Ouaga, as it’s affectionately dubbed, is a thriving, eclectic arts hub, with dance and concert venues, live bands, theatre companies, a busy festival schedule and beautiful handicrafts. Its streets are a busy, dusty mix of concrete and red roads, thousands of mopeds, street-peddlers and general, exuberant life that more than makes up for the capital’s lack of major sights.

Sindou Peaks are one of Burkina’s most unforgettable sights. Millions of years ago, these brown, sandy cones were underwater, and they’ve been shaped by the elements ever since. It’s a great place for light hiking and exploring the different formations – you may notice in the shapes almost anthropomorphic features, as if all of life hides inside them. A sunrise and a breakfast here promise a magical experience

Some of the best wildlife areas in West Africa are found in north Benin, where Pendjari National Park and W National Park are located. The best time to see the Pendjari National Park’s wildlife is towards the end of the dry season. The park is accessible to travellers and accommodation is available. W National Park is located in Benin’s far north, and stretches across Burkina Faso and Niger.

This reserve is one of Burkina’s most loved and accessible wildlife-spotting areas. The multitude of animals – among them antelope, monkeys, caimans and a variety of bird species – attract visitors, but it’s the chance to spot elephants that gives the park its special edge. The dry season is the best time to see these majestic animals, but it’s worth visiting the park at any time of year regardless