× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail Hike the Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail, Burkina Faso. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Tengrela Lake Trail Explore Loropéni Ruins Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Burkina Faso | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail The Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail is a gem in Burkina Faso, offering a mix of stunning scenery and a decent workout. Stretching about 5 kilometers, the hike is relatively easy but has some rocky patches that can trip you up if you’re not paying attention. The lush greenery and cascading waterfalls make for a pretty backdrop, especially during the rainy season. Getting to the trailhead is a breeze with public transport from nearby towns, so you won’t have to wrestle with logistics too much. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging trek, trails like the ones around the Sindou Peaks might be more your speed. Overall, Karfiguéla is a solid choice for a day out, just don’t expect it to blow your mind compared to some of the more rugged options in the area. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Burkina Faso Travel Guide . Best time to go: November – February Duration: 1 day Distance: 6 kilometers Total ascent: 400 meters Safety warning The current risk level for Burkina Faso is high. Check the advice before going. Get your Burkina Faso Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail Burkina Faso Grab your own Travelguide for only Cascades de Karfiguéla (the main falls) — A multi-tiered drop on the Komoé River that thunders into broad, photogenic ledges; the sound and spray make it feel bigger than it is and give you those classic waterfall shots without hours of scrambling. Natural plunge pools — Big, clear basins carved under the falls where locals and travelers cool off. The water is weirdly warm in parts and perfect for a slow swim between sections of the hike — bring a towel and plan to linger. Red laterite cliffs and rock terraces — The contrast of rust-red cliffs, dark rock shelves and green river vegetation is unusually vivid. Those layers make easy viewpoints and low ledges you can sit on for a picnic or sunrise/sunset photos. Riverside birdlife and butterflies — The shaded riparian strips host kingfisher-sized birds, brightly colored butterflies and a steady hum of insect life. It’s not a jungle safari, but the biodiversity is a pleasant surprise compared with drier trails elsewhere in Burkina Faso. Village access and local culture — The trail threads close to small Banfora-area villages where you can buy grilled fish, mangoes or a cold drink and chat with vendors. That human element — fishermen, kids splashing, local guides — gives the hike a friendly, lived-in feel unlike isolated, purely scenic routes. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike festival region show all 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail The best time to hike the Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers cooler temperatures, typically ranging from about 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it way more comfortable for trekking. If you hit it in the peak of the dry season, like December or January, you might even enjoy some refreshing breezes. As you get closer to April, temperatures can creep up to around 35°C (95°F) or higher, which can make the hike feel a bit like walking through a sauna. Plus, the waterfalls are usually flowing nicely during this time, so you’ll get to enjoy the views without the muddy trails of the rainy season. Pro tip: Start your hike early in the morning. Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also catch some stunning light filtering through the trees. Plus, fewer people are out and about, so you can soak in the beauty of the waterfalls in peace. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Burkina Faso Best quality hotels in Burkina Faso 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail Total Distance: The Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail spans approximately 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles) round trip. Estimated Duration: Plan for about 2 to 4 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the waterfalls. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. While it’s not overly strenuous, some parts can be rocky and steep, so a bit of care is needed. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the village of Karfiguéla. To get there via public transport, you can take a bus or shared taxi from Ouagadougou to the town of Banfora. From Banfora, … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail spans approximately 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles) round trip. Estimated Duration: Plan for about 2 to 4 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the waterfalls. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. While it’s not overly strenuous, some parts can be rocky and steep, so a bit of care is needed. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the village of Karfiguéla. To get there via public transport, you can take a bus or shared taxi from Ouagadougou to the town of Banfora. From Banfora, you can catch a local taxi or a motorcycle taxi (called a “zemidjan”) to Karfiguéla, which is about 10 kilometers away. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Waterfalls: The main attraction, featuring stunning cascades and natural pools. Scenic Views: Several lookout points along the trail offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Local Villages: You may pass by small villages where you can experience local culture. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail includes a mix of rocky paths, dirt tracks, and some steep sections. The scenery is diverse, with lush greenery, rocky outcrops, and, of course, the impressive waterfalls at the end. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Expect to see a variety of flora, including baobab trees, grasses, and shrubs typical of the region. Wildlife can include birds, small mammals, and possibly reptiles, though they tend to be more elusive. Keep an eye out for colorful butterflies flitting about! This trail is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Burkina Faso’s natural landscape while enjoying a bit of adventure. Just remember to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and maybe pack a snack to enjoy by the falls! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Burkina Faso Travel Guide Discover the best Burkina Faso has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Burkina Faso 158 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 52 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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Explore Burkina Faso Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail isn’t the only highlight in Burkina Faso. Explore all what Burkina Faso has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Bobo-Dioulasso, Banfora, Ouagadougou, see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Nouna, Orodara, Fada N’gourma , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Cascades de Karfiguéla, Royal Court of Tiébélé, Lac de Tengrela, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : W, Arly, Kabore Tambi, see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Banfora Cascades, Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail, Sindou Peaks, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : FESPACO, SIAO, Jazz à Ouaga, see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Gourma, Namentenga, see all Explore Burkina Faso ✈️ Ready to Go? Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Burkina Faso The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Burkina Faso Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Burkina Faso Best quality hotels in Burkina Faso What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso is all about hot days and cooler nights, especially from November to February, so think layers. The terrain’s mostly flat savannah, with some hills, so sturdy shoes are a must if you’re planning to trek around. Rainy season hits June to September, so a lightweight rain jacket could be a lifesaver. Culturally, modesty is key—cover those shoulders and knees when you’re out and about. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Burkina Faso. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts As you stroll along the Karfiguéla Waterfalls Trail, soak in the vibrant energy of the locals—there’s a genuine warmth that’s hard to find elsewhere. The best surprise? Those hidden swimming spots that beckon you to take a dip. Just a heads up: the rocks can be slippery, so watch your step. Trust me, you don’t want to take an unintended plunge! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 20 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript