It may not have so many sights to visit but it’s still jam packed with fascinating landscapes and beautiful wildlife. Burkina Faso was once part of the Great Mossi Empire, one of the strongest of ancient African kingdoms. Burkina Faso is laid back with warm and friendly people who will make your stay relaxing and without a doubt an enjoyable experience.

Understanding the Geography

Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. Six countries surround it: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest.

Burkina Faso is made up of two major types of countryside. The larger part of the country is covered by a peneplain, which forms a gently undulating landscape.

The south-west of the country forms a sandstone massif, where the highest peak is found. Ténakourou (749 m, 2,450 ft). The massif is bordered by sheer cliffs up to 150 metres (490 ft) high.

The average altitude is 400 metres (1,300 ft) and the difference between the highest and lowest terrain is no greater than 600 metres (2,000 ft). Burkina Faso is therefore a relatively flat country, with a very few localised exceptions.

Climate Conditions

Burkina Faso has a primarily tropical climate with two very distinct seasons: the rainy season with between 24-35 inches (600 and 900 mm) of rainfall, and the dry season during which the harmattan blows, a hot dry wind from the Sahara. The rainy season lasts approximately 4 months, May/June to September, and is shorter in the north of the country.

Three large climatic zones can be defined:

The Sahel Zone

The Sahel in the north typically receives less than 24 inches (600 mm)[1] rainfall a year and high temperatures 15–50 °C (60–120 °F). A relatively dry tropical savanna, the Sahel extends beyond the borders of Burkina Faso, from the Horn of Africa to the Atlantic Ocean, and borders the Sahara to its north, and the fertile region of the Sudan to the South.

The Sudan-Sahel zone

Situated between 11°3' and 13°5' north latitude, the Sudan-Sahel region is a transitional zone with regards to rainfall and temperature.

The Sudan-Guinea zone

Further to the south, the Sudan-Guinea zone receives more than 35 inches (900 mm)[1] rain a year and cooler average temperatures.

Understanding the Culture

Two key elements of the culture of Burkina Faso are masks and dancing. The masks used in this region are made for producing sacrifices to the gods and animal spirits around the peoples' villages, to show them they want to be blessed by these spirits.