North Africa Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide for North Africa covering places to visit, things to do, food and drink, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options.
- List of Places to Visit in North Africa
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North Africa
- Best Things to Do in North Africa: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North Africa
- Food and Drink Scene of North Africa
- Where to Stay in North Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North Africa
- Best Time to Visit North Africa
- Do’s and Don’ts of North Africa
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North Africa
- Conclusion
North Africa is a region that comprises of six countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia, and along with its beautiful landscapes and rich history, the area has long been a major tourist destination. North Africa’s natural beauty ranges from the beautiful beaches of Egypt, the rippling dunes of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the moody coastlines of Algeria, and the vibrant culture of Tunisia. This comprehensive tour guide will help you explore the many beautiful places to visit, things to do, food and drink to try, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options in North Africa.
List of Places to Visit in North Africa
North Africa boasts several culturally significant attractions and natural wonders that visitors can explore during their stay. Whether you want to learn about ancient civilizations or enjoy the beautiful outdoors, the region has something for everyone.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
North Africa is a treasure trove of cultural and historical sites, including ancient Roman ruins, Islamic monuments, and important museums.
- Egypt: Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, The Egyptian Museum, The Citadel of Qaitbay
- Morocco: The Royal Palace of Casablanca, The Hassan Tower, The Old Medina in Fes, The Oudaya Kasbah in Rabat
- Tunisia: The Roman Amphitheater in El Djem, The Bardo Museum in Tunis, The Carthaginian Ruins in Dougga
Natural Attractions of North Africa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
North Africa also boasts an array of outdoor adventures and scenic views, from stunning mountains and waterfalls to stunning coastlines and deserts.
- Algeria: Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, Djurdjura National Park, Hoggar Mountains
- Egypt: Abu Simbel Temples, Red Sea Riviera, Siwa Oasis
- Morocco: Atlas Mountains, Erg Chebbi Dunes, Cascades d’Ouzoud Waterfalls
- Sudan: Meroe Pyramids, Jebel Marra, Dinder National Park
- Tunisia: Sidi Bou Said, Tozeur, Ichkeul National Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of North Africa
North Africa is home to some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in the world.
- Morocco: Mount Toubkal, Rif Mountains, Todra Gorge
- Tunisia: The Atlas Mountains, Matmata
- Algeria: Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, Hoggar Mountains
Best Things to Do in North Africa: Activities and Tours
Visitors to the region can also engage in various activities and tours depending on their preference, from cultural experiences to desert safaris.
- Morocco: Explore the Kasbahs of the South, have a hammam spa, attend a traditional music show
- Tunisia: Shop at the medina of Tunis, visit the historic El Kef and Kairouan, hike around the scenic Matmata
- Algeria: Visit the ancient Roman site, Timgad, go trekking in the Atlas Mountains
Week-Long Itinerary for North Africa
A week-long itinerary for North Africa will allow you to visit the region’s top destinations and activities.
| Day | Activity | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Pyramids | Giza, Egypt |
| 2 | Explore the Medina | Fes, Morocco |
| 3 | Take a camel ride in the desert | Merzouga, Morocco |
| 4 | Visit the Roman Amphitheater | El Djem, Tunisia |
| 5 | Hike in the Atlas Mountains | Imlil, Morocco |
| 6 | Surf the Atlantic Ocean | Essaouira, Morocco |
| 7 | Visit the Bardo Museum | Tunis, Tunisia |
Food and Drink Scene of North Africa
North African cuisine is an explosion of flavors from around the region, and each country has its unique twist to traditional dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.
Must-Try Dishes
- Egypt: Koshari, Ful Medames, Mahshi
- Morocco: Tagine, Pastilla, Kefta
- Tunisia: Lablabi, Brik, Couscous
Local Beverages
- Algeria: Mint Tea, Kahwa
- Egypt: Hibiscus Tea, Sobia
- Morocco: Mint Tea, Royal Tea
Where to Stay in North Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
North Africa offers a variety of accommodations, including luxurious hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses.
- Morocco: La Mamounia, Riad Meriem, Riad Dar Anika
- Egypt: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo, Hilton Alexandria Corniche, Cairo Marriott Hotel
- Tunisia: Regency Tunis Hotel, La Badira, Dar Hi
What to Buy in North Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Each country in North Africa offers its unique souvenirs and local products, from handmade crafts to exotic spices.
- Morocco: Argan Oil, Rugs, Pottery
- Egypt: Papyrus, Jewelry, Alabaster products
- Tunisia: Ceramic Tiles, Olive Oil Soap, Hand-made carpets
Local Culture and Customs of North Africa
North Africa is home to a diverse culture, languages, and customs influenced by centuries of different civilizations’ influence.
Best Time to Visit North Africa
The best time for visitors to travel to North Africa is from March to May and September to November, the shoulder seasons, when the weather is pleasant and crowds fewer.
Do’s and Don’ts of North Africa
Do:
- Dress modestly, especially in religious areas
- Ask permission before taking someone’s picture
- Bargain for goods at local markets
Don’t:
- Drink tap water
- Take pictures of military buildings or personnel
- Eat in public during Ramadan
Safety and Health
North Africa is generally safe, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpockets and scams. Visitors should also get updated on required vaccinations before traveling and carry adequate insurance.
Safety in North Africa
Visitors to North Africa should carry adequate insurance and avoid traveling at night in remote areas.
Health in North Africa
Travelers to North Africa should ensure they are up-to-date on their immunizations and take precautions to avoid contracting illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and yellow fever.
Getting to North Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics
North Africa is easy to reach from various parts of the world, and the region has a solid transportation infrastructure.
Airports in North Africa
Major airports include:
- Cairo International Airport (Egypt)
- Mohammed V International Airport (Morocco)
- Es Senia International Airport (Algeria)
Bus Stations in North Africa
- Cairo Bus Station (Egypt)
- CTM Bus Station (Morocco)
- Alger Bus Station (Algeria)
Other Options
- Train travel in North Africa is an affordable and efficient way to see the region.
- Car rental options are also available in major towns and cities.
How to Get Around in North Africa
The options for getting around North Africa depend on where the traveler is going. Visitors can choose between public buses, private taxis, or rental cars.
Conclusion
North Africa is genuinely a unique travel destination, offering a range of experiences for visitors, including rich history and culture, stunning vistas, outdoor adventures, and a unique culinary scene. Whether you choose to explore the region’s cities or venture into its vast deserts or mountains, a journey to North Africa is sure to be both memorable and rewarding.
