Cycling in Burkina Faso
Including Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso Corridor, Sahelian Plains and Northern Routes, and Sindou Peaks and Cascades Region. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling here is an intense, immersive way to move through rural life, where you share the road with donkey carts and heavy-duty transport trucks. The harmattan season brings a dusty haze, so the clearer, cooler post-rainy season months are far more pleasant for long-distance riding. It is a raw, local experience where you are often the only person on two wheels for miles, requiring complete self-sufficiency.
Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso Corridor
Upper-Basins
Hugues / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This primary transit route connects the capital to the country's second-largest city, passing through diverse rural landscapes and vibrant local markets. It is a popular choice for touring cyclists looking to experience the transition from the arid north to the greener, more tropical south.
Access. Start in Ouagadougou; bike shops are limited, so carry spare parts and tools. Buses are available for transfers if needed.
Notes. Traffic can be heavy near urban centers; exercise caution on paved roads. Best visited during the dry season.
Sahelian Plains and Northern Routes
Sahel
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Traversing the vast, arid landscapes of northern Burkina Faso offers a unique challenge for experienced bike tourers seeking remote, off-the-beaten-path expeditions. The region features flat, expansive horizons and traditional mud-brick architecture, providing an authentic look at Sahelian culture.
Access. Best accessed by organizing a self-supported expedition from Ouagadougou; requires careful planning for water and supplies as infrastructure is minimal.
Notes. Best during the cooler dry season (November to February); extreme heat and harmattan winds make other times difficult. High level of self-sufficiency required.
Sindou Peaks and Cascades Region
Léraba
This Photo was taken by croucrou / Sylvain Crouzillat Cette Photo a été prise par croucrou / Sylvain Crouzillat More pictures in my personal gallery Plus de photos dans ma galerie personnelle Plus d'info sur moi sur mon site web | www.sylvain-crouzillat.com / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located in the southwest near the border with Mali, the Sindou region offers dramatic sandstone rock formations and lush, hilly terrain. It is a visually striking area for gravel and adventure cycling, providing a stark contrast to the flat plains of the north.
Access. Accessible via Bobo-Dioulasso; local guides are recommended for navigating the network of rural tracks and paths around the peaks.
Notes. Terrain is rugged and requires a mountain bike or a capable gravel bike with wider tires. Best visited between November and March.