How to Travel Safely as a Solo Female Traveler in Ouagadougou, Centre, Burkina Faso

1. Local Women's Association

Join local women's associations for safety in numbers and cultural insights.

Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into local customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Safety in Numbers: Travel with a group of like-minded women for safety and camaraderie.
Empowerment: Support local women's economic empowerment through your membership.

Choose reputable guided tours for safety and authentic experiences.

Expert Guides: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of local guides.
Safety Assurance: Enjoy peace of mind with professional safety measures in place.
Authentic Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the culture without compromising your safety.

Stay at women-only accommodations for added security.

Enhanced Security: Take advantage of heightened security measures and female staff.
Comfortable Environment: Relax in an environment designed with your safety and comfort in mind.
Networking Opportunities: Meet other female travelers and share experiences and advice.

Use pre-arranged transportation for peace of mind.

Reliable Service: Enjoy reliable and punctual transportation services.
Safety Measures: Travel in vehicles with safety features like seatbelts and airbags.
Local Knowledge: Navigate the city with the help of knowledgeable drivers.

Attend self-defense workshops for empowerment and safety.

Empowerment: Gain confidence in your ability to protect yourself.
Skill Development: Learn practical self-defense techniques from experts.
Peace of Mind: Travel with a sense of security knowing you can defend yourself.

Stay informed about your country's embassy for emergency assistance.

Emergency Assistance: Reach out to the embassy in case of an emergency.
Travel Alerts: Stay updated on travel advisories and safety tips.
Consular Services: Access consular services such as passport replacement if needed.

Establish trusted local contacts for assistance and advice.

Safety Assurance: Have a reliable person to contact in case of an emergency.
Cultural Insight: Gain insight into local customs and safety measures.
Network Expansion: Expand your network of contacts for future travels.

Invest in travel insurance for medical and evacuation coverage.

Medical Coverage: Ensure access to quality medical care in case of an accident or illness.
Evacuation Coverage: Arrange for emergency evacuation if needed, including to your home country.
Peace of Mind: Travel with confidence knowing you're financially protected.

Use safety apps and devices to stay connected and safe.

Real-time Location Tracking: Share your location with loved ones for peace of mind.
Emergency Alerts: Receive emergency alerts and notifications if needed.
Personal Safety: Protect yourself with panic buttons and self-defense tools.

Participate in cultural sensitivity training to respect local customs.

Respect and Understanding: Demonstrate respect for local customs and traditions.
Safety Awareness: Avoid potential conflicts and misunderstandings that could lead to danger.
Cultural Exchange: Build bridges between cultures through mutual understanding.

Use women-only taxis for added security.

Enhanced Security: Travel in vehicles with female drivers for safety.
Safety Assurance: Benefit from heightened security measures and peace of mind.
Empowerment: Support local women's economic empowerment through your travel choices.

Find a travel buddy for safety and shared experiences.

Safety in Numbers: Travel with a companion for added security.
Shared Experiences: Make memories and build friendships with like-minded travelers.
Cultural Exchange: Learn from each other's cultures and create a global network.

Familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid legal issues.

Legal Compliance: Respect local laws and regulations to avoid legal problems.
Safety Awareness: Avoid activities that could put you in dangerous situations.
Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into local customs and expectations.

Avoid isolated areas at night for safety.

Safety Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and potential threats.
Personal Safety: Take precautions to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations.
Cultural Experience: Enjoy the city's nightlife with peace of mind and safety.

Read travel tips specifically geared towards women.

Safety Information: Stay informed about safety concerns and precautions for female travelers.
Personal Safety: Learn practical tips to protect yourself during your travels.
Cultural Insight: Gain insight into local customs and traditions tailored for female travelers.