north african travel

Top 10 Destinations in North Africa

Planning a trip to  North Africa  is an exciting and infinitely rewarding experience. However, there is so much to see and do that deciding on an itinerary can be tricky.  Adrenaline junkies should consider a trip to the ski slopes of Morocco  or to Egypt's underwater reefs. Those with a passion for breathtaking scenery should plan a tour of the Sahara Desert, while history buffs will love Egypt's treasure trove of ancient sights . Wherever your adventures take you, try to visit at least one of the following iconic North African destinations.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Perhaps the most iconic of Egypt's ancient sights, the Pyramids of Giza are located just outside Cairo . Comprising three different pyramid complexes, the site is one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. Of these, it is both the oldest and the only one that still survives today. The three main pyramids serve as the tombs of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Khufu's pyramid (also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza) is the largest and dates back some 4,500 years. In front of the pyramids lies the Great Sphinx, a vast cat-like statue carved out of a single block of stone. Want to see more pyramids? Plan a trip to the ancient city of  Meroë  in Sudan. 

Marrakesh, Morocco

Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is one of Morocco's four imperial cities. Not for the faint-hearted, it is a bustling metropolis filled with narrow streets, insistent hawkers, and a myriad of sounds and smells. It's also one of the most interesting cities in North Africa. Visitors come to Marrakesh to browse for treasures in the souks of the ancient medina, or to sample authentic Moroccan cuisine in the central square, Djemma El-Fna. Beautiful riads and serene hammams add to the experience, while the city's historic sights are well worth seeing. Start at the Saadian Tombs or  El Badi Palace .

Luxor, Egypt

The city of Luxor was built on and around the ancient site of Thebes, once the wealthiest city in ancient Egypt. The modern city has its own spectacular temple, as well as a series of excellent museums. Close to Luxor is the ancient site of Karnak, which was the most important place of worship for ancient Egyptians. Here you'll find a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons, and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods. Across the Nile from Luxor lie the royal burial grounds known as The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. This is where you'll find the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Fes, Morocco

The most complete medieval city of the Arab world, Fes is a strange and appealing mix of Middle Ages meets the modern world. Fes was Morocco's capital for more than 400 years and is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country today. The extraordinary medina city of Fes El Bali is worth a few days walking in itself, and the city tanneries make for a fascinating visit. Other highlights include the Merenid Tombs, the Royal Palace, and the Mellah, or Jewish Quarter. Many visitors find that the city is less touristy and therefore more authentic than Marrakesh.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Siwa Oasis is located in Egypt's Western Desert, close to the Libyan border. Characterized by its abundant olive and palm groves, it is the country's most remote oasis town. As a result, its inhabitants have developed their own distinct culture. A decent road and a small airport have helped to put the town on the map, but it remains an off-the-beaten-track destination. Siwa Oasis is known for its geographical beauty, its hot springs, and the fact that Alexander the Great traveled here to visit the Oracle of Amun. Check out Fatnas Island and take a desert safari while you're here.

Tunis, Tunisia

There are many reasons to visit the capital of Tunisia . In particular, Tunis' ancient medina rivals that of the Moroccan medinas in Marrakech and Fes. The city is also home to one of the best museums in North Africa, the Bardo National Museum. It is housed in a beautiful palace and filled with treasures found at numerous ancient sites throughout Tunisia. While there are many hotels in Tunis, a light rail system makes it very easy to stay in the gorgeous coastal village of Sidi Bou Said , located just 20 minutes away. In between the two are the ancient ruins of Carthage.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

The two temples built for the Pharaoh Ramesses II at Abu Simbel have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Almost as impressive as the monument itself is the story of its restoration in the 1960s. The temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 185 feet (60 meters) up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun. A daily sound and light show should not be missed. You should also check out the Abu Simbel Festival, which takes place twice a year in February and October. Natural sunlight and architectural brilliance combine to light up the inner sanctum.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

TripSavvy / Chris VR

The Atlas Mountains are a prime destination for trekking, with routes to suit a wide range of capabilities. Jebel Toubkal, situated in the High Atlas Mountains, is North Africa's highest peak at 13,667 feet (4,167 meters). It's a challenging trek to the summit, but worth it for the spectacular views. While you can make it to the summit and back to the town of Imlil in a day, it's recommended that you take at least three days to acclimatize and enjoy the scenery. During the winter months, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts should head to nearby Oukaïmeden ski resort.

Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt

The Red Sea offers some of the best scuba diving on the planet. Certified divers can explore Second World War shipwrecks, dive alongside bucket list animals including dolphins and sharks and discover pristine coral reefs. ​Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the most famous dive destinations in the Red Sea. Located off the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, it's the oldest national park in Egypt. It is renowned for its healthy corals and diverse marine life, with more than 1,000 recorded fish species. Top dive sites include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, where gray reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse are often spotted.

Sahara Desert, Tunisia

The Sahara Desert crosses every country in North Africa, but the section that runs through Tunisia is especially full of interesting and accessible sights. There are unique troglodyte dwellings around the Matmata area, which featured in the ​​" Star Wars " movies as homes on the planet of Tatooine. Equally fascinating are the stone forts and fortified granaries built into the desert mountains hundreds of years ago. The fort of Ksar Ouled Soltaine is particularly impressive. Beautiful dunes, salt lakes, and the ability to camp out under the stars at a tented hotel make the Tunisian Sahara a wonderful destination.

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Best North Africa Itinerary for Travel: 30 Top Places to Visit

For your upcoming travels, you’ll need a North Africa itinerary which covers all grounds. Below, we’ve put together a guide to help you get started.

North Africa is a region of the world that is rich in history and culture. It is home to some of the world’s most famous and iconic attractions, such as the pyramids of Giza, the souk in Fez, and the Medina of Marrakesh. If you’re interested in exploring this region for your next travel destination, read on for our comprehensive list of the 30 best places to visit in North Africa! From ancient cities like Algiers and Morocco’s Fes to vibrant coastal towns like Tunis and Alexandria, you’ll be able to see everything this fascinating region has to offer. So put these destinations at the top of your travel list and prepare to enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

30 Best Places to Visit in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, etc.)

If you’re looking for a trip that is full of culture, natural beauty, and adventure, North Africa is the perfect destination. This region is home to a variety of different cultures, making it a great place to explore. There are plenty of activities to do in each destination, making it easy to find something to keep you entertained. Additionally, the weather is temperate most of the year, so you can enjoy beautiful weather all throughout your trip! With so much to see and do, North Africa is a must-see for any traveler.

1. Algiers (Algeria)

If you’re visiting Algeria, there is no better place than the capital city of Algiers. With a wealth of history and contemporary attractions, it’s easy to get lost in this buzzing metropolis. Not to mention the Casbah – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed for its intricate architecture and vibrant markets full of local goods. If you’re looking for something different from the big cities, head out into the countryside where you can experience Algerian culture through village life or visit some of Algeria’s stunning natural landmarks.

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Algiers .

2. Tangier (Morocco)

Tangier is a gorgeous city with plenty of things to offer tourists. In addition to its many historical sites, Tangier is also home to the Kasbah, the Medina, and La Mamounia – a seafood market that’s definitely worth checking out! So if you’re in Morocco for some tourism fun, be sure to add Tangier into your itinerary.

3. Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it is home to some of the world’s most renowned historical sites. Among these are the Giza Pyramids and Museum of Antiquities, as well as numerous mosques and Christian churches. The Nile River plays a big part in Cairo’s beauty – even during winter months you can see boats filled with people enjoying a day out on its banks. And when summer comes around, locals flock to cafes or enjoy picnics by the riverbank. What makes Cairo so special? To name just a few things: its cuisine (try some Middle Eastern-North African fusion), nightlife options (a variety of bars and clubs), architecture (from traditional homes to modern skyscrapers). There’s really something for everyone who visits this amazing city!

4. Sousse (Tunisia)

If you are planning a Tunisia vacation, Sousse is an amazing city to explore. With its beautiful architecture and history, this coastal city will leave you enchanted. Known for its luxury hotels and world-renowned beaches, it is the perfect place to spend some time stress-free. moreover, the food in Sousse is something special – absolutely delicious! So if you’re looking for a North Africa vacation that will leave you satisfied both nutritionally and gastronomically, Sousse should be at the top of your list!

5. Constantine (Algeria)

If you’re interested in archaeology or ancient history, Constantine is definitely a place worth visiting. Once the capital of the Roman Empire, this beautiful city has a rich and fascinating history. Today, it is bustling with activity as tourists flock to explore its many attractions. It’s also great for those looking for something different and exciting to do in any North Africa itinerary – perfect if you’re planning on travelling to Egypt too!

6. Ghardaia (Algeria)

If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Algeria, Ghardaia should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is known for its architectural marvels like the stunning medina, as well as interesting attractions like the Roman ruins and Tangerdet Palace. While visiting Ghardaia is not a quick trip by any means, it is definitely worth spending some time here. Not only will you get to see some truly amazing sights but you’ll also gain an understanding of Algerian history that cannot be found anywhere else. So if you’re planning on travelling to this part of Africa soon – make sure Ghardaia’s on your itinerary!

7. Sidi Bou Said (Tunisia)

Sidi Bou Said is one of the most beautiful and holy cities in Tunisia, and it’s well worth a visit. The city has an impressive medieval architecture that is a phenomenal sight to see. You can explore the old town or take a trip out to the medina if you’re looking for something more culturally enriching. With hundreds of lamps lining the narrow streets, Sidi Bou Said comes alive at night – make sure you don’t miss this incredible experience! When it comes to food, Tunisian cuisine is definitely worth trying out! Try lamb kebabs or couscous – both are mouth-wateringly delicious and will leave your taste buds longing for more!

8. Taghazout (Morocco)

Taghazout is a beautiful town located in the heart of Morocco’s beautiful beaches. Easily accessible from Marrakesh and Ouarzazate, it makes for a great spot to explore on your travels. Home to Morocco’s remaining counter-culture movement on the ‘Hippie Trail’, this quaint town is perfect for anyone looking for an authentic Moroccan experience. If you’re looking for something more lively, head to the souk district or attend an evening camel ride – both offer a taste of traditional Moroccan life that will leave you pleasantly surprised!

9. Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Pyramids of Giza is one of the most famous attractions in Egypt. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s largest pyramids, as well as other ancient monuments and tombs. Built over 4,500 years ago, these colossal structures are a must-see for anyone traveling to North Africa. Not only that but the tombs of pharaohs are also a fascinating attraction – find out more about them here! If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy plenty of activities without having to worry about getting bored, then head on over to Giza!

10. Djanet (Algeria)

Djanet is a beautiful city situated in the southwest of Algeria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Algeria. The city’s architecture and stunning views of the Sahara desert are some of its main attractions, but it also has a rich Arabic history that makes it an interesting place to visit. The itinerary we have prepared for you takes you on a 13-day Sahara Desert Tour through this amazing region, starting from Djanet itself. So whether you’re looking for an exciting holiday or just want to explore some great Algerian architectures, our itinerary is quite perfect!

11. Luxor (Egypt)

Luxor is the most visited destination in any North Africa itinerary and rightly so! This ancient city is home to some of the world’s greatest wonders, including the Giza Necropolis, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. The sunset over the Nile River can be a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to eat at one of Luxor’s many restaurants – traditional Arabic food here won’t disappoint!

12. Marrakech (Morocco)

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, Marrakech is one of the must-see cities. With its ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and delicious food, it’s impossible not to enjoy your time here. There are plenty of activities available in this magical city such as visits to Ait Benhaddou and the Djemaa El Fna marketplaces. Be sure to check out Bahia in Bab el Oued for some delicious seafood dishes or Riad Bou Saada for a more relaxed meal experience.

13. Béjaïa (Algeria)

Béjaïa is a stunning Algerian coastal town that should be on your list of places to visit if you are in the area. With its beautiful beaches and nature, it is an excellent place to spend a day or two exploring the surrounding areas. The lively souk offers a variety of traditional Algerian products and handicrafts as well as exotic imports from all around the world. Not to mention, this is also a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts – there are plenty of hiking trails nearby! If you’re looking for something different, Béjaïa should definitely be on your list!

14. Fes (Morocco)

If you are looking for an exciting and dynamic city to visit, then Fes is definitely the place to be. This beautiful Moroccan city is home to stunning architecture as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s also worth checking out the Nasr City district – one of Morocco’s fastest-growing areas. There you will find plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels that will make your stay in Fes enjoyable!

15. The Atlas Mountains (Algeria/ Morocco/ Tunisia)

The Atlas Mountains are an awe-inspiring sight and a must-see on any North Africa itinerary. From every peak, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the desert, the Mediterranean Sea, and even Europe. As for the villages found here, they are some of the most picturesque in all of North Africa – perfect if you’re looking for a day trip while staying in Algeria/ Morocco/ Tunisia. And don’t forget to explore historical sites like Timgad and Kairouan!

16. Tunis (Tunisia)

If you’re looking for a north African country to explore, then Tunisia is the perfect place. With its fascinating culture and history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering food, thiscountry has it all. While there are plenty of attractions in Tunis itself – such as the ancient ruins and lively nightlife – the real highlights of a trip to Tunisia are its rural villages which offer a unique glimpse into traditional Arab life.

17. Tlemcen (Algeria)

17. Tlemcen (Algeria) is a city worth visiting for its rich history, amazing food and alluring beaches. It is one of the oldest cities in North Africa and retains a lot of its old character even today. If you’re looking to experience the local culture, head to the old medina – this must-see destination will leave you awestruck! While there’s plenty to do in the city itself, be sure not to miss out on Algeria’s numerous beaches and exhilarating nightlife scenes either. If art exploration is your thing, then don’t miss out on exploring some of Tlemcen’s many museums that house some great pieces of art.

18. Siwa Oasis (Egypt)

Siwa Oasis is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has an impressive history dating back to the ancient days. The oasis is also home to the Monastery of Saint Catherine, which is one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Egypt. The ruins of Memphis are only an hour’s drive away, making it a great day trip destination as well. One of the oldest and most important religious sites in Egypt, Siwa offers visitors an unrivaled experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Egypt. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil oasis to escape from city life or just want to explore some amazing historical sites, Siwa should definitely be on your list!

19. Oran (Algeria)

Oran is an amazing city with a rich history and impressive architecture. It is the capital of Algeria and one of the most popular destinations in North Africa. This bustling metropolis has something for everyone, including plenty of places to visit that are sure to fascinate tourists. Highlights include the Djemaa El Fna square, which is a must-see for anyone visiting Oran, as well as the Ksar el Kebir Palace. The nightlife here is also very lively, with many bars and nightclubs providing fun and exciting experiences for visitors

20. Essaouira (Morocco)

Essaouira is a beautiful city that’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the mesmerizing beauty of Morocco’s coastline. The Medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is definitely worth a visit, as are the towering kasbahs. For some truly delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine, head to Chez Mansour restaurant in Essaouira which should be a part of any North Africa itinerary.

21. Hammamet (Tunisia)

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Hammamet is the perfect destination for any North Africa itinerary. This ancient town enjoys a lively tourist trade thanks to its therapeutic hot baths, Roman ruins and necropolis, as well as its diverse array of restaurants that serve authentic Moroccan cuisine.Whether you’re in the mood for a savory couscous dinner or a soothing massage at one of Hammamet’s spas – this charming city has something for everyone!

22. Tipaza (Algeria)

Tipaza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important ancient ruins in North Africa. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC and became an important trading port. The city was sacked by the Vandals in 455 AD, but it continued to be an important commercial center up until the Islamic conquest of North Africa in 711 AD. Today, Tipaza is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming to see its impressive ruins and stunning harbor.

23. Aït Benhaddou (Morocco)

Aït Benhaddou is a beautiful village in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco that is well worth a visit if you are travelling to this country. It’s known for its delicious spices and wine, as well as its colourful souks (markets). One of the main attractions here is the ancient walled city of Aït Benhaddou which has a lot of history to offer. You can also visit Volubilis, an important Roman metropolis located nearby.

24. Chefchaouen (Morocco)

Chefchaouen is a must-see destination in North Africa for anyone interested in the culture and architecture of this region. With its vibrant marketplaces and beautiful white buildings, it will leave you mesmerized. The winding streets and alleys make it an ideal place to wander around at leisure, stopping at cafes or restaurants along the way. If you’re looking to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Chefchaouen is definitely worth a visit!

25. Timgad (Algeria)

If you’re looking for a destination that is both historical and vibrant, then Timgad should be at the top of your list. Not only is this city home to some of the oldest ruins in North Africa, but it’s also a great place to visit year-round – regardless of the weather. The mild climate makes it perfect for all sorts of activities throughout the year, making Timgad one busy little city. And if that isn’t enough, its location in Algeria means there are always exciting things happening nearby!

26. Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, Sharm El Sheikh is definitely the place to go! This popular tourist destination is known for its idyllic white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There are plenty of activities to do, from swimming and sunbathing to diving and snorkelling. In addition, the town has a lively nightlife with bars and restaurants serving up Mediterranean cuisine. If luxury is your priority, look no further than Sharm El Sheikh!

27. Setif (Algeria)

Setif is one of the oldest cities in Algeria, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its 12th century fortress and lively bazaar, as well as its many mosques – including Madina al-Qadima, one of the largest in Africa. Whether you’re looking to explore Setif’s ancient sights or take a break from the city heat, there’s plenty to do here – perfect on a North Africa itinerary!

28. Jijel (Algeria)

Jijel is a beautiful desert town located in the south of Algeria. It’s well known for its medina and souks, as well as its beaches – which are especially popular among surfers. There are many cultural events and festivals taking place throughout the year that you won’t want to miss out on!

29. Djemila (Algeria)

Djemila is a beautiful town located in the heart of Algeria. It’s known for its stunning architecture and traditional handicrafts, making it a great place to stay if you are looking for a tranquil getaway. The landscape is also breathtaking, with mountains and valleys galore!

30. Sahara Desert Tour

If you’re looking for an adventure that is truly out of the ordinary, the Sahara Desert should be at the top of your list. With endless possibilities when it comes to activities – camping, hiking and biking among others – there is something for everyone on a Sahara Desert Tour . Make sure to book in advance as tours tend to get booked up quickly! Remember to let us know if you have any questions about booking a Sahara Desert Tour. We would love to help!

Plan Your North Africa Itinerary Today!

If you’re looking for a North Africa itinerary that will take you through some of the best places to visit in North Africa, then look no further! Our list features some of the most popular destinations, as well as some hidden gems that you may not have known about. From ancient ruins to world-famous tourist spots, our list has it all! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream trip to North Africa today and enjoy all the amazing sights and sounds that this beautiful region has to offer!

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North Africa

• 1.1 Other territories
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 6.1 By boat
• 7 Get around
• 12 Stay safe

In North Africa (also known as Maghreb ), beautiful mosques, bustling markets, and ancient ruins lie between the Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert. It has an ancient history, with many Berber kingdoms as well as the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires ruling there.

Other territories

• Atlantic Ocean Islands : Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira Islands (Portugal) are integrated provinces of their respective countries
• Bi'r Tawīl – an unclaimed piece of land between Egypt and Sudan, with virtually zero infrastructure whatsoever. It's one of only three unclaimed territories, with the other two being Marie Byrd Land and Liberland .
• Spanish North Africa : Ceuta , Melilla , and some smaller territories along the coast of Morocco

• 31.1975 29.8925 1 Alexandria — Egypt's major Mediterranean city is a pale shadow of its former glorious self but remains a major tourism site
• 36.776389 3.058611 2 Algiers — the capital of Algeria with a notable medieval casbah
• 30.044444 31.235833 3 Cairo — the largest city in North Africa with major monuments of Ancient Egypt nearby
• 33.599167 -7.62 4 Casablanca — the largest city in Morocco is of sparse interest to the traveller, but is a major transit point
• 27.15 -13.2 5 El Aaiún — the capital city of the disputed territory of Western Sahara
• 31.62947 -7.98108 6 Marrakech — this historic Moroccan city close to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is an extraordinary meeting of the ancient and modern
• 35.696944 -0.633056 7 Oran — this historic Algerian city is full of French, Ottoman, Moorish, and Algerian architecture like churches and mosques and parks. It also has a beautiful seashore and buildings.
• 32.87519 13.18746 8 Tripoli — Libya's capital was long off-limits to most travellers but is experiencing a real resurgence of interest
• 36.800833 10.18 9 Tunis — the capital of Tunisia is a relatively small and sleepy city but is the gateway to the remains of Carthage and other very notable historical sites.

Other destinations

• 36.852558 10.323461 2 Carthage — Phoenician colony in Tunisia and the biggest trade metropolis of the antique world; famously razed by the Romans and the remnants are now encased in a museum
• 24.961111 10.175 4 Ghat - an ancient settlement in southwest Libya with prehistoric rock paintings and very challenging desert trekking
• High Atlas — hiking, skiing and Berber culture amongst these peaks and valleys in Morocco .
• 32.638332 14.290496 5 Leptis Magna — extensive Roman ruins in Libya
• 33.542639 9.966806 6 Matmata — desert village in Tunisia of cave abodes, where Star Wars's Tatooine was filmed
• 31.099167 -4.011667 7 Merzouga and M'Hamid — from either of these two settlements in Morocco at the edge of the Sahara, ride a camel or 4x4 into the desert for a night (or a week) among the dunes and under the stars
• 25.74025 32.602358 8 Valley of the Kings — the great site of Ancient Egypt

North Africa, as a region, is very different from the countries to the South. The people and culture are Arabic, the food is different, and Islam is the dominant religion. Many organizations now group North Africa and the Middle East together as MENA (Middle East North Africa) because North Africa has much more in common with countries like Syria or Jordan than countries like Mali or Ivory Coast.

The North African peoples have seen many empires come and go, each bringing both wars, and contributions to local culture. Ancient Egypt was one of the world's longest-living urban civilizations, and Phoenicia, ancient Greece and later the Roman Empire came to dominate the Mediterranean Sea. The Arabs and Islam arrived in the 7th century (see Islamic Golden Age ) and were displaced by the Ottoman Empire . The French colonial empire came to include Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and had the Suez Canal completed in 1869, while Egypt became part of the British Empire in 1882 following the Anglo-Egyptian War. Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I , Libya would become part of the Italian Empire . During World War II in Africa , the Italians and later the Germans failed to conquer the whole of North Africa. After the war, Arab nationalist movements demanded independence. The North African countries took different paths to independence, and in the 2020s only a few coastal territories of Spanish North Africa are under European rule.

North Africa was a scene for the Cold War with mostly authoritarian leaders, with allegiance either to the West or the Soviet Union . In 2010, the Arab Spring began as a series of public revolts. As of 2020, the outcome has been varied, with Tunisia adopting a democratic constitution, and Libya stuck in civil war.

Arabic is without a doubt the dominant language, and is the official language in every North African country. However Arabic dialects are mutually unintelligible, so there's no way a tourist speaking standard Arabic could understand a Moroccan speaking their dialect. However, standard Arabic is always the official language, and well-educated people will be able to speak it.

French is the most widely known second language in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, due to much of the area's history as a French colony. In Libya and Egypt, English is the dominant second language (except among older Libyans, where Italian is more prevalent).

Many people in North Africa, especially in Algeria and Morocco, speak an Amazigh language (also known as Berber, although that term should be avoided) as their mother tongue.

There are some ferries from Italy (notably Sicily ), Spain , and Gibraltar – see Ferries in the Mediterranean‎ .

The North African cuisine has a lot in common with the Middle Eastern cuisine .

Arabic coffee, which involves adding cardamom to flavour the coffee, is popular throughout North Africa.

Avoid drinking untreated ground water. Avoid Libya, southern Algeria, the Sahrawi areas of Western Sahara, and southern Tunisia due to the risk of armed conflict or insurgent violence.

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Magic of Egypt (with free All inclusive upgrade hurghada hotel) 12 Days

Pharaohs nile cruise adventure - return flights included, egypt explorer - felucca cruise & red sea, best of egypt - 5* cruise, agatha christie egypt ultra-luxury journey /abu simbel & domestic flights included/small group, 10-day ancient egypt tour (superior hotels), queen cleopatra - 7 days, 10 day egypt experience tour (domestic flight), beyond the pyramids: egypt's hidden gems - return flight included - 9 days, essential egypt (5 star hotels).

• Christmas & New Year

“This trip was truly magical! One of the best trips I have been on!”

• Sightseeing
• Learn about 4000-year-old culture in Egyptian Museum
• Tour the Karnak Temple Complex and the Edfu Temple
• Visit the Pyramids of Giza and see the mythical Sphinx

“Each location was expertly curated, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in Egypt's rich history and culture.”

• Enjoy the scenery as you sail along the Nile on felucca
• Go sightseeing in Cairo and experience the open market
• Explore the stunning Aswan and the West Bank of Luxor

“I would highly recommend to anyone and if you have Mina as your guide, count yourself lucky! What an experience.”

• Stargaze as you set sail down the majestic Nile
• Be amazed by the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza
• Visit the final resting place of the pharaohs

“What a wonderful experience to be in Egypt.”

• In-depth Cultural

“Excellent itinerary and Luxurious hotels, we travelled through their great knowledge of Egypt history.”

“Highly recommend! Vacations to Go Travel provided an amazing time exploring Egypt.”

• Join our intimate small group tour, designed to offer exceptional value. Enjoy a seamless travel experience with numerous inclusions, all at an accessible price point.
• Embark on a captivating journey through Egypt’s rich history as you explore renowned sites.
• Our guides will provide fascinating insights, enhancing your experience and deepening your understanding of these ancient wonders.

“The company is professional, providing quality services and amazing experience.”

• Discover unqiue treasures from the Egyptian bazaars.
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Across Africa, Part 2: Discovering North Africa’s Ancient Wonders, Diverse Landscapes, and Stunning Seas

Daria Bulatovych

Have you ever dreamed of soaring in a hot air balloon, gazing down at breathtaking landscapes? North Africa is the perfect destination for this adventure! The region boasts a rich tapestry of vistas, offering one of the world’s premier ballooning experiences. Take, for example, the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Each morning, around 30 hot air balloons ascend before sunrise, offering spectacular views of ancient royal tombs. Even if you’re wary of heights, the sight of these balloons rising into the dawn sky is mesmerizing. And this is just a glimpse of what North Africa has to offer, even to the most seasoned traveler.

North Africa travel offers a unique experience largely due to:

• Rich and diverse culture shaped by civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and colonial powers. This rich cultural mosaic is reflected in the region’s architecture, languages, cuisine, and traditions.
• The world’s most renowned historical sites , including the ancient pyramids and temples of Egypt, the Roman ruins in Tunisia, and Morocco’s medieval medinas.
• A diverse range of landscapes , from the vast Sahara Desert and rugged mountains to lush river deltas, picturesque oases, and vibrant coral reefs, offering activities like trekking, sandboarding, and diving.

In our other posts, we explored Sub-Saharan and Southern Africa , highlighting its breathtaking safaris, vibrant cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and more. Now, we turn our attention to the experiences offered by North Africa. Use this article as your main North Africa travel resource. Let’s address the most common questions from travelers before exploring the best travel destinations in the region. 

Table of Contents

Common Queries Before Traveling to North Africa:

• What is North Africa? It’s a region of Africa that includes several countries located along the Mediterranean coast and extending into the Sahara Desert. North Africa is known for its significant Arab population, with Islam being the dominant religion. The region’s economies encompass agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
• How many countries are in North Africa? The scope of North Africa is not universally agreed upon. The most widely accepted definition of the region includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara—a territory contested between Morocco and the partially recognized Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
• Where to travel in North Africa? Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are the region’s top travel destinations. Each country offers a unique blend of cultures and histories. From the sweeping dunes of the Sahara Desert to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, these nations boast diverse natural landscapes. They are renowned for their vibrant markets, hospitable locals, rich cuisines, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Conversely, travel to Libya and Western Sahara is generally advised against due to political instability, safety and security concerns, and inadequate tourism infrastructure.
• When is the best time to travel to North Africa? North Africa can get extremely hot, especially in the Sahara Desert areas during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Therefore, the most favorable time to visit this region is from autumn through early spring, roughly from October to April, when temperatures typically range from 10-25°C (50-77°F). Traveling during these months may also coincide with various cultural and religious festivals, offering a deeper insight into the local culture and traditions.
• How much does it cost to travel to North Africa? There’s a diverse array of North Africa travel packages and tours that cater to various interests and budgets, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. According to Budget Your Trip , the average daily cost of these tours is a reasonable $210. Most are easy in terms of physical activity and primarily use coach/bus transportation, making them ideal for families, honeymoons, or romantic getaways. Although flights to Africa can be costly, services like Ovago provide affordable options. For instance, as of mid-May 2024, the cheapest round-trip economy flight from San Francisco to Casablanca (Morocco) costs just $369—an exceptionally good deal. Check out our current air fares to Morocco . 
• How to travel to North Africa? Traveling from the US to North Africa involves several key steps and considerations to ensure a smooth journey: 1) Decide which country you wish to visit; 2) Check for visa requirements and travel advisories ; 3) Book your flights to a major travel hub with developed transport infrastructure, such as Cairo in Egypt or Tunis in Tunisia; 4) Plan and book your accommodations and transportation ; 5) Purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss; 6) Familiarize yourself with the local customs, basic language, and cultural norms of the country you are visiting.
• Where in North Africa is it safe to travel? Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia are generally safe for tourists, particularly in popular coastal resorts and major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Tunis, Carthage, Sousse, Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor. In contrast, some regions of Algeria, especially near borders, pose higher risks due to political instability and armed groups. Libya and Western Sahara are deemed unsafe for travel due to ongoing conflicts and political instability.
• What vaccines are required to travel to North Africa? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) advise travelers heading to North Africa to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, anthrax, and meningitis. Additionally, they recommend updating routine immunizations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and polio.
• Do I need North Africa travel insurance? Before traveling to Africa, securing travel insurance is crucial. Across Africa, healthcare costs can be high, whether at private or state hospitals, where all treatments and medications are chargeable. To avoid hefty medical bills, ensure your travel insurance provides substantial coverage. Ovago, in partnership with XCover, offers straightforward, hassle-free protection for your journey. XCover simplifies the claims process with digital filing and instant payment for approved claims, supported by a responsive customer service team ready to assist you.
• What do you need to travel to North Africa? When packing for North Africa, make sure to take: 1) Clothing: lightweight, breathable fabrics, long sleeves and pants, warm layers, comfortable footwear, hat, sunglasses, and scarf or shawl; 2) Gear: durable backpack or daypack for excursions, reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, power adapter and voltage converter for charging devices; 3) Health: travel-sized toiletries including sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and a basic first aid kit with medication for common ailments.

Dive into our selection of the best places to travel in North Africa.

Read also: Simplify Your Travel Visa Application: A Guide for Tourists, with Special Focus on US Citizens

Egypt: The Cradle of Civilization

General Info:

• Visa Requirements: US citizens need a visa
• Official Language: Arabic
• English Proficiency Index Score: 463 (Low Proficiency)
• Basic English is spoken in the service sector
• Global Peace Index Score: 2.267 (Moderate Level)
• Currency: Egyptian Pound
• Plug Type: C and F
• Weather: Arid desert climate, hot dry summers, mild dry winters
• Main Travel Hub: Cairo
• Major International Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Who Will Enjoy This Trip:  

• those fascinated by the history of Egypt and archaeology
• those interested in exploring Arabic culture
• those eager to explore diverse landscapes, such as deserts and the scenic Nile River
• snorkeling or diving enthusiasts keen to explore amazing coral reefs and marine life

Main Travel Destinations:

Discover Cairo, a vibrant city where history and culture converge in the heart of Egypt:  

• Begin your journey at the Egyptian Museum , one of the foremost repositories of ancient artifacts in the world, where you can admire an unparalleled collection of items including statues and mummies of the pharaohs.
• The majestic Pyramids of Giza lie just a short drive from the bustling city center. Stand in awe before the Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and explore nearby marvels like the enigmatic Sphinx.
• Stroll through the winding alleys of Khan Al-Halili Bazaar , a bustling market filled with precious metals, exotic spices, and intricate handicrafts, offering a perfect glimpse into Cairo’s rich merchant past. 
• In Old Cairo , a melting pot of religions, you can explore sacred sites such as the Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, the Roman Babel Tower, and the historic Ben-Ezra Synagogue, each telling stories of the city’s diverse spiritual heritage.
• Admire the Nile River. No visit to Cairo is complete without experiencing the life-giving waters of the Nile River. Cruise along the longest river in the world, enjoy the tranquil flow and scenic views, and see modern-day Egyptians thriving on its banks just as their ancestors did. 

Step into the heart of ancient history in Luxor, Egypt’s unparalleled open-air museum:

• The Amun Temple Enclosure and Karnak complex await, where colossal columns and intricate hieroglyphs narrate tales of divine kingship and mythic battles. 
• Journey through the Valley of the Kings , a royal burial ground for pharaohs, including the legendary Tutankhamun, whose secrets have captivated the world.
• Explore the vividly decorated tombs and Medinat Habu , a testament to ancient architectural prowess.
• Don’t miss the Luxor Museum , a treasure trove of artifacts that offers a deeper understanding of the Luxor region’s rich history. Each exhibit tells a part of the story of a civilization that has shaped not just Egypt, but the entire world.

Embark on a journey to Aswan, Egypt’s southern gem, where ancient marvels and cultural experiences await:

• Start your exploration at the High Dam , a feat of modern engineering that offers a panoramic view of Lake Nasser and a vital insight into Egypt’s contemporary achievements.
• Delve into history at the Temple of Philae , a breathtaking island sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, marvelously relocated to preserve it from Nile floods.
• Witness the Unfinished Obelisk , an awe-inspiring glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques, lying in the quarries just as the craftsmen left it thousands of years ago.
• Visit a traditional Nubian village. Here, vibrant houses and warm hospitality provide a colorful contrast to the desert landscape, offering an intimate look at the unique culture of Egypt’s Nubian community. 

Discover Alexandria, Egypt’s captivating Mediterranean jewel, where history and seaside charm blend seamlessly: 

• Visit the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, whose legacy continues to illuminate the city’s rich maritime history.
• Explore the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina , a striking tribute to the famed ancient Library of Alexandria, which today hosts a vast collection of books and an array of cultural events.
• Venture underground to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa , a fascinating multi-level blend of Roman and Egyptian burial practices, featuring intricate carvings and a haunting atmosphere. 
• Step into the Roman Amphitheater , Egypt’s only known Roman amphitheater, where the layers of Alexandria’s Greco-Roman history are vividly on display.
• Try ancient underwater diving to discover ruins from the Greco-Roman and Pharaonic periods. A must-visit is Cleopatra’s Underwater City near the Eastern Harbor, where Roman columns and sphinx statues remain in their original positions.

Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh

Dive into the vibrant worlds of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. These are Egypt’s premier coastal resorts known for their crystal-clear waters and spectacular marine life. Both destinations offer thrilling diving and snorkeling experiences, where adventurers can explore colorful coral reefs and encounter exotic sea creatures. Sailing enthusiasts will find ideal conditions for cruising the serene Red Sea.

On land, the bustling markets of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada invite you to experience local flavors and crafts, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere at the beautifully designed mosques, which reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Explore the vast deserts with a variety of guided safari tours designed for an exhilarating adventure. Experience camel riding, quad biking, and enjoy the mesmerizing desert sunset. 

Read also: Unlock the Full Spectrum of Travel Rewards and Benefits You Can Get Based on Your Travel Habits

Tunisia: A Travel Destination That Star Wars Chose as a Filming Location

General info:

• Visa requirements: US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days
• Official language: Arabic
• English Proficiency Index Score: 502 (Moderate Proficiency)
• Global Peace Index Score: 2.010 (Relatively High Level)
• Currency: Tunisian Dinar
• Plug Type: C and E
• Main Travel Hub: Tunis
• Major International Airport: Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN)
• history enthusiasts wanting to explore ancient ruins and architecture
• beach lovers who want to relax on the Mediterranean coastline
• culture seekers keen on exploring markets, traditional music, and delicious cuisine
• adventure seekers who’ll savor camel trekking, quad riding, diving, and more

Tunis as the Main Travel Hub:

Discover Tunis, the vibrant capital of Tunisia, where ancient history meets modern charm:

• Lose yourself in the maze-like streets of the medina , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find hidden treasures and bustling souks. 
• Visit the majestic Zitouna Mosque , a symbol of Tunisian Islam.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Cafe Panorama in the heart of the medina.
• Explore Place de la Kasbah and Tunis New Town , where you can admire architectural wonders like the iconic Hôtel du Lac.
• Don’t miss the renowned Bardo Museum , home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics.
• Escape to the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said , with its whitewashed buildings and stunning sea views.

Other Must-Visit Places:  

• Carthage: Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uncover the fascinating history of this once-mighty city-state through its archaeological sites, including the Roman Baths, Antonine Baths, and Carthage National Museum.
• Sahara Desert: Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the vast Sahara Desert, where you can trek across towering sand dunes and camp under the starlit sky.
• Star Wars filming locations: Many tour operators offer guided tours that take visitors to the most iconic filming locations such as Matmata, Tataouine, Chott el Jerid, and Ksar Ouled Soltane.
• More destinations to visit: Discover the diverse charm of Sousse, Monastir, Djerba, and Tozeur. Each offers its own unique attractions, from the historic medinas and stunning beaches of Sousse and Monastir to the idyllic island vibes of Djerba and the enchanting oases of Tozeur.

Morocco: the Land of the Sunset

• English Proficiency Index Score: 478 (Low Proficiency)
• Global Peace Index Score: 2.020 (Relatively High Level)
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham
• Weather: arid deserts with hot summers and mild winters and the coast with wet winters
• Main Travel Hubs: Casablanca and Marrakech
• Major International Airports: Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Who Will Enjoy This Trip: 

• history enthusiasts can explore ancient ruins, medieval cities, and historic landmarks
• culture seekers can indulge in festivals, traditional music, and flavorful cuisine
• adventure lovers can trek through the Sahara Desert, hike in the Atlas Mountains, or surf along the Atlantic coast
• photographers will be enchanted by Morocco’s stunning architecture and breathtaking scenery

Main Destinations and Activities:

• Casablanca: Dive into the bustling city of Casablanca, where modernity meets tradition. Explore the iconic Hassan II Mosque, stroll along the Corniche promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and immerse yourself in the vibrant street life of this dynamic metropolis.
• Marrakech: Lose yourself in the enchanting streets of Marrakech, known as the “Red City” for its distinctive red walls. Explore the historic medina, visit the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and marvel at the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque.
• Architectural Marvels and Ruins: Journey through Morocco’s cities rich in stunning architecture and ancient ruins. Discover the capital city of Rabat, with its impressive kasbahs and historic landmarks. Explore the coastal city of Tangier, once a hub of international trade and cultural exchange. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Fes, home to the oldest university in the world. And relax in the seaside resort town of Agadir, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
• Atlas Mountains: Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, where snow-capped peaks and lush valleys await. Hike through picturesque Berber villages, visit traditional markets, and savor panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
• Sahara Desert: Embark on an unforgettable adventure into the vast Sahara Desert, where endless sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the magic of a camel trek across the desert, camp under the starlit sky, and witness the sunrise over the dunes.
• Coastal Experiences and Sunsets: Experience the beauty of Morocco’s coastline, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Relax on pristine beaches, indulge in water sports like surfing and kiteboarding, and watch the sun sink below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean. Morocco’s spectacular sunsets have earned it the nickname “the Land of the Sunset,” offering visitors unforgettable moments of natural beauty.

Check out our best flight deals for Morocco!

Algeria: Off the Beaten African Gem

• Visa requirements: US citizens need a visa
• English Proficiency Index Score: 475 (Low Proficiency)
• French is widely spoken; learning basic Arabic or French phrases improves communication
• Global Peace Index Score: 2.094 (Relatively High Level)
• Currency: Algerian Dinar
• Main Travel Hub: Algiers
• Major International Airport: Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG)

Who Will Enjoy This Trip:

Want to experience the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, the Mediterranean coastline, ancient ruins, archaeological sites, as well as diverse traditions, cuisine, and music—all in one place, while also seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences? Then Algeria is your ideal travel destination!

• Algiers: Discover the vibrant capital city of Algiers, where ancient history meets modernity. Explore the UNESCO-listed Casbah, wander through the historic streets of the European quarter, and marvel at landmarks like the Ketchaoua Mosque and the Monument des Martyrs.
• Historical and Cultural Sites: Journey to other historical and interesting places across Algeria. They include the coastal city of Oran with its bustling markets and historic forts, the ancient city of Constantine perched atop dramatic cliffs, the port city of Annaba with its Roman ruins, and the remote desert town of Tamanrasset, gateway to the Sahara.
• Sahara Desert Experiences: Embark on an unforgettable journey into the vast Sahara Desert, where endless sand dunes and starlit skies await. Take a camel trek across the dunes, camp under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and tranquility of the desert landscape.
• Atlas Mountains: Escape to the majestic Atlas Mountains, where rugged peaks and verdant valleys offer breathtaking vistas and outdoor adventures. Hike through picturesque villages, visit traditional markets, and marvel at the stunning natural beauty of this mountainous region.
• Beaches and Water Activities: Relax on Algeria’s pristine beaches along the Mediterranean coastline, where crystal-clear waters and golden sands beckon sunseekers. Try your hand at water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving, or simply unwind and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Read also: Your Guide to Budget-Friendly and Comfortable Air Travel with Airlines Operating in the US

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Whether you dream of exploring ancient ruins, trekking through the Sahara Desert, or relaxing on pristine beaches, North Africa has it all. And with Ovago, finding the best airfares to your desired destination has never been easier! Check out our latest deals to plan your unforgettable North African journey. Book your flights with Ovago now and make your travel dreams a reality!

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Morocco tour code: mo1, algeria tour code: ag1, tunisia tour code: tn1, morocco tour code: mo5, tunisia & malta tour code: tm1, spain & morocco tour code: es4, algeria & tunisia tour code: ag2, algeria, tunisia & malta tour code: ag3, spain & morocco tour code: es6, spain & morocco tour code: es5, tunisia, malta & italy tour code: tm2, spain & morocco tour code: es7, portugal, spain & morocco tour code: ps4, algeria, tunisia, malta & southern italy tour code: ag4, tunisia, malta & italy tour code: tm3, portugal, spain & morocco tour code: ps5.

More Than Morocco: Other North African Destinations to Explore

These North African travel destinations are not to be missed. Like Morocco, they are full of culture, history, and incredible landscapes.

Ayah A. • Jan 26, 2024

As the most popular tourism destination in North Africa (and the continent at large), Morocco is a beloved vacation hotspot that is frequently in the spotlight. However, the region is also home to other gems worthy of being explored. Like Morocco, these vibrant countries are full of culture, history, hospitality, and incredible landscapes. Here are four amazing North African travel destinations not to overlook. 

Tunisia should certainly top the list for Black travelers seeking a destination with a mix of history and natural beauty. Begin your visit in Tunis. The capital is home to the city’s 1,300-year-old medina. There you’ll find bustling souks, ornately decorated mosques, and more than 700 monuments. Explore the ancient ruins of Carthage, where you can marvel at the iconic amphitheater of El Jem. No trip to Tunisia would be complete without a visit to the quaint and picturesque Sidi Bou Said. Its narrow streets and blue and white buildings coupled with its gorgeous Mediterranean coastline have drawn comparisons with Santorini, Greece .

Though less frequented by travelers looking to visit North Africa, Algeria offers its own unique charm and attractions. Located in the capital city Algiers, the Casbah is a UNESCO World Heritage citadel filled with narrow winding streets and Ottoman-era architecture. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the beautiful coastal town of Oran. It is known for its stunning beaches and lively music scene. The city is the birthplace of Algeria’s popular folk music, Rai. History buffs will find themselves intrigued by the rich history of Timgad, an ancient city founded by the Romans in the first century. 

Libya is slowly emerging as an off-the-beaten-path destination in North Africa. Here, you can explore the magnificent ruins of Leptis Magna. Once one of the most beautiful cities in the Roman Empire, its well-preserved amphitheater and baths tell the ancient tales of a bygone era of European rule in the region. In the south, you can venture into the desert and immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of the Sahara. Trek across its golden dunes on camelback and sleep at a campsite under the clear star-filled sky.

Egypt is another popular North African destination. Travelers come from around the world to experience its cultural, historical, and natural wonders. We’ve all heard of the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the ancient temples of Luxor. We might have floated in the crystal blue Siwa Oasis or dived in mesmerizing Sharm el-Sheikh. However, one of Egypt’s most treasured gems is the Nubian city of Aswan. Set upon the banks of the Nile River, Aswan offers a distinct charm that sets it apart from other Egyptian cities. The vibrant Nubian villages of Aswan are known for their colorful houses and warm hospitality, providing a glimpse into their unique culture and way of life. 

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Adventures across the mother continent.

Why Africa? For incredible wildlife, wondrous landscapes, welcoming people, and richly diverse cultural traditions. Come for the Serengeti migration, the huge elephant herds of Zimbabwe and Botswana, the mountain gorillas of Uganda, the surreal landscapes of Namibia, the souks and deserts of Morocco, the mask dances of Benin, the pyramids of Egypt—and so much more.

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Morocco: Camels to Casbahs

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Climb Kilimanjaro!

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Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path

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Ultimate Namibia and Botswana

Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana

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Wild Zimbabwe

Tribal Ghana, Togo, and Benin

Benin, Ghana, Togo

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Alexandria Extension

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Chefchaouen Extension

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Essaouira and Marrakesh Extension

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REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

The small number of participants with Wilderness Travel makes a much more intimate interaction with the areas visited. It was wonderful being in a small group of ten. Our guide’s ability to spot things in the bush was pretty incredible—he found leopards for us (with their kills), lions we would never have seen, and every bird everywhere. Great personality, too!

The trip was even better than we could have imagined. Africa is awe-inspiring, and WT put together an unforgettable trip.

This trip was extraordinarily well planned, making each day value-packed in order to fit in the breadth of exposure to Ethiopia’s historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting on all we were able to see, I am amazed.

The entire trip was first class. The service from the trip team was outstanding. I felt like I was at a five-star hotel rather than out in the African Bush.

We were very excited to be going on safari and all of our expectations were met and exceeded. This was the adventure of a lifetime! Top quality in every way.

Everything You Need to Know

The Great Migration is the largest mass movement of land mammals on Earth, when more than a million wildebeest circle through the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and Kenya. This migration never stops as it circles the plains all year.

There are two main seasons for a Great Migration safari: December-March (Southern Serengeti) and June-October (Northern Serengeti). Both seasons offer their pros and cons, but you truly can’t go wrong with either. We give a detailed description of the differences between these seasons below.

There’s so much to see and experience in Tanzania that the design of your trip is especially important. We provided a sample day itinerary so you can know when to expect before you arrive.

There is simply no experience that compares to a mobile safari. A world apart from lodge-based, our mobile camps immerse you deep in Botswana’s most magnificent and wildlife-rich terrain in absolute comfort.

• Spacious tents are equipped with comfortable beds (no cots!), and en suite private bathrooms with washbasins and hot showers.
• A private guide, chef, camp manager, tent steward, and camp team stay with you throughout your mobile safari. Our staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1 for the highest quality of service.
• Thrilling game viewing: our mobile camps have you out in the heart of the parks and close to the wildlife—no long drives back and forth on dusty lodge roads.

There is no wrong time to go on safari in Botswana, however, it is generally accepted that the best game viewing period is from late March to October. Because of the minimal rainfall during this season, the bush turns golden brown and in many areas is beaten flat, so game viewing is easier and animals concentrate around major water sources.

Wilderness Travel pioneered the Lemosho-Crater Camp Route in 1989 and we consider it the best route to the summit. Why? It is the most scenic and least-traveled route up Kilimanjaro. With a full seven days on the ascent, this route also provides maximum time for acclimatization and therefore the greatest chance of reaching to top—we have a 98% summit success rate!

We give a detailed summary all the different climbing options on Kilimanjaro, and explain the difference between each.

One of the best experiences that sets our journeys apart is our private luxury camp in the Sahara. Spacious tents are hung with richly-hued Moroccan fabrics, and there’s a comfortable outdoor sitting area where we can watch the sunset and stargaze beneath a spectacular night sky. Far from the noise and crowds of other camps, you’ll feel as if we have the desert all to ourselves.

There are four distinct seasons in Morocco, and depending on where in the country you are planning to visit, the time of year can make a big difference. Generally speaking, spring (February to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit the majority of the country, however, if you are heading into the High Atlas Mountains, it is often better to aim for the summer months. See below for a full explanation of Morocco’s different seasons to decide when is best for you.

From lush, green rainforests to stark limestone tsingy formations to the dry spiny desert, Madagascar has a huge range of ecosystems, geography, and microclimates—and every area supports its own endemic species. Berenty, in the south, is the best place to see dancing sifaka lemurs, while Ankarana, in the north, is home to crowned lemurs. See below to compare the differences between the major National Parks and know what to expect from each.

Madagascar has a tropical climate with many microclimates, so the weather can vary greatly depending on the time of year and region of the country. The north and south tend to be warm and dry, while the highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo, are cooler. The east is mostly rainforest, where wet weather is always a possibility.

The ideal time to visit is between April and November (there are heavy rains from December to March, so travel during that time is not recommended). Each season is unique and offers its own attractions. See below to understand the differences between each month and what to expect with each.

Namibia’s varied landscapes and unique wildlife viewing offer seemingly endless opportunities for exploration—we’ve highlighted our favorite activities below!

We plan our adventures for Namibia’s best seasons, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. The “dry” season (April-September) is the most popular time of year, when daytime temperatures are in the mid-70sºF and wildlife viewing is at its peak as waterholes attract a vast array of animals. We also highly recommend the “green” season (January-March) when the crowds are gone and sporadic rains bring the desert to life to reveal carpets of flowers and calving season begins for plains game such as springbok and zebra.

Zimbabwe’s varied landscapes and world-class wildlife viewing offer seemingly endless opportunities for exploration—we’ve highlighted our favorite activities below!

Zimbabwe has a distinct “dry season” (May-early-November) and “green season” (late-November-April). Both offer fantastic wildlife viewing possibilities, making it a great destination to visit all year round. Each season in Zimbabwe has something unique to offer, with a diverse range of wildlife and a small fraction of the crowds other countries in Africa receive. See below for a full explanation of Zimbabwe’s different seasons to decide when is best for you.

Talk to an Expert

Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Africa trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

North Africa Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 58 most popular north africa trips. compare tour itineraries from 59 tour companies. 76 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating., popular north africa tours.

Choose from our curated selection of popular trips to North Africa. Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and beyond, and encounter the warm hospitality of the region's diverse communities.

Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan

• Visit tombs in the Valley of the Kings
• The Mediterranean port city of Alexandria
• Sightseeing on a Nile River cruise
• Guided food tour in Cairo

Egypt Cultural Trip

• Immersion of the ancient Egyptian culture.
• Explore the ancient cities and temples in Egypt.
• Explore the most famous tombs and pyramids in Egypt.
• Visit the great temple of Abusimble and Lake Nasser.
• Explore the slums of Cairo and old mosques.

Biblical Tour Jordan

• Enjoy beautiful views of Temple of Hercules, the Omayyad Palace and the Byzantine church
• Visit the Roman Theatre in down town Amman
• Enjoy hiking to the Prophet’s Trail
• Explore Petra, one of the seven world wonders
• Visit to the immense Crusaders Castle

Egypt Family Adventure

• Explore the world famous pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
• Visit all Cairo Sights and Museums
• Visit the city of Alexander the great Alexandria city
• Explore Luxor City & Valley of the Kings
• Visit Karnak & Luxor Temples

Bird Watching

• See Crusaders Castle with beautiful views over the area
• Enjoy at Azraq Wetland Reserve, a lot of migrating birds stop by this reserve
• See Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve from Wadi Mujib Bridge
• Enjoy a day tour of Wadi Hazim
• Explore Dead Sea with lots of birds

Book and Cook

• Visit the High Place of Sacrifice and the Monastery of Petra
• Enjoy views of Ajlune castle
• Visit the St. George Church at Madaba
• Visit to the Siq, Treasury

Signature Tunisia

• Step back in time at the Colosseum of El Jem.
• Explore the Ksar Ouled Soltane, seemingly drowned by sand dunes.
• Visit the breathtaking Sahara canyons and oases.
• Embark on a private guided tour of the highlights of Tunis.
• Featuring expertly selected hotels.

Tunisia Discovery

• Visit the national museum of Bardo
• Explore Tunis
• Travel to one of the best preserved roman historical sites in all of Tunisia, Dougga.
• Opportunity to visit the numerous historic and geological sites of the region and a perfect place to relax
• Visit the impressive mosque Sidi Okba, founded in the 7th century

All North Africa , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about North Africa

Small Group North Africa Tours

Embark on an intimate journey through North Africa with our small group tours. Explore hidden gems, connect with local communities, and enjoy personalized experiences led by expert guides.

The Best of Morocco: Ancient Medinas to Modern Identity

• Learn about Islamic architecture in the heart of the oldest continuously functioning university in the world, Al Quaraouiyine.
• Walk the food market of Fes before our Moroccan cooking session, and gain an up-close perspective on Moroccan cuisine.
• Experience the mosques, palaces, gardens and markets of fabled Marrakech on expert-led excursions and independently.

Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present

• Egyptologists lead expeditions to Memphis, Sakkara, Dahshur, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum.
• Venture to the Valley of Kings, King Tut's tomb and the famed Colossi of Memnon.
• Delve deeper into Ancient Egypt during a four-night study cruise on the Nile.

Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures

• Watch the sun set over the desert, then enjoy traditional Moroccan music under the stars.
• Enjoy hands-on lessons in the techniques and flavors of Moroccan cooking.
• Discuss the issues facing modern Morocco at schools and nongovernmental organizations.

Spain and Morocco: Shared Histories, Complementary Cultures

• Experts discuss the blend of cultures that define and complement Spain and Morocco.
• Discover the 12th-century Moroccan city of Fes on an expert-led field trip.
• Enjoy performances of traditional music presented with the English translation of the lyrics

Morocco Camel Trek and Hiking Adventure

• Ride a camel to a tented camp in the Sahara and watch the sun rise over wind-sculpted sand dunes.
• Hike to traditional mountain villages and learn about Berber culture while sipping mint tea.
• Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the ancient adobe village of Aït Ben Haddou, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Discover the stunning architecture and enchanting medinas of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

• Visit the Archaeological Museum housing two entire temples rescued by UNESCO from Lake Nasser.
• Visit the Khalfa's House Museum
• Visit the colourful Omdurman souk.
• Visit the archaeological site of Old Dongola and a Nubian village.
• Visit Karima market and El Kurru

Morocco Biking

• View hidden Berber village0073
• Visit Moulay Brahim
• Fantastic views on the Lalla Takerkoust Lake
• Explore the intricate city of Marrakech

Best North Africa Tours by Duration

Find the perfect North Africa tour to suit your schedule with our curated selection by duration. Whether you have a week or a month to spare, embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating region.

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best North Africa Tours by Price

Explore North Africa within your budget with our top tours sorted by price. From affordable day trips to luxury multi-day adventures, discover the best tours that offer great value for your money.

Top North Africa Attractions

• Exploring the ancient ruins of Egypt 's iconic pyramids and temples
• Indulging in the aromatic spices and flavors of Morocco 's bustling souks
• Navigating the labyrinthine streets of Tunisia's ancient medinas
• Embarking on a camel trek across the Sahara Desert 's mesmerizing dunes
• Immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Algeria's historic cities
• Marveling at the breathtaking landscapes of Libya's pristine coastline
• Discovering the hidden gems of Mauritania's remote desert oases
• Sampling the delectable cuisine of Sudan's vibrant street markets
• Tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations along the shores of North Africa's historic ports
• Exploring the vibrant street art scene in Morocco's bohemian neighborhoods
• Uncovering the mysteries of ancient Egyptian tombs and hieroglyphs
• Venturing into the majestic Atlas Mountains for scenic hikes and Berber encounters
• Savoring the tranquility of Tunisia's idyllic coastal towns and pristine beaches
• Witnessing the traditional folk dances and music performances in Algeria's cultural festivals
• Embarking on a scenic river cruise along the Nile, tracing the path of ancient civilizations

North Africa Tours & Travel

North Africa Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Trip reviews, amazing, inspiring trip.

This trip is not for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday. Lots of early starts made the most of the opportunities we had to get under the skin of t...

Monumental Egyptian Odyssey

Another excellent Exodus adventure. I was pleasantly surprised that we were fully occupied every day with tours and activities. Temples, tombs, mosques, monaster...

Egypt Ancient and Modern

A fascinating, informative, and very enjoyable tour with the chance to dress up thrown in for good measure! As with all Exodus trips we had some early starts and ...

Hurry Up and go to Egypt!

This was one of the best trips I have done. The guide Ahmed is fantastic, he knows EVERYTHING about his country He explained everything really well with just enough...

A totally memorable experience

We normally organise our own visits but for a destination such as Egypt we felt it important to put our trust in professionals ... and our faith In Exodus was well...

See all North Africa reviews

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• Destinations
• Explore Morocco Tour – 7 Days
• Spain Connect Morocco Tour – 8 Days
• Ancient Cities and Sahara Sand Tour – 11 Days

Highlights of Morocco Tour – 13 Days

• Experience Algeria Tour – 8 Days
• Algeria History and Culture Tour – 9 Days

Deep South Algeria Adventure Tour – 10 Days

• Best of Roman Algeria Tour – 10 Days
• Highlights of Algeria Tour – 16 Days
• Applying for an Algeria Tourist Visa
• Weekend Getaway in Tunis Tour – 4 Days
• Sahara Desert Camel Trek Tour – 6 Days
• Explore Tunisia Tour – 8 Days

Best of Tunisian History Tour – 8 Days

Star wars tunisia tour – 8 days.

• Splendors of Tunisia Tour – 11 Days

Highlights of Tunisia Tour – 14 Days

• Classic Cairo Tour – 5 Days
• Best of Ancient Egypt Tour – 9 Days
• Cairo, Nile and Mount Sinai Tour – 11 Days
• Taste of Morocco and Tunisia – 11 Days
• Classic Algeria and Tunisia Tour – 13 Days
• Imperial Cities and Sahara Desert: Morocco and Tunisia – 14 Days
• Algeria and Tunisia Discovery Tour – 16 Days
• Morocco and Tunisia Explorer Tour – 17 Days
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Why choose us?

As a Canadian tour company operating in Tunisia, all of our Travel Experts have firsthand knowledge and experience with the language, people, and culture of North Africa.

Since we began in 2011, our passion and expertise have helped hundreds of travelers from all over the world to experience the unique culture, history, and beauty of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

All of our tour guides, drivers and hotels are hand-selected based on quality and service. We highly value our client satisfaction and are consistently seeking new ways to exceed our clients’ expectations.

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Our Travel Experts Are Based in Tunisia and Have In-Depth Knowledge of North Africa.

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Let our Travel Experts handle the details and enjoy a Worry-Free Vacation.

North Africa

North Africa is a land embodied by history, culture, and mysticism. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt are unique places where the remnants of centuries of history can still be explored and experienced. Here, you will find fertile farmland that meets snowy mountaintops connected to the dry arid desert of the Sahara.

The people are hospitable and proud to share their varied histories and cultures with you. Come experience North Africa like no other place on earth.

Benjamin – Algeria Tour in June 2024

Sujata – Tunisia Tour in May 2024

Peter and Carolyn – Tunisia Tour in May 2024

Marilyn (Tunisia Sahara Camel Trek) – April 2024

Brian and Bev (Tunisia Sahara Camel Trek) – April 2024

Josh (Tunisia Group Tour) – April 2024

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The Best Places to Visit in North Africa

I asked other travel bloggers their favorite places to visit in Africa. This is a four-part series including Southern, East, North, and West Africa. You can check out other posts here:

The Best Places to Visit in Southern Africa

The Best Places to Visit in East Africa

Egypt: cairo.

By Ian from  Escaping Expectation

Since I was a little kid, I dreamed of one day visiting the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Fast forward 20+ years and that dream became a reality – and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. What I didn’t realize, though, is that there is so much more to Cairo than the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. Plan a stop at the Egyptian Museum, which is home to over 120,000 ancient antiquities – including the Gold Mask of King Tut! A felucca ride down the Nile is a must, and the local desserts are some of the best I’ve ever had! If you’re planning to spend more time in Egypt, I’d recommend looking into trips to nearby Alexandria or further south to Luxor.

Egypt hasn’t had the best rep lately, and we received a lot of, “is it safe?” questions. But the environment has improved significantly over the last few years. Tourism is on the rise once again, and there wasn’t one moment that I didn’t feel safe. The majority of locals we met were extremely kind and helpful; we would walk down the street and hear “welcome to Egypt!” (full disclosure though – a lot of people will try to sell you stuff!)

EGYPT: Luxor

By Gabriela from Gabriela Here and There

Luxor is a city on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. It’s often called as the world’s largest open-air museum, and it’s true. You could spend weeks there if you want to see everything! Both east and west banks of the river offer many temples and grand monuments but especially the west bank is full of ancient sites to explore. Luxor is on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power.

The most famous sites on the west bank include Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahari, Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and Ramesseum. A hot air balloon ride during the sunrise is also a must thing to do, and it gives you spectacular views of the Nile River and all the ancient monuments.

On the east bank, popular things to do see are Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Luxor Museum, Mummification Museum and Allée des Sphinx.

EGYPT: Aswan

Aswan is also a city on the Nile River, and it’s located even further south from Luxor. If you visit both of these cities, the best way to get from one city to another is by taking a Nile cruise. That way you can see all the sites between the cities too. Aswan feels a bit smaller than Luxor and walking around the city is more pleasant.

Popular things to see in Aswan are Elephantine Island, Nubian Museum, Philae’s ruins, Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam.

EGYPT: Abu Simbel

If you’re already visiting Aswan, you should also visit Abu Simbel. It’s very easy to organize a tour there, and usually you can just ask your hotel to book it for you. The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples near the border with Sudan. They are situated about 230 km southwest of Aswan, and the drive takes around 3 hours. What’s very interesting about these temples is that they were saved from the rising waters of Lake Nassar in the 1960s and relocated from Aswan to their current location.

EGYPT: Alexandria

Alexandria is located about a 2.5-hour train ride north of Cairo and is the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo. It provides a nice break from the much louder Cairo and is beautifully located along the Mediterranean Sea. There’s more than enough to do to last you a couple of days but if you’re only able to go up for a day trip from Cairo, your highlights have to include the library which is rebuilt in honor of the very well known ancient library of Alexandria. Other must-dos include the Qaitbay Citadel which is open to the public (with an admission fee) that provides you stunning views of the skyline and the Mediterranean Sea. I also highly recommend finding a cafe/restaurant along the water if you’re there on a nice day. Besides that, you’ll find that Alexandria has a really nice and chill vibe in comparison to a lot of the rest of Egypt and you’ll be left alone for the most part so I’d take advantage of that by walking around as much as your legs can carry you!

MOROCCO: Chefchaouen 

By Nathan from Foodie Flashbacker

Chefchaouen, Morocco is the perfect place to visit in Africa. Not only is Morocco safe but the people are friendly, the food is amazing and it’s very affordable. Chefchaouen, in particular, is great to visit as it is a bit off of the main route that most travelers visit. The small city is able to be explored on foot or, if you enjoy hiking, the nearby mountain has great views.

The city is famous for being awash in varying shades of blue. Chefchaouen is actually known as The Blue Pearl of Morocco. During your visit make sure to try you hand haggling for some of the custom leather goods that shop owners have for sell. Also, it seems as if the entire town can be found in the medina nightly as the sun sets. It’s the perfect place to sit, order some of the amazing local food and people watch. To learn more about the city including average prices and where to stay read here.

MOROCCO: Essaouira

By Jenny from TraveLynnFamily 

Situated on Morocco’s windswept coast, lies the compact and relatively quiet port-city of Essaouira. Spend your days wandering the vibrant souqs in the medina (where cars are banned!) and checking out the views from the ramparts, before buying fish fresh from the port to have cooked for you in one of the local restaurants. The city also boasts a silky crescent of sand, with waves crashing in from the Atlantic. Follow the shoreline along to the other end, away from the city, and you’ll meet some camels and quad bikes waiting for you to explore the dunes. The highlight each day for us though, was finding a rooftop to watch the sun set as the call to prayer drifted over the city.

MOROCCO: Fes

By Julianna from The Discoveries Of 

Fes is a charming city – a maze of traditional architecture and twisting alleys that dates back to 859. I was intrigued to visit a city that I’d heard so much about – fiercely proud of its cultural heritage and unique identity. My first moments in the medina, working my way through the car-free lanes skirted with shops, restaurants and traders, were overwhelming – a feeling that I never quite shook off for the whole of my visit. It’s a heady mix of old meets almost new: where tanneries operate in the same way they have done for centuries, tangled with newly-restored buildings and independent shops and cafes selling contemporary wares and foods. In short, it’s a must-visit for any trip to Morocco.

MOROCCO: Marrakech

Marrakech is the most visited city by tourists in Morocco for a good reason. The city has long been a crossroads of trade and culture plus it boasts hundreds of days of sunshine a year. I call Marrakech home but think it’s really an ideal spot for visitors who want something very different and yet still has some of the similarities and comforts they are used to. When you come, you should stay in a riad, a traditional Moroccan home. Today these houses have become boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts with just a handful of rooms for guests. I would also encourage you to get lost, because you’re going to anyway! The medina of Marrakech is a maze, it’s best just to embrace that and accept you’ll get lost – but found eventually. Most of all come with a light heart and sense of adventure, and you’ll be rewarded with a touch of Marrakech’s magic.

MOROCCO: Ouarzazate

I grew up in the deserts of the Middle East, but Morocco captured my heart like no other country had. Everyone talks about the Sahara desert, the charm of Chefchaouen and the energy of the medinas but no one told us about the magnificent drive into the desert and what can be discovered as one weaves through the Atlas Mountains stopping for mint tea and tajine along the way. We gave ourselves an entire day to drive into the town of Ouarzazate in the Atlas Mountains and beyond the nerve-wracking drive through the Tizi N’tichka and the marvelous hues of the Moroccan geology awaits Kasbahs, movie studios, markets and fossil shops frequented by museum curators from all over the world. For those looking for old world charm oozing with culture and off the beaten track, hiring a private driver to make your trek into the Sahara Desert is well work the effort. For us, Ouarzazate and the drive into the desert was a bigger highlight than the actual night in the desert!

MOROCCO: Rabat

Sure, Marrakesh and Fez get all the attention but don’t ignore Morocco’s capital city. On the surface, Rabat appears quiet, clean, and orderly – perhaps even out of place with the rest of the country. But look under the surface, and you’ll find a city bursting with character and just waiting to be explored. Best of all, you may feel like you are the only visitor in town!

In Rabat, you can still find an authentic medina free of the tourist trappings. And right next door is the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress whose interior is filled with enrapturing blue and white walls (minus the lines to snap photos!). This kasbah is so unassuming and modest that it won’t tell you what I will: its gorgeous exterior was the setting for a famous chase scene in Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible series.

If you aren’t convinced yet, there’s one last reason you must visit Rabat: the beach! The city maintains a clean and welcoming beach that’s easy to access. And the surf isn’t bad either. Visit during the early summer months for the best temperatures.

MOROCCO: Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert was the highlight of my time traveling mostly solo through Morocco. I went with a tour and it took us almost two full days to reach the desert from Marrakech, but it was well worth the long ride. We rode on camels into the sunset, dug into vegetable tagine and couscous prepared by Berber nomads, and slept under the most star-filled sky I’ve ever seen in my life. In the morning, I woke to see the sunrise over the dunes, changing color and casting new shadows with every minute. It was a beautiful experience and one I’ll never forget. It’s an absolute must when you visit Morocco!

MOROCCO: Tangier

Tangier, Morocco is one of the best places to visit in North Africa. Located in northwest Morocco, Tangier is set along the beautiful Maghreb Coast and only a two hour drive away from the Instagrams Chefchaouen.

If you are interested in culture, a stop in Tangier is a must. There are plenty of things to do here that make you feel that you are truly in Morocco. One of my favorites is to wander through the Kasbah walls and see daily life come alive. Another great local experience is to head to the Cinema Rif and catch a flick. Bring one of the gateways to Africa the city of Tangier provides a whole lot of excitement for any traveler.

If you need more help planning your holiday in Morocco, check out this post for a 3 week Morocco itinerary !

SUDAN: Karima

Sudan is an incredible destination that not many travelers visit, but those who do get rewarded by a beautiful landscape and the most welcoming and hospitable people in the world. On my overland journey from Egypt to Ethiopia, I passed through Sudan and had a stop in Karima, a place I highly recommend visiting. Karima is located close to the Nile, and you’ll find the holy mountain Jebel Barkal with its pyramids. In the late afternoon, climb up to the top of the rock for some incredible sunset views of the Nile area and the Sahara Desert. If you got some extra time, take a bus or tuk-tuk to the Nuri pyramids just on the other side of the Nile. As most sights in Sudan, you’ll have them all to yourself to explore!

SUDAN: Kassala

By Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers  

The town of Kassala lies at the foot of the odd-shaped Taka mountains in northeastern Sudan. Its lively, exotic souk is a perfect place to wander around for a few hours, meet the Beja and Rashaida tribes and browse traditional jewelry, make-up and weapons. Don’t miss the impressive Khatmiya mosque, an important place for Sufi muslims. From the Khatmiya mosque, you can easily hike up the mountains and enjoy the views over Kassala. Kassala is relatively little visited by western tourists, but this adds to its charm.

SUDAN: Meroe Pyramids

If there is only one place in all Sudan that you can visit, make it be the Royal Cemetery of Meroe. The Meroe pyramids are located near the “village” of Begrawiya, three hours out of Khartoum by private car and are by far the most known touristic site in Sudan. Meroe is a complex of dozens of Nubian pyramids made out of black, iron-rich stone in the red and yellow sand of the eastern Sahara.  The pyramids themselves are impressive and otherworldly, even though most had their tips demolished by 19th-century grave robbers. In many of them, you can see reliefs and inscriptions in Meroitic hieroglyphs. In my experience, the best thing about the Meroe pyramids was, that I was absolutely alone while visiting them: no other tourists – just me, the wind, the sand and the silent pyramids. You can simply walk around the pyramids and almost feel like an intrepid explorer in the 18th century stumbling upon a remarkable find.  Best time to visit is between November and December.

TUNISIA: Carthage

During the Phoenician rule around 600 BC, Carthage was one of the most influential cities in the world. At that time, the city was already home to around half a million people. Later, during Roman rule, the city was destroyed almost completely and then rebuilt as the Roman North African capital. Carthage is located just 20 minutes outside of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Nowadays, the ruins of Carthage’s rich history form part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The most famous sights in Carthage are the Antoninus baths, the amphitheater, the Punic military harbor and the Roman villas. The sites are all relatively close to each other so you can easily walk between them. A multi-site ticket makes it easy to visit several sights in one day. Even if you are not into ancient history, you will enjoy a walk through the ruins while overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Ocean. And, apart from a few tour groups, there aren’t that many tourists around so you can feel like you were just about to discover some of these ruins yourself.

TUNISIA: Dougga

Dougga, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman ruins, is a historical wonder in central Tunisia. Only a couple of hours drive from the capital of Tunis, Dougga will enchant you with its temples of Saturn and Juno, as well as an amphitheater and forum, and of course Roman baths. Wandering around the ancient Roman ruins awakens your imagination about what life in Northern Africa was centuries ago. The best time to visit is in winter or spring as the temperatures are moderate and the flowers are blooming. Getting there is not to difficult. You can either rent a car and drive yourself, which we did, or you can hire a private car to take you on this easy day trip. Get your history on at Dougga!

TUNISIA: Hammamet

Most visitors head to Tunisia to enjoy a holiday on the beach. With its sandy beaches and numerous resorts, Hammamet offers all the comfort and some of the best parts of more than thousand kilometers long Tunisia’s coastline. The area has a very quiet atmosphere, with many resorts featuring their own parks.

Hammamet once used to be a fishing town, and later it was rebuilt to be more convenient for the tourist. It’s always nice to have a walk in the center as there is a lot of greenery around. There are amazing gardens with citrus trees, lemons, and olive grove.

There are six various airports in Tunisia. The best way to get to Hammamet is to fly to Monastir or Tunis and then to get a private taxi. Both cities feature great historical sights, so you can combine your Hammamet visit with either of them.

TUNISIA: Sidi Bou Said

I visited Sidi Bou Said, in Tunisia, in May 2016. It was part of a larger trip to Djerba, where due to the flight schedule I had a free day in Tunis that I could use to go wherever I wanted. Since Sidi Bou Said is really close to Tunis, that’s where I decided to go. I knew nothing about it, my visit was completely improvised, and I found it to be a wonderful place, where I am keen to go again. I hopped on a taxi after negotiating the price, got off at the entrance of the city centre, and was taken away by the beautiful sights: blue doors and windows stood against the whitest walls, on narrow cobbled alleys where colorful bougainvillea flowers pour over the walls and peep into the streets. Beautiful coffee shops have balconies and rooftops to admire the sunset view of the Mediterranean Sea – right at that time, the temperatures finally go down, and the marine breeze starts blowing. It turns simply magic. I can’t wait to go again.

TUNISIA: Sousse

By Stephanie from HistoryFangirl  

Sousse is best known by many Europeans as a place for Brits to flee the cold and get in some sunny beach days, but it’s so much more than a fly-and-flop destination! Its gorgeous medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Sousse is a great spot to base yourself if you want to take day trips to El Jem, Kairouan, or Monastir, three important historic sites that are all easily accessible from Sousse by louage (minibus). Make sure to set aside time to visit the fabulous archeological museum, walk around the old city walls, and visit the city’s ancient mosque.

TUNISIA: Tozeur, Star Wars Set

One of the Phantom Menace sets was left standing and open to the public – thanks to Indiegogo and a squadron of volunteers, it’s still here.

Say what you will about the film – so much movie-making wizardry happens behind closed doors or distant places that the average mere mortal never gets to see or touch a piece of history for themselves. While Tozeur, Tunisia definitely qualifies as ‘distant’, it’s doable by a train ride and a guided tour.

The standard tour takes you past a grand waterfall (with plentiful souvenirs for sale, naturally), and you’ll also stop at Ong Jemel, AKA the distinctive ‘camel’s neck’ also seen in English Patient. The drive to the Mos Espa set is some 50 kilometers worth of slippery salt flats, so settle in for a bumpy ride.

Once there, meander and enjoy! Aim to watch the movie before you arrive so you can re-enact some scenes. If you have a few days, several other Star Wars sites are around, but weather conditions and distance can make them difficult to access.

Starting from Tunis, Tunisia, take a train to Tozeur. This is an 8-9 hour ride on a second-world train systems, so bring snacks and drinks, and expect delays. Once in Tozeur, make your way to your hotel and inquire about tours that are available.

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Sounds like a great travel plan! I’d love to visit Morocco one-time soon – it looks soo attractive! I’ll absolutely be larceny some of your information

Thank you. I’m hoping to visit Morocco too one day!

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When traveling for business or pleasure, you need to know as much about the region as possible. There are many Africa Travel Guides on the market that range from some outstanding web content, like ours, or hardcopy magazines. 

Of course, there are those travelers who just go with the flow and do not want s travel guide. Sometimes, I feel that way and having a less structured trip can allow me with the freedom to do activities that I would not have planned for. 

However, to get the most out of Africa, an African Travel Guide will help you manage your trip better and ensure you don’t miss a thing.  

Whether you want a quick overview of the countries and region you will be visiting or in-depth coverage to help you plan your trip in detail, we are here to help! We want to be your go-to resource for Africa Travel, and our site will provide you with everything you need to know at your fingertips and a click of a button.

Our travel guides highlight the best things to do, see, eat, and stay in the world’s most exciting destinations. Browse our in-depth travel guide for excellent ideas and insider finds, plus travel and safety tips that will have you feeling like a local in an instance.

Travel Guides by Region

General Africa Travel Guides are okay. But since Africa is so massive, you really need to break travel guides down into regions. Our top travel guides showcase Africa’s natural beauty, from the Africa safari in Southern African, to the Sahara Desert in North Africa, and the jungle experience in central Africa.

There are 5 regions in Africa, and each of these contains any number of counties: Southern African, West Africa, East Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa.

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Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe

Southern Africa Travel Guide

From Zambia to Zimbabwe, Southern Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations with South Africa topping the list. Whether you are heading on an African safari in the Okavango Delta of Botswana or the South African Table Mountain or Kruger National Park, the beautiful wine lands of Cape Town or the Sand dunes of Namibia you need a guide to help you maximize your stay. 

A Southern African Travel guide will have places to stay, things to do and see that you could easily miss and help you plan the optimal route on your African journey. 

With useful information on things to do and see, even when the weather does not cooperate, you will be well prepared. Making the most of your time to visit the major cities in the country you are visiting is essential. A Southern African Travel guide will get you ready for your trip to capture those beautiful moments and check off items from your bucket list. 

To get an in-depth travel country and city guides, click on the country names with hyperlink.

East Africa Travel Guide

East Africa is coming into its own when it comes to tourism and is fast catching up with Southern Africa. An East Africa Guide will make you want to visit this fast-developing region of the world with attractions that will excite and captivate just about anyone.

An East Africa Travel guide will ensure you do not miss a thing when visiting this fascinating part of the world. From the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro down through the plains of the African Savanna, the Serengeti National park and all the way down to the soft white sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean, there is much to see and do. 

To make the most of your East African trip, a travel guide is essential. If you really want to travel like a local in this region, we go into some considerable detail, especially when it comes to places that are a little off the beaten track.

North African Travel Guide

North Africa, with countries such as Egypt, have a combination of well-known and less well-known countries to explore. More Popular countries have a wealth to offer and have become masters at understanding tourists and travelers. 

A North African Travel Guide will help you make some wise choices on your stay and your travels within the region. From Nile Cruises to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, just about everything you need to know about the region can be found in our growing number of online guides or other ever-popular printed magazines. 

There are many hidden delights in North Africa that our African Travel guide will reveal and ensure your vacation or business trip to any North African country is an unforgettable experience. 

Although there are some tensions in and around North Africa, and a useful travel guide will help you remain safe and highlight places, regions, and countries that should or must be avoided. 

West African Travel Guide

West Africa is opening up to tourism, and an African Travel Guide for this region is a must. The bulk of West Africa, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria, for example, are not as well-traveled as many images, and a West Africa Travel Guide is essential. 

There are so many hidden gems in this part of Africa that a visit, even on business, can be enhanced with the help of a travel guide. We will provide you with some of the best travel guides for this less explored region of Africa. 

Visiting small countries such as Togo, a travel guide can help you unearth the culture and delights of this fantastic African region and help you create memories you will never forget.

Central African Travel Guide

Central Africa is a region that is opening up for the more intrepid traveler. Countries such as Chad, Central African Republic, and Congo have all had their fair share of war and struggle. While things are calming down, they are not exactly the number one choice of destination for a family vacation. 

That aside, a Central African Travel Guide for any or all of the countries in the region will undoubtedly be of tremendous value when it comes to exploring the area. From places to stay and see and things to do as well as the best modes of transport, a travel guide for Central Africa could be the best thing you could pack for the adventure of a lifetime. 

A useful travel guide for this region will help you get up close to lowland gorillas and explore many of the stunning national parks. Still, it will also discuss armed travel support that may be required in some regions for those who wish to explore deeper.

Popular Travel Guides Destinations

We have curated the best travel information and news for your next trip to Africa . No matter whether you are visiting the hottest safari destinations or the not so popular vacation spot, we have everything you need to know.

We also share valuable insights into the culture and customs of each country so you can immediately feel like a local. Also, we have provided information on tipping, getting around, and getting in and out of the country.

The travel guides for the most popular travel experience are highlighted below. You will enjoy reading guides on Cape Town, South Africa, and other popular destinations.

Travel Guides by Interest

We share ideas on how to save money as you prepare, budget travel trips, travel tips, and the estimated price range of the trip for different types of travelers. Some travelers like shoestring guides, while others like luxury trips, so we have highlighted the best things to do, see, and place to stay and eat.

This section is organized by interest to provide enhanced customer experience and tailored information to suit your needs. You will see information ranging from a hiking trip, solo travelers, budget-friendly tip, family trip, couples getaway, and more.

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General Tips and Resources

Traveling to Africa is something that always needs to be well planned. An Africa Travel Guide should be consulted before visiting to get an understanding of what you can expect to see and do wherever you are traveling to. 

It makes sense to do some research on the country or countries you are visiting to check for visa requirements and any vaccinations you might need. A general African Travel guide will, of course, give you some ideas on what to pack as well as some guidance on the weather in the region you will be visiting. 

The Best Travel Guides Books

With the advance of blogging and online guides, many of the well-respected African Travel Guides have found themselves online, and their own expertise has been expanded upon. 

To choose one travel guide over another is close to impossible as everyone has different tastes. But for the very best, it is worthwhile seeking out any of the Lonely Planet Guides and paying a visit to TripAdvisor, a world authority on travel anywhere in the world.

Travel Guides Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan on visiting an African destination, Africa Wanderlust provides the best online resource. For travel guide books, Lonely Planet has been the leader for many years. You can also consider visiting other travel blogs that are top-rated and helpful.

Of course, a travel guide should include places to visit and things to do. It should also include information such as weather, a few useful phrases, whether or not water is safe to drink, customs and culture, and local travel tips for the country you are visiting. Embassy and consulate details, as well as emergency numbers, should also be included.

Travel guides help you maximize your vacation and help you explore the country you are visiting better. A useful travel guide should not only help you find out more about where you are staying but also encourage you to explore. Your safety and enjoyment are by far the two most significant things a travel guide can assist you with.

A travel guide will help you pack for a trip, you can also visit our packing list page. If you are going to be carrying your bags with you most of the time, it is advised not to pack a heavy printed travel guide but rather download a digital version stored on your device of choice. 

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 10 Favorite Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East of 2024

Global capitals, historic cities, and beautiful beaches are the settings for the best MENA-region hotels in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved about north africa and middle east city hotels, north africa and middle east city hotels winner, north africa and middle east city hotels full list.

• What Readers Loved About North Africa and Middle East Resorts

North Africa and Middle East Resorts Winner

North africa and middle east resorts full list.

Nicolas Dumont/Courtesy of Raffles The Palm Dubai

The year’s best hotels in the Middle East and North Africa, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers, span five countries and nearly 4,000 miles — illustrating the wealth of experiences in this large and deeply diverse region. The one thing they have in common? The settings of these sites, whether in a downtown square or steps from warm sea waters, are impossible to replicate.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Centers of business, religion, history, and culture are what draw many travelers to this part of the world — and when it comes to reader-favorite hotels, two cities come out on top.

Marrakesh is always a favorite hotel destination for T+L readers, and this year is no different, with it being named one of the best cities in the world. It claims three of the region’s top city hotels for 2024, including No. 3 La Mamounia, which has made the list every year since 2017 and was recently renovated in celebration of its 2023 centennial; “time stops,” one reader wrote of the experience entering the sprawling estate, a complex of Moorish buildings and lush gardens. Just outside the city center is Selman Marrakech, which took the second-place spot: “Best hotel in Morocco” wrote a respondent of the secluded 60-key property, while another praised its “very good gastronomy and wonderful service.”

The newest hotel on the 2024 list is a few thousand miles away in Doha, a relatively new city itself — though its history runs deep, it has been essentially rebuilt in the last 80 or so years — that’s now known for major cultural institutions like the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art. The Mandarin Oriental, Doha (No. 5) opened in the Qatari capital in 2019, and is praised by readers for its rooftop pool, 32,600-square-foot spa, and prime downtown location on the Barahat Msheireb square.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

JOE AGDEPPA/Courtesy of The RItz-Carlton, Doha

The No. 1 city hotel also lays claim to a few other superlatives — the lobby, for example, is hung with the one of the largest chandeliers in the Middle East, and it’s one of more than 250 around the property. But what makes The Ritz-Carlton, Doha special is how quickly guests will feel the bigger-and-better energy of the capital fade into the background. “The team is just fantastic,” said one T+L reader of a recent stay, while another said they valued being “always recognized and pampered as a guest.” Styled as a “city resort,” its 374 rooms and suites are housed in a tower in the center of a private island in Legtaifiya (also called West Bay Lagoon), with sea views and dedicated beach access. Recent renovations gave guest rooms a modern refresh and added three new dining venues, including an outpost of New York-founded STK Steakhouse.

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha : Doha, Qatar

Reader Score: 99.64

2. Selman Marrakech

Reader Score: 99.39

3. La Mamounia : Marrakesh

Reader Score: 98.94

4 . Royal Mansour Marrakech

Reader Score: 98.25

5. Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Reader Score: 97.71

What Readers Loved About North Africa and Middle East Resorts 

The list of top resorts takes us to a few other traveler-favorite countries — and some spectacular beaches, too. Making the list for the second year in a row, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh (No. 5) is our readers’ pick for the place to be in Egypt’s premier resort town. It’s set right on the Red Sea with easy access to some of the best diving in the region, but the Four Seasons isn’t resting on location alone: “The best hotel that I have ever stayed in!” wrote one reader. “They go above and beyond expectations. You request a bottle of water on the beach and you will receive a small cooler with bottles of water to keep chairside.”

Another winning beach resort is Alila Hinu Bay, which opened in 2021 on the Arabian Sea outside Salalah, Oman. The ultra-secluded property has an expansive beach and 112 guest rooms with views of water or desert; it makes its first appearance on the World’s Best list in the No. 2 slot.

Two of the best resorts this year can be found somewhere potentially surprising: Dubai, one of the largest cities in the Gulf, where luxury shopping and Legoland are both within reach. But there’s plenty of relaxation to be found: The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai (No.3), a relatively new resort on the famous Jumeirah Beach, overlooks the azure waters of the Gulf. So does this year’s winning property — keep reading to learn more. 

The best hotel that I have ever stayed in! They go above and beyond expectations. You request a bottle of water on the beach and you will receive a small cooler with bottles of water to keep chairside.

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Paul Thuysbaert/Courtesy of Raffles The Palm Dubai

Opened in late 2021, Raffles The Palm Dubai makes its World’s Best debut this year — in the top spot, no less — with readers praising the resort’s plush design, spacious rooms, varied food and beverage options, and “great, attentive service.” (Yes, there’s even a kids’ butler.) The ornate building on Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah has the look of a Baroque grande dame, with 387 rooms, suites, and villas fitted with damask wallpaper, plenty of gold and silver, and custom handcrafted furniture by Italy’s Francesco Molon. With an extensive spa and a private beach, the Raffles is the kind of resort worth planning a trip around, but it’s a favorite for locals, too: “Nice place for staycation,” wrote one T+L reader who checked in for an easy and elegant escape.

1. Raffles The Palm Dubai

Reader Score: 99.08

2. Alila Hinu Bay : Salalah, Oman

Reader Score: 97.88

3. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Reader Score: 96.44

4. Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Reader Score: 96.22

5. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh : Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Reader Score: 94.91

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Hurricane Beryl tracker: See projected path, spaghetti models of storm as it hits Mexico

As Hurricane Beryl moves inland over the Yucatan Peninsula, those in its path can expect strong winds, storm surges and damaging waves, the National Hurricane Center announced Friday morning.

As of Friday morning at 7 a.m. CT, the center of Hurricane Beryl , which downgraded to Category 2, was moving toward the west-northwest at about 15 miles per hour.

The NHC expects the hurricane to make a west-northwestward motion during the next day or so.

The NHC said the hurricane's center should cross the northern Yucatan Peninsula Friday and then emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico later Friday night. By the end of the weekend, the hurricane should move northwestward toward northeastern Mexico and southern Texas.

The hurricane's maximum winds have decreased to about 100 miles per hour, the NHC said. As Hurricane Beryl moves farther inland and crosses the Yucatan Peninsula, winds are expected to rapidly weaken. Still, slow re-intensification is expected once Beryl moves back over the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Beryl live updates: Storm makes landfall again in Mexico. Is Texas next?

According to the NHC, a storm surge could increase water levels by four to six feet above ground level in areas where there are onshore winds along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula within the hurricane warning area. Near the coast, the surge will bring large and destructive waves.

Beryl is also expected to bring large swells to eastern Mexico and the Gulf Coast of the U.S. later Friday. The swells can cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Hurricane Beryl path tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Hurricane Beryl spaghetti models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts.

Atlantic storm tracker

How much rain will hurricane beryl bring friday.

According to the NHC, Beryl is expected to produce four to six inches of rainfall Friday, with localized amounts of 10 inches across the Yucatan Peninsula. There may also be scattered flash flooding.

From Sunday into early next week, meteorologists expect heavy rainfall of four to eight inches with locally higher amounts across portions of northeastern Mexico and south Texas.

Hurricane warnings, watches

Hurricane warnings are in effect for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, including Cozumel, according to the NHC.

Hurricane warnings are issued when sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less, the National Weather Service said. Hurricane warnings can remain in effect when there is dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and continued high waves, even if winds are less than hurricane force.

There are also hurricane watches in effect for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula south of Puerto from Costa Maya to Chetumal, and north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche.

Hurricane watches are issued when tropical cyclones containing winds of 74 miles per hour or higher pose a possible threat. The winds may also bring storm surges, coastal flooding or river flooding with them, according to the NWS.

"The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur," the NWS wrote on its website. "It only means that these conditions are possible."

Tropical storm warning

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal, and the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Campeche.

Tropical storm-force winds can be up to 105 miles per hour and a storm surge could increase water levels by one to three feet above ground level along the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the tropical storm warningarea.

Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman , Mary Walrath-Holdridge and James Powel, USA TODAY

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at [email protected] .

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Russia’s Growing Influence in North Africa

Anna Borshchevskaya is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute, focusing on Russia's policy toward the Middle East.

Moscow casts itself as a reliable mediator and security partner, but in actuality it benefits from playing all sides of regional disputes and fostering perpetual low-level conflict.

While Moscow’s Syria intervention has captured much of the world’s attention, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vision in the region always spanned beyond Syria alone. Since coming to power, Putin prioritized restoration of Russia’s image as a great power. This goal entailed, among others, a return to regions where Moscow used to be a key player. The Middle East and North Africa are both at the top of Russia’s foreign policy agenda. That Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov’s most recent trip to the Maghreb in February  focused  among other issues on “the settlement of the problems existing in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the Sahara-Sahel region” shows the importance Moscow places on its own peacemaking role.

North Africa is increasingly part of these revived efforts in recent years. The fact that the  Arab Spring  originated in this region is one critical aspect towards regional strategy for Moscow. For policy makers in Moscow these events mattered for two reasons: First, Moscow saw them as a continuation of what it perceives as US-sponsored regime change, an extension of colour revolutions that occurred primarily in the post-Soviet space in the mid-2000s. For Moscow this trend also touched the Middle East, notably with Lebanon’s Cedar Revolution. It appears that Russia does not believe it’s possible for people to rise up against their ruler on their own, without US backing. In this vein, Putin accused the US of  sponsoring  protests against himself in late 2011-early 2012. Second, these events caused Putin to temporarily lose the influence he laboured to gain with the now-overthrown regimes. But beyond the Arab Spring, Moscow had political, economic, and geostrategic interests in this region. In recent years  Moscow’s influence  has grown in the region, especially in Egypt, Libya and Algeria, and to a lesser extent in Morocco and Tunisia.

MOSCOW’S VIEW OF THE REGION

Moscow covets access to the Mediterranean, and allies in North Africa offer just that. Moscow has attempted to gain naval access since the time of Catherine the Great, who believed the Mediterranean was a crucial component of making Russia a great power. In this sense, the Kremlin’s aspirations remain relatively unchanged to this day. Moscow believes that access to the Mediterranean could turn Russia into a key player in the European sphere of influence and would also reduce US ability to maneuver militarily. This follows a pattern that could already be observed in the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea where Moscow is vying for influence. Moscow has positioned its military hardware in Syria in an attempt to create an anti-area access denial (A2AD), which partially succeeded. Moscow’s military position complicates US ability to maneuver. Greater influence in North Africa can help further this goal by providing additional port access along the Mediterranean and thus extending an A2AD perimetre from air into water. The ultimate aim of A2AD bubbles is to deny freedom of action, in other words, to deter—and Moscow is working towards this aim in the region.

Economically, Moscow is vying for the role of an  arms exporter of choice  for the entire MENA region. The region is already the  second largest purchaser of Russia’s arms , while Russia remains the world’s top arms exporter after the US. Beyond arms, the region offers opportunities for partnerships in the energy sector and investments in infrastructure development. Meanwhile, Moscow justifies its presence in the region as it claims to continue the fight against terrorism there, and the need to solidify partnerships with regional allies. In addition, North Africa also offers a springboard deeper south into sub-Saharan Africa, where Moscow has been  increasingly active  in the last three years for economic and political reasons. This trend is unlikely to abate any time soon.

Finally, American retreat from the region that began under the Obama administration and continues under the Trump administration has created a vacuum that has made it easier for Putin to step in and assert his own influence—opportunities he would not have had in a context of a stronger American presence. Moscow, unlike the US, attaches no preconditions on its diplomacy. These preconditions, such as improvement of human rights, or prohibition of secondary arms sales, tend to also play into the preferences of regional rulers.

EGYPT AND LIBYA

Since the Camp David accords, Egypt has been the cornerstone of American regional security policy. But Russia has also cultivated ties with Egypt in multiple ways in recent years: We have seen new bilateral ties in the political, military and economic spheres, taking advantage of Egypt’s deteriorating relations with the Obama administration. Meanwhile, Cairo appears  genuinely interested  in diversifying away from the US, and policy makers shouldn’t discount the possibility of a pivot towards Russia. Bilateral trade continues to grow, and the recent completion of an economic industrial zone further plays on Moscow’s political interests in Egypt. The two countries signed an agreement for Moscow to build Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, held joint naval drills and broader military exercises, and Egypt increasingly depends on Russian weapon imports to supply its military and defense apparatus. In this context, Egypt has come to accept Moscow’s position on Syrian President Assad, and last year  declined  a US request to send Egyptian troops to Syria.

Moscow is active in Libya. It  leans more  towards cooperation with Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army who controls Libya’s oil-rich east. But, Putin has also built strong ties with the Serraj government as part of Putin’s “friends with everyone” approach to the region. Meanwhile, the US  remains largely absent  in Libya. Moscow is ideally positioned to exert influence there in America’s absence. US Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser  testified in February this year that Moscow seeks economic and military contracts and to gain access to the Mediterranean coast. The latter would provide Russia greater access to Europe’s southern border—critical for leveraging the issue of refugees over Europe.  According  to the European Commission, Libya “represents the departure point for 90% of those seeking to travel to Europe.”

ALGERIA, MOROCCO AND TUNISIA

Algeria has long remained in Moscow’s camp of closer regional allies. Since 2001, the two countries have cooperated primarily in the military sector. In 2006 Putin cancelled a $4.7 Soviet-era debt to Moscow and signed a $7.5 billion arms deal that included a military modernization and training program. Over the years Moscow’s arms sales and military equipment to Algeria continued and in 2016 military cooperation expanded to sharing intelligence on terrorist groups in North Africa. Traditional US allies Tunisia and Morocco have edged closer to Moscow in recent years. In Tunisia, Moscow’s influence is especially visible in the tourism industry which is vital to the country’s economy, and has slowly rebounded after the 2015 Sousse attacks in which 38 foreign tourists were killed. Indeed, it is very common to hear Tunisian shop keepers speak Russian to customers.

In 2016, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI came to Moscow for the first time since 2002, and signed agreements on improving economic relations. Most recently, Moscow  began support for Morocco’s nuclear energy programme. Rabat’s policy may be linked to Moroccan frustration with the perceived sympathy from both the Obama and Trump administration toward the Polisario Front and their lack of enthusiasm for Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara conflict. That the Polisario Front was a Soviet Cold War proxy is ironic, but has not been an insurmountable obstacle in Moscow’s outreach to Rabat.

POLITICAL AND SECURITY RISK

Libya remains the primary candidate for Moscow’s next strategic move in North Africa. The country itself encapsulates many of Moscow’s foreign policy priorities: access to oil and arms markets, access to the Mediterranean and additional leverage over Europe through controlling the tap of refugee flows. US absence creates a vacuum for Moscow to assert its influence unchallenged. Moreover, Egypt and Libya are strategically vital because they provide access to the entire region. It is the perfect gateway to gain leverage over Europe and a springboard deeper into Africa, and Moscow already wields much influence in Egypt—a trend that is unlikely to decline. After Egypt and Libya, Moscow’s influence in Morocco, the most important US regional ally after Egypt, is also worrisome.

Oleg Ozerov, the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry’s deputy director for Africa and ambassador to Saudi Arabia,  noted  recently that African countries requested Russian assistance after observing Russia’s “success in counterterrorism operations in Syria.” His comment shows the far reaching implications of Moscow’s Syrian operations. The political risk of Moscow’s growing influence is the continued loss of American, and more broadly, Western credibility in the Middle East and North Africa that becomes Russia’s gain.

The security risk for the region is ultimately Moscow’s inability and lack of desire to bring genuine security and conflict resolution to the MENA region. Moscow talks about peace and stability but benefits from low-level conflict. Through building relationships with all parties it aims to emerge as the ultimate arbiter as it manages rather than resolves conflict, and sells arms to all sides. Russia’s growing influence in North Africa creates political and security risks for Europe, over whom Russia is poised to gain greater leverage. It also further opens doors for Russia’s influence in the Middle East, and expansion into Africa, while Moscow’s cynicism will reinforce anti-democratic trends rather than encourage reform. On a broader scale, these trends bode greater disunity among Western allies that can only complicate worldwide efforts to effectively counter Russia’s activities.

Anna Borshchevskaya is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute. This article was originally published on the Atlantic Community website .

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Moscow rampage reveals ambition, deadly reach of ISIS successor groups

A few months before being killed in a U.S. Special Forces raid, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released a final video message that symbolically passed the torch to far-flung followers in distant lands. His self-declared caliphate had been defeated, he acknowledged, and it was now up to the terrorist group’s regional chapters to carry out “revenge operations” around the world.

“Our battle today is one of attrition and stretching the enemy,” Baghdadi said in the April 2019 video, released just after the fall of the Islamic State’s last stronghold in Syria. “They should know that jihad is ongoing until the Day of Judgment.”

Friday’s bloodbath at a suburban Moscow concert hall is but the latest reminder of how effectively Baghdadi’s brutal vision is being carried out. While his self-proclaimed Middle East “caliphate” is in ruins, a constellation of Islamic State regional affiliates is gaining strength in many parts of the globe, fueled by a mix of traditional grievances as well as new ones, including the war in Gaza, counterterrorism officials and experts say.

Some Islamic State chapters or “provinces” in Africa now support large, well-equipped armies. Especially in West Africa and the Sahel region, they have repeatedly shown an ability to seize and hold territory and beat back government forces when they try to intervene, counterterrorism officials and experts say.

By contrast, Islamic State-Khorasan — the hyperviolent strain linked to the Moscow attack, known commonly as ISIS-K — appears to be increasingly specializing in external attacks. The group has dispatched terrorist operatives to Russia, Iran and Turkey while also plotting attacks against Western countries, including the United States, U.S. intelligence reports show . In two attacks just so far this year, in Iran and Russia, ISIS-K terrorists targeted large groups of civilians, killing nearly 250 people — assaults that were celebrated by the Islamic State’s propaganda organs as proof that the group is again on the ascent.

“For ISIS, these operations are its way of sending a message to the world that it remains a relevant, deadly threat,” said Rita Katz, an expert on violent extremist organizations and founder of SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors and analyzes social media postings by the Islamic State.

ISIS-K, the most operationally oriented group, is rapidly evolving by establishing cells and seeking recruits across Central Asia, specifically those who speak Tajik, Uzbek, Farsi and other local languages, she said. “Today it is a deadly and capable ‘province’ whose tentacles reach across Central Asia, including in regions of former Soviet states,” Katz said.

The Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility for Friday’s rampage through the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, a few miles west of central Moscow. U.S. counterterrorism officials say they believe it was ISIS-K, specifically, that recruited the four gunmen who fired automatic weapons at concertgoers before setting fire to the building, killing at least 139 in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of modern Russia.

More attacks may be coming, counterterrorism officials warn. In a development that has been largely overshadowed by the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, ISIS-K and other regional groups have been expanding in size and ambition in recent years.

In the past 12 months, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for more than 1,100 attacks that killed or wounded nearly 5,000 people globally, according to a terrorism monitoring project launched last week by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), a think tank. An Islamic State group in Mali, in North Africa’s Sahel region, seized portions of two provinces last year, and other African affiliates have taken over towns in Somalia and in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado regions, according to WINEP researcher Aaron Zelin.

Even in Syria and Iraq, where thousands of the group’s fighters dispersed after a four-year campaign by a U.S.-led military coalition, the Islamic State remains a potent threat, said Dana Stroul, the Pentagon’s deputy assistant secretary for the Middle East during the first three years of the Biden administration.

“The group remains capable of planning and executing small-scale attacks,” Stroul said. Islamic State leaders in Syria appear particularly focused on engineering breakouts at prisons and detention camps, she said, noting that such facilities in eastern Syria collectively house 9,000 seasoned veterans of the Islamic State’s terrorist army.

But it is ISIS-K that has emerged as the Islamic State’s main affiliate for conducting external attacks. Friday’s assault near Moscow comes two months after a pair of suicide bombers killed 100 people at a memorial ceremony in southeastern Iran, an attack also linked to ISIS-K.

The splinter group was founded in Afghanistan in 2015 and emerged as a violent antagonist to the country’s Taliban leadership after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. While the Taliban has succeeded in killing many of the group’s leaders, ISIS-K has adapted by establishing roots across neighboring countries that were once part of the Soviet empire.

For ISIS-K and its parent organization, the targeting of Russia is deliberate. Islamic State propaganda has railed against Russian President Vladimir Putin since Moscow intervened in Syria’s civil war in 2015, sending bomber aircraft and helicopters to attack rebel groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The rebels included an array of Islamist militias, including Islamic State fighters and groups backed by al-Qaeda.

Assad ultimately prevailed, mostly due to military assistance from Russia and Iran, Syria’s closest ally. Islamist groups since then have repeatedly condemned Putin as having the blood of Muslims on his hands.

Many also remember Putin’s harsh campaign against Muslim Chechen separatists in Russia in the early 2000s. Chechen militants carried out three deadly suicide bombings in Moscow’s Metro in the 2000s, and staged a mass hostage-taking at a Moscow theater in 2002. Russia’s deadliest terrorist attack was carried out by Chechen militants who besieged a school in the town of Beslan in the northern Caucasus region in 2004, holding 1,100 people hostage. The siege ended in a violent assault that left nearly 350 people dead, many of them children.

More recently, ISIS-K appears to have assumed the mantle as chief avenger. In September 2022, ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a bomb attack outside the Russian Embassy in Kabul, which killed two employees and three other people. Last year, ISIS-K set up a Tajik-language propaganda network, ramping up efforts to recruit members in autocratic Central Asian states, which the group portrays as Moscow’s puppets. Multiple Telegram channels in Tajik, Uzbek and Russian transmit Islamic State propaganda and glorify Tajik militants who have taken part in attacks in Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The four men accused of carrying out Friday’s attack were identified in Russian media as Tajik migrant workers, at least three of whom had Russian registration papers.

The attacks highlighted Russia’s continued vulnerability to attacks by Islamist militants. Russian officials have not attributed Friday’s attack to any specific group. Late Monday, Putin acknowledged that the weekend assault was carried out by “radical Islamists,” while asserting without evidence that Ukrainian operatives may have provided assistance — an accusation that Ukraine has vehemently denied. Since the arrest of the four suspects, images and video showing the perpetrators before and during the attack have been posted online by the Islamic State-linked media outlet Amaq News Agency, appearing to confirm their identity.

Despite the arrests, in an indication of Moscow’s ongoing concern, Putin on Saturday called leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Syria, all nations where Islamic State militants are known to operate or to recruit members. In recent years, Russia’s Federal Security Service also has reported multiple operations against Islamic State militants, including an ISIS-K cell in Kaluga, southwest of Moscow, this month, which was allegedly planning an attack on a Moscow synagogue.

At a meeting of security officials last October, FSB director Alexander Bortnikov warned that ISIS-K members now numbered more than 6,500 and could start launching attacks outside of Afghanistan “in the near future.” U.S. intelligence reports, some of them leaked last year on the Discord messaging platform and obtained by The Washington Post , also cited ISIS-K plots targeting European and Asian countries as well as “aspirational plotting” against the United States.

The leaked documents revealed specific efforts to target embassies, churches, business centers and the 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, which drew more than 2 million spectators in Qatar.

Neither the Islamic State nor ISIS-K have linked the Russian attacks to the ongoing fighting in Gaza. But the deaths of Palestinian Muslims during Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas have prominently featured on social media platforms as incitement for new waves of terrorist attacks, including against Western countries.

While the Islamic State has historically opposed Hamas because of its Iranian ties, ISIS spokesmen have lionized Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel as a model for a low-tech terrorist campaign that produces high numbers of casualties and generates enormous media attention, according to Middle Eastern and European intelligence officials.

“Hamas has succeeded in being in the media for months now, and that has created a situation where other jihadist groups feel the need to prove to their followers and members that they can also hit strong countries,” said an Arab intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

A European intelligence official, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information, said his government expected that aspiring terrorists, enraged by Gaza, will draw inspiration from the events at the Moscow concert hall. Likewise, he said, the attack could provide fresh encouragement for Islamic State factions competing with one another for money, recruits and recognition.

“We have unfortunately to prepare ourselves,” the official said, “for a scenario where there will be other attempts made.”

Dixon reported from Riga, Latvia. Warrick and Mekhennet reported from Washington.

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Russia’s foreign minister again visits Africa, this time in Guinea, as some ties cool with the West

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on Monday in Guinea’s capital for an official visit.

In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate pose for a photo near a portrait of Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya during their meeting in Conakry, Guinea, Monday, June 3, 2024. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries’ shift towards Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP)

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In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate shake hands near a portrait of Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya during their meeting in Conakry, Guinea, Monday, June 3, 2024. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries’ shift towards Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP)

In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate talk during their meeting in Conakry, Guinea, Monday, June 3, 2024. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries’ shift towards Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP)

In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a meeting with Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyate in Conakry, Guinea, Monday, June 3, 2024. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries’ shift toward Moscow. (Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service via AP)

CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Monday in Guinea on his latest visit to West Africa, where coups and growing discontent with traditional allies like France and the United States have contributed to some countries’ shift toward Moscow.

Lavrov has visited the African continent several times in the past couple of years as Russia seeks support — or at least neutrality — from many of its 54 countries amid Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Lavrov met with Guinea’s foreign minister Morissanda Kouyaté, according to Russia’s foreign ministry. Guinea’s government in a statement said the meeting was to discuss areas of mutual cooperation, without elaborating.

Lavrov was expected to arrive in the Republic of Congo late on Monday evening, where he was due to meet President Denis Sassou N’Guesso in the city of Oyo, according to an official communique from Brazzaville. It wasn’t clear which other countries were on his itinerary later this week.

Guinea has been ruled by a military junta since 2021. Col. Mamadi Doumbouya seized power saying he was preventing Guinea from slipping into chaos and accusing the previous government of broken promises. In February, military leaders dissolved the government without explanation, saying a new one will be appointed.

Doumbouya has rebuffed attempts by the West and other developed countries to intervene in Africa’s political challenges, saying Africans are “exhausted by the categorizations with which everyone wants to box us in.”

Several West African nations including Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have had coups that installed military juntas. They have severed or scaled back long-standing military ties with Western powers in favor of security support from Russia.

Lavrov visited Mali early last year and pledged military support. Also last year, he visited South Africa — seen as the most significant of several African nations to take a neutral stance on the war in Ukraine — and returned there to attend a meeting of BRICS bloc nations. He also visited Kenya in an outreach in East Africa.

Lavrov late last year toured North Africa , where Russia also seeks to strengthen ties in the vacuum created by the diminishing popularity of Western powers.

In West Africa, the military junta governing Burkina Faso ousted French forces last year and turned to Russia for security support. And in Niger , Russian military trainers arrived weeks after the junta that took power last year ordered U.S. troops to withdraw from the country.

Associated Press writer Louis Patrick Okamba in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, contributed to this report.

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South Africa travel guide: Spend your trip with wildlife on unforgettable safaris, magnificent hikes and more

There is surely something for everyone in South Africa.

From hikers, to those fond of magnificent animals, to history buffs, there is something to do on a vacation to South Africa that will satisfy the desires of all travelers.

For your trip, don't forget to pack plenty of lightweight clothing, a protective hat to keep you covered from the hot sun, shoes comfortable to walk in, a rain jacket/poncho, plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

6 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON VACATION 

You'll also want to have binoculars with you to see wildlife more clearly while at a safe distance away.

Since you'll be doing a lot of walking on your trip, and will want to have things like snacks, water and other essentials with you throughout the day, bring a carry-on bag that doubles as a backpack you can easily carry with you while you're out on a hike or journeying through the savanna.

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There is so much to do in South Africa, but here are a handful of highlights to consider for your trip.

See the Big Five on a safari

Overlook Cape Town from Table Mountain

Take a scenic ride on the Garden Route

Be surrounded by history on Robben Island

Animals known as the Big Five are often spotted by those who visit South Africa, especially on safaris.

5 WAYS YOUR IPHONE CAN MAKE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EASIER, SAFER

The Big Five was a term first coined during the late 1800s, according to National Geographic, and was used to describe the animals hunters found the most dangerous and challenging to hunt on foot.

The term today is used more to describe the iconic animals that tourists are excited to see when they visit South Africa.

The Big Five animals are the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

If you want a chance to get a glimpse at the Big Five and many other animals on a safari, Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places to go in all of South Africa.

There are all different types of packages offered at Kruger National Park, such as self-driving routes and guided safaris.

Additionally, Kruger National Park offers several different lodging options, where you will be surrounded by wildlife from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep after a busy day.

For breathtaking views, you must visit Table Mountain while in South Africa.

From the mountain's summit, you'll be able to see all of Cape Town below.

To get to the top, you can hike. There are lots of different routes you can take, so there is one suitable for all fitness levels.

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY? IT COULD BE ILLEGAL TO BRING ALONG THESE MEDICATIONS, ACCORDING TO A PHARMACIST

Depending on the route you take and your speed, your hike will take around three to five hours, so make sure you have adequate time carved out of your travel plans to complete your journey.

If hiking isn't your thing, or you simply don't have that much time to spend, that doesn't mean you need to pass up this stop.

A popular way to reach the top of Table Mountain is by aerial cableway.

The cableway has been open since 1929 and has attracted more than 30 million visitors since, according to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway website.

It only takes five minutes to get to the top of the mountain. Once you're at the top, enjoy the views and even grab a bite at one of the dining locations at the summit.

After your journey, spend time exploring Cape Town, which includes blissful beaches and the beautiful Cape Winelands.

You can easily spend many days exploring everything Cape Town has to offer.

Hop in the car and take a scenic drive along the Garden Route.

The popular drive is filled with lookout points, national parks, wildlife experiences and exquisite dining.

The Garden Route stretches 124 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River, according to National Geographic.

There are plenty of places to stop along the route, such as whale-watching in Hermanus, sandy beaches to enjoy time in the sun and spots like the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you can zip line through the trees.

Robben Island is located in Table Bay, north of Cape Town.

Robben Island is best known as the site of the maximum security prison that held Nelson Mandela, according to the Cape Town Tourism website.

On the island, which you can reach by ferry from Cape Town, visitors can see the prison where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 total years behind bars and learn more about his life at the museum located on the island.

Robben Island is also full of wildlife, including penguins and seals.

Original article source: South Africa travel guide: Spend your trip with wildlife on unforgettable safaris, magnificent hikes and more

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