Burkina Faso Travel Guide
Country Landlocked West African country with diverse cultures.
In Burkina Faso, the rhythm of the djembe echoes through Ouagadougou’s streets, drawing visitors into its vibrant music scene. The capital’s National Museum showcases ancient artifacts, while the sacred crocodiles of Bazoulé offer a glimpse into local beliefs. Hiking enthusiasts explore the sandstone peaks of Sindou.
Why Visit Burkina Faso #
Ouagadougou hosts FESPACO, Africa’s leading film festival, every two years-an unmatched chance to see West African cinema and lively street screenings. Outside festival dates the city still has a buzzing independent film and live‑music scene; check local listings for screenings and cultural nights.
Banfora and the Cascades de Karfiguéla make a great combo of easy hikes, swimming pools and nearby sandstone formations like the Sindou Peaks. The southern region is also where you’ll find simple guesthouses and local guides who know the best swimming spots away from crowds.
The stone enclosures of Loropéni are a rare, well‑preserved medieval ruin in West Africa and a UNESCO site-explore the fortified casemate and learn about trans‑Saharan gold routes. The site is compact, interpretive panels are basic, and local guides can add valuable context about the region’s past.
Visit the Kassena village of Tiébélé to see painted, conical‑roofed houses and living mural art-the decoration reflects lineage and ritual and photographers should ask before shooting. Staying with a local family gives you a real sense of traditional architecture and daily life in the far south.
Laongo Sculpture Park near Ouagadougou displays contemporary granite sculptures in a wide, open quarry-walk among modern stone works and meet itinerant artists during workshops. It’s an unusual cultural stop that combines landscape, large‑scale art and easy access from the capital.
Who's Burkina Faso For?
Banfora’s Karfiguéla waterfalls and quiet cocoa countryside make peaceful escapes. Charming guesthouses and scenic viewpoints offer mellow time together away from tourist crowds.
Friendly local culture and vibrant music festivals provide family experiences, but medical services and formal child facilities are scarce outside major towns like Ouagadougou.
Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou are backpacker hubs with live music, bustling markets and budget lodging. Overland travel can be adventurous and rewarding for independent explorers.
Internet in cities is acceptable but inconsistent; coworking spaces are minimal. Low cost of living is attractive, but unreliable infrastructure frustrates sustained remote work.
Try tô with peanut or gombo sauces, grilled brochettes and spicy roadside snacks in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso markets. Street food is hearty and communal.
Hike the Sindou Peaks, swim at Karfiguéla waterfalls and explore Banfora’s sandstone formations for varied and accessible outdoor routes that reward with dramatic scenery.
Ouagadougou’s live music scene and festivals like FESPACO bring energetic nights of drumming, dance and cinema crowds rather than large nightclub culture-great for music lovers.
Cascading waterfalls, savanna landscapes and unique sandstone formations in the Banfora region satisfy nature lovers seeking striking West African scenery and riverine swims.
Regions of Burkina Faso #
Ouagadougou & Central
The central region around the capital is the country’s travel crossroads: busy markets, live music and practical transport links. Visitors sample local dishes, browse crafts and use Ouagadougou as a springboard to festival visits and nearby cultural sites. It’s pragmatic, sociable and easy to reach.
Top Spots
- Ouagadougou - Burkina’s lively capital, music scene and markets.
- National Museum - Quick cultural primer on Mossi history.
- Craft markets - Great for masks and woven goods.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Bobo-Dioulasso is often called Burkina’s cultural heart: an attractive old quarter, strong musical traditions and slower pace than Ouaga. It’s a great place to soak up daily life, enjoy local restaurants and use as base for westward excursions into small villages and traditional communities.
Top Spots
- Bobo-Dioulasso - A relaxed cultural capital with a charming old town.
- Sito - Local nightlife and café culture.
- Musée de la Musique - Traditional instruments and music heritage.
Banfora & Cascades
The southwest is wildly scenic compared with the Sahel: waterfalls, red laterite cliffs and unusual limestone ridges. Banfora is the jumping-off point for day hikes, river swimming and guided visits to local villages. It’s an easy, picturesque region that rewards a few slow days exploring nature.
Top Spots
- Banfora - Gateway town for rock formations and waterfalls.
- Cascades de Karfiguéla - Scenic waterfalls and swimming spots.
- Sindou Peaks - Dramatic pinnacles for short hikes and views.
East & Parks
Eastern Burkina Faso mixes dry savannah, wildlife parks and large cattle-farming communities. Arid plains and protected areas provide game-spotting and an insight into pastoral life. Roads can be long and conditions basic, but guided park visits are the highlight for nature-focused travellers.
Top Spots
- Fada N’Gourma - Regional market town with nearby cultural sites.
- Arli National Park - Savannah wildlife and guided game drives.
- Near Pama - Access to protected areas and village visits.
Sahel North
The far north occupies the Sahel belt: thorn scrub, long horizons and resilient communities. It’s a region for experienced overlanders or those seeking off-the-beaten-track cultural encounters. Services are limited and seasons dictate travel possibilities, so careful planning and local guidance are essential.
Top Spots
- Djibo - Sahelian trading town and gateway to remote northern routes.
- Local markets - Strong trans-Sahel trade traditions.
- Desert landscapes - Sparse scenery and broad horizons.
Top Cities in Burkina Faso
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Best Things to Do in Burkina Faso
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Burkina Faso Bucket List
- Ouagadougou (Ouaga) - Capital hub of culture, craft markets, music venues and Burkina Faso's central commercial activity.
- Bobo-Dioulasso - Second city known for its lively old quarter, traditional music scene and the Grand Marché.
- Banfora (Karfiguéla Falls and Lake Tengrela) - Scenic southwest area with cascading waterfalls, hippo-inhabited Lake Tengrela and nearby sugarcane landscapes.
- Ruins of Loropéni - UNESCO World Heritage ancient stone fortress ruins, an important archaeological site in the south.
- Les Pics de Sindou (Sindou Peaks) - Dramatic eroded sandstone spires offering dramatic hiking, photography and panoramic plateaux views.
- Nazinga Game Ranch - Southwest wildlife reserve where guided drives can encounter elephants, antelope and savannah ecosystems.
- Tiébélé (Gurunsi decorated houses) - Small village famous for elaborately painted and sculpted Gurunsi family houses and traditional architecture.
- Gorom-Gorom market (Sahel region) - Huge weekly market in the north offering textiles, livestock trading and authentic regional culture encounters.
- Fada N'Gourma and eastern plains - Eastern town gateway to savannah landscapes, markets and the nearby Arli National Park approaches.
- Banfora's Karfiguéla surrounding farms - Local agricultural landscapes around Banfora where sugarcane and traditional farming meet waterfall trails.
- Arli National Park approaches - Less-frequented savannah and woodland park area with guided walks and wildlife viewing east of Fada N'Gourma.
- Ouagadougou-Bobo-Dioulasso route - Major westbound road (roughly 350 km) linking the two largest cities, passing small towns and savannah landscapes.
- Ouagadougou-Banfora-Sindou circuit - Multi-day southwest itinerary (around 400 km roundtrip) visiting waterfalls, peaks and rural villages.
- Southwest wildlife and culture loop (Nazinga-Komoe) - Two-to-three-day route combining Nazinga wildlife viewing with cultural stops and local markets.
- Northern Sahel market circuit (Gorom-Gorom) - Extended northern journey to weekly markets and traditional camel and livestock trading in the Sahel region.
Planning Your Trip to Burkina Faso #
1 Week Burkina Faso Itinerary
Start in Ouagadougou, visit Loropéni ruins, then Banfora for cascades and Sindou rock formations, finishing with cultural time in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Ouagadougou; Grand Market and craft stalls.
- Day 2 - Day trip to Loropéni Ruins (UNESCO).
- Day 3 - Bus to Banfora; evening town walk.
- Day 4 - Visit Cascades de Karfiguéla and Domes of Sindou.
- Day 5 - Return to Bobo-Dioulasso; explore old quarter.
- Day 6 - Bobo markets and music scene.
- Day 7 - Back to Ouagadougou and depart.
2 Weeks Burkina Faso Itinerary
Combine Ouagadougou's markets with Banfora's waterfalls, Bobo-Dioulasso's music scene, Gaoua cultural sites and the Loropéni ruins for regional history and nature.
Show itinerary- Day 1-2 - Ouagadougou arrival, craft markets, and museums.
- Day 3-5 - Banfora region: Karfiguéla waterfalls and Sindou domes.
- Day 6-8 - Bobo-Dioulasso old town and music venues.
- Day 9-11 - Drive south to Gaoua; visit Lobi cultural sites.
- Day 12-14 - Loropéni ruins and return to Ouagadougou for departure.
3-4 Weeks Burkina Faso Itinerary
A full circuit through Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou and markets, Banfora nature, Bobo-Dioulasso cultural nights, Gaoua heritage, then northern Sahel markets before departing.
Show itinerary- Day 1-3 - Ouagadougou museums, village workshops and market life.
- Day 4-8 - Extended Banfora and Comoé basin exploration and hikes.
- Day 9-13 - Bobo-Dioulasso cultural immersion and music nights.
- Day 14-18 - Southwest visits: Gaoua, Lobi villages and sacred groves.
- Day 19-24 - North to Gorom-Gorom markets and Sahel communities.
- Day 25-28 - Return south for Loropéni ruins, final markets and departure.
Best Time to Visit Burkina Faso #
Burkina Faso has a Sahelian to Sudanian climate: a hot dry season with a cooler period late in the year (roughly November-February), an intense pre-monsoon heat in March-April, and a rainy season primarily from June to September. Rainfall is concentrated in a few months, making the dry season the most reliable time for travel.
January
January is in Burkina Faso's dry season with hot days and cool nights in parts of the country. Conditions are generally favorable for travel and cultural visits, though daytime heat can be intense in the south and center. Roads and services run reliably.
Events
No major festivals this month.
February
February remains hot and dry; occasional harmattan dust from the Sahara can reduce visibility and cool nights. It's a popular time for visiting urban and cultural sites before the pre-monsoon heat. Many festivals and events are scheduled in the dry season months.
Events
No major festivals this month.
March
March is one of the hottest months, with strong daytime heat and rising humidity in some areas. Travelers should avoid strenuous midday activity and carry adequate water. This month leads into the hottest pre-rain period.
Events
No major festivals this month.
April
April often brings the year's highest temperatures; shaded, early-morning activities are advisable. Signs of the approaching rainy season start to appear later in the month in some regions. Tourist numbers typically fall as conditions become challenging outdoors.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
May marks the beginning of the rainy season in the southern and central parts of Burkina Faso with showers becoming more frequent. Roads in rural areas start to get muddy and some unpaved routes can become difficult. Vegetation turns green and rivers swell.
Events
No major festivals this month.
June
June is in the wet season with increased rainfall, especially in the south; humidity is higher and afternoon storms are common. Travel to remote markets and festivals may be affected by local road conditions. Mosquito activity rises in wet areas.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
July is typically one of the wettest months in the south with frequent heavy thunderstorms; central and northern areas receive less rain. Many rural tracks are difficult to traverse after storms, and boat or river travel can change with rising water. Festival schedules may be influenced by the season.
Events
- FESPACO (every two years, March) - FESPACO, the major pan-African film festival, is held in Ouagadougou in March on a biennial schedule.
August
August remains wet with regular showers that keep landscapes lush and rivers full. Travel times lengthen and some village markets may change their operating days due to accessibility. This is a lower-traffic season for international visitors.
Events
No major festivals this month.
September
September sees rainfall begin to ease, particularly late in the month, and the countryside stays green. Road conditions improve progressively and travel becomes easier. It's a useful time for photographers wanting green landscapes without peak rains.
Events
No major festivals this month.
October
October is transitional with much drier weather returning and temperatures rising again. Rural roads become more passable and outdoor activities regain reliability. Visitor numbers remain moderate as the season shifts toward the cool dry months.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
November marks the start of the cooler, dry season with lower humidity and pleasant daytime temperatures. This is a popular period for visiting cultural sites and national parks as accessibility improves. Nights can be noticeably cooler, particularly in the north and in higher elevations.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
December stays relatively cool and dry - a favorable time for travel and festivals in urban centers. Days are comfortable and nights are cool in many areas. Note: the country's national independence celebrations are in August.
Events
- Independence Day - Burkina Faso observes Independence Day on August 5 with nationwide ceremonies.
How to Get to Burkina Faso #
International travellers usually arrive at Ouagadougou‑Gran Aéroport International (OUA) or, for some regional connections, Bobo Dioulasso (BOY). Paris and other European hubs provide the main international entry points; overland travel from neighbouring Mali, Ivory Coast and Ghana is common for regional visitors.
- ECOWAS citizens travel to Burkina Faso visa‑free. Many other nationalities must obtain a visa prior to arrival, though Burkina Faso has introduced e‑visa services for some travellers.
- If unsure, check with Burkina Faso consular services before travel.
- Passport validity of at least 6 months is generally required.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever.
- Expect routine immigration and customs checks; carry proof of accommodation and return/onward travel.
International Airports
All Airports ›Border Crossings #
Burkina Faso ↔ Ghana
Ghana is a major southern neighbour and a frequent travel destination from Burkina Faso by road. There are official land posts on the Burkina-Ghana frontier used by buses and commercial vehicles travelling between Ouagadougou and Accra. Visa requirements depend on nationality; ECOWAS citizens generally travel freely within the bloc but non-ECOWAS nationals should check visa and entry rules in advance.
Crossings
- Pô (Burkina Faso) - Hamile / Ghana border approaches (Nahouri Province / Upper West Ghana corridor) - Pô is one of the more commonly used southern border towns for travellers heading toward Ghana by road. It handles regional buses and private vehicles; processing is usually straightforward for ECOWAS nationals but non-ECOWAS travellers should have required visas and documents ready.
Burkina Faso ↔ Mali
Burkina Faso’s western border with Mali is an important overland link for regional trade and cross-border travel. Road quality varies and some routes traverse sparsely populated areas. Security advisories have at times affected cross-border movement; check current travel advisories and prefer official main highway crossings.
Crossings
- Western regional crossings (official highway checkpoints) (Hauts-Bassins / Sahel approaches) - Main highways linking Burkina Faso and Mali are used by long-distance buses and freight; formal checkpoints process immigration and customs. Facilities range from basic to modest; avoid minor tracks and follow government travel guidance.
Burkina Faso ↔ Côte d'Ivoire
The southern border with Côte d’Ivoire is well-used for trade, buses and family travel between Ouagadougou and Abidjan routes. Border posts on this axis are generally operational and frequented by commercial traffic. Visa and entry rules depend on nationality; ECOWAS arrangements simplify travel for citizens of member states.
Crossings
- Southern commercial border posts (major road links) (Centre-Sud / Savanes southern corridors) - Crossings on the Burkina-Côte d'Ivoire axis serve cargo and passenger buses heading to Abidjan and other Ivorian cities. Expect scheduled goods inspections and normal passport control; plan for traffic and occasional delays during peak market periods.
How to Get Around Burkina Faso
Air Burkina operates the primary domestic and some regional routes, connecting Ouagadougou with Bobo Dioulasso and regional destinations. International services to Ouagadougou link through European and African hubs.
Domestic flight frequencies are modest; book in advance for travel between major cities.
Long‑distance travel is dominated by shared minibuses and coach services (locally ‘taxi‑brousse’). These are the most economical option for getting between towns such as Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso and across borders.
Journeys can be lengthy; choose reputable operators and allow extra time for road conditions.
Urban transit relies on taxis and motorcycle taxis for short trips; negotiate fares or ask hotels to call a confirmed taxi. Motorbike taxis provide quick access around congested streets but helmet availability and driving standards vary.
For airport transfers, prearranged taxis from hotels are recommended for reliability.
Car hire is available from international and local agencies in major cities. Hiring a driver is common for tourists who want to explore rural areas or travel cross‑country due to occasional poor road signage and varying conditions.
Confirm insurance and fuel policies when booking; rural repairs and towing can be difficult in remote areas.
Passenger rail services are effectively non‑existent for travellers; freight lines exist but do not provide reliable passenger timetables. Plan to use road or air transport for intercity travel.
Where to Stay in Burkina Faso #
Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso host most hotels and mid-range guesthouses, concentrated near government and commercial districts. Good choices provide breakfast and secure parking, useful for regional travel connections.
Budget guesthouses and family-run lodgings in city centres and near markets are common for budget travellers. Facilities are basic but clean; plan arrivals during daylight and confirm reservations when possible.
Village homestays around Banfora and the Cascades region offer cultural exchange and access to natural attractions. Expect home-cooked meals and simple amenities; hosts may arrange local guides and transport.
Camping near Banfora, Sindou and near national parks is possible at designated sites and community camps. Facilities range from bare campsites to organized eco-camps-book through local operators for gear and guides.
Furnished apartments and houses for longer stays are available in Ouagadougou for expats and contractors. Look in administrative districts for safer neighbourhoods; expect to negotiate utilities and security deposits locally.
Staying Connected in Burkina Faso #
Burkina Faso has usable mobile coverage in urban and many regional centers with 3G/4G; fixed broadband is improving in cities but remains limited outside. Performance is best in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
Prepaid SIMs are sold at airports and shops; expect $2-10 for a SIM and starter bundles around $5-20 for a few gigabytes. ID is required for registration and refills are available at vendors and online.
Key operators include Orange and the national carrier Onatel, offering broad 3G/4G coverage in cities and regional towns. Orange often provides stronger urban speeds and a wider bundle selection.
Hotels and cafés in Ouagadougou and larger towns commonly offer Wi‑Fi sufficient for work and streaming. Dedicated coworking spaces exist in major cities; expect slower or no fixed broadband in rural areas.
Rural network gaps are common; eSIM support is limited so get a local physical SIM on arrival for dependable access.
Health & Safety in Burkina Faso #
Burkina Faso faces serious security threats from terrorism, kidnappings and banditry, particularly in border and northern regions. Health concerns (malaria, meningitis) and poor infrastructure increase risks - avoid high-risk areas and follow travel advisories strictly.
- Political Stability & Security - Terrorist attacks, kidnappings and banditry are serious in northern, eastern and border regions. Avoid high-risk areas, register with your embassy and follow official travel warnings and local security briefings.
- Road Safety - Road infrastructure is poor and accidents are common; nighttime driving increases risk. Use trusted drivers, wear seatbelts, and stay alert for checkpoints and livestock on rural roads.
- Health Risks - Malaria is endemic; take antimalarial medication, use repellents and bed nets. Burkina Faso lies in the meningitis belt - consider meningococcal vaccine during the dry season and seek medical care for fevers.
- Food & Water - Tap water is unsafe and diarrhoeal illness is common. Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid raw produce unless peeled, and carry oral rehydration salts when travelling rurally.
- Weather Hazards - Extreme heat, seasonal dust storms and drought conditions can affect travel. Plan outdoor activities for cooler hours, carry extra water, and watch for heat exhaustion symptoms.
- Scams & Petty Crime - Petty theft and occasional extortion at checkpoints occur in towns. Keep valuables concealed, avoid flashing electronics, and use official transport and accredited guides.
History & Culture of Burkina Faso #
Burkina Faso is a landlocked West African country with a rich mix of ethnic traditions-especially Mossi culture-and a modern history marked by post-colonial politics and memorable revolutionary leadership. Visitors will notice strong artisan traditions, lively markets, and the continuing importance of customary chiefs and communal life.
History of Burkina Faso
The territory now called Burkina Faso was home to several powerful pre-colonial kingdoms-most notably the Mossi kingdoms-which shaped regional politics and social structures. French colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries reorganized borders and introduced cotton and administrative systems that affected livelihoods and settlement patterns.
After independence in 1960 (as Upper Volta), the country experienced cycles of military and civilian rule; the 1983-1987 revolutionary government of Thomas Sankara left a prominent cultural and political legacy, followed by decades under Blaise Compaoré and later popular uprisings (notably 2014) that continue to shape public memory and politics.
Notable Figures
- Thomas Sankara - A revolutionary leader (1983-1987) whose policies and rhetoric about self-reliance and social reform remain influential.
- Blaise Compaoré - Took power in 1987 after Sankara's assassination and ruled until mass protests forced his resignation in 2014.
- Maurice Yaméogo - The country's first president after independence in 1960, whose tenure shaped early state institutions.
Key Dates
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Pre-19th centuryMossi kingdoms and other regional polities dominate the central Sahelian landscape, with strong chieftaincy systems.
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Late 19th centuryFrench colonial conquest brings the region under colonial administration as part of French West Africa.
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4 August 1960The country, then called Upper Volta, achieves independence from France.
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1983Captain Thomas Sankara comes to power in a popular revolution and initiates wide-ranging social reforms.
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1987Thomas Sankara is assassinated during a coup that brings Blaise Compaoré to power.
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2014Mass protests force President Compaoré to resign, leading to a transitional period and renewed political debates.
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2015-presentThe country faces increasing security challenges from armed groups in the Sahel, affecting daily life in several regions.
Burkinabé cuisine centers on millet and sorghum porridges (tô), peanut-based sauces and rice dishes; local condiments like soumbala add deep umami flavors.
Language
French is the official language used in administration and education, while many Burkinabé speak Mooré (Mossi) or Dioula (Jula) regionally; a few French phrases will be useful, especially in urban and official settings.
Useful Phrases
- Good morning / Hello - Bonjour bohn-ZHOOR
- Good evening - Bonsoir bohn-SWAR
- Where is the station / the market? - Où est la gare / le marché ? oo eh lah GAR / luh MAR-shay
- I'm looking for a taxi - Je cherche un taxi zhuh sher-sh uh TAX-ee
- Please - S'il vous plaît seel voo PLAY
- Thank you - Merci mehr-SEE
- Help! - Au secours ! oh suh-KOOR
- Call an ambulance - Appelez une ambulance ah-peh-LAY oon ahm-byoo-LAHNS
Responsible Travel in Burkina Faso #
Burkina Faso’s rich festivals, artisanal culture and fragile Sahel environment call for travellers to be culturally respectful, support fair pay for artisans, and avoid harming heritage and ecosystems.
- Respecting Rituals & Sacred Masks: Burkina Faso has diverse mask and initiation traditions-ask permission before photographing ceremonies, and follow local guidance at village festivals and funeral rites.
- Support Artisans & Fair Trade: Buy crafts from cooperatives in Ouagadougou or at events like the SIAO craft fair; pay fair prices for textiles, leather and bronze to sustain artisan livelihoods.
- Protect Heritage Sites: Visit the Ruins of Loropéni (a UNESCO World Heritage site) respectfully-do not remove stones or artifacts and follow site signage (Ruins of Loropéni).
- Attend Cultural Events Responsibly: If you travel for FESPACO or local music festivals, use local accommodation and eat locally to ensure economic benefits stay with communities and avoid disruptive behaviour at performances.
- Environmental Sensitivity in the Sahel: Limit campfires, stick to established paths to prevent erosion, and support local reforestation or soil-restoration initiatives where available.
Travel Resources for Burkina Faso #
Official
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Burkina Faso travel advice Travel Advice (UK)
- U.S. Department of State - Burkina Faso Travel Advisory Travel Advice (USA)
Travel Advisories
News & Media
- Reuters - Burkina Faso English
- Al Jazeera - Burkina Faso English
- BBC News - Burkina Faso coverage English
Useful Links
Useful Apps for Burkina Faso
- Google Maps - Navigate Ouagadougou and regional routes in Burkina Faso.
- Google Translate - Translate French and local languages while traveling.
- WhatsApp Messenger - Common for communicating with guides, drivers and hotels.
- Maps.me - Offline maps for remote areas and poor data coverage.