Africa and the Middle East are the two travel regions most consistently misrepresented in Western media and most consistently under-visited as a result. Both regions reward travellers who approach them with genuine curiosity rather than assumptions, and both require more specific preparation than Europe or Southeast Asia.
East Africa
East Africa is the heartland of safari travel. The density and variety of wildlife visible in the best reserves is genuinely without parallel.
Kenya offers some of the world’s best wildlife viewing concentrated in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, particularly during the annual wildebeest migration from late July to October. Beyond the Mara, Kenya has Amboseli (elephant herds with Kilimanjaro as backdrop), Tsavo, the Samburu reserves in the north, and Lake Nakuru.
Tanzania is the most wildlife-rich country in Africa by most measures. The Serengeti is one of the world’s great wilderness areas. Ngorongoro Crater has the highest density of wildlife in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high-altitude climbs on the planet, requiring no technical skills but serious physical conditioning. Zanzibar combines Stone Town’s Swahili-Arab-Indian historical culture with some of the best beaches in East Africa.
Uganda and Rwanda offer the world’s most reliable mountain gorilla trekking experiences, in the Virunga Volcano range and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trekking permits are expensive and must be booked months in advance.
Southern Africa
South Africa has the most developed tourism infrastructure on the continent. Cape Town is one of the world’s most physically beautiful cities. The Western Cape wine country is 45 minutes from Cape Town. Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse game reserves and one of the most accessible for self-drive safari.
Botswana positions itself at the premium end of the safari market, deliberately limiting tourist numbers. The Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park’s elephant concentrations are genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Zimbabwe is recovering as a travel destination after a period of significant instability. Victoria Falls, shared with Zambia, is one of the world’s great natural spectacles.
North Africa
Morocco is North Africa’s most visited country and one of the most accessible from Europe. Marrakech’s medina is genuinely extraordinary. Beyond Marrakech: Fes’s medieval medina, Chefchaouen’s blue-painted streets, the Saharan landscapes around Merzouga, and the High Atlas mountains.
Egypt is one of the world’s great historical destinations. The Pyramids of Giza are extraordinary in person in a way photographs don’t capture. Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel form one of the world’s densest concentrations of ancient history.
The Middle East
Jordan is consistently one of the most welcoming and rewarding destinations in the Middle East. Petra is one of the world’s great archaeological sites. Wadi Rum is spectacular and accessible by Jeep, camel, or on foot.
Oman is consistently described by travellers as one of the most hospitable and rewarding countries in the Middle East. Muscat is clean and pleasant; the Hajar Mountains provide dramatic scenery and excellent trekking. Oman’s reputation for genuine hospitality is well earned.
Practical Advice
Health preparation is essential for sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria prophylaxis is required in most of sub-Saharan Africa; yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to several countries. See the health and vaccinations guide for specific requirements.
Safari costs are significant. East and southern Africa safari travel is genuinely expensive at quality levels. A meaningful safari experience in East Africa typically costs USD 3,000 to 8,000 per person for a week, depending on country and accommodation level.
The practical differences in travel infrastructure between the most developed and least developed destinations in these regions are larger than in any other region we cover. Matching your preparation and experience level to the specific destination, rather than applying a uniform approach to an entire region, produces the best outcomes.