Places To Visit In North Africa
North Africa is a region rich in history and culture, with many interesting places to visit. Here are the places to visit in North Africa and not miss when traveling to this part of the African continent.
places to visit in north africa
North Africa is located north of the Sahara. It includes Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. This region is characterized by a wide variety of landscapes, climates and cultures. Its history is rich and complex, marked by numerous invasions and occupations. Today, North Africa is a place in full transformation. Here is a non-exhaustive list of places to absolutely visit when visiting the region.
–The pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Here are Khephren, Cheops and Mykerinos, without forgetting the Sphinx who, immutable, seems to watch over them. Built from 2750 BC, the pyramids of Giza are truly impressive when you are at their foot. In general, they are only open to group visits and at certain times. Find out before you leave and, above all, consider booking a guide. This will explain to you, among other things, that archaeologists have still not solved the mysteries of the pyramids and that a new study mission has just begun. Allow between half an hour and an hour by car from central Cairo to arrive.
–The Valley of the Kings, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings is an archaeological site located west of Thebes, Egypt. This is where the pharaohs of New Egypt were buried for over 500 years. From the 18th Dynasty to the 20th – its Arabic name means “valley of the two gates of the kings”. The Valley of the Kings has 63 tombs, including that of the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun and, the last known, that of Ramesses XI.
–The Majorelle Garden, in Morocco
Based in the medina of Marrakech, the painter Jacques Majorelle, who fell in love with the superb property a stone’s throw from the Palmeraie, acquired it in 1923. He then undertook colossal work. Building an artist’s studio, inspired by the creations of Le Corbusier. But above all to develop a garden, which he wanted to be lush, exotic, alive, and which he would build over the course of his travels, bringing back plants from the five continents: cacti, bougainvillea, bamboo, banana trees or palm trees. Intense and bright, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Majorelle Garden is a living painting. It has become one of the symbols of Marrakech.
–The Saadian Tombs, Morocco
Witnesses to the splendor of a dynasty. These mausoleums remain the only vestiges of the Saadian era, a golden age for Marrakech. During your visit to the Saadian Tombs, do not miss the room of 12 columns. It houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour Saadi: the cedar ceilings and the stucco are finely worked, the tombs made of Carrara marble. And, for a little poetry, linger on certain tombs: they display some magnificent epitaphs.
–Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Morocco
In Marrakech, the activity of the souks still mobilizes more than 40,000 people today, including 2,600 artisans. In all, 18 souks are listed, divides of corporations (luthiers, ironworkers, carpenters, leather workers, basket weavers, spices, dyers): you go from the slipper souk to that of spices, jewelry, carpets or leather bags, a real labyrinth where you wander to the rhythm of scents, colors and noises. Starting from the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2001, you will immerse yourself there, forgetting the stands of imported products that line them, and explore in a gentle frenzy its more than 20 hectares of streets.
–Mount Sinai, Egypt
Mount Sinai is a mountain range located in the Sinai Desert, Egypt. It is a popular pilgrimage destination today; it is seen as a holy place by the three monotheistic religions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
–The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt
Built in 1902 by a French architect, it has always remained within its original walls. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which is a bit of a shambles, is full of treasures. It’s up to you to discover them like in a treasure hunt. Upstairs, you will discover part of that of Tutankhamun including his funerary mask. In the next room, several royal mummies are preserved in their sarcophagi, including that of Ramses II which was discovered in the Valley of the Kings.
–The Menara Gardens, Morocco
In the capital of Morocco, there are many magnificent gardens. Among them, the Menara Gardens are particularly famous for their tranquility and beauty. It has a large pool of water and palm trees, and offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. They provide a haven of peace in the middle of the bustling city.
–The Bardo National Museum, Tunisia
The Bardo Museum is the oldest and most important Tunisian museum, located in one of the pavilions of the Beylical Palace which dates from the 19th century and which still displays the splendor of a princely residence. The museum offers its visitors a large and exceptional collection of objects from excavations carried out on different archaeological sites in the country such as Sousse, Carthage or Dougga.
–The archaeological site of Carthage, Tunisia
Located about twenty kilometers from Tunis, the site of Carthage, which remained unknown for a long time, is now famous throughout the world. With its glorious but tormented past, the city, founded by the Phoenician princess Elissa nearly 3,000 years ago, has kept traces of its history, reminding us that the fate of the Mediterranean was at stake here. Among the remains, don’t miss that of the Odeon, the theater or those of the Antonin thermal baths. Stroll among the ruins and marble rubble, lined with pepper trees, eucalyptus, bougainvillea and mimosas, which offer you a sublime panorama of the horizon.
It’s clear that North Africa is full of entertainment, beauty and Culture. Whatever your age, background, travel preferences or budget, these naturally exhilarating destinations are guaranteed to amaze you. Be sure to put one of these on your travel list.
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