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Marco Schmidt [1] CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mount Tenakourou

Mountain

Mount Tenakourou, Burkina Faso's highest point (around 747 m), offers short hikes, panoramic views of the Cascades region and a simple highland walking experience for peak-baggers.

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In this guide

Mount Tenakourou essentials

Address: Mount Tenakourou, Cascades Region, Burkina Faso
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About Mount Tenakourou

Mount Tenakourou is the highest point of Burkina Faso, rising to about 749 metres above sea level. It is a modest summit rather than a high mountain and is noted as the country’s topographic high point.

The site is popular with visitors seeking a short climb and panoramic views over the surrounding plains and farmland. The summit is marked and reachable via trails suitable for day visits.

There is no major mountaineering infrastructure; the peak is primarily of interest for its status as the national high point and for local scenery.

Mount Tenakourou is located in the Cascades Region in the southwestern part of Burkina Faso, within a landscape of plains, hills and seasonal rivers.

  • Elevation: Highest natural point in Burkina Faso at approximately 749 metres above sea level.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Tenakourou

Climb during the dry season for the easiest access and clearest vistas; dawn brings the best light and cooling air.

Dry season
November-March · 18-30°C
Cooler mornings and clear skies; best for hiking and sweeping views.
Rainy season low window
September-October · 22-32°C
Lush vegetation and fewer visitors, but trails can be muddy.

Weather & Climate near Mount Tenakourou

Climate

Mount Tenakourou's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1140 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 87 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 18° - 31° 25° 2 mm clear 28% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
February Ideal 20° - 33° 27° 7 mm mostly sunny 25% 2.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
March Ideal 22° - 34° 28° 25 mm some cloud 35% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
April Excellent 23° - 34° 29° 58 mm partly cloudy 52% 2.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
May Very Good 22° - 32° 29° 105 mm partly cloudy 62% 2.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
June Very Good 21° - 30° 26° 137 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.6h
July Good 21° - 29° 25° 221 mm partly cloudy 81% 1.9 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
August Good 20° - 29° 24° 293 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.3h
September Very Good 20° - 29° 25° 194 mm partly cloudy 84% 1.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Excellent 20° - 30° 25° 83 mm some cloud 77% 1.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
November Ideal 20° - 32° 26° 11 mm mostly sunny 60% 1.5 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
December Ideal 17° - 31° 24° 4 mm clear 40% 1.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Tenakourou

Mount Tenakourou is in Burkina Faso’s Cascades Region. The nearest larger towns are Banfora and Orodara; from Banfora it’s a drive of approximately 1-2 hours depending on road conditions. Most visitors arrange local transport to a nearby village and hike the short final ascent; the trailhead is walkable from the nearest paved road.

Tips for Visiting Mount Tenakourou

  • Ask the local tourism office in Banfora or Orodara for directions and the easiest vehicle drop-off - the last stretch is often on sandy farm tracks.
  • Wear sturdy shoes: the summit's rocky outcrops are best navigated with ankle support, and the wind can be sharp at the top.
  • Bring cash for the small local fees and to tip the guide or farmer who may help with access.