Ready to explore Burkina Faso? As a stunning destination, it's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we've got all the practical info you need to plan a fantastic trip without breaking the bank. From hotel rates and food costs to sightseeing prices and transportation, we've covered everything because we have a huge amount of data from previous travelers.
How much does it cost to travel to Burkina Faso?
You should plan to spend around $33 (CFA21,262) per day on your vacation in Burkina Faso. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $11 (CFA6,790) on meals
- $10 (CFA6,711) on local transportation
- $25 (CFA16,025) on hotels
A one week trip to Burkina Faso for two people costs, on average, $466 (CFA297,668). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$233
CFA148,834
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$466
CFA297,668
-
One Month
Per person
$998
CFA637,860
-
One Week
For a couple
$466
CFA297,668
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$931
CFA595,336
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,995
CFA1,275,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Burkina Faso cost?
A one week trip to Burkina Faso usually costs around $233 (CFA148,834) for one person and $466 (CFA297,668) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Burkina Faso on average costs around $466 (CFA297,668) for one person and $931 (CFA595,336) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Burkina Faso will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Burkina Faso on average costs around $998 (CFA637,860) for one person and $1,995 (CFA1,275,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Burkina Faso expensive to visit?
Burkina Faso is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Burkina Faso is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso caters to all kinds of travelers, with plenty of activities and accommodations across a broad price range. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Although Burkina Faso can be expensive, you can reduce your expenses by focusing on eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $15 (CFA9,534) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $34 (CFA21,262) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $61 (CFA38,476) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Burkina Faso.
For more details, see Is Burkina Faso Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Burkina Faso?
The average Burkina Faso trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Burkina Faso travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Burkina Faso cost?
Burkina Faso on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$5.72
(CFA3,656)
|
$13
(CFA8,013)
|
$21
(CFA13,113)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.40
(CFA2,813)
|
$10
(CFA6,711)
|
$23
(CFA14,627)
|
|
Food 2
|
$4.95
(CFA3,165)
|
$11
(CFA6,790)
|
$16
(CFA10,150)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-2
(CFA500-1,500)
|
$1-2
(CFA500-1,500)
|
$1-2
(CFA500-1,500)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your budget. Many people assume that they're a "budget" traveler, and some believe that they will spend just $15 per day in Burkina Faso, the reality is, most people are not comfortable traveling in that style. Consider what you really enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Is dining out important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Burkina Faso for around $15 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Burkina Faso will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $34 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $61 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Burkina Faso
The hotel prices in Burkina Faso can really vary. In some areas, you'll notice a big gap between budget-friendly and high-end accommodations. During peak season, expect even higher prices. Traveling in the off-season or shoulder season can help you save a lot, and booking early usually gets you a better deal.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Burkina Faso for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $25 (CFA16,025). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $13 (CFA8,013) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Burkina Faso? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Burkina Faso
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $10 (CFA6,711) per person, per day, on local transportation in Burkina Faso. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Burkina Faso is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
CFA6,711
In Burkina Faso, public transit options are often limited. It's advisable to rent a car or arrange for a form of transportation in advance, such as a guided tour. However, keep in mind that this might affect your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Burkina Faso
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Burkina Faso can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Burkina Faso is $11 (CFA6,790) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$11
CFA6,790
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Burkina Faso is around $11 (CFA6790) per person, with previous travelers spending from $5 to $16. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Burkina Faso are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $5
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
The food of Burkina Faso, referred to as Burkinabe, is similar to food you would find throughout West Africa. The main staples are sorghum, millet, rice, maize, peanuts, potatoes, beans, yams and okra. The most common meats available are mutton, beef, goat and fish, all of which are usually grilled. You'll find the greatest diversity of restaurants in the capital city, but there are also a handful of decent restaurants in most cities and towns. Don't be surprised if they don't have every item on the menu prepared. Instead ask what is available and order from those options.
Fufu: This is a staple of West Africa. It is made from root vegetables which are boiled in water and then pounded until it forms a paste. Fufu is usually eaten with your hands in balls which are dipped in an accompanying sauce or soup.
To: This is a dough that is made from a crushed grain such as millet, sorghum or corn. The dough is usually combined with a vegetable sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, and carrots to create a stew.
Riz gras: This is a popular rice dish that is combined with an onion and tomato sauce. It makes for a filling meal that is available in most restaurants around Burkina Faso.
When dining out with children, look for eateries that have a childrens' menu. It can save you a lot of money since these meals are typically more affordable. Some restaurants might not show the kids' options on the menu, so don't hesitate to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels come with breakfast included in the price, but some add it as an extra fee. The quality and cost of breakfast can change depending on the hotel. Knowing what to expect can assist you in deciding whether the hotel buffet is a worthwhile expense or if a nearby bakery or café would be a better choice.
Make sure to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks at every opportunity. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Nightlife Budget in Burkina Faso
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $1.56 (CFA1,000) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Burkina Faso per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$1.56
CFA1,000
While enjoying the nightlife is often one of the most fun activities while traveling, cutting back on drinking can actually help reduce your travel budget in a big way.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Nov 24, 2024
Traveling in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is an incredibly friendly and welcoming country. Although it is one of the poorest countries on earth, it is still very safe. Robbery and crime are rarely problems for travelers here. Located in West Africa, just south of Mali, Burkina Faso is densely populated with an ethnically diverse population. It's a wonderful place to learn about and experience many of the West African cultures. Despite its openness and the welcoming nature of the people here, Burkina Faso receives very few travelers. Because of this, you are likely to be welcomed with broad smiles and eager greetings. People visit Burkina Faso not for the specific sights, but more for the experience. It's truly a unique and special place, and you are sure to feel that during your time in the country.
Like elsewhere in West Africa, you do not come to this country for the wildlife. If you're hoping to do an African Safari then east or southern Africa are more appropriate destinations. People come to Burkina Faso for the people and the culture. The people of Burkina Faso embrace art, dance and music. It's a great place to take in some concerts and enjoy a variety of different types of music. In the capital, Ouagadougou, there is an excellent two week music festival, Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop. Throughout this period you can experience a variety of hip hop performances. Other times throughout the year there are any number of concerts that highlight the strong music and dance culture that exists throughout the country.
The entire area can be split into four different regions. The capital city of Ouagadougou is in the Volta Delta region which is the area with the highest concentration of people. To the west you'll find the Black Volta region. This is the most lush and diverse part of the country. East Burkina Faso is predominantly Muslim and is home to the most popular national parks. North Burkina Faso is where you'll find the Fulani and Tuareg populations.
Getting around Burkina Faso can prove somewhat challenging. The public transportation system is comparable to what you find elsewhere in West Africa. The buses are generally old, the schedules are almost nonexistent, and the roads can be in poor condition. Some visitors choose to hire a car during their visit but this is generally not necessary, particularly if you're not planning to visit the national parks or any other remote locations.
At A Glance
- Like many countries in West Africa, French is the most common second language for the population. It is also the official national language of the country. Still, outside of the larger cities most people do not speak French and only speak their local dialect. This can make communication challenging, but the friendly nature of the population means they have a lot of patience and are very helpful regardless of communication barriers.
- Music is really at the heart of Burkina Faso. There are many festivals throughout the year that highlight this tradition. The most famous is the Festival International de la Culture Hip Hop in October, but other popular festivals include Festival Jazz in the spring, Festival des Masques et des Artes in the month March every other year, and Semaine National de la Culture, also in the spring months.
- Camel rides that start in Gorom Gorom are a popular activity. You can arrange a guide once you arrive, but be particular and talk to several people before you commit. Also make sure you pack warm clothing as the weather can get quite cold at night.
- A fun souvenir to bring home is a hand made African outfit. You can pick out your favorite colorful fabric and have a tailor take measurements and prepare any item of clothing for you. The best place to have this done is in Ouagadougou.
- There are ATMs in various parts of Burkina Faso. They generally accept Visa cards but not Mastercard. Most places do not take credit cards either, so cash is the best way to pay for almost anything.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
Ouagadougou: This is the capital and largest city in Burkina Faso. It is an interesting city to explore with modern architecture that is surrounded by traditional residential neighborhoods. There are a handful of good museums and parks that are worth a visit.
The Ruins of Loropeni: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Loropeni. It's the ruins of a fortified settlement about which there is little information. It's also one of the only examples of this type of settlement in West Africa.
Karfiguela Waterfalls: This is a series of waterfalls near Banfora that are impressive during the rainy season. It's best to visit the area at the very end of the rainy season when the falls are at their fullest. It's also the most popular natural attraction in all of the country.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.