The Village of African Aristocracy

Tiebele is hailed as the one-of-a-kind village of Africa, featuring houses built from clay and beautifully painted.

Tiébélé Village, the Noble Village of Africa

Situated in the southwestern part of Burkina Faso, a landlocked country, is a small village called Tiébélé. This place attracts attention from tourists due to the uniqueness of sukhala – traditional houses without windows adorned with colorful walls.

Tiébélé Village spans an area of approximately 1.2 hectares and serves as the residence of the Kassena people. They were the first settlers in this area in the 15th century and are the oldest tribe in the nation. Presently, the inhabitants of this village belong to the Kassena aristocracy. Decorating and painting their houses is a means of distinguishing themselves from the commoners within the tribe.

In 2017, when American tourist Bill Rodgers visited the village, he was asked not to wear red clothes and to bring an umbrella. Only aristocratic families have the privilege to do so. By complying with this, Bill established a close relationship with his hosts.

The Kassena Tribe: Masters of Cultural Heritage

These houses, devoid of windows, serve as defense mechanisms, safeguarding those inside. After a house is built, its occupants must wait for two days. If a lizard appears inside, it is deemed auspicious. If not, the house will be demolished.

Most tourists stay in this tranquil place for 2 days and 3 nights to unwind, away from bustling markets, major roads, and cities. However, the locals are open, honest, and friendly, leading many tourists to extend their stay longer than planned.

Despite its fame and recognition, the villagers are reluctant to turn this place into a crowded tourist spot. Their intention is to preserve the authenticity of their living environment. Nonetheless, the authorities have plans to develop this area into a popular tourist destination to support the local economy and raise funds for the restoration of ancient structures in the village.

The Tiébélé Village is located in the Nahouri province, southwestern Burkina Faso, near the northern border of Ghana, 50 km away. The capital of Nahouri is Pô, and tourists usually visit Pô before heading to Tiébélé.

You can reach Tiebele by public transportation. If you're coming from Ghana to Burkina Faso, you can cross the border region of Paga. This village is along the route for tourists heading to the capital city of Ouagadougou.

You can carpool with other tourists from across the border, taking 30 minutes to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can take a minibus at a cheaper price, albeit with a longer travel time. Upon arriving in Pô, look for a minibus to Tiébélé Village. Additionally, you can catch a direct bus from the capital to this village, taking approximately 3.5-4 hours.

Source: Anh Minh/ Vnexpress

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide