North Africa
From the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, to Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco, the buzzing city of Marrakech and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carthage in Tunisia. North Africa is a region of mystery, splendour and ancient wonder, rich in cultures and landscapes: the vast dunes of the Sahara, breathtaking desert sunsets and dreamy Nubian felucca rides down the Nile.
Popular places to visit
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Algeria
Travelling to North Africa?
We arrange flights, accommodation, visa assistance, travel insurance and car hire.
When to go
- High season
- Mid season
- Low season
High season
The coolest period. Expect dust storms in the desert from February to April.
Mid season
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking and cycling holidays in Morocco.
Low season
Avoid the Sahara in midsummer; temperatures are much more pleasant on the coast.
Money matters
- Money
- ATMs are increasingly common, but don't rely on them or on paying by card. Always carry enough cash.
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP), Moroccan dirham (MAD), Tunisian dinar (TND) and Algerian dinar (DZD). Euros and US dollars are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange, and UK pounds are accepted in some places.
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is the norm in tourist areas, markets and many street stalls. Away from tourist areas, and for everyday items, the price quoted is often the real price, so don't assume it's too high. Traders are rarely trying to rip you off. Decide what you're prepared to pay, and if you can't agree, decline politely and move on.
- Credit cards
- Visa and MasterCard are accepted at top-end hotels, some restaurants and larger shops in the main cities. Elsewhere, treat them as a back-up and confirm in advance.
Etiquette
Although North Africa is changing, social customs remain conservative, and good manners and modest behaviour are the key to avoiding offence. Most locals won't expect you to know all the rules, but keep these guidelines in mind.
- Greetings
- Greetings are always important. Even if you're in a hurry, greet people, ask how they are and how their day is going.
- Elders
- Treat elders and people in positions of authority with deference and respect.
- Patience
- In a frustrating situation, stay patient, friendly and considerate. A confrontational attitude can easily inflame things and offend local sensibilities.
- Photography
- Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Opinions
- Avoid openly criticising the government or the country. The first could get your hosts into trouble, and many people take the second personally.
- Gifts
- Accept a gift with both hands, sometimes with a slight bow.
- Religious customs
- Be respectful of Islamic traditions and avoid revealing clothing.
Plan a trip to North Africa
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd like to see, and a consultant will put together an itinerary for you.