Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou - affectionately known as "Ouaga" - is the capital of Burkina Faso and one of West Africa's most culturally vibrant cities. Despite being one of the world's poorest countries, Burkina Faso has an outsized cultural influence thanks to FESPACO, the continent's largest and most prestigious film festival, held in Ouagadougou every two years.

The city sprawls across the flat Sahelian landscape with wide, dusty boulevards lined with mango trees. The Grand Marché is one of West Africa's most colorful markets, and the artisan village of the Centre National de l'Artisanat showcases the bronze-casting, leather-working, and textile traditions that Burkina Faso is famous for.

Ouagadougou's nightlife is legendary in West Africa - the "maquis" (outdoor bars) come alive every evening with live music, cold beer, and grilled chicken. The Burkinabè are known as some of the friendliest, most welcoming people on the continent, and this warmth pervades every interaction.

The cool dry season (November-February) is the best time to visit with comfortable temperatures and no rain.

March-May is extremely hot (40°C+) and the rainy season (June-September) brings heavy downpours.

FESPACO takes place in odd-numbered years in late February - plan around it if you want to attend.