Sunrise and Sunsetin Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou sits on a flat Sahelian plateau at around 300 meters elevation with open horizons in all directions. The dry season from November to April brings the clearest skies for both sunrise and sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Ouagadougou

1. Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo

   The 265-hectare urban forest opens at 5am (closed Mondays) with clearings giving a direct eastern view, about 3km from the city center on the Route de Fada-Ngourma. Entry costs 100-200 FCFA.

2. Laongo Granite Sculptures

   35km east on the N4/Route de Koupela, this open-air sculpture park sits on exposed granite outcrops slightly above the surrounding flat bush, with an unbroken eastern horizon. Entry is 2,500 FCFA; own transport required.

3. Barrage de Loumbila

   The reservoir's eastern bank, 15-20km northeast on the N1/Route de Kaya, faces open water directly to the east. The Loumbila Beach complex on site is open from early morning and offers boat hire.

4. Place de la Nation

   Ouagadougou's central public square covers 25,000m² with no tall buildings on its eastern side, giving an unobstructed view of the sunrise. Freely accessible at any hour and within walking distance of most downtown hotels.

Best sunset spots in Ouagadougou

1. Barrage de Boulmiougou

   The city's main western reservoir, about 4km from the center, has an open waterline facing directly west with no buildings interrupting the view. Access to the banks is free.

2. Barrages de Tanghin

   Three linked reservoirs in the Tanghin district, about 3km north of center, with a paved waterside promenade. Free access; the flat open water gives unobstructed westward views toward the setting sun.

3. Barrage de Loumbila

   The flat open Sahelian terrain around the lake gives equally clear westward views at dusk. About 20 minutes by car from the city center; no public transport connection.

4. Place de la Nation

   The wide westward avenues radiating from the square create a direct sightline toward the setting sun across the flat city. Centrally located and free to access.