North & West Africa:

Tourism remains very low-key throughout much of North & West Africa, with the exception of Egypt and Morocco. Home to six arab-berber countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Mauritania - the inhabitants of this area are almost 100 percent Muslim making for a unique cultural experience for many travelers. The best time to visit much of North Africa is from October to March, as temperatures can soar well above 100F in the summer months and become stiflingly hot.

Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh: just the names of these ancient cities stir a hint of spice in your memory. Weave with the crowds, observe the tension of a friendly debate, learn the dance of haggling for a bargain - the minute you set foot in the Morocco you know you've arrived somewhere very different.

Once a bustling travel hot-spot, Algeria's decade long civil war scared off all but the bravest, or maybe foolhardy of travellers. Now that the violence has subsided a trickle of visitors is returning to explore one of Africa's most fascinating countries.

Few countries in the world come closer to having a serious case of monument overload than Egypt. Many visitors believe they have seen it all and often get a shock when they find out how much actually remains undiscovered in Egypt. With more than 90% of all things to see and do lined up along the Nile, Egypt is one big invitation to come and explore. Egyptians are friendly people, proud to host visitors from all over the world and ready to help in all situations – just have your baksheesh (tip) ready.

Safaris do not come to mind when one thinks of Mali but what you will find is a smorgasbord of fantastically surreal landscapes, the often fabled Timbuktu, stunning artwork, pink sandstone villages carved into cliff faces, castellated mosques made of mud and vast desert scenes that are certain to bring to mind the Lawrence of Arabia of the big screen.

Due to political turmoil and instability West Africa sees relatively few tourists but Ghana has good beaches and nice forts, Togo is a gem as is Benin and the Ivory Coast. Nigeria has many unique sights but travelling there can be time-consuming and unnerving at times.

Take a holiday in North Africa and discover there is much more to this region than camel rides and endless desert. Why don't you:

• Wander the streets of Marrakesh with its snake charmers and magicians, and try your hand at haggling at one of the many souks scattered throughout the ancient city
• Don’t miss the famed Egyptian museum in Cairo where the legendary solid-gold death mask of Tutankhamun is on display, and marvel at the pyramids in Giza, the sole survivor of the seven ancient wonders of the world
• Discover the hot springs dating back to the Roman-era at Hamman Mellegue and the original sets of Star Wars with far more than just a beach holiday in Tunisia
• Assail your senses with a visit to Mali where you will take in the wonders of the Sahara and immerse yourself in your discovery of the isolated & sleepy town of Timbuktu

What you need to know:

FOOD:
Influenced by centuries of traders, explorers, invading armies, migrations and immigrations, each group and culture has left its own special mark on the land along the southern Mediterranean Sea. The foods are as diverse as the land, its people and history.

The foundation of North & West African cuisine goes back more than two centuries and can be directly attributed to the Berbers who were a Christian nomadic people. By the seventh century A.D. the nomadic Bedouin Arabs began flexing their culinary muscle on the region's traditions and eating habits.

Even though the North & West African countries have much in common, each has its own unique herbs and spices, cooking styles and local ingredients. In your travels you’ll find Moroccans enjoy big flavors, Tunisians opt for fiery dishes and Egyptians will surprise you with British-style afternoon tea. In this varied region numerous versions of the same dish are found, sometimes with a different name or slightly different ingredients or spices.

CURRENCY:
Most foreign currencies or cash can easily be changed in North & West Africa and you’ll find many exchange bureaus in the larger cities but take note they mainly deal only in cash. Visa and Mastercard are good for cash advances and together with American Express can be used in a wide range of shops and hotels. If you are traveling to less touristy areas the best currency to have on hand is US dollars.

CLIMATE:
North & West Africa wields varied climate ranging from Mediterranean temperatures in the north to the extremes of the Sahara. In winter snow can be found on high grounds and if camping out at altitude be forewarned that the temperature can drop severely at night.

In the Sahara region temperatures are more extreme and can be extremely hot during the daytime and drop to near freezing at night. In the north temperatures can reach 100F but in general the heat is dry and usually bearable. In the Sahara temperatures can reach extremes up to 122F and extra care is advised.

When traveling along the coast you’ll encounter a constant onshore wind that blows sand into and on everything.

GEOGRAPHY:
Divided in half by the Nile River, Egypt, borders the Mediterranean Sea between Libya and the Gaza Strip and occupies a land mass of approximately 619 966 sq. mi.

Morocco, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara is slightly larger than the state of California. At over 13,655 ft. the Atlas Mountains run more than 1,200 miles from Morocco to Tunisia which lies between Algeria and Libya. Morocco and Tunisia use their culture and landscape for tourism, while Libya and Algeria aid their development through the use of oil and gas, despite political instability. Egypt, with its Nile-watered agricultural land and industrial base, is the most populous nation.

LANGUAGES: In Northern Africa you’ll find a large part of the population speaks Arabic. This guide will help you to practice before you travel!

We recommend:

1.	Jewels of Egypt – 15 Days
		This tour is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible of Egypt - we visit all the highlights of the Nile Valley and enjoy a wonderfully relaxing cruise on our private cruise boat, but we also have the chance to explore the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and to climb Mt Sinai for one of the most beautiful sunrises you are ever likely to see. more

2.	Egypt: Beyond the Pyramids – 16 days
		In the Sinai we rise early to climb Mt Sinai then take a trek with the local Bedouin and their camels. We also spend three days on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca and a couple of days by the warm waters of the Red Sea. What more could you want? more

3.	Colors of Morocco - 15 days
		Relive the past in Fes, Camp out in the Sahara, Trek through the imposing Todra Gorge, Relax with a cup of tea in remote Imlil, Be guided by your senses in the souqs of Marrakesh. more

4.	Tunisian Adventure - 15 days
		Primarily known for its beaches, Tunisia has a huge amount to offer the more intrepid traveller. We explore beautifully preserved Roman ruins like the ancient city of Carthage and the exquisite mosaics at Bulla Reggia; wander through the old medinas of Tunis and Kairouan; travel deep into the heart of the desert to see the sand dunes of the Sahara and take 4WD jeeps to abandoned villages and oases. This is an exciting tour that offers the chance to uncover the hidden side of Tunisia. more

5.	Kingdoms of Gold - 15 days
		A magical exploration of Ghana, Togo and Benin. We discover the coast with its pristine beaches, ancient slave castles, voodoo ceremonies and fetish shrines; inland rainforests that are home to ancient kingdoms, traditional festivals and ceremonies, and the northern savannah with its tribal cultures and adobe architecture. An adventurous journey of tribal encounters, stunning landscapes and bustling cities - a true West African experience. more

6.	Nile Safari - 8 days
		The most impressive sights of the Nile Valley combined with a 4 day cruise on our exclusive Nile boat. This tour is one of The Imaginative Travellers most popular. Not only offering you the main sites of Cairo, Luxor and a Nile Cruise, it’s perfect for those travellers short on time. more

7.	Deserts & Kasbahs - 15 days
		Our journey through Morocco takes us from the noise and mayhem of the Fes medina, with its famous leather tanneries, to the silence of the great sand dunes at Erg Chebbi on the edge of the Sahara. We visit the spectacular Todra Gorge and travel along the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs" to the exotic city of Marrakech. The trip ends with a chance to relax in the beautiful old Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast. more

8.	Road to Timbuktu - 14 days
		Our journey takes us through the wonderful West African country of Mali, travelling through remote desert landscapes to the isolated town of Timbuktu. We trek through Dogon villages with fabulous views, camping overnight in friendly villages. We also board a ‘pinasse’ (local boat) for a beautiful river journey, stopping at small encampments along the way and even spend a night in a nomadic Tuareg tent in the Sahara. Facilities are limited but for the true traveller, there is no more exciting destination than the city of Timbuktu! more

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