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Burkino Faso: Bicycle Tour Travel Guide

 


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by David Mozer

[An introduction and overview to travel in Africa is available by clicking here. This section has not been comprehensively updated since 2015.]

Note: Since about 2015 terrorist attacks have been occurring periodically in Burkina Faso, initially in the northeast and Ouagadougou, but more recently expanding to the southeast. Check for the latest information if you plan to travel to any of these areas. (January 2019)

Burkina Faso seems to most people to be a barren and featureless country but it is filled with subtleties that make it an interesting place to bicycle. Dori and Gorom­Gorom can be interesting ­­ the weekly markets are energetic and literally colorful. Most of the other places that attract tourist are clustered around Bobo­Dioulasso, the hippopotamus pond, crystal clear springs, hills, waterfalls. But the people are so pleasant, it satisfy to ride almost every place.

Routes

There is no obvious loop route in Burkina. Most likely, travelers will be coming from or going to Niger, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast or Mali, or traveling between Ouagadougou and Bobo­Dioulasso. Going directly north from Ouaga to Mali can be an adventure because of road conditions and few commercial centers along the way. This route is suppose to be being up graded. All of the other major routes are straightforward and in generally good condition.

Some of the most beautiful scenery is in the Banfora / Bobo­Dioulasso corridor. Here there are some inviting loops, most would benefit from a mountain­bike.

Tour De Faso

Africa's best known annual stage race (similar to the Tour De France) is probably the Tour de Faso.  The best contacts we have for current information are:
Mr. Boubacar DIALLO, President, Federation Burkinabe du Cyclisme, BP 816, Ouadadougou, BURKINA FASO, West Africa.  Tel: +226 34-06-31.  Or,
Ministry of Youth and Sports, Director of the Federation Administration, 03 BP 7035, Ouadadougou 03, BURKINA FASO, West Africa.  Tel: +226 32-47-86 to 96.  Denis Descamps' Tour de Faso Diary 2001

For more information on Burkina Faso see the publication Bicycle Touring In Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Links of Interest:

 

Regional Resources:

Cote d'Ivoire
 Mali
Niger
Togo
Ghana
 

 

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