Travel through Africa and the Middle East has long been regarded as a destination for those seeking the truly exotic. Since the time of David Livingston, explorers and writers have romanticized the idea of travel through Africa. From the
Pyramids and the Nile River in the North, to the coast of South Africa, the continent offers all kinds of travel opportunities. In the Middle East, with countries such as
Turkey,
Israel, and the
United Arab Emirates, visitors will find ancient and sacred sites, modern metropolises, and some of the world's largest shopping complexes.
For many tourists, Africa's main draw is the wildlife found at the game preserves in East Africa or South Africa. These trips usually start with a flight into cities such as
Nairobi,
Dar es Salam,
Johannesburg, or the beautiful city of
Cape Town. In
Tanzania, the beaches of Zanzibar and the quest to hike up
Mount Kilimanjaro are also popular attractions. In North Africa, countries like
Egypt,
Morocco, and
Tunisia offer a completely different experience and an opportunities to experience life in the desert. Sand dunes, ancient monuments, and desert oases are some of the main points of interest.
Some of the most popular ways to see Africa include a cruise down the Nile through Egypt, a luxury train trip from
South Africa to Victoria Falls, or a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. There are many tour operators who offer all kinds of packages, including air and overland travel, along with safaris. Options include everything from basic camping packages to five star luxury travel experiences.
In the Middle East, the attractions really depend on the country of choice. Home to some of the world's most famous sacred sites,
Israel is frequently the destination of those seeking a religious journey. Turkey is a popular destination both for its antiquities and its diverse natural and cultural landscape. The city of
Istanbul with its historic Old Town, the ancient ruins of Hieriopolis, the limestone terraces of Pammukkale, and the unique landscape of
Cappadocia are some of the country's highlights. In the
United Arab Emirates, the modern city of
Dubai offers some unique attractions. Well known for its extensive shopping complexes, it is also home to the iconic Burj Al-Arab with its sail shaped design. The man-made Palm Islands, created in the shape of a giant palm tree, are another signature feature of Dubai.
Choosing when to go to Africa or the Middle East really depends on where you plan to go and for what purpose. Many travelers who plan their trip around wildlife viewing may want to investigate wildlife migration periods and when animals are visiting various parts of the continent. Weather will also be a factor and it varies between regions.
