Middle East Map Africa
If you’re planning a trip to the Middle East and Africa, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. The region is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions, modern cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultures. Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, tasty cuisine, or cultural immersion, you’ll find it all here.
Top Attractions
The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Burj Khalifa, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to see. Some other must-visit attractions include:
- The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt
- The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- The Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan
- The Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe
- The Table Mountain in South Africa
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in the Middle East and Africa. These lesser-known attractions offer a unique glimpse into the local culture and history. Some hidden gems include:
- The Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art form in Saudi Arabia
- The slave trade history in Zanzibar
- The ancient city of Meroe in Sudan
- The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia
- The Souq Waqif market in Qatar
Food Scene
The Middle East and Africa are known for their delicious cuisine. From spicy curries to succulent grilled meats, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Some must-try dishes include:
- Ful medames in Egypt
- Bunny chow in South Africa
- Tagine in Morocco
- Shawarma in Lebanon
- Chapati in Kenya
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of ways to save money in the Middle East and Africa without sacrificing your experience. Some budget-friendly tips include:
- Travel during the shoulder season when prices are lower
- Eat at local street food stalls for cheap and tasty meals
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses instead of expensive hotels
- Use public transportation instead of taxis
- Join free walking tours to explore the city
Outdoor Adventures
The Middle East and Africa offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking in the mountains to exploring the desert, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had. Some popular outdoor activities include:
- Safari in the Serengeti in Tanzania
- Trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
- Scuba diving in the Red Sea in Egypt
- Sandboarding in the Dubai desert in the UAE
- Whitewater rafting in the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe
Historical Landmarks
The Middle East and Africa are steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore. From ancient ruins to modern museums, these sites offer a glimpse into the past. Some of the most significant historical landmarks include:
- The Karnak Temple Complex in Egypt
- The Apartheid Museum in South Africa
- The Old City of Jerusalem in Israel
- The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali
- The Roman ruins of Leptis Magna in Libya
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? No problem! The Middle East and Africa offer plenty of family-friendly activities that everyone will enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in the UAE
- Exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in South Africa
- Riding camels in Morocco
- Swimming with dolphins in Egypt
- Visiting the Nairobi National Park in Kenya
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Looking for something a little more unique? There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had in the Middle East and Africa. These one-of-a-kind adventures will give you a new perspective on the region. Some off-the-beaten-path experiences include:
- Exploring the abandoned town of Kolmanskop in Namibia
- Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara in Kenya
- Visiting the Omo Valley tribes in Ethiopia
- Attending a traditional Bedouin wedding in Jordan
- Taking a camel trek through the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Natural Wonders
The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. From soaring mountains to cascading waterfalls, there’s no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore. Some natural wonders include:
- The Nile River in Egypt
- The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa
- The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
- The Sahara Desert in Morocco
- The Okavango Delta in Botswana
Vibrant Nightlife
Looking for some fun after the sun goes down? The Middle East and Africa offer a vibrant nightlife scene. From rooftop bars to nightclubs, there’s something for every party-goer. Some popular nightlife spots include:
- The Buddha-Bar in Dubai
- The Cocoon Lounge in Morocco
- The Kigali Jazz Junction in Rwanda
- The Cubano Loco in Egypt
- The Gondwana Lounge in South Africa
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by exploring the markets. The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the world’s most vibrant markets, where you can find everything from spices to textiles. Some popular markets include:
- The Khan el-Khalili market in Egypt
- The Marrakech Souk in Morocco
- The Spice Souk in Dubai
- The Bazaar of Istanbul in Turkey
- The Maasai Market in Kenya
Beaches and Mountains
The Middle East and Africa offer a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach or hitting the slopes, you’ll find plenty of options. Some popular beach and mountain destinations include:
- The beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania
- The Atlas Mountains in Morocco
- The beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt
- The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa
- The beaches of Cape Town in South Africa
Cultural Immersion
The Middle East and Africa offer a rich and diverse array of cultures to explore. From traditional music to local festivals, there’s always something to discover. Some cultural immersion experiences include:
- Attending the Festival of the Sahara in Tunisia
- Learning traditional Maasai dance in Kenya
- Exploring the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel
- Visiting the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp in Jordan
- Attending a Sufi music concert in Egypt
Art and Music Scene
The Middle East and Africa have a rich artistic heritage, with a thriving music and art scene. From traditional music to contemporary art, there’s something for everyone. Some popular art and music destinations include:
- The Cape Town Jazz Festival in South Africa
- The Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco
- The African Art Fair in Egypt
- The Dubai Opera House in the UAE
- The National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C.
Walking Tours
Exploring a new city on foot is one of the best ways to get to know the local culture. The Middle East and Africa offer plenty of walking tours that will take you off the beaten path and show you a new side of the city. Some popular walking tours include: