A place as vast as North Africa has a diverse array of experiences to offer when looking for a unique way to vacation or even take a few days off while on a business trip.
Volatile, exotic and ever-changing, North Africa is not an undertaking for the timid or adventure-shy type. As exotic and unpredictable as it is, it is also one of the most fulfilling destinations in the world.
If you are looking to go on Safari the dry season is best for planning your travels, in this region of Africa it generally falls around the end of October – March. Safaris and Trips covering Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Sudan are readily available for both the mid and luxury traveler. The Atlas Mountains, which extend across much of Morocco, northern Algeria and Tunisia, are part of the fold mountain system of Southern Europe; to the south and east they become a steppe landscape and then run into the Sahara desert which covers more than 90% of the region. The deposits of the Sahara cover an ancient tableland of crystalline rock, some of which is more than four billion years old. A 7-14 day trek, and well worth the trip.
Of course, exploring the historic Nile River, the ancient temples and the Nubian Culture along the Nile is nothing short of an amazing experience if taken with a reputable cruise company such as Abercrombie & Kent. Traveling in veritable five star luxury, complete with excellent dining, entertainment and first-class amenities on board, seeing the sun rise on the banks of the Nile from your private picture window while lying in a heavenly bed is definitely a journey to remember. Taking this cruise in the company of the region’s best Egyptologists while disembarking at iconic sites as well as little-known temples, well, it becomes an adventure that defies description; highly recommended!
If unusual and exotic city-scapes are more to your liking, there are so many choices in North Africa! Long-established cities that conjure up Sultans of the Sahara, Bazaars of Isfahan and more, such as Marrakech, Morocco, as well as cities coming into their own as tourism destinations, such as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Eager to attract tourists to its beautiful and eclectic bazaars, museums, cathedrals and restaurants, Addis Ababa is a city both frozen in time and abuzz with construction and change, and a growing number of world-class hotels (the Intercontinentaladdis, Radisson Blu and the new, grand-sized Sheraton Addis, to name but a few). All of these hotels offer group and individual tours of the region daily, just check with the concierge. And do take the time to indulge in a little Ethiopian Cuisine and culture, some of the tastiest breads and spiced dips you will ever enjoy.
If you’re accustomed to top-notch airlines getting you around, you may (or may not) be surprised to learn that North Africa has its own world-class way to fly, Ethiopian Airlines. Excellent food, a nice wine menu and lay flat seats are but a few of the amenities found on this very competitive carrier.