Things to Do in Burkina Faso in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Burkina Faso

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Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect timing for village festivals - March marks the end of harvest season when communities celebrate with traditional dances and ceremonies across the Sahel region
Optimal wildlife viewing at Nazinga Game Ranch and Arly National Park - animals congregate around water sources in the dry season, making spotting easier from 6am-9am and 4pm-6pm
Clear skies ideal for photography and stargazing - the harmattan winds create crystal-clear visibility perfect for capturing the dramatic Sahel landscapes and some of Africa's best night skies
Comfortable evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make outdoor dining and cultural performances enjoyable after the intense daytime heat subsides

Considerations

Brutal midday heat reaching 39°C (102°F) forces indoor breaks from 10am-4pm, limiting sightseeing to early morning and late afternoon windows
Harmattan dust storms can occur with little warning, causing respiratory irritation and occasionally grounding domestic flights for 2-3 hours
Water scarcity affects some rural accommodations - expect limited shower times and occasional supply interruptions outside major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso

Best Activities in March

Sahel Village Cultural Tours

March is harvest celebration season when Mossi, Fulani, and Bobo communities perform traditional ceremonies. The dry weather means accessible dirt roads to remote villages, and evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make outdoor cultural performances comfortable. Local granaries are full, and families are most welcoming to visitors during this prosperous time.

Booking Tip: Book through certified cultural guides 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65 USD) including transport and meals. Look for guides registered with the Ministry of Tourism who speak local languages and can arrange authentic homestays.

Nazinga Game Reserve Safari

Dry season animal viewing is at its peak in March. Elephants, antelopes, and warthogs gather at remaining water holes, making wildlife spotting predictable during early morning 6am-9am drives when temperatures are manageable at 28°C (82°F). The lack of vegetation provides clear sightlines.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 14-21 days ahead as the reserve has limited capacity. Full-day safaris cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($55-80 USD) including guide and vehicle. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and early morning departure times to avoid midday heat.

Tiébélé Royal Court Architecture Tours

March's dry weather provides perfect conditions for visiting the famous painted houses of Tiébélé. The clay-and-dung walls with geometric patterns are at their most vibrant after the dry season preservation work. Comfortable evening temperatures allow extended photography sessions of this UNESCO World Heritage candidate site.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Ouagadougou cost 30,000-45,000 CFA ($48-72 USD) including transport and guide fees to the royal family. Book through licensed tour operators who have established relationships with the Kassena people and include proper cultural protocols.

Banfora Karfiguela Waterfalls Hiking

Though water levels are lower in March, this creates unique hiking opportunities to explore behind the falls and access rock pools usually submerged. The 2km (1.2 mile) trail is manageable in early morning 7am-10am when temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F). Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost 2,000 CFA ($3 USD) park entry, but guided hikes cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($24-40 USD) for safety on slippery rocks. Local guides know the best photo spots and safe swimming areas during low water conditions.

Sindou Peaks Rock Formation Climbing

March's clear visibility showcases the dramatic sandstone peaks at their most impressive. The dry conditions provide stable rock climbing and hiking opportunities. Early morning climbs starting at 6am offer comfortable temperatures and stunning sunrise photography over the 100+ stone pillars rising 150m (492 ft) from the savanna.

Booking Tip: Climbing guides cost 20,000-35,000 CFA ($32-56 USD) per day for groups up to 4 people. Essential to book local guides who know safe routes and carry adequate water - bring 3L (0.8 gallons) minimum per person due to intense heat and low humidity.

Ouagadougou Grand Market Textile Shopping

March coincides with the arrival of new cotton textiles from the recent harvest. The famous Faso Dan Fani cotton fabrics are most abundant and affordable. Indoor market halls provide relief from 39°C (102°F) heat while browsing traditional bogolan mud cloth, kente-style weavings, and contemporary Burkinabé fashion designs.

Booking Tip: Visit Tuesday-Thursday mornings 8am-11am for best selection and prices before heat peaks. Quality bogolan costs 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-24 USD) per meter. Hire a local guide for 5,000 CFA ($8 USD) to navigate the 3,000-stall market and negotiate fair prices in Mooré or Dioula languages.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Festival des Arts et de la Culture (FESTAC)

Ouagadougou's celebration of traditional arts features Sahel music, dance competitions, and craft exhibitions. Local artisans display bronze casting, pottery, and textile weaving demonstrations. Evening performances take advantage of comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures.

Throughout March

Harvest Thanksgiving Ceremonies

Rural communities across the Mossi plateau perform traditional thanksgiving rituals marking successful millet and sorghum harvests. Villages welcome visitors to witness ancestral dances, drumming, and communal feasts featuring newly harvested grains.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 and Sahel sun reflects intensely off light-colored ground

Wide-brimmed hat and lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - essential protection during 39°C (102°F) midday temperatures

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry fine Sahara sand that irritates respiratory systems, especially for asthma sufferers

Insulated water bottles (2L/0.5 gallon minimum) - dehydration happens rapidly in 70% humidity and intense heat

Electrolyte replacement tablets - sweating depletes minerals faster than water alone can replenish in desert climate

Lightweight cotton pants instead of shorts - protection from sun, dust, and cultural sensitivity in rural Muslim areas

Closed-toe shoes for dust protection - flip-flops become uncomfortable when filled with fine sand particles

Portable battery pack - heat can drain phone batteries 40% faster, and power outages are common outside cities

Flashlight with extra batteries - evening cultural activities often occur in areas without electric lighting

Quick-dry towel and wet wipes - water scarcity means limited washing opportunities during village visits

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities before 9am and after 4pm - locals observe midday rest period called 'sieste' from 11am-3pm when even shops close

Bargain in CFA francs, not USD - vendors quote inflated prices to tourists using foreign currency, but fair prices in local currency are 30-50% lower

Learn basic Mooré greetings like 'Yaa soam' (good morning) - this immediately establishes respect and often results in better treatment and prices

Carry small denomination bills (500-1000 CFA notes) - rural vendors and craftspeople rarely have change for 10,000 CFA notes ($16 USD)