As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Africa & The Middle East in a way like no other. Take a journey to the cradle of civilisation, where ecosystems have remained unchanged for millions of years, and our stories were first written on stones. Africa & The Middle East is an unparalleled world of ancient history and living traditions, spread over some of the most remarkable landscapes on earth. Marvel at the Great Pyramids in Egypt, a triumph of humankind, then stand in awe at the power of nature, from the red dunes of Sossusvlei to the mighty Victoria Falls. When you visit Africa & The Middle East with Trafalgar, you’ll explore Jordan’s Petra, one of the world’s first cities, and see Africa’s iconic Big Five, from Kruger to the Serengeti. Every trip is crafted with a connection to the local heritage and shares our love of the region - our iKhaya or ‘home’. From meeting the jumping Maasai warriors, to visiting a Swazi Chief’s village, we’ll show you the real stories of Africa & The Middle East. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
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We’ll show you all the wondrous things to do in Africa and the Middle East, from exploring the world’s best wildlife reserves, to meeting the colorful Maasai warriors in Kenya.
A Middle East vacation with Trafalgar will reveal exceptional museums like the Luxor, and we’ll delve into the complex history of Africa with moving museums like District Six.
The cuisine is the highlight of any trip to the Middle East and Africa, and we’ll reveal the classic dishes, from githeri in Kenya to fattet hummus in Jordan.
What to pack for a tour in Africa
Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.
The continent of Africa is made up of many different countries, so whether you need a visa is dependent on your nationality and where you are visiting. You will need to check the relevant government website of the country you wish to travel, or it is advisable to always check visa requirements prior to travel on your own government website or with the government of the country you wish to visit.
The best time for safari wildlife viewing in Africa is during the dry winter months from May to September, when animals gather around water sources. This period is ideal for East and Southern Africa, especially during the wildebeest migration from June to October. The green season from November to April offers lush scenery, birdwatching, and lower prices, with great activities like diving in Zanzibar and visiting Victoria Falls.
Must-see places in Africa include the Serengeti and Maasai Mara for wildlife safaris and the annual wildebeest migration, Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Table Mountain and Cape Town in South Africa, the Sahara Desert in Morocco and the pyramids of Giza and ancient temples in Egypt’s Nile Valley. Not forgetting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa’s highest peak.
A hugely diverse continent made up of 54 very different countries, Africa's climate varies by region: North Africa has an arid desert climate with high temperatures and little rain, though mountain and Sahara nights can drop below freezing. West and Central Africa experience a monsoon climate with high humidity and heavy rains. East Africa has distinct dry and rainy seasons, while Southern Africa tends to be more temperate.
As a large continent, Africa uses 41 different currencies across its 54 countries, so you should check the government website of the countries you are visiting for specific information.
Whether or not you need a visa to visit the Middle East depends on your nationality and the specific country you plan to visit. Some countries offer visa-free entry for tourists for certain periods, while others generally require visas for most nationalities. Additionally, some countries have visa-on-arrival options, while others require visas to be obtained before travel. It is advisable to check the government website of each country you wish to visit.
The best time to visit the Middle East for comfortable temperatures is generally during the shoulder seasons, specifically April and May or October and November. These months are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, while avoiding the peak summer heat and potential for heavy crowds.
A land of endless cultural riches, some must-see places in the Middle East include Petra in Jordan, the ancient rose-red city carved into rock, the Dead Sea, famous for its hypersalinity and buoyancy, historic Jerusalem with its sacred sites and the stunning Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
One of the most popular and iconic foods in the Middle East is kebabs, which consist of skewered and grilled meats often seasoned with aromatic spices. Other beloved dishes include hummus, a creamy chickpea dip, falafel, crispy deep-fried chickpea or faba bean balls, tabbouleh, a fresh parsley and bulgur salad and shawarma, marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
The Middle East generally has a hot, arid climate with high temperatures in summer, often exceeding 38°C, especially in desert areas like the Arabian Peninsula. Winters are milder and cooler, particularly in coastal regions such as Lebanon, Israel and Turkey, where temperatures can range from mild to cool. Coastal areas tend to be more humid, while inland desert areas are very dry.
Yes, it snows in parts of the Middle East, especially in higher-altitude regions such as the mountains of Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran and the Jordanian desert highlands. Coastal and lowland areas, however, generally have mild winters with little to no snow.
There are 22 currencies presently in circulation in the Middle East. We recommend you check the government website of your specific destination.
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