Ouagadougou also spelled Wagadugu is the capital and largest town of Burkina Faso, western Africa.

It was the capital of the historic Mossi kingdom of Wagadugu (founded in the 15th century) and the seat of the morpho naba (“great king”) of the Mossi people. The morho naba still lives in the city, though his powers were greatly reduced by the French colonial and post-independent administrations.

Ouagadougou is a city of large trees and modern public buildings abutting traditional residential neighbourhoods. Its streets are a busy, dusty mix of concrete and red roads, thousands of mopeds, street-peddlers and general, exuberant life that more than makes up for the capital’s lack of major sights.

Sights N Sounds of Ouagadougou

A visit to Ouagadougou is not complete without a visit to the great Rood Wooko market of Ouagadougou. Located in the middle of the city, it is the centre of social activity, culture and trade. Butchers, clothing vendors, electrical shops, salons – you name it, it’s got it. You can find absolutely everything, just ask!

You don’t need to be into music to enjoy this excellent museum called Musée de la Musique: the Burkinabé live and breathe music and a visit to the museum serves as a great introduction to Burkinabé culture.

The Hall of Martyrs is another great place to visit. This hall of fame is located at the end of boulevard Muammar Gaddafi. Originally called the Memorial to National Heroes, it was renamed the Hall of Martyrs in May 2015 in homage to the victims of the popular uprising in Burkina Faso, and in memory of those who died.

One thing you should also absolutely do is try out the local cuisine here. Just wait until you sink your teeth into the singed chicken known as poulet bicyclette. This delicious dish can be eaten with different vegetables accompanied by Brakina, the local beer, or various other natural juices (tamarind and tropical fruits juices).

The biannual Fespaco festival, devoted to Pan-African cinema, is also worth visiting, to catch some of the best up-and-coming African films screened across the city.

How to get to Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou is connected by rail to the Atlantic Ocean port of Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire, and has an international airport – Thomas Sankara International Airport Ouagadougou, an airport in the center of the capital city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

Where to stay in Ouagadougou

Villa Kaya Lodge offers accommodation in Ouagadougou. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the garden, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

Situated in Ouagadougou, 1.8 km from Ouagadougou Main Market, Sonia Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Located 2.7 km from the National Museum of Music, Sopatel Silmandé in Ouagadougou has an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court.