Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The area around Bobo is rich in day trips, many of which are scenic excursions. Pack a
picnic.
Kou & Koumi
About 18km west of Bobo-Dioulasso, the 115-hectare
Forêt de Kou
(admission CFA1000)
is an
unexpected gem: the reserve includes three completely different ecosystems - tropical
rainforest, teak plantation and wooded savannah - that visitors can explore through a
small network of paths. The rainforest in particular is delightful, remaining blissfully cool
even during the midday heat.
A couple of kilometres before the forest, you'll pass a small drinking shack and a
bathing area referred to as
La Guinguette
(admission CFA500)
. It's popular at weekends but gen-
erally quiet during the week.
Six kilometres south of Kou along a well-maintained dirt track, the village of
Koumi
(ad-
mission CFA1000, guiding fee CFA1000)
, on the Bobo-Orodara road, is well-known for its ochre
adobe houses. Villagers run informative tours taking in animist beliefs, architecture and
local life.
La Mare aux Poissons Sacrés & Koro
The sacred fish pond of
Dafra
, around 6km southeast of Bobo, is an important animist site:
local people come here to solicit spirits by sacrificing chickens and feeding them to the
fish. It is a fairly grisly sight, with chicken bones and feathers everywhere; the 30-minute
walk from the nearest parking spot to the pond is truly stunning, however, with arresting
rock formations and gorgeous savannah landscapes. A taxi there and back from Bobo-
Dioulasso will cost around CFA10,000 (the track is atrocious).
You can easily follow on from Dafra to the village of
Koro
(admission CFA1000)
, 13km east
of Bobo, off the main Ouagadougou road. Perched on the hillside, its houses - built amid
rock formations - are unique in the area, and there are fine panoramic views over the
countryside from the top of the village.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Banfora & Around
