Things To Do
in Béna
Béna is a small rural town in eastern Burkina Faso, set amid open savannah with millet fields and red-dusted roads. The town is known for a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere and a simple pace of life that offers authentic insights into rural Burkinabé living. Surrounding Béna are fields, traditional markets, and modest crafts that showcase local livelihoods and daily rhythms.
Visitors should expect warm hospitality, colorful markets, and opportunities to connect with locals through shared meals and conversations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the airport in Ouagadougou and take a domestic flight or drive to Béna. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a refreshing local beverage. Take a stroll around the village to get a feel for the local culture and environment.
Visit the local market to explore a variety of handicrafts, fruits, and traditional Burkinabe dishes. Engage with local vendors and perhaps buy some souvenirs to take home. Sample a traditional lunch at a nearby eatery and enjoy the flavors of the region.
Attend a welcoming dinner at your accommodation featuring traditional music and dance performances. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and locals. Take in the stunning sunset over the village, creating a perfect end to your first day.
Participate in a cultural workshop where you can learn about the traditional textile-making process. Engage with local artisans and try your hand at weaving or dying fabrics. This hands-on experience provides insight into the artistic heritage of the region.
Visit nearby villages to witness traditional ceremonies and gatherings, giving you a deeper understanding of local customs. Enjoy a homemade lunch cooked by locals, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Share stories and laughter with the community members during your visit.
Gather around a bonfire with locals, enjoy storytelling, and immerse yourself in their folklore. This intimate setting allows for meaningful connections and cultural exchange. Retreat to your accommodation and reflect on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🥣Local breakfast | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi or short ride | $2-4 |
| 🧺Market groceries per day | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural experiences and hospitality
- Low crowds and authentic rural scenery
- Limited infrastructure in rural areas
- Limited nightlife and amenities compared to major cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does this cost?
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Béna
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful market scenes as vendors set up stalls and locals begin trading, with soft morning light.
Sunlight and textured walls create warm tones and compelling portraits of daily life.
Wide horizons and reflective water provide serene compositions as the day ends.
Open plains and dramatic skies offer expansive landscape shots and silhouettes.
Food in Béna
Béna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Millet or maize dough served with thick groundnut sauce and vegetables; a staple in rural Burkina Faso menus.
Must-Try!
Herb-marinated grilled chicken served with rice and a simple vegetable accompaniment.
Rice cooked in a tomato-based sauce with vegetables; a flavorful, community-friendly dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market offering fresh produce, grains, grains, and a variety of street snacks; a great place to observe daily life and taste quick bites.
Roasted peanuts, fried dough pastries, and maize-based snacks commonly sold near market areas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly greeting; a handshake with the right hand is common in social interactions; speak politely in French when possible.
Dress modestly in public spaces; shoulders and knees should be covered in more traditional settings.
Ask before photographing people or intimate moments; respect those who decline.
Share in meals when invited and accept offerings with appreciation; use both hands when receiving food in some contexts.
Safety
Tipping in Béna
Ensure a smooth experience
Small tips for service are appreciated but not mandatory; consider rounding up at markets and cafes or giving a modest tip after a guided tour.
Cash in West African CFA francs (XOF) is widely used; some shops and cafes in larger towns may accept mobile money or cards, but expect cash in Béna.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching high 30s C; carry water, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak heat.
May to October brings heavy but brief showers; plan for occasional muddy roads and longer travel times.
November to February features dusty air and cooler nights; great for outdoor activities early in the day but can feel dry.
March to April can be extremely hot before the rains arrive; plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.
Béna at Night
Hiking in Béna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle, scenic trails near Béna offering panoramic views and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Short hikes connecting nearby villages to observe traditional crafts and rural landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Béna by plane.
The main international gateway to Burkina Faso; serves as the primary hub for flights to and from the region and provides connections to Béna by road.
Secondary international airport in the country; useful for travelers heading to western Burkina or transferring onward by road to Béna.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The region hosts a mix of Mossi and Gourmanché communities, with smaller populations of Fulani and Bobo; languages commonly spoken include Moore, Dioula, and French.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Burkina Faso, with local matches and school-level play common in towns like Béna.
A traditional sport often showcased at festivals and local gatherings.
Played in schools and community centers; informal games are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Béna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in Béna through grain or legume-based dishes and vegetable stews; communicate dietary needs in French or a basic local language phrase.