Banfora lies in the southwest of Burkina Faso, about 400 km southwest of Ouagadougou and 60 km from the border with Côte d'Ivoire. There is not much to do in this sleepy city, but the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Burkina Faso. Most people stay in Banfora to hike around the area, or to take a glimpse at the hippos in Lake Tengreia, 10 kilometers away. Local fishermen will take you out on the lake in their pirogues for a little money. Out on the lake the strange shaped Sindou rock formations can be seen.

The Karfiguéla waterfalls are 13 km from town and they are an interesting site to visit, but they are best seen during the rainy season. The cascades are a refreshing change from the rest of Burkina, which is dry and dusty. Be careful when swimming at the falls, as bilharzia has been found in the water. Only drink bottled water. An interesting hiking place not far from the falls is the escarpment known as Dômes de Karfiguéla.

At Fabedougou, 15 km northwest of Banfora, you can see stunning rock formations, known as the Domes of Fabedougou.

There is a lively Market in Banfora. Accommodation is easily found and so are places to eat.

Banfora is has rail and bus connections with the capital, although you can also take the minibus to Bobo-Dioulasso and do the rest by train. The area around Banfora is best explored by moped or bicycle, which are rented in the city. Banfora has railway connections with Bobo-Dioulasso, 85 km (53 mi) to the northeast, as well as with Ouagadougou and Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire.