Pô, Burkina Faso Travel Guide

Discover Pô: A tranquil haven in southern Burkina Faso, where nature and culture converge amidst lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife.

Pô, a quaint town in southern Burkina Faso, is a serene retreat for those seeking a blend of nature and cultural heritage. Nestled near the Ghana border, Pô is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and the cherished history of the Mossi people. The town offers a picturesque escape from the bustling cities, where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of its natural surroundings. One of Pô's standout attractions is the Nazinga Game Ranch, a sprawling wildlife reserve that serves as a sanctuary for elephants, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. Safari enthusiasts will find the game drives here both thrilling and educational, providing a glimpse into the region's diverse fauna. The reserve's commitment to conservation makes it a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers. Cultural aficionados will appreciate the nearby village of Tiebele, famous for its traditional Kassena architecture. The intricately painted houses, adorned with geometric designs, offer a window into the artistic legacy of the local community. Guided tours of the village provide insights into the customs and daily life of the Kassena people, making it a profound cultural experience. Pô also serves as a gateway to exploring the savannah landscapes and rolling hills that define this part of Burkina Faso. Hiking and nature walks are popular activities, allowing visitors to experience the region's natural beauty up close. The town itself is welcoming and offers a variety of local markets where tourists can purchase handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs to remember their visit.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pô.

Visit Nazinga Game Ranch early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chances of wildlife sightings.
Hire a local guide in Tiebele to fully appreciate the history and significance of the Kassena architecture.
Pack light and breathable clothing, as the climate can be hot and humid.
Bring cash in local currency, as ATMs and card payment options are limited.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting villages and cultural sites.

Explore Pô: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Ciné Neerwaya

Experience the vibrant cinematic culture of Ouagadougou at Ciné Neerwaya, where local stories come to life on the big screen.

3.8

Sculptures de Laongo

Explore the stunning outdoor gallery of Sculptures de Laongo, where art and nature converge in the heart of Burkina Faso.

4.1

Les Cascade de Banfora

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Les Cascades de Banfora, a natural oasis in Burkina Faso. Swim, explore, and immerse yourself in stunning scenery.

4.1

Ruins of Loropéni

Explore the ancient Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a window into West Africa's medieval gold trade and cultural heritage.

3.5

Best landmarks in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Parc Bangr Weogo

Explore the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife at Parc Bangr Weogo, a serene urban park in Ouagadougou perfect for nature lovers and families.

3.9

Le Panini's (Panini de Orange ex Airtel)

Discover the flavors of Burkina Faso at Le Panini's, a vibrant restaurant in Ouagadougou serving delicious paninis and local cuisine.

3.9

Sonia Hotels Ouagadougou

Experience the heart of Burkina Faso at Sonia Hotels Ouagadougou, where comfort meets local culture in a vibrant city setting.

4.2

KB et frères

Explore the stunning KB et Frères Mosque in Ouagadougou, a captivating blend of spiritual significance and architectural beauty in Burkina Faso.

4.2

Best restaurants in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

La Perle

Experience authentic Burkinabé flavors at La Perle in Ouagadougou - where culinary excellence meets cultural richness.

4.1

P'tit Paris Gounghin

Discover the culinary delights at P'tit Paris Gounghin in Ouagadougou – where local culture meets international cuisine.

4.3

Chick Restaurant

Discover Chick Restaurant in Ouagadougou for a unique blend of African flavors and international favorites in a welcoming atmosphere.

3.8

Restaurant Chez Momo

Experience authentic Turkish cuisine combined with delightful local flavors at Restaurant Chez Momo in Ouagadougou.

4.0

Best bars in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Tantie Energie

Discover authentic local cuisine at Tantie Energie, a vibrant restaurant in Pô, where every dish tells a story of culinary tradition.

3.6

Le Glacier Burkina Faso

Savor authentic Burkinabe cuisine at Le Glacier, a vibrant restaurant in Pô known for its delightful dishes and inviting atmosphere.

3.7

Maquis Espace Barbara

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Maquis Espace Barbara, a lively bar in Nahouri known for its music and affordable drinks.

3.5

Restaurant Eliqua

Discover authentic local flavors at Restaurant Eliqua in Pô, where every dish tells a story of Burkina Faso's rich culinary heritage.

3.2

Best nightclubs in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

ZÉBIÉ NIGHT-CLUB

Discover the heart of Ouagadougou's nightlife at ZÉBIÉ NIGHT-CLUB, where the music is vibrant and the atmosphere is electric.

4.0

The Mask

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ouagadougou at The Mask, a premier disco club where music and culture unite for an unforgettable evening.

4.0

Level Night Club

Level Night Club in Ouagadougou: Dance, Drink, and Discover the Heart of Burkina Faso's Nightlife Scene.

3.6

Waguess Night-Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ouagadougou at Waguess Night-Club, where local culture meets electrifying entertainment.

4.0

Best shops in Pô

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Nerwaya Yaourt

Discover the vibrant Nerwaya Yaourt Shopping Mall in Pô, where local culture meets a shopper's paradise.

3.8

Wend Panga Telecom

Explore cutting-edge technology and exceptional service at Wend Panga Telecom in Pô, Burkina Faso, your go-to electronics store for all your tech needs.

4.7

NAHOURI TECH

Explore Nahouri Tech, a vibrant computer store in Pô, offering custom t-shirt printing and a unique blend of technology and creativity.

5.0

Poissonnerie Centrale de Pô

Experience the authentic flavors of Pô at the lively Poissonnerie Centrale de Pô, where fresh seafood meets vibrant local culture.

3.8

Explore Pô on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pô, mapped for you.

Pô Essentials

Pô is located in southern Burkina Faso, near the border with Ghana. The nearest international airport is Ouagadougou Airport, approximately 150 kilometers to the north. From Ouagadougou, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Pô. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car to drive to Pô, offering flexibility and the opportunity to explore the countryside along the way.
Pô is a relatively small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis and motorcycle taxis (motos) are readily available and affordable. There are also minibuses (bush taxis) that operate between Pô and nearby towns. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore the region extensively.
The official currency in Burkina Faso is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash. There are ATMs in Pô, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Ouagadougou before traveling. Small denominations are useful for everyday transactions in markets and local shops.
Pô is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items.
In case of emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department, and 10 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Pô. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town 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. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. Using the phrase 'Bonjour' (Good morning) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Pô like a local, visit the weekly market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Nazinga Game Ranch for a chance to see elephants and other wildlife. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional dance or music event if you have the opportunity.

When is the best time to visit Pô?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pô

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pô. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSalut
  [sa-LOO]
- GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-DYOO]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo PLEH]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-SEE]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [pahr-DOHN]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sa vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-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-DREH vwahr luh meh-NOO seel voo PLEH]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-AND]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-TAY]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-DREH pay-YEH seel voo PLEH]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-KOOR]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pleh lah pee-LEES]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pleh uhn meh-duh-SAN]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-DYUH]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-LAHD]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-DREH ash-TEH...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-GAHRD zhoo-st]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-BYEH sah KOOHT]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-VEH voo beh-SAY luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [KEHL uhr eh-TEEL]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-MEE]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-TAN]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-PRAY mee-DEE]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-DWEE]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-MAN]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kahtr]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sett]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [OO eh...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [KEHL eh lah-DREHS]
- 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)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-SHAN (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-YAY (poor ...)]

History of Pô

Pô, a town in southern Burkina Faso, was established as an important settlement among the Gurunsi people. The town's strategic location near the border with Ghana made it a significant center for trade and cultural exchange.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pô came under French colonial rule. The French established administrative and military posts in the town, which played a critical role in the colonial administration of the region. The influence of French culture and language can still be observed in Pô today.
Pô was a notable location during Burkina Faso's struggle for independence. In the 1950s, the town saw significant political activity, including rallies and meetings led by independence leaders. Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, eventually gained its independence from France in 1960.
The École de Formation des Officiers de l'Armée de Terre (EFOFAT) located in Pô is one of the most prestigious military academies in Burkina Faso. Established to train officers for the national army, the academy has been instrumental in shaping the country's military leadership.
Pô is rich in cultural heritage, with traditional Gurunsi architecture and art being prominent features. The town is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Pô Cultural Festival, which showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The sacred forests surrounding Pô hold significant spiritual and cultural importance for the local communities. These forests are considered places of worship and are protected by traditional customs and taboos. They are also home to a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the region's biodiversity.