Things to Do in Burkina Faso in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Burkina Faso
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak rainy season transforms the landscape into lush green - the Sahel region actually looks alive in August, with temporary waterfalls at Karfiguéla and the Banfora Cascades flowing at their most impressive volumes. The contrast with the dry season is remarkable.
- Significantly fewer tourists than November through February, meaning you'll have sites like the Ruins of Loropéni and Tiébélé painted houses largely to yourself. Accommodations in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso typically run 30-40% cheaper than high season.
- August marks the harvest preparation period, so you'll see authentic agricultural life across the countryside - rice paddies being tended, millet fields at their greenest, and local markets bursting with seasonal produce like mangoes, watermelons, and fresh greens that aren't available during dry months.
- Cooler temperatures compared to March-May when it regularly hits 40°C (104°F) plus. The 25°C (77°F) highs with occasional cloud cover make outdoor exploration actually comfortable during morning and late afternoon hours, rather than the punishing heat of pre-rainy season.
Considerations
- Road conditions deteriorate significantly - many rural roads become impassable or require 4x4 vehicles, particularly routes to Sindou Peaks and remote villages. Travel times can double, and some tour operators suspend certain excursions entirely during August.
- The rainy season brings increased malaria risk, particularly in rural areas and near water bodies. You'll need to be diligent about prophylaxis, mosquito nets, and repellent. Dengue cases also tend to spike during this period.
- Outdoor activities require flexible scheduling - that afternoon rain isn't a gentle drizzle but proper downpours that last 1-2 hours and can flood streets in Ouagadougou temporarily. You'll need to build buffer time into any itinerary and have indoor backup plans ready.
Best Activities in August
Banfora Cascades and Karfiguéla Waterfalls Exploration
August is genuinely the only time these waterfalls are worth visiting - during dry season they're reduced to trickles, but the rainy season brings them to life with impressive water volume. The Karfiguéla Falls drop about 60 m (197 ft) and you can actually swim in the pools below when water levels permit. The surrounding vegetation is at its greenest, creating that dramatic contrast against the rock formations. Morning visits work best before afternoon rains, typically 7am-11am. The area around Banfora also includes the Domes de Fabedougou rock formations and Lake Tengrela, where you can spot hippos more easily when water levels are high.
Ouagadougou Cultural Museum Circuit
Perfect indoor backup for those inevitable rainy afternoons. The Musée National du Burkina Faso houses excellent exhibits on the country's diverse ethnic groups, traditional masks, and historical artifacts. The Maison du Peuple cultural center often hosts performances and exhibitions. August actually sees more cultural programming as it's outside the intense heat period when venues reduce activities. The national museum's outdoor sculpture garden is best visited in morning before 11am when it's cooler. Allocate 2-3 hours per museum, and note that most close between noon-3pm.
Tiébélé Traditional Kassena Village Visits
The painted houses of Tiébélé are one of Burkina Faso's most photographically striking attractions - traditional Kassena compounds with geometric patterns painted on walls by the women. August's overcast skies actually provide better photography conditions than harsh dry season sun, reducing harsh shadows on the intricate wall designs. The village is about 170 km (106 miles) south of Ouagadougou, roughly 3-4 hours drive in August conditions. You'll need to pay a village entry fee and photography fee, and it's respectful to hire a local guide who can explain the symbolism and introduce you to families. Plan for 2-3 hours in the village itself.
Bobo-Dioulasso Old Quarter and Grand Mosque Tours
Burkina Faso's second city has more character than the capital, with the old quarter (Kibidwe) featuring traditional architecture and the stunning Sudanese-style Grand Mosque built in 1880. The mosque's distinctive mud-brick construction with wooden beams is best photographed in morning light around 8-9am. August's humidity actually helps preserve the mud structures, and you'll see maintenance work happening. The nearby artisan quarters show metalworkers, weavers, and potters at work. The city has a more relaxed pace than Ouagadougou. Allow a full day to properly explore, including the music museum and colonial-era train station.
Nazinga Game Reserve Wildlife Viewing
One of West Africa's better wildlife reserves, about 160 km (99 miles) south of Ouagadougou. August brings decent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources, though vegetation is thicker than dry season. You might spot elephants, various antelope species, warthogs, monkeys, and numerous bird species. The reserve covers about 940 sq km (363 sq miles). Early morning game drives starting around 6am offer best viewing before it gets too warm and before potential afternoon rains. The landscape is genuinely beautiful in August when everything is green, quite different from the parched dry season look.
Local Market Immersion and Street Food Exploration
August markets overflow with seasonal produce - mangoes, watermelons, fresh greens, and the start of new harvest preparations. The Grand Marché in Ouagadougou and markets in Bobo-Dioulasso offer authentic local life rather than tourist-oriented experiences. You'll see fabric vendors, traditional medicine stalls, metalwork, and food sections. Street food is excellent and safe if you follow basic rules about cooked-to-order items. Try riz gras (rich rice dish), brochettes (grilled meat skewers), and local millet-based drinks. Markets are most active early morning from 7-10am before the heat and afternoon rains. Covered market sections provide rain shelter.
August Events & Festivals
Harvest Preparation Season Activities
While not a formal festival, August marks the critical agricultural period before main harvests. In rural areas, you'll witness communal farming activities, preparation of fields, and traditional agricultural practices that have continued for generations. This is authentic cultural immersion rather than staged tourist events. Villages around Tiébélé, near Bobo-Dioulasso, and in the Sahel region show this most clearly.