Ouagadougou - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most people host dinner parties or pool parties. There are some sports: petanke, volleyball, soccer. No American club, per se. There is a dirt golf course which is a lot of fun. There is a decent music scene as well, lots of local venues as well as the French Institute which gets acts from all around West Africa to perform. - Jun 2020
Make your own fun. Attend functions at the school or the embassy. - Oct 2019
Gatherings at the embassy, school or private residences. - Jul 2019
Functions at the school, the embassy, or parties in people’s homes. - Jul 2019
Lots of informal BBQs and dinners at friends. Softball and frisbee leagues. Trivia nights. Ladies groups including the Club International des Femmes and "Ladies Lunches." The American Employees Association sponsors a lot of community events (Halloween, Easter, 4th of July, Christmas, Welcome BBQs). French language classes and conversation groups. For kids, there are many after school activities. Waga Studio also offers exercise classes and art lessons for kids and adults. The restaurant scene has grown and there are many good and affordable options. - Dec 2017
House parties and restaurants. - May 2016
Most people entertain at home or go to restaurants. There is a bowling alley that will open if you call ahead and a go kart track that's fun (even though goats wander onto the track sometimes!). If you like the outdoors and can handle the heat (or get up really early!), people run and bike in the forest near Zone du Bois, or on the south edge of town near the Embassy. There is a hiking club organized by the French. The French cultural center has regular programs including musicians, films and art exhibits. - Aug 2015
Eating out, drinking with friends, having folks over. The French cultural center has performances, movies and live music. Monthly hikes organized by the French embassy folks. Lots of activities based out of the international school - softball, etc. - Jun 2015
Mostly family get-togethers, BBQ's, and game nights. - Jul 2013
Home entertainment primarily. - Apr 2013
Social life usually involves going out to restaurants, pot-luck dinners, movie nights, barbecues, celebrating American holidays, Marine Guard events, or events at the French cultural center like occasional concerts or embassy-hosted rep events and happy hours. - Nov 2012
Nightclubs, bars, dinners at friends' houses, restaurants. - Aug 2010
Revolves mostly around the home. People organize movie nights, wine & cheese socials, spa days, Bunco, etc. It's what you make of it. If you want to do something - others will join you. But don't expect that there will always be something going on unless you're willing to make it happen. - Jul 2008
It depends on how friendly and outgoing you are. - Jun 2008
