Africa > North Africa
North Africa has scenery
and culture unlike anywhere else on the planet, from the vast pyramids in Egypt to the
frantic hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s famous markets. As you would expect
from such a vast expanse of space, North Africa’s
scenery and culture vary greatly from country to country and offer plenty to
the adventurer in you.
Traditionally the
meeting point between African and European cultures and just a short hop from Spain, Morocco
provides a great introduction to Africa. The very
mention of Morocco and its
cities – Casablanca,
Marrakech, Tangier – evokes glamour and excitement in equal measure. Experience
spicy cuisine you will never find at home, while enjoying a stunning,
shimmering African sunset.
Morocco’s
Atlas Mountain range is one of the world’s
finest natural sights. Egypt’s
pyramids are arguably the world’s greatest manmade sight. The awesome and still
inexplicable structures provide a link to a bygone era, and continue to be one
of the world’s enduring sights which everyone should try and see in their
lifetime.
Apart from Morocco, Egypt
and, to a lesser extent, Tunisia,
much of North Africa is still relatively
untouched by tourism and offers a great opportunity for the independent
traveller to experience something completely new. Once you are away from the
Mediterranean coastline, you have the opportunity to make the beaten track a
distant memory!
Some examples of
holidays on offer in North Africa are:
- Don’t miss the Egyptian museum in Cairo where the legendary solid-gold death mask of Tutankhamun is on
display, and marvel at the pyramids in Giza, the sole survivors of the seven
wonders of the world
- Fly out to south-west Libya
and take in the dune landscapes and oases on a specialised tour,
visiting the ancient desert rock art
- Wander the streets of Marrakesh with its snake charmers and magicians, and try your hand at
haggling at one of the many souks before enjoying the breathtaking views
from the Atlas mountains
- Assail your senses with a visit to Mali, taking in the wonders of the Sahara
and immersing yourself in culture at the January ‘Festival au Desert’.
- Discover the Roman-era hot springs at Hamman Mellegue and the space-age sets of Star Wars with
far more than just a beach holiday in Tunisia
Temperatures in North
Africa can reach well above 100F in the summer months and become
stiflingly hot. Because of this, the most popular time to visit is from October
to March.
