When is the best time to visit North Africa or the Middle East?

If you wish to avoid the extreme heat of summer, the best time to visit North Africa and the Middle East is when the weather is most pleasant—during the fall, winter and spring—when temperatures are mild and comfortable.

What are some must-see attractions in North Africa?

North Africa is rich in history and culture, offering endless opportunities for discovery. In Egypt, explore the Great Pyramid of Giza and Great Sphinx at Giza, visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, experience the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and enjoy Aswan’s renowned spice market. Visit Valletta, the capital city of the island of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of St. John. Additionally, in Morocco, experience Casablanca, the city made famous by the 1942 film that shares its name.

What are the popular dishes to try in North Africa and the Middle East?

North Africa is renowned for its flavorful and aromatic dishes, with couscous and tajine being among the most popular. Couscous, a staple food made from steamed semolina, is often served with a variety of accompaniments such as vegetables, meat, or tajine, a slow-cooked stew that combines chicken, lamb, beef, fish, or vegetables with spices and dried fruit. In the Middle East, the culinary landscape is equally rich, featuring dishes like hummus, a creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; falafel, deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices; and shawarma, thinly sliced marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

What is culturally appropriate to wear in North Africa and in the Middle East?

To visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be denied entry. Men should consider wearing long pants and refrain from sleeveless shirts. Women should cover their hair, arms and legs and are advised to refrain from wearing short or sleeveless apparel or anything too revealing. Some religious sites, such as Mosques, loan or sell scarves and long skirts for those who are not sufficiently covered. However, it is always a good idea to carry a scarf for covering your head if needed.

What visas do I need for Africa and the Middle East?

To visit Africa and the Middle East, you may be required to obtain a visa for entry. Visa requirements vary by country, can change at any time and may depend on how you arrive—by air, land or sea. To prepare to travel internationally to Africa and the Middle East, you should seek advice from your respective embassy, consulate or travel agent to determine the visa requirements for your journey. To apply for a visa, you will also need a valid passport with an expiration date that is at least six months after your return date.

Explore Africa & the Middle East

Take in Africa’s stunning landscapes and be inspired by the Middle East’s ancient traditions. Read on to learn more about the unique cultures of this diverse region and delve into the unforgettable experiences that await you in Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and beyond. Explore the distinctive flavors of North African cuisine, discover two traditional Egyptian modes of transportation and uncover some extraordinary facts about Africa’s “Big 5” game animals.

Africa & Middle East

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent and boasts rich and varied terrains. The climate ranges from the intense summer heat of the Sahara Desert to the tropical savanna of Central and West Africa, with its distinctive wet and dry seasons. The regions of Africa offer endless opportunities for discovery, from the vast Namib Desert to vibrant cities, such as Casablanca, Cairo and Cape Town. Popular destinations in Egypt include the legendary Nile River and ancient landmarks such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Temple of Luxor. Sip Moroccan mint tea or learn to prepare traditional Swahili cuisine seasoned with fragrant spices. Or, set out in search of the “Big 5” game species during a safari in South Africa or Kenya.

Africa is connected geographically to the Middle East by Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, which serves as a land bridge between Africa and Asia. Historically, Africa and the Middle East have shared cultural, economic and political ties, influenced by trade routes and the spread of religions such as Islam and Christianity.

The Middle East encompasses the lands around the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Arabian Peninsula, and, by some definitions, extends to North Africa and beyond. The region's diverse geography includes coastal areas, deserts and mountainous regions, contributing to its varied climate and strategic significance.

The Middle East experiences a wide range of weather conditions due to its diverse geography, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the vast desert landscapes. The region generally has a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures during the summer and mild winters. Coastal areas along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Egypt and Israel, enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

In contrast, the Arabian Peninsula, including countries like Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman, experiences some of the hottest temperatures on Earth, with minimal rainfall. The mountainous regions, including those Turkey can see significant snowfall during the winter months, while the interior deserts remain arid.

Cuisine—Discover classic dishes from Egypt, Algeria & Tunisia

North African cuisine offers a delightful array of dishes that cater to a wide range of palates. In Egypt, popular dishes include koshari, a hearty mix of macaroni, lentils and rice, and moussaka, a savory eggplant casserole. A beloved street food is shawarma—thinly sliced, slow-roasted meat stacked on a vertical rotisserie and seasoned with a blend of spices, often served as a sandwich in pita bread. Together, these dishes showcase the rich culinary heritage of Egypt.

Moving west to Algeria, the bustling city of Algiers offers its own distinctive dishes. Chekhchoukha is a flavorful stew made from torn pieces of flatbread, lamb, tomatoes, chickpeas and a blend of spices. Couscous—a staple side dish—is prepared with steamed granules of rolled semolina and served with vegetables or meat. A favorite dessert is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and honey.

In Tunisia, the capital city of Tunis boasts a variety of unique dishes. Couscous is a national favorite, often served with lamb, chicken or fish. Shakshouka, a colorful dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, is popular for breakfast or lunch. A classic street food, brik, is a crispy, savory pastry filled with egg, tuna or meat.

The Arab population in Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia predominantly drinks tea. Egyptians typically serve the beverage black with milk, while tea served with mint and sugar is universally popular throughout Africa and the Middle East. While coffee is available in metropolitan cities in North Africa, tea remains the more popular choice. For something cold and refreshing, sugar cane juice is available from Egyptian street vendors, and rice milk can be found in various forms throughout the region.

With a wealth of appetizing food and beverage options, visitors can experience the rich, diverse flavors that North Africa has to offer.
Culture—Egyptian modes of transportation
To fully experience daily life in Egypt, visitors may wish to take forms of transportation designed for locals. Taking in the sights of the Nile River on a felucca or riding on a tuk-tuk scooter will add some true regional flair to your journey.
- Feluccas
  Feluccas are wooden boats with a simple sail made from locally grown cotton and other natural fibers, which have helped Egyptians navigate the waters of the Nile since the time of the pharaohs. These simple crafts rely on wind and the river’s current rather than a motor to propel them forward and allow visitors to travel these storied waters as the ancients did centuries ago. Modern-day feluccas can sometimes accommodate up to 12 people, providing the opportunity for a small group to experience the Nile from a different perspective. Cushions are often placed around the boat for those wishing to rest their feet, but in general, these authentic modes of transport offer relatively few modern amenities.
- Tuk-Tuk Scooters
  For a more exhilarating ride, try a tuk-tuk scooter. Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled, motorized rickshaws that are especially common in areas with narrow, unpaved roads where other types of vehicles would struggle. While tuk-tuks are prevalent in Egypt, be sure to always agree on a price before your ride. Unlike taxis, tuk-tuks do not have meters, so be mindful of overcharging.
Nature—Africa’s “Big 5”
The term “Big 5” was created by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot—the African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, African lion and rhinoceros. Visitors to Tsavo East National Park—Kenya’s largest national park spanning more than 5,300 sq ft. (13,700 sq km)—can have a chance to observe the majestic beauty of Africa’s “Big 5” in their natural habitat. Here are some intriguing facts about these remarkable creatures:
- African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  This pachyderm is the largest land animal, known for its impressive tusks and intelligent, social behavior. Elephants are often seen in large herds, using their trunks to communicate and forage for food.
- Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)
  These formidable creatures are known for their unpredictable nature and strong herd instincts. Both males and females have horns, with males sporting a distinctive, solid bony plate called a boss.
- Leopard (Panthera pardus)
  Elusive and solitary, leopards are expert climbers, often dragging their prey into trees to avoid scavengers. Their distinctive rosette-patterned coats provide excellent camouflage.
- African lion (Panthera leo)
  The only social big cat, lions live in prides led by females. Males are known for their majestic manes and play a crucial role in protecting the pride’s territory.
- Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum)
  Both black and white rhinos can be found in Tsavo East National Park. These massive herbivores are known for their thick skin and impressive horns, which they use for defense and foraging.
With inspiring wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, a safari in Tsavo East National Park promises an adventure of a lifetime.

Africa & Middle East Highlights

Fascinating cultures and unforgettable natural beauty await your discovery in destinations in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, South Africa and beyond. Here are some sample highlights you can look forward to on one of our itineraries in Africa and the Middle East: