Families adopting from Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, are required to make at least one trip to this small African nation to complete their adoption process. While Burkina Faso is a small nation with a population of 16.9 million, it is estimated that nearly one million of its inhabitants are orphaned children. For those families wanting to adopt from Africa where there is great need, Burkina Faso is a great option. An added plus for adoptive families is that Burkina Faso is a party to the Hague Convention, which makes your adoption process likely to be more stable and predictable.
Families adopting from Burkina Faso travel at the end of the adoption process to bring their adopted child home. Families should plan on a seven to ten day stay in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capitol city. During your stay in Ouagadougou, you will have visits with your adopted child as well as two appointments with the Central Authority, and for U.S. families, a medical and embassy appointment.
Many adoptive families ask what there is to do in Burkina Faso and where to stay during their visit. Ouagadougou is a small city and its population is generally friendly to travelers. Below is a compilation of tourist spots and hotels located in and around Ouagadougou.
Things to See & Do
- Laongo is an outdoor park gallery of rock sculptures located just outside of Ouagadougou and seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The outdoor sculpture gallery began in 1989 when Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Culture invited sculptors from around the world to sculpt these protruding, some massive, granite slabs into creative sculptures. Jutting out of the ground are granite rocks which have been sculpted into formations designed by international sculptors. A walking self or guided tour is available.
- Loumbila Beach is located at the edge of Loumbila Dam, this small resort offers a wide variety of activities for visitors such as canoeing, paddle and motor boats, jet skiing and dining. The site also includes a few carnival rides and games, as well as two swimming pools. For visitors wanting to stay more than one day, accommodations are available.
- Zoo of Ziniare is located near the Presidential residence. The zoo features wildlife and close up experiences for a variety of animals, including a camel, elephants, rhinos, ostriches and more. To gain entrance due to its location, permission to enter must be obtained from the town hall in Ziniaré. You can opt for a private guided tour for a small price.
- Handcraft Artist’s Village is located in Ouagadougou and is a definite must to see local artisan’s wares and to purchase souvenirs. Plan on bartering for purchases to get the best price.
Where to Stay
All hotels below are at an affordable price and offer a variety of amenities including air conditioning, pools, fitness centers, dining facilities, TV and free WIFI, making your stay in Burkina Faso a comfortable one.
For the majority of families pursuing an international adoption, travel is a necessary part of your adoption process and the length of stay is determined by the country. Seeing your child’s country of birth and experiencing its culture is a once in a lifetime experience you will treasure forever.
Photo Credit: US Army Africa
Sonja Brown
Sonja Brown works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Samoa. Sonja is also proud to work directly with our Individualized Country Program families who are adopting from countries where no adoption service providers currently operate.
Sonja Brown
Sonja Brown works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Samoa. Sonja is also proud to work directly with our Individualized Country Program families who are adopting from countries where no adoption service providers currently operate.