Ouahigouya: The Gateway to Northern Burkina Faso

• HelloSalut
  [sa-lu]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ryan]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon/ Désolé
  [pahr-dohn / deh-zoh-leh]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
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• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
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• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
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• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
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• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
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• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix et demi
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• MorningMatin
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• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• 2Deux
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• 3Trois
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• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
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• 7Sept
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• 8Huit
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• 10Dix
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• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
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• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Ouahigouya, founded in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest cities in Burkina Faso. Established by the Yatenga Kingdom, it served as the capital and a pivotal center for trade, culture, and governance.

Under the reign of Naaba Kango (circa 1740-1787), Ouahigouya flourished as a major political and economic hub. Naaba Kango is remembered for his administrative skills and efforts to expand the kingdom's influence, including his strategic alliances and military campaigns.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ouahigouya came under French colonial rule. The city became a focal point in the struggle between local kingdoms and the French forces. Significant battles and negotiations took place, ultimately leading to the area's incorporation into French West Africa.

Following Burkina Faso's independence from France in 1960, Ouahigouya experienced a period of modernization. The city saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, making it a vital regional center. Efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage also became prominent during this era.

Ouahigouya is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the annual 'Dagara' festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Mossi people. Traditional dances, music, and rituals are performed, reflecting the city's deep cultural roots and community spirit.

The city is home to several architectural landmarks, including the Naaba Kango Palace and the Great Mosque of Ouahigouya. These structures not only serve as places of historical significance but also as symbols of the city's enduring legacy and cultural identity.

Historically, Ouahigouya has been a key trading post due to its strategic location. The city's markets bustle with activity, offering a variety of goods ranging from local crafts to agricultural products. This role as a trade hub has been essential in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Ouahigouya is located in the northern part of Burkina Faso. The nearest international airport is Ouagadougou International Airport in the capital city of Ouagadougou, approximately 182 kilometers away. From Ouagadougou, you can take a bus or hire a private taxi to Ouahigouya. The bus journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on road conditions. Private taxis are quicker but more expensive. Alternatively, you can rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself.

Ouahigouya is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the town, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. Motorbike taxis, known as 'moto-taxis,' are also a common mode of transport. Public minibuses connect Ouahigouya to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car is an option but be prepared for variable road conditions.

The official currency in Burkina Faso is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). Cash is the most common form of payment, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments but not commonly used in smaller shops and markets. ATMs are available in Ouahigouya, but it's wise to withdraw cash in Ouagadougou before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Ouahigouya is generally safe, but standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets. Some areas on the outskirts of town have higher crime rates; it's best to stay within well-populated and well-lit areas. Always stay updated on travel advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance and 18 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Ouahigouya is the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Ouahigouya, which provides basic medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including taking off your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and greet fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use the right hand. Avoid using the left hand for greetings or giving items. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ouahigouya like a local, visit the central market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals as they are often friendly and eager to share stories about their town. Don’t miss visiting the Yatenga Royal Palace to learn about the history of the region. For a unique experience, take part in a local festival if your visit coincides with one, such as the annual Yam Festival, which celebrates the harvest season.