Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Burkinafaso
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $18-62 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Burkinafaso
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Basic guesthouses, budget hotels, and local auberges with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Local street food, market stalls, basic maquis restaurants, and self-prepared meals
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, shared bush taxis, motorcycle taxis for short distances, walking
Activities
$2-10 per day
Free cultural sites, local markets, community visits, occasional museum entries
Currency: CFA Franc (XOF) - West African CFA Franc
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Burkinafaso
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local maquis and street food stalls instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use shared bush taxis and public transport instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings)
Stay in local guesthouses outside main tourist areas (generally 40-60% less expensive)
Buy food and drinks at local markets rather than tourist shops (typically 50-70% cheaper)
Travel during rainy season for accommodation discounts (usually 20-40% lower rates)
Book longer stays directly with accommodation owners for better rates (often 15-30% discounts)
Join group tours instead of private guides (typically 40-60% cost reduction per person)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating at hotel restaurants and tourist areas (typically costs 2-3x more than local options)
Taking private taxis for all transportation instead of using shared options (usually 3-5x more expensive)
Not negotiating prices for services and crafts (missing potential 20-40% savings)
Traveling only during peak dry season without considering shoulder seasons (paying 30-50% premium)