Getting around

Taxis, motorbikes and bicycles cover the spread-out city, which is flatter and quieter than the capital.

Local etiquette

Greet people before any request, dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing the mosque or residents.

Safety

Regional insecurity affects the country, so heed travel advisories carefully and avoid road travel after dark and remote areas.

Practical guides