Africa & Middle East Travel Guide

Africa and the Middle East stretch across lands of dazzling contrasts — from the golden dunes of the Sahara to the lush deltas of the Okavango, from ancient desert fortresses to futuristic skylines. This region is both cradle and crossroads: of civilizations, faiths, languages, and landscapes. Whether you come seeking the rhythm of the savanna, the scent of spice-filled souks, or the silence of endless sands, your journey will be one of discovery — and perspective.

Geography & Landscapes

Few places on Earth offer such variety:

• Northern Africa blends the Mediterranean coast with the vast Sahara and the fertile Nile Valley.
• Sub-Saharan Africa is a patchwork of savannas, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, and coastal plains.
• The Middle East bridges continents, encompassing deserts, oases, and highlands — from the Arabian Peninsula to the Levant.

Natural wonders abound: Victoria Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, the Nile, the Atlas Mountains, the Red Sea, and the deserts of Wadi Rum.
Wildlife reserves like Serengeti, Kruger, and Maasai Mara hold some of the planet’s last great concentrations of big game.

When to Visit

• Africa
  East & Southern Africa: The dry season (June–October) is ideal for safaris — animals gather around shrinking waterholes and skies are clear.
  North Africa: Visit October–April to avoid scorching summer heat.
  West Africa: Dry season (November–April) is best for festivals and coastlines.
• Middle East
  Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) bring pleasant temperatures across Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states.
  Summers can exceed 40°C (104°F) — good for coastal stays or short urban visits.

Culture & People

Africa and the Middle East are as culturally layered as their landscapes.

• The Cradle of Humanity — Africa’s heritage stretches back millions of years; its oral traditions, art, and music remain vital today.
• Faith & Pilgrimage — The Middle East gave rise to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; centuries-old sacred sites still draw visitors of every belief.
• Languages — Arabic, Swahili, English, French, Amharic, Berber, Hausa, Zulu, and hundreds more. Each region sings its own tongue, rhythm, and hospitality.

Local customs emphasize respect: greet warmly, dress modestly (especially in conservative areas), and learn a few local words — they open hearts everywhere.

Food & Flavors

• North Africa — Tagine, couscous, mint tea, and fragrant spices.
• West Africa — Jollof rice, plantains, stews rich in peanuts and palm oil.
• East Africa — Injera with spicy wot (Ethiopia), ugali, grilled meats, tropical fruit.
• Southern Africa — Braai (barbecue), biltong, Cape Malay curries, world-class wines.
• Middle East — Hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebabs, mezze spreads, dates, and cardamom coffee.

Markets and street food stalls are windows into local life — colourful, aromatic, and full of stories.

Health & Safety

• Health: Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Malaria prevention is essential in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Drink bottled or filtered water unless assured safe.
• Travel insurance is crucial — medical facilities vary widely.
• Safety: Many regions are very safe for travelers, but always check current travel advisories, especially in politically sensitive areas or remote border zones. Respect local rules, especially regarding photography near military or religious sites.

Travel Highlights by Style

Travel Style	Destinations / Why Visit
History & Heritage	Egypt’s pyramids and temples; Petra (Jordan); Jerusalem & Bethlehem; Carthage (Tunisia); Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Nature & Safari	Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Kruger, Etosha, Chobe, and Okavango Delta for iconic wildlife and dramatic scenery.
Adventure & Outdoors	Mount Kilimanjaro treks, sandboarding in Namibia, diving in the Red Sea, hot air ballooning over Cappadocia or Luxor.
Beach Escapes	Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Sinai coast, Oman’s beaches, the Moroccan Atlantic, and South Africa’s Garden Route.
Culture & City Life	Marrakech’s souks, Cape Town’s art and wine scene, Beirut’s café culture, Dubai’s futuristic skyline, Addis Ababa’s jazz nights.

Practical Travel Tips

• Visas & Entry — Requirements vary greatly; some countries offer eVisas or visa-on-arrival. Check each destination’s official site in advance.
• Currency — Many countries are cash-based; ATMs are common in big cities but limited in rural areas. USD and EUR are widely accepted for exchange.
• Transport — Domestic flights save time in large countries; rail and bus options differ in quality. In Africa, safaris often use organized 4WD tours.
• Connectivity — WiFi is improving, but bring a local SIM card for convenience.
• Dress Code — Lightweight, modest clothing suits most climates and cultures. Cover shoulders and knees in religious or conservative areas.

Responsible Travel

Travel in Africa and the Middle East carries deep opportunities for cultural exchange and community support.

• Choose local guides and community-based lodges that share tourism income.
• Respect wildlife — never feed or approach animals too closely.
• Limit single-use plastics and water waste, especially in arid areas.
• Learn about local traditions before photographing people or ceremonies.

Sample Itineraries

• 10 days — East Africa Safari & Coast: Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Serengeti → Zanzibar for relaxation.
• 12 days — Egypt & Jordan Classic: Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Petra → Dead Sea.
• 10 days — Morocco & Sahara: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Aït Ben Haddou → Erg Chebbi dunes → Fez.
• 8 days — Middle Eastern Mosaic: Amman → Wadi Rum → Petra → Jerusalem → Tel Aviv.
• Southern Africa Circuit: Cape Town → Garden Route → Kruger National Park → Victoria Falls.