TEXT: Valerie Mellema
Traveling in Africa is like no other travel option. The continent is great and diverse, with a wide variety of cultures, immense populations of stunning wildlife and numerous historical sites. North Africa is filled with areas to visit and explore, including the ancient nation of Egypt, the beauty and culture of Morocco and much more. If you are looking for the best way to experience the beauty and grandeur that is Africa, start with North Africa.
Camel Tour of Cairo
Egypt - The nation of Egypt has long been part of the fabric of our world. Tales of ancient pharaohs, forgotten tombs and royal burial chambers mix with the modern world, creating a unique blend of the two worlds, in which the residents happily live. A visit to Egypt can be an incredible experience. Of course, the “must see” sites include the Great Pyramid at Giza, a journey down the Nile river, the city of Alexandria, the enigmatic Sphinx and the rich historical site of Luxor.
Marrakech Street Scene
Morocco - The nation of Morocco offers you numerous enticements. Visit the city of Casablanca or head to Marrakesh or Tangiers. The open-air markets in the cities are fantastic places to experience local cuisine, incredible culture, dances and have some of the best shopping fun around. You will find that Morocco is chock full of things to see and do, enticing all manner of visitors from around the world.
Carthage Ruins
Tunisia - The small nation of Tunisia boasts almost 750 miles of coastline, lined with resorts, beaches, pleasure barges and more. This nation is one of the most frequented by international travelers, due to the large number of five star resorts that litter the beach communities. However, you’ll find far more than beaches in Tunisia. Visit the columns salvaged from the famed city of Carthage, or the Zitouna Mosque. The Mehari Diving Center offers fun for all, as well. Numerous other historical sites can be found throughout the land, providing you with incredible ways to enjoy your stay.
Sahara Sand Dune, Libya
North Africa is also home to other nations, such as Libya and Algeria - both of which offer intriguing options for exploration and enjoyment. Before taking any trip to Africa, visit the US State Department Website for travel advisories. Several areas in North Africa have unstable political situations, making them less than desirable travel destinations. The State Department reports will keep you up to date on which nations are safe and which should be avoided.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I’d look beyond the State Department’s travel warnings, which sometimes blanket a country based on trouble in some regions or local areas.
http://www.foxnomad.com/2008/02/19/deciphering-state-department-travel-warnings/
September 5th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Morocco is one of my favourite places in the world. Here’s a tip - when shopping in the medina in Marrakech - get a shopping guide - there are so many stalls selling the same thing and although it’s lovely to get lost for a while, if you are seriously into shopping, it’s fantastic to go with someone who knows just where to get the best and most unusual souvenirs.
September 6th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I know Algeria isn’t the destination of choice right now… in the mid-seventies I spent a summer working in Algiers… Lacking a tourist infrastructure, the country - which I traveled widely - felt far more ‘maghrebin’ than either Tunisia or Morocco, but years of conflict haven’t made it a welcoming destination for travelers. Maybe someday this will change - I have nothing but fond memories of the Casbah, the amazing archaeological sites, the delicious food, the friendly people, the magnificent beaches…
September 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
@foxnomad, Thanks for pointing that out. As you wrote in your post, it’s important to read between the lines and take into consideration that the warnings are only updated once every 3 months.
@Tamara, I can understand you like Morocco. I’ve felt drawn there since I was 16 and read a travel article from Marrakech. Thanks for the tip re shopping.
@Leyla, Thanks for stopping by. I just checked out your site. Very informative. Will take a closer look later this week.
I read that The US State Department warns against traveling to the Kabylie region because “bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly.” I hope the situation will change in the future. You’re lucky to have experienced the beautiful side of the country at least once though