Travel Guide Banfora

With a population close to 100,000 inhabitants, Banfora, capital of the Cascades region and the vast province of Comoé, is the second largest city in the Southwest. Banfo means "clear space" because, before 1903, the place was still wild and uninhabited. Ideally located in the greenest part of the country, Banfora was only created at the beginning of the 20th century by the Karaboro, Turka and Goin from Ghana. This small town is quite lively during the day thanks to the passage of vehicles in transit from Côte d'Ivoire to Bobo-Dioulasso; in the evening, it slowly disappears, leaving room for the animation of its bushes that brighten the city's nightlife. The Banfora large market, which takes place every Sunday, presents the full range of regional and other products imported from Côte d'Ivoire as well as interesting local handicrafts. The rest of the week, the market remains active. The region depends on agriculture (rice, maize, sugar cane and market gardening near the waterfalls), livestock and crafts, especially basketry and pottery. Banfora is a small village in which life is good, conducive to relaxation, and surrounded by several points of interest to the traveller (very beautiful landscapes, magnificent natural sites, Senoufo culture and hospitality, sugar cane factory...). Tourism is booming for these reasons, both for internationals and locals. Banfora is an excellent base from which to visit the region. Three days are recommended to explore most of its treasures.