ACTIVITIES

The national parks and reserves are the best places to view wildlife. Tour operators in Ouagadougou organise trips of varying duration. Entrance fees are payable at all reserves.

Outdoor pursuits : Banfora in the southwest of the country is the best area for hiking. Excellent views of the whole region can be had from the top of the Banfora Escarpment. The Sénoufo region west of Banfora is also very pleasant, as is the Lobi region around Gaoua, southeast of Bobo Dioulasso. Mountain bike trips can be arranged in the areas around Bobo Dioulasso and Banfora, in the Lobi region and in the Nazinga Ranch south of Ouagadougou.

Others : Owing to endemic bilharzia, it is not safe to swim in most rivers, lakes or standing water. There are a couple of hotels with swimming pools in Ouagadougou open to non-residents for a small fee. Golf can be played at the course on the Route de Pô. Tennis courts are in Ouagadougou and visitors can play at the Burkina Faso Club on

invitation by a member. Permits are not usually required for fishing , although the use of poison, explosives and nets with mesh smaller than 3cm (1.2 inches) is prohibited. Horses are available for hire at the Club Hippique in Ouagadougou. Football is very popular. Several new stadiums are being planned, including a major new stadium in Ouagadougou.