Traveling to Africa will always be an adventure and this sure is the case when you visit the landlocked country of Burkina Faso. While many travelers prefer to make the most of their stay in the capital of Ouagadougou, those who want to venture beyond it can head to Bobo Dioulasso.
The second largest city in the country, Bobo Dioulasso has a number of interesting sites and attractions that will appeal to travelers. Here are some of them.
Grand Mosque of Bobo Dioulasso
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images
Built in 1880, the mosque is one of the oldest buildings in the whole of Burkina Faso. Constructed from mud brick, its construction took around a decade to complete.
The mosque has two minaret towers that are cone-shaped. These towers have wooden reinforcements that ensure the integrity of the structure.
Translating to Lake of Hippopotamuses in English, Mare aux Hippopotames is both a lake and a national park that was created in 1937. It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 and is the only one to receive such designation in Burkina Faso.
The park is known to home to around 100 hippos as well as more than 160 species of birds. This include around 27 species of water birds and 133 species of savannah birds.
Mausoleum of Guimbi Ouattara
Screenshot taken from Discover Burkina Faso via Google Image Search
If you look into the history of Bobo Dioulasso, you will probably encounter the name Guimbi Outtara. Guimbi Outtara was a ruler and military who is still remembered in the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
In fact, her resting place can be visited today by those who want to learn more about her and her role in history.
