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North Africa is a vast and vibrant continent with amazing legacies. There are plenty of places to visit in North Africa, true to its origin. With incredible North Africa attractions and not-to-miss impressive site, explore the country to its fullest. Get an eclectic mix of the bustling medinas to Mediterranean promenades. Travel to North Africa holiday destinations and enjoy the culture of the Middle Eastern world. We put together the top things to do in North Africa for you, the stark neighbour of South Africa.
Travel 101: Top Things To Do In North Africa
1. Gaze at the Brilliance of the Egyptian Pyramids
The glorious Pyramids of Giza are one of the best places to visit in North Africa. These structures take you back in time and represent the mysteries of the former rulers. Stay in awe at the incredible advancements of ancient civilizations and soak in the beauty of the attraction. Most were built as tombs for the country’s pharaohs and their consorts. There are around 138 Egyptian pyramids as of November 2008. Pyramid of Giza, Great Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure are amazing North Africa attractions.
Timings: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (October to March) | 7.00 am to 7.00 pm (April to September)
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest Egyptian pyramid and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
2. Witness the Spectacular Karnak Temple
A popular North Africa thing to do is to witness the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor. This spectacular site dates back to over 1000 years. It spans across a period from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom until the Ptolemaic era. Wander the beautiful pylons and remains of the temple. See the amazing huge columns and frescoes inscribed with hieroglyphs. There are statues of gods and Pharaohs including the section dedicated to Amun-Re, a form of the Sun god.
Timings: 6.00 am to 5.30 pm
Average Price: $10.19
Pro Tip: The ancient temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River.
3. Witness the Great Sphinx of Giza
The majestic monument in Egypt is an amazing North Africa attraction. Commonly referred to as the Sphinx, witness the colossal limestone statue of a reclining monument. This is an amazing North Africa thing to do. It stands on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the River Nile. Stare at the human-headed lion called sphinx in ancient Greek Mythology. This North Africa attraction is among the world’s largest sculptures. It measures 240 feet long and 66 feet high.
Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: $5.09
Pro Tip: The sphinx is considered a spiritual guardian in Greek Mythology.
4. Explore the Eye-Popping Sight of Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is one of the oldest palaces in Marrakech, Morocco. The intricate palace has 160 rooms, wonderful courtyards and a huge 8-acre garden. This amazing North Africa place to visit dates back to the 19th century. Witness the beauty of Moroccan architecture of the palace that was built in the 1860s by Si Moussa, the Grand Vizier. The masterpiece architecture spreads across 20 acres and is well preserved. Stare in amazement at the magnificent decorations, dazzling mosaics in geometric patterns, and stained glass windows.
Timings: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: Free
Pro Tip: Wander the Grand Courtyard with marble tiled surface between the wooden galleries.
5. Discover Bustling Medina Souks
Get lost in the amazing smell and bustling maze of the myriad shopping stalls in the Medina souks. From Babouche Souk, Chouari Souk, El-Attarine Souk to Cherratine Souk, you will find a fantastic assortment of goods to buy. Haggle to your heart’s content as you explore the narrow alleys in the souks, an unmissable North Africa thing to do. Be mesmerized by the sounds, sights and scents of the souks. Spices, perfumes, rugs and leather goods are few of the great buys here. So, soak up the atmosphere of Morocco’s vibrant soul and culture.
Timings: 8.30 am to 9.00 pm | Friday closed
Average Price: Based on the buy
Pro Tip: Take a walking tour of the Marrakech Old Medina Souk.
6. Find Your Moment of Peace at the Jardin Majorelle
A colourful North Africa place to visit is the splendid garden in Marrakech. Jardin Majorelle Garden is a splendid botanical garden and an artist’s landscape garden. The North African attraction spreads over two and a half-acre. Look at the collection of cacti, the many fountains and boldly coloured buildings in the luxuriant garden. It is said that the ashes of the famous Yves Saint Laurent are scattered in the Majorelle Garden. Look out for more than 15 species of endemic bird species here.
Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Average Price: $4.08
Pro Tip: Visit the Islamic Art Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum as well.
7. Soak Mediterranean Views at Sidi Bou Said
Visit the idyllic seaside town approximately 12 miles north of Tunis, a North Africa holiday destination. Take in views from the top of a cliff that is surrounded by breathtaking ocean views. Wander the town’s art shops, quaint cafes, souvenir stalls along the cobbled streets. Watch the brilliantly blue painted doors that contrast with the white of the Grecian buildings. This is one of the prettiest North African places to visit with a mix of Ottoman and Andalusian architecture.
Timings: Based on the tour
Average Price: Tour cost
Pro Tip: Spend time at the Sidi Bou Said beach located on the shores of the Gulf of Carthage.
8. Visit the Valley of the Queens
This historical place in Egypt is a site where wives of pharaohs were buried in ancient times. The Valley of the Kings is also a famous burial site of the kings. You can witness the site along the western banks of the Nile River. Be fascinated by more than 90 known tombs with an entrance passage, a sarcophagus chamber and a few halls. Tombs of Nefertari, the favourite queen of Ramses II and Site, wife of Ramses I among others are present here. The North Africa attraction is present on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Timings: 6.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: $6.00
Pro Tip: It is also known as Ta-Set-Neferu that means ‘the place of beauty’.
9. Take a Camel Ride in the Sahara
An amazing North Africa thing to do is riding a camel on a desert tour. Take a day trip to the amazing desert landscape and spend time nomad style. Saddle up and feel the calmness of the desert sands, a fantastic North Africa place to visit. Remember that the Sahara has many geographical divisions. So take your pick from the Lybian Desert, the Sahel, the Nubian Desert, and more. Holiday in the Sahara and see the amazing sunset in the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Timings: 6.00 am to 5.00 pm
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: Morocco is your entry point to camel rides through the desert. Enjoy being part of a camel caravan in Merzouga.
10. Trek the Toubkal Circuit in the High Atlas Mountains
One of the best North Africa things to do is to take an adventurous trek to the summit of Toubkal. Hike the winding trail in a two-day ascent of Toubkal across astonishing ridges. The pathway goes through Berber villages and across mountain pastures. Get a chance to interact with the villagers and observe their hospitality. It is a culturally immersive experience as you trail up to the summit with a variety of landscapes. Take the help of a local guide that is mandatory.
Timings: Based on the hiking excursion
Average Price: Tour cost
Pro Tip: Get lucky to enjoy a pastoral lifestyle and a cup of tea in the homes of a seasonal herder.
11. Visit the Grand Museum of Cairo
One of the top things to do in North Africa is to visit the popular Museum of Cairo. The Egyptian Museum has an amazing collection of Egyptian antiquities. Stay amazed at the display of 120,000 items in one of the largest museums of the region. Witness numerous pieces of papyrus and coins of the ancient world on the ground floor. You can see Greek, Roman, Islamic, and other coins used during ancient trade. The first floor has artefacts from the first two dynasties of Egypt and items from some tombs.
Timings: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
Average Price: $3.82
Pro Tip: Two special rooms have mummies of kings and other royals.
12. Explore Treasures of Egypt on the River Nile
Cruise along the Nile River and experience the rhythms of Egyptian life along the way. Go past ancient temples and villages as you take the premium cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Enjoy world-class service on the river ship with fine dining and tour experiences. An exciting North Africa thing to do is to enjoy the all-inclusive cruise aboard a fabulous ship. The expedition experience in spacious cabins as you navigate the river is a mind-blowing activity. Join a tour with a local guide and a luxurious modern cruise ship for creature comforts.
Timings: Tour timings
Average Price: $310 per person onwards (5-day trip)
Pro Tip: All cruises tend to operate on a similar schedule accompanied by an Egyptologist in the group.
13. Experience the Beauty of the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is an exciting North Africa place to visit at the edge of the Red Sea. It is a popular diving spot among the diving fraternity. The diving spot is a 120-metre deep sinkhole and is located north of Dahab in Egypt. The submarine sinkhole is rich with coral and aquamarine life. Dive or snorkel here with swarms of fishes to accompany you. It feels like swimming in an aquarium and is an adventurous North Africa thing to do. Discover the 26 m long tunnel called ‘the arch’ in the dive.
Timings: 24 hours
Average Price: $5.00
Pro Tip: Be warned that the dive site records the highest diver fatality rate.
14. Admire the Cascades of Ouzoud Waterfalls
Take a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls and witness spectacular cascades. Located north of Marrakech, this is a popular North Africa attraction. Drive past fields of olive trees and visit the village of Ouzoud en route. The waterfalls are at a height of 110 meters that settle into pools at the bottom. Take a boat ride and have lunch at the local cafes with amazing views of the waterfall. Try delicious tagines next to a stream and experience the best picnic, a popular North Africa thing to do.
Timings: 24 hours
Average Price: Free
Pro Tip: Witness orchards, green valleys, mills, and gorges of the El-Abid River.
15. Stay Awestruck at the Wonderful White Desert
One of the most beautiful things to do in North Africa is to witness Egypt’s White Desert. This geological formation is perhaps the most beautiful natural North Africa place to visit. It is a national park made of white calcium rock formations. The area around the White Desert is like a crystal mountain. Visit Lake Marun, the salt lake and the Black Desert as well. This is in the section of the Sahara Desert in Egypt. Look out for wind-carved rock formations in the shape of mushrooms or pebbles.
Timings: 24 hours
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: Some of the mushroom-shaped formations are fifteen feet tall.
16. Explore the Magnificent Tripoli Citadel
Witness one of the top North Africa attractions towering above Tripoli which is a Crusader fortress. It was built between 1103 to 1104 with a majestic entrance and three gateways. Visit the octagonal mausoleum called Mashhad inside. The views from the ramparts are breathtaking. The castle is also called the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles who was the Crusader commander. The fortress was built by them when they laid siege on Tripoli in the 12th century. Take a full-day private tour to Tripoli from Beirut to experience the citadel.
Timings: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Average Price: Based on the tour
Pro Tip: It is recommended to book Citadel Saint Gilles tours in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Go For A Luxury Safari in Africa?
