Ouahigouya (pronounced
wah-hee-GHOO-yah) is the center of Yatenga, the last established Mossi kingdom. The king's palace, though not as elaborate as others, is still worth a visit, particularly when traditional ceremonies are being held.
Nearby are
Tibou, one of the country's largest cattle markets, and
Ramatoulaye, which has a picturesque mosque that women are allowed to enter (unusual for the region). Just north, near the village of
Koumbri, there's a fascinating underground river bubbling out of a rocky escarpment. The adventurous can head northeast (overland) toward
Djibo through distinctive Kurumba farming villages to the pastoral Fulani regions of the Sahel of northern Burkina Faso. Two or three days could easily be spent driving around the area (a four-wheel-drive vehicle is an absolute must).
Ouahigouya is 110 mi/175 km northwest of Ouagadougou.
