Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia are among the most visited countries in Africa: ancient wonders, souks, mountains and desert, a short flight from Europe.
Where to go in North Africa
MoroccoMarrakech
Souks, riads and the nightly theatre of Jemaa el-Fna square.
Mar to May, Sep to Nov 3 to 4 nights
Fes
The world’s largest car-free urban area, a medieval medina still working as it always has.
Mar to May, Sep to Nov 2 to 3 nights
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes
Orange Saharan dunes, camel treks and nights in a desert camp.
Mar to May, Oct to Nov 1 to 2 nights
EgyptCairo and the Pyramids of Giza
The last standing wonder of the ancient world, at the edge of a huge, lively city.
Oct to Apr 3 nights
Luxor
The world’s greatest open-air museum: temples, tombs and the Valley of the Kings.
Oct to Apr 2 to 3 nights
Aswan and Abu Simbel
Nubian culture, felucca sails and the colossal temples of Ramesses II.
Oct to Apr 2 nights
Red Sea coast of Egypt
Some of the world’s best coral reefs, a few hours from Europe.
Mar to May, Sep to Nov 4 to 7 nights
Countries
Algeria
Africa’s largest country, with some of the finest Roman ruins anywhere and huge, empty Saharan landscapes.
Algiers Oct to Apr
Some regions off-limits
Egypt
Pyramids, pharaohs and the Nile, plus some of the best coral reefs in the world on the Red Sea.
Cairo Oct to Apr
Some regions off-limits
Libya
Home to some of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, but most governments advise against travel.
Tripoli Oct to Apr
Advice against travel
Morocco
Medinas, mountains and the Sahara, a few hours’ flight from Europe.
Rabat Mar to May, Sep to Nov
Sudan
Ancient Nubian pyramids and Nile landscapes, currently off-limits because of war.
Khartoum Nov to Feb
Advice against travel
Tunisia
Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins and Saharan oases in a compact country.
Tunis Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
Some regions off-limits