Pack a French phrasebook, as this is the official language in Ouagadougou.
Convert your money once you've arrived. Ouagadougou's currency is the Communaute Financiere Africaine Franc, or CFA.
Head to the local consulate to acquire the required visa for Burkina Faso.
Pack appropriately. A hot, tropical climate prevails most of the year, with a rainy season during December and January.
Travel around town as a group. Taxis cost about 1,000 CFA but cater more to groups than to single travelers.
Rent a car at the airport in Ouagadougou when you travel during the rainy months of December and January. Taxis and buses become overcrowded during the frequent rains.
Ride around town like the locals do, on bicycles and motorcycles.
Book hotel accommodations in the business district if you want to be close to the convention center.
Stay near the airport for 4- and 5-star accommodations and within easy proximity to transportation.
Reserve your accommodations near the city center to get the most out of local festivals. This area is where most of the action is.
Attend the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, or FESPACO. It's the largest film festival in Africa.
Take advantage of the international cuisine by eating out. Restaurants are abundant and feature everything from French standards to good Chinese fare.
Come in conjunction with a festival. SIAO (The International Art and Craft Fair), FESPAM (The Pan-African Music Festival), FESTIVO and FITMO (The International Theatre and Marionnette Festival) are all popular local celebrations.
