Things To Do
in Ouargaye
Ouargaye is a small town in eastern Burkina Faso known for its welcoming communities, colorful markets, and surrounding savannah landscapes. Its streets blend dusty lanes with open-air markets where traders and neighbors mingle, offering a glimpse into rural life. Visitors experience a relaxed pace, traditional crafts, and local cuisine that reflects the region’s agricultural rhythms.
The town serves as a gentle gateway to nearby nature and cultural experiences away from Burkina Faso’s larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ouargaye and settle into your accommodation, enjoying the warm hospitality of the local people. After a hearty breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the town to acclimate to your new surroundings. Visit local markets to experience vibrant colors and the mesmerizing sounds of daily life.
Savor traditional Burkinabé cuisine at a local eatery, sampling dishes like tô and capitaire. After lunch, join a guided tour to visit nearby attractions, including artisan workshops where local crafts are made. Engage with artisans to learn about their techniques, immersing yourself in local culture.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local café to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset paint the sky. Join in a community gathering to experience traditional music and dance, where you can participate and let loose. Reflect on your first day in Ouargaye as the ambiance fills with laughter and joy.
Begin your day with an early morning hike at the scenic nature trails surrounding Ouargaye. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning landscapes filled with diverse flora and fauna. An experienced guide will share insights on local wildlife and plants as you explore.
Return to town for lunch at a popular spot among locals, enjoying a meal made from fresh, local ingredients. After lunch, embark on an adventure to the nearby rivers, where you can engage in activities like fishing or simply relaxing by the water. The serene environment will provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.
In the evening, enjoy a communal dinner with locals, sharing stories and learning about their lives. The food will be accompanied by traditional music, allowing you to dive deeper into the local culture. Finish the night with a stargazing session, marveling at the clear skies and the constellations above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel night | $15-40 |
| 🚖Local taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 💧1.5L bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly communities and vibrant, accessible markets
- Low-budget travel with authentic rural experiences
- Limited nightlife and modern amenities
- Variable infrastructure and longer travel times between sites
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché ?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ouargaye
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls, bustling morning activity, and vivid textures provide rich portrait and detail shots.
Soft light, silhouettes, and the rhythm of daily life create tranquil, atmospheric photographs.
Open-air workshops where artisans work; capture hands, dyes, pottery, and weaving in motion.
Food in Ouargaye
Ouargaye Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Millet or corn porridge served with a peanut or tomato-based sauce and vegetables; a staple found in homes and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Rich peanut sauce with meat or vegetables, usually served with tô or rice.
Fried rice with vegetables and sometimes meat, common in markets and casual restaurants.
Braised or grilled chicken with a spicy pepper sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market offering fresh fruits, millet-based snacks, roasted peanuts, and grilled street foods.
Affordable tô portions, fried yams, plantains, and kebabs along market lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with bonjour or salut; handshakes are common; show respect to elders and use polite titles when addressing people.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas; shoulders and knees covered; ask before entering homes or religious spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people or sensitive sites; be mindful of local customs and privacy.
Safety
Tipping in Ouargaye
Ensure a smooth experience
Small tips for service staff and guides are appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% at nicer establishments, smaller tips in casual eateries.
Cash in CFA francs remains common; mobile money (Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money) is increasingly accepted for some merchants and transport services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy afternoon showers (roughly May–October). Lush green landscapes, mud roads, and vibrant market energy. Carry a rain jacket and waterproof bag.
Hot days with cooler mornings and dusty air (roughly November–April). Best for outdoor exploration in the morning and late afternoon; stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Ouargaye at Night
Hiking in Ouargaye
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A 2–4 hour hike through farmland and scrub with rural scenery and opportunities to meet local villagers.
Airports
How to reach Ouargaye by plane.
Main international gateway to Burkina Faso; typically reached by road from Ouargaye via a longer overland trip.
Second-largest city airport with domestic flights and some regional connections; useful for traveling to western Burkina Faso.
Regional airport serving the southeast; limited flights and useful for shorter, domestic trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso with Mooré as a common language; rich traditions and social networks shape regional life.
A regional group with distinct language and customs; present alongside other communities in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games dominate in town squares and schoolyards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ouargaye.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes center on meat, but vegetarian options include tô with vegetable sauces, lentil or bean dishes, and peanut-based stews; ask for vegetable-forward preparations.