Burkina Faso

10th - 18th April

Border Crossing Mali-Burkina Faso. The last chance to get the carnet sorted is at the customs post on the southern side of Koro, absolutely no problems and very efficient staff. The same applies to the Malian border police post. Once over the border there is a bit of a drive to the Bukina Faso border post at Tiou , but again no problems and the staff most helpful. We had got our visas in Bamako, at a total cost of some 45,000 CFA; a German couple got theirs at the border post with the minimum of fuss and at half the price. We live and learn! From Ouahigouya the road to Ouaga’ is tarred.

Ouagadougou (Ouga’). Hotel Ricardo. GPS N12 23.446 W001 31.639. Having entered Ouga’, stay on the main road and turn off left immediately before the barrage (lake like area of water), after 200m take the first right turn and stay on this road until the hotel is signposted on the right. Picked from the Bradt guide, camping is fine in hotel car park; not able to get electricity hook up, our cable was too short! The facilities are good and you get free use of the 30m pool! May be a bit too pricey for some, we were won over by the lure of the pool and free wifi!! It is also close to the Ghanian embassy and the owner offered their driver and car to get us there.

Burkina Faso into Ghana

Bobo – Dioulasso. Casa Africa. GPS N11 10.153’ W004 18.709’. Not signposted, however the Bradt guidebook map is good enough to get you within shouting distance. If all else fails, stay on the main road as you come from Ouaga’, keep on going straight ahead until you cross a railway line and then on your left there is a brewery, go another 400m or so and turn off right from the main road down a side road and you are close, then just ask! The whole place is a little tired and care worn, but the facilities are fine, if basic, with shower, etc. Electricity hook up possible, but you will be charged a small fee for it. There are rooms, a restaurant and a bar (with warm beer!). They don’t seem to mind if you self cater.
Banfora. La Canne a Sucre. GPS N10 38.638’ W004 45.571’. Spoil yourself! Not well signposted, but Banfora is small enough for that not to matter, especially if you have the Bradt guidebook! Great place, swimming pool, excellent food, cold beer, secure parking and electricity hook up is possible. It would also seem a good place to base yourself if exploring the area – lots of info, guides and guide prices, etc.
Le Pics de Sindou. Campement Bemba.GPS N10 39.075’ W005 09.338’. This is included for two reasons: Firstly. A campement is nearing completion at this very scenic location. It is likely to be called Campement Bemba and we saw that in addition to accommodation, there will be room for camping with the normal facilities available, electricity hook up will also be available. Secondly. It will be an ideal overnight stop on the very scenic route from Dieri on the N8 from Bobo, then via the dirt tracks R27 and R28 to Banfora. Although we didn’t travel the full route, the bit we did from Banfora to Le Pics de Sindou made us wish we had!

Bush Camp.GPS N10 30.037’ W004 02 .498’. To the north of Kouere on the N11 Banfora to Gaoua road (a good dirt road).