Maghreb Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about Maghreb, from must-visit places to cultural customs, food, and safety tips.


Introduction to Maghreb

Maghreb is a region in North Africa that comprises of five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. Maghreb is home to a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and traditions that make it a fantastic destination for travel enthusiasts. With enchanting desert landscapes, incredible architecture, delicious local cuisine, and a rich history, Maghreb is a region that can satisfy any traveler’s wanderlust.

List of Places to Visit in Maghreb

If you are a first-time traveler to Maghreb, the wide range of things to see may seem overwhelming. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the must-visit places in the region:

  • Marrakesh, Morocco - a vibrant city, known for its stunning architecture, souks, and cultural performances
  • Sahara Desert, Morocco - the largest hot desert in the world with mesmerizing sceneries, sand dunes, and camel rides
  • The Roman ruins at Tipasa, Algeria - a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 1st century AD
  • Carthage, Tunisia - an ancient city with a rich history and impressive architecture
  • Leptis Magna, Libya - one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world
  • Nouakchott, Mauritania - the capital of Mauritania with a unique blend of modern and traditional life

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Maghreb is rich in history, culture, and traditions worth exploring. To uncover the hidden gems of the region, visit the following cultural attractions:

  • The Hassan II Mosque, Morocco - a breathtaking mosque, encompassing all that is beautiful about Moroccan architecture
  • The Bardo Museum, Tunisia - a must-visit attraction, with impressive art collections from different periods
  • The National Museum of Carthage, Tunisia - a museum with an impressive collection of Punic, Roman, and Islamic art and artifacts
  • The Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo, Egypt - with an impressive collection of Islamic art, carvings, and textiles
  • Punic Ports Museum, Tunisia – a museum that showcases the Punic, Roman, and Islamic periods in Carthage
  • Bardo Palace, Tunisia - a palace that dates back to the 16th century and is an excellent representation of aristocratic life in Tunis

Natural Attractions of Maghreb: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Maghreb is not just about history and culture. The region has a diverse range of natural landscapes worth exploring too. Here are some of the best natural attractions in Maghreb:

  • Jebel Toubkal, Morocco – the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and a popular hiking destination
  • Djerba Island, Tunisia - a secluded island home to beautiful sandy beaches and scenic views
  • Cap Bon, Tunisia - a picturesque cape that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria - a UNESCO-protected prehistoric rock art site that dates back as far as 6000 BC
  • Erg Chebbi Dunes, Morocco - a breathtaking location in the Sahara Desert, perfect for camel rides and sandboarding

Hiking/Biking Routes of Maghreb

Maghreb is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the region:

  • The Atlas Mountains, Morocco – trekking in Mount Toubkal, Ait Bouguemez Valley or the Imnane Valley.
  • Sahara Desert, Morocco – Camel treks in the desert and visiting the remote desert oasis of Chegaga, Zagora or Mhamid.
  • Kabylie Mountains, Algeria - a challenging hike that offers stunning views of the North African landscape
  • Djerba Island, Tunisia - a perfect spot for leisurely biking around the island and discovering its hidden historical treasures

Best Things to Do in Maghreb: Activities and Tours

Maghreb offers a broad range of activities and tours that travelers can explore. Some of the best experiences to try include:

  • Casablanca City Tour, Morocco - a tour that showcases the best of Casablanca’s architecture, including the Hassan II Mosque
  • Quad Biking in Marrakesh, Morocco - an adrenaline-fueled adventure that allows you to explore Marrakesh’s scenic terrain
  • Traditional Cooking Class, Tunisia - a hands-on class that teaches you how to prepare some of Tunisia’s most popular meals
  • Tasting the Local Cuisine in Algiers, Algeria - an opportunity to try traditional Algerian dishes such as couscous, shakshouka, and maaqouda.
  • Visiting the National Museum of Antiquities, Mauritania - exploring the artifacts and history of ancient Mauritanian civilizations

Week-Long Itinerary for Maghreb

Maghreb has so much to offer that it can be challenging to decide what to see and do. Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers some of the must-see places and activities in the region:

Day Destination
1 Arrive in Marrakesh, visit the Medina and the Bahia Palace
2 Take a guided tour of Marrakesh and explore the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque
3 Visit the Ait Ben Haddou and the Ouarzazate Movie Studio
4 Trek in the Atlas Mountains and summit Toubkal
5 Discover the city of Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche
6 Explore the ancient Roman ruins at Carthage, and the Bardo Museum in Tunis
7 Relax on Djerba Island’s beautiful beaches and try out the traditional Tunisian evening Hammam experience

Food and Drink Scene of Maghreb

Maghreb is renowned for its delicious traditional cuisine and diverse range of culinary delights. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the region:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Couscous - a staple dish in Maghreb made with semolina, vegetables, and meat.
  • Harira - a healthy soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes
  • Tagine - a slow-cooked stew often made with meat, vegetables, fruits, and spices
  • Brik – a deep-fried pastry stuffed with tuna, eggs, and parsley and served with harissa or fresh lemon juice
  • Chakchouka - a vegan and vegetarian dish made of peppers, tomatoes, and spices, typically enjoyed for breakfast with bread.

Local Beverages

  • Mint Tea - a traditional Arabic tea known for its refreshing taste and aroma
  • Café Touba - a coffee made with spices including cloves, Guinea pepper, and grains of Selim, a West African spice
  • Maghrebi coffee – unique coffee served with foamed milk and spiced with ginger or cinnamon, usually sweetened with sugar.

Where to Stay in Maghreb: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Maghreb offers a broad range of accommodation options suitable for all types of travelers:

  • Luxury hotels like La Mamounia, Royal Mirabeau Hotel, and Four Seasons Marrakech in Marrakech.
  • Riads and guesthouses, offering quaint traditional-style accommodation, such as Dar Darma or Palais Sebban in the Marrakech medina.
  • Budget-friendly hotels and hostels in Tunisia, such as El Jem, Dougga or Tatouine.
  • In Algeria, visiting the beautiful oasis of Timimoun also offers the possibility of staying in local houses or B&Bs, which can provide authentic travel experiences.

What to Buy in Maghreb: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Maghreb has plenty of unique and beautiful souvenirs to take back home, including:

  • Traditional Tunisian Ceramics or rugs
  • Beautifully crafted leather goods, such as bags or shoes
  • Moroccan spices and food products, like saffron or argan oil, as well as perfumed soaps and cosmetics.
  • Berber Jewelry made with silver, beads, and semi-precious stones.

Local Customs and Culture of Maghreb

Maghreb has a rich cultural heritage, and a few customs are worth noting:

  • Religion is an integral part of daily life in Maghreb. The vast majority of the population is Muslim, and visitors should be mindful of local customs and respect them.
  • Hospitality reigns supreme in Maghreb, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms.
  • Dressing conservatively is advisable, especially when entering places of religious significance.
  • Bargaining is an accepted practice when shopping in local markets, so it’s worth brushing up on negotiation skills before visiting.

Best Time to Visit Maghreb

The best time to visit Maghreb is during the spring and autumn when temperatures are milder; this is a suitable period to explore the cities as well as hiking routes in the mountains. For beach lovers, visiting late summer can be ideal to get the best weather on the Mediterranean coast. Winter can be harsh in the desert, so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts should plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Maghreb

Do:

  • Do dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, especially when entering mosques.
  • Do try the food and beverages, it’s delicious.
  • Do learn basic phrases in Arabic and French to help communicate with locals.
  • Do bargain in the markets.
  • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink alcohol in public.
  • Don’t touch or photograph locals without their permission.
  • Don’t forget that Maghreb is a conservative region with strict laws, so always be aware of your actions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Maghreb

Maghreb is generally a safe destination for visitors. However, travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching that occur in tourist areas. Tourists should also understand the political situation in individual countries and regions before traveling. In particular, Libya and parts of Algeria are not safe enough for international visitors currently.

Health in Maghreb

Visitors to the region should take precautionary measures to prevent common illnesses such as diarrhoea, by avoiding some local drinking water, and carrying water purification tabs in more secluded regions. For individuals traveling from a country where yellow fever is endemic, there is a requirement to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry into Maghreb countries.

Getting to Maghreb: Transportation Options and Logistics

Travelers can reach Maghreb by plane, train, or bus from Europe and other parts of Africa. Flights are often the most direct route and arrive at airports such as Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, or Houari Boumediene Airport their airport Algiers. Once you arrive, there are plenty of transport options, including renting a car, taking a taxi or a bus service to reach your destinations.

Airports Near Maghreb

  • Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco
  • Tunis Carthage International Airport, Tunisia
  • Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco
  • Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport, Algeria

Bus Stations Near Maghreb

  • Bab Doukkala Station, Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Gare Routière de Tunis, Tunisia
  • El Harrach station, Algiers, Algeria

Other Options

Maghreb is accessible by ferry services that link Europe and the region. There are regular trans-Mediterranean ferries in ports such as Tangier in Morocco and Tunis in Tunisia.

How to Get Around in Maghreb

Transportation options within the region vary depending on the country, but taxis and buses provide reasonable transportation options. While rental cars are available at affordable prices, consider driving in the cities, as roads are often chaotic and overwhelming to visitors. A great option for a unique experience is hiring a guide to navigate you through regions, easing logistical planning while providing insightful information while you embark on your journey.

Where to Go Next from Maghreb: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Maghreb is an excellent base to explore other destinations in the region such as:

  • The Canary Islands, Spain - a collection of islands popular for their pristine beaches and wildlife
  • Lisbon, Portugal - the capital city of Portugal, known for its landmarks, architecture and delicious cuisine
  • Andalucía, Spain - a stunning region with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities

Conclusion

Maghreb is a breathtaking region that should be on your travel bucket list. With its rich culture and history, diverse landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s easy to see why. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan out a perfect itinerary and explore Maghreb’s beauty. Whatever your travel style or preferences, Maghreb is guaranteed to provide a memorable adventure.

The Arab Magreb Union The Arab Magreb Union