Episode 5 : La région des Cascades
Located in the western part of Burkina Faso, about 450 km from the capital Ouagadougou, the Cascades Region is one of the country’s 13 administrative regions. It borders the Hauts-Bassins Region to the north, Côte d’Ivoire to the south, the South-West Region to the east, and the Republic of Mali to the west. Covering an area of 18,917 km², it includes two provinces: Comoé (with Banfora as its capital) and Léraba (with Sindou as its capital). The Cascades Region is made up of 17 departments or municipalities. Its name comes from the waterfalls that characterize its landscape.
With a rich history dating back to the Ghana Empire and its eventual decline, the Cascades Region is steeped in cultural heritage. It is a major agricultural and commercial hub in Burkina Faso. The ethnic diversity of the region is one of its great assets, offering a vibrant and varied cultural mosaic. Heavily forested, the Cascades Region is home to the country’s largest biodiversity reserve, making it a prime ecotourism destination and a key source of high-quality African peasant seeds.
The region is dotted with classified forests and nature reserves. It draws tourists with its iconic waterfalls—particularly the Karfiguéla Falls, also known as the Banfora Falls—a series of cascades along the Comoé River in the southwest. These natural wonders feature pools and whirlpools of crystal-clear, ice-cold water, offering a refreshing and unforgettable experience. A visit to Burkina Faso would not be complete without exploring these waterfalls.
Other key tourist attractions in the region include: the Sindou Peaks, the Banfora Cliffs, Lake Tengrela (famous for its hippos), the protected Dida Forest, the sugarcane fields of Bérédougou, the Fabedougou Domes, Mount Ténakourou, and the Loropéni Ruins, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region also celebrates its cultural wealth through annual festivals, such as the Harvest Festival in Banfora and the Kénédougou Regional Cultural Festival in Orodara.
In conclusion, with its unique terrain and breathtaking scenery, the Cascades Region is a one-of-a-kind destination that you simply must explore.
Useful link:
https://www.ontb.bf
