Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Agadir Beach
Agadir Beach, for all its fame, doesn’t really feel like Morocco. Depending on what you’re looking for this can either be good or bad, and if it’s a break from Moroccan food and tea the Western influence is welcome. If, on the other hand, you’re lusting for authentic experiences and rich doses of culture— you might want to just give Agadir a pass or accept it for what it is. As Morocco’s largest and most popular beach resort, Agadir caters to pre-packaged tourists much more than the independent traveler. Resorts and restaurants line the sand that stretches for nearly six miles, and cabanas, cocktails, and crashing surf round out the coastal scene.
The temperature here is surprisingly mild during every month of the year, where the sun continues to shine through winter but stays relatively cool through summer. Though Agadir was rocked in 1960 by a hugely destructive earthquake, the old Casbah on the hill above town has walls dating back to the 1500s and inscriptions in Arabic and Dutch. More importantly, the view looking out over Agadir Bay is arguably the best in the city, with a Casbah sunset offering a view you’re sure to never forget.
Practical Info
Agadir Beach is located 35 minutes from the Agadir Al Massira Airport, and three hours south of Marrakech by car. Coastal fog is common in summer, and ocean temperatures range between 63-70° and are the warmest in September and October.
Address: Agadir, Morocco
From $ 14
Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is in a cloud forest in some of the higher areas of Kenya's central highlands marked by deep ravines and forested mountain slopes. Because of its altitude -- mostly above 10,000 feet -- it's often shrouded in mist.
Animals often observed in the park include the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). Rarer are lions and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland (a type of antelope) and serval cat (a solitary, nocturnal feline) can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Birders will note that there are more than 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin (Pternistis jacksoni), sparrowhawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird and plover.
Animals often observed in the park include the black rhino, leopard, baboon, black and white colobus monkey and Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis). Rarer are lions and the bongo, an elusive forest antelope that lives in the bamboo forest. Animals like the eland (a type of antelope) and serval cat (a solitary, nocturnal feline) can be found higher up in the moorlands.
Birders will note that there are more than 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson's Francolin (Pternistis jacksoni), sparrowhawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird and plover.
Practical Info
Less than 100 miles from Nairobi, Aberdare National Park is near Nyeri and Naro Moru on its eastern side. Admission to the park for non-Kenyans is $50 for adults and $25 for children. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The iconic Treetops Hotel (built on stilts) is here. One can sit on the veranda and watch the animals at a nearby water-hole. The hotel on the path of an ancient elephant migratory route between the Aberdare Mountain Ranges and Mount Kenya National Park. Other choices include the Ark Lodge, also overlooking a water-hole, the Fish Lodge Guest House (trout fishing is popular in the park) and public campsites.
Address: Aberdare National Park, Ndaragwa, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 6:30am - 6:30pm
Admission: $50
From $ 397
Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque)
Once a small fishing village, Hurghada has grown into the most toured destination in Egypt. Though it sits beside the bright-blue waters that bring many visitors to the area, the Abdel Monaem Read Mosque stands tall on its own — offering visitors the chance to connect with the daily life and culture of the beach town.
The intricate design of the mosque’s classic Islamic architecture — combined with the scenic placement in the area between the main street and the ocean — makes this a unique mosque to visit. The minarets can be seen from long distances, and the call to prayer can be heard resonating from within its walls. Domes, arches and hallways are detailed with delicate carvings. Local citizens can be often seen heading to the mosque, with most visiting on Fridays for prayer.
Practical Info
The Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque) is located in the center of Hurghada off of El-Nasr Road. Out of respect, women may be asked to cover their heads before entering. Visiting hours depend on local religious services. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Address: Hurghada, Egypt
From $ 25
Ain Diab Corniche
With its scenic promenade bordering the western seafront of Casablanca and a cluster of stylish hotels and beach resorts, the Ain Diab Corniche is one of the city’s most fashionable districts. The coastal suburb is traversed by the 3km-long Corniche Boulevard, which stretches from the magnificent Hassan II mosque in the east to the landmark El-Hank Lighthouse in the west, offering expansive views along the Atlantic. At the western tip of the Corniche, the mausoleum and shrine of Sidi Aberrahman is one of the area’s principal attractions, an important place of Muslim pilgrimage, perched on a cliff-top and only accessible at low tide.
On summer days, locals flock to the beaches of the Ain Diab Resort, which is lined with beach clubs and swimming pools, but the real draw comes after dark, when the nightclubs and restaurants open up along the boardwalk and the Corniche becomes a central hub of Casablanca’s nightlife.
Address: Ain Diab Corniche, Casablanca, Morocco
From $ 79
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Usually, it’s bad news when your vacation includes a trip to the hospital, but that’s not always the case in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is one of the city’s more bizarre yet fascinating attractions. The world’s first and largest hospital dedicated to the predatory bird opened in 1999 under the direction of a prominent German veterinary surgeon.
About 6,000 birds pass through each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. This might seem strange until you understand that the sport of falconry has deep roots in the city. The sport is so popular that falcons are even issued passports and the prized animals can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If a falcon loses even one strand of feather, they can experience balance issues in flight so their owners bring them to the hospital for checkups, treatments and feather substitutions regularly.
Guided tours of the facility provide insight into the history of the sport and the physiology of this graceful bird. You’ll be able to see the birds swoop through a free-flight aviary, witness a falcon pedicure and feel the weight of one as it perches on your arm.
About 6,000 birds pass through each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. This might seem strange until you understand that the sport of falconry has deep roots in the city. The sport is so popular that falcons are even issued passports and the prized animals can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If a falcon loses even one strand of feather, they can experience balance issues in flight so their owners bring them to the hospital for checkups, treatments and feather substitutions regularly.
Guided tours of the facility provide insight into the history of the sport and the physiology of this graceful bird. You’ll be able to see the birds swoop through a free-flight aviary, witness a falcon pedicure and feel the weight of one as it perches on your arm.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Mondays - Thursdays: 8am to 3pm
Sundays: 8am to 3pm
From $ 143
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches along the northwestern shore of the island city, a popular spot for beachside recreation. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) stretch of attractive waterfront includes walking paths, cafes, playgrounds and bicycle rentals, and no matter what you decide to do along the coast, you’ll have an excellent view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. In the evenings, the promenade is the perfect place for a stroll.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
The Corniche’s crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. With numerous lifeguards on duty during swimming hours and floating fences keeping swimmers within 130 feet (40 meters), the Corniche Beach is great for families traveling with children. Come on a weekday, and you’ll usually find an umbrella.
Practical Info
Besides the free public beach, you’ll also find singles and family sections, each charging a small admittance fee. Abu Dhabi remains conservative, so stick with modest swim wear and be sure to cover up before leaving the beach area. It’s not unusual to see local families fully covered while playing in the sand.
Address: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily, swimming restricted after 6pm
From $ 25
Ajloun Castle
Built atop the ruins of a monastery between 1184 and 1188, Ajloun Castle (Qala’At Ar-Rabad in Arabic) sits on Jabal Auf hill overlooking the countryside in the north of Jordan. Arab general Azz ad-Din Usama, Saladin’s nephew, oversaw its construction in part to protect the region from Crusader expansion and to safeguard iron mines in the nearby hills. The fort was enlarged in 1214 but largely destroyed by Mongols in 1260. It was rebuilt almost immediately, and while earthquakes have twice caused significant damage, ongoing restorations have kept the castle in much the same condition as it stood in the 13th century.
During the Crusades, the hilltop fort was one in a series of beacon and pigeon posts that allowed messages to be transmitted from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the fort served as a garrison for Ottoman troops, and in 1812, when it was “discovered” by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the vasy castle was occupied by a single, 40-member family.
Today Ajloun Castle houses a small museum with artifacts from its long history. Visitors can climb to the top of several towers for sweeping views of the Jordan Valley all the way to the Dead Sea.
Practical Info
The walk to the castle from town is steep and tiring, so consider taking a taxi from Ajloun.
Address: Ajlun, Jordon, Jordan
From $ 39
Acre
Frequently referred to as 'Akko,' Acre is situated in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel. Populated with beautiful ancient buildings, Old Akko, a subset of Acre, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural vibrancy makes it a prime place for visitors. Hosting festivals and markets year-round, the port of Acre is lively and beautiful.
Steeped in history, you can visit the ancient walls and fortresses of the city that tell the complicated story of the area.
Further afield are the Baha'i Gardens, which are meticulously designed and gorgeously preserved. The gardens surround the Bahji mansion northeast of Acre where the Bahaullah is buried (not to be confused with the Bahai gardens on the slope of Mount Carmel in Haifa).
Be sure to visit the astounding Knights' Halls, which are comprised of 6 different joined halls that have been recently excavated from the time of the Knights Hospitallers.
Practical Info
The best way to access Acre is via bus, operated out of any major city in Israel. There are also inner-city buses that run frequently to many of the main destinations and tourist attractions.
Address: Israel
From $ 83
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is a popular stop for travelers and families who want to learn more about local wildlife and national conservation efforts. The exhibits of this well-kept zoo are stocked with more than 4,000 animals and a handful of add-ons offer visitors a chance to get up close to the wild in a truly unique way. Giraffe feedings, parrot shows and group talks with Al Ain zookeepers provide an opportunity to learn more about the interesting animals, well-kept habitats and preservation efforts taking place here. Exciting exhibits like the Mixed Asian show, which includes gazelle species like Chital, Nilgai and Blackbuck; as well as the nocturnal house and Mixed African exhibit showcase animals not just from UAE, but from across the globe as well.
Practical Info
The zoo is located an hour and a half drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. October through April and from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. May through September. Admission prices are AED30 for adults and AED10 for children ages 3- 12. Al Ain Zoo dress code says shoulders and knees should be covered and shawls will be provided if necessary.
Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Adults: AED30; Children: AED10
From $ 57
Al Ain National Museum
Situated on the edge of Al Ain Oasis in the same complex as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (Eastern Fort), the Al Ain National Museum serves to showcase the unique heritage and ancient history of this region.
Divided into three distinct sections – Archaeology, Ethnography, and Gifts – the museum's main themes explore the various aspects of UAE history and everyday life. The archaeology displays are particularly extensive, with artefacts dating back to the first millennium BC, including weapons, jewellery, pottery, and coins that were excavated from ancient tomb sites nearby.
The ethnography galleries focus on the various aspects of the life of the Bedu desert dwellers, including exhibits on education, marriage, and farming, while the gift section refers to the gifts that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received throughout his lifetime. These include Bedouin jewellery, musical instruments, a silver dagger, and even a golden palm tree.
The Al Ain National Museum is located next to the Sultan (or Eastern) Fort on the eastern side of the Al Ain Oasis. There is a bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Dubai to Al Ain Bus Station, which is a good spot for accessing the region’s historical sites. The journey time from Dubai is around two hours.
Address: Zayed bin Sultan Street, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open 8am-7:30pm (closed on Mondays) and Friday 3pm-7:30pm
Admission: Adults: AED 3; Children (under 10): AED 1
From $ 41
Abydos
In a country that’s home to some of the most ancient structures on earth, the city of Abydos is a standout destination for lovers of history, hieroglyphs and architecture. That’s because this city is one of the nation’s most historic—and home to perhaps the most well-preserved temple in the country.
Travelers to this Middle Egypt destination can examine the exquisite reliefs of King List at the Temple of Seti. These finely-detailed carvings are some of the best kept in all of Egypt and the temple’s off-the-beaten-path vibe means it’s easy to explore without bumping into tons of other tourists.
Archeologists say the carvings on the temple’s exterior are worth checking out, but it’s the interior reliefs that really showcase the craftsmanship of early artists. Seti temple, which is dedicated to the god of the underworld and afterlife, is an essential stop for anyone traveling to Luxor.
Practical Info
Abydos is located about 90 kilometers north of Luxor and accessible via railway. Fare is about LE 52 per passenger between Luxor and Abydos. Travelers can access the Ramesside temples with the help of the tourist police or police-escorted taxis.
Address: Abydos, Egypt
From $ 35
Afrikaans Language Monument
The undulating spires of the abstract Afrikaans Language Monument jut up from the vineyard surroundings of the Paarl Valley to commemorate the language. Also called the Taal (language in Afrikaans) Monument, the impressive granitic structure designed by architect Jan van Wijk, is full of symbolism, its various arcs, mounds, podiums, pools and stairs represent the rise of the 300-year-old language and its many influences and impacts on South African culture.
The onsite two-floor museum, the former home of Gideon Malherbe, one of the founders of die Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (GRA, Association of True Afrikaners), has exhibits on the language and the cultural identity around it. The lower floor is decorated as the dwelling may have looked in 1875 with eccentric patterned wallpaper and original furnishings. One room of the top floor contains the printing press used to create the first Afrikaans newspaper – an entire wall of the room is plastered with its productions. Informational exhibits with
photographs and text describe the early written language. Afrikaans first appeared in Arabic, not Roman, script, and, in addition to its Dutch foundations, the language claims Malay, Portuguese, French, German and indigenous Khoi languages as influences. Displays on unusual word origins line colorful walls, and exhibits of the modern and historical impacts of the language on culture including in various genres of South African music, are also on the top floor. An outdoor Green Gallery near the gardens has rotating exhibits of art and poetry.
Many visitors to the monument and museum opt to picnic on the lawn fronting the monument.
The sloped greenspace overlooks the surrounding mountains. A small coffee shop and café also serves light fare beneath umbrellas for warm-weather al fresco dining.
Practical info
The monument and museum are located at Gabbema Doordrift Street in the town of Paarl Mountain, about 17 miles north of Stellenbosch. It is included in several tours departing Cape Town for the surrounding vineyards. The museum and monument are ticketed separately at R 25 each for adults (R 40 for both sites), and R 5 at each site for children. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Apr. through Nov. and at 8 p.m. between the local summer months of Dec. and March. Complimentary guided tours are available. The site has limited wheelchair access.
Address: Gabbema Doordrift Street, Paarl 7646, South Africa
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adults R25
From $ 220
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
Located on the Corniche Breakwater, the Emirates Heritage Club runs a reconstructed traditional village demonstrating the lifestyles and traditions of the cultures native to the Arabian Peninsula. If you’ve ever wondered what Abu Dhabi was like before the discovery of oil transformed it into a pocket of extreme wealth, you’ll get a glimpse here.
Come in the morning before it gets too hot to explore the open-air museum. Enter a traditional goats’ hair tent and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system that allowed desert dwellers to begin cultivating crops. Local craftsworkers conduct workshops in traditional metalwork, pottery, spinning and weaving. The traditional mosque is a far cry from the palatial white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, demonstrating just how far the United Arab Emirates have come.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop during your visit. You’ll be able to pick up local herbs and spices as well as items made by the local artisans working in the village.
Come in the morning before it gets too hot to explore the open-air museum. Enter a traditional goats’ hair tent and learn about the ancient falaj irrigation system that allowed desert dwellers to begin cultivating crops. Local craftsworkers conduct workshops in traditional metalwork, pottery, spinning and weaving. The traditional mosque is a far cry from the palatial white marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, demonstrating just how far the United Arab Emirates have come.
Be sure to stop by the gift shop during your visit. You’ll be able to pick up local herbs and spices as well as items made by the local artisans working in the village.
Address: Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Saturdays - Thursdays: 9am to 5pm; Fridays 3:30pm to 9pm
From $ 25
Abu Dhabi Cruise Port
Towering skyscrapers, modern high rises and brilliant flashing lights greet travelers who dock at this urban port. Abu Dhabi, the largest and wealthiest of the emirates, is ripe with ornate royal palaces, high-end shopping and even a Ferrari World theme park, but travelers looking to experience old-world wonder can get it by going beyond city limits.
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
These streets aren’t made for walking and public buses, though readily available and inexpensive, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Visitors can hire taxis for cheap, including pink cars that signal to tourists they are for females only. It’s also possible to rent a car in the cruise terminal. Signs in English and Arabic make roads easy to navigate, although parking can be a headache.
One Day in Abu Dhabi
Get a taste of Abu Dhabi’s unmatched wealth with a trip to some of its most impressive architectural wonders. Start with a visit to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque—the largest of its kind in the U.A.E. Opened in 2007, this place of prayer can accommodate up to 40,000 people. Its interior is decorated with crystal chandeliers, Murano glass, polished marble and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Then continue on to the Emirates Palace—a five-story luxury hotel that cost approximately $3 billion to build. Enjoy afternoon tea before wandering the impressive halls lined with Persian carpets and more than one thousand chandeliers. The hotel even has an ATM that vends gold at the going rate.
How to Get to Abu Dhabi
These streets aren’t made for walking and public buses, though readily available and inexpensive, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Visitors can hire taxis for cheap, including pink cars that signal to tourists they are for females only. It’s also possible to rent a car in the cruise terminal. Signs in English and Arabic make roads easy to navigate, although parking can be a headache.
One Day in Abu Dhabi
Get a taste of Abu Dhabi’s unmatched wealth with a trip to some of its most impressive architectural wonders. Start with a visit to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque—the largest of its kind in the U.A.E. Opened in 2007, this place of prayer can accommodate up to 40,000 people. Its interior is decorated with crystal chandeliers, Murano glass, polished marble and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Then continue on to the Emirates Palace—a five-story luxury hotel that cost approximately $3 billion to build. Enjoy afternoon tea before wandering the impressive halls lined with Persian carpets and more than one thousand chandeliers. The hotel even has an ATM that vends gold at the going rate.
Port Information
Ships dock at Mina Zayed, which is a 15-minute walk to the waterfront promenade. Because of the port’s industrial nature, it’s best to take a taxi to the nearby exit gate. Travelers have access to a visitor desk, ATM, Wi-Fi and a few shops inside the terminal. Dirham is the official currency and most people speak both Arabic and English. ATMs can be found in most shopping malls and hotels often exchange money for travelers. Women should avoid wearing tank tops and shorts. Men who plan to visit mosques will not be allowed in wearing shorts.
Address: Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
From $ 65
Addo Elephant National Park
What was once a relatively small elephant sanctuary with just 16 mammals wandering the land has since become one of South Africa’s most diverse nature parks. Established in 1931, the Addo Elephant National Park is now home to more than 500 elephants, lions, rhino, hyena, leopards and zebra. But animals aren’t the only thing drawing travelers to Addo.
Guided game drives, self-driven safaris, horseback riding and an extensive network of novice and advanced hiking trails make Addo a popular stop for travelers to the southern Cape. High-end lodges and rugged bush camps also offer plenty of accommodation options for visitors who want to enjoy the estuaries, savannahs and forests that surround the park.
Guided game drives, self-driven safaris, horseback riding and an extensive network of novice and advanced hiking trails make Addo a popular stop for travelers to the southern Cape. High-end lodges and rugged bush camps also offer plenty of accommodation options for visitors who want to enjoy the estuaries, savannahs and forests that surround the park.
Practical Info
The Addo Elephant National Park is located in the Eastern Cape approximately a 9-hours drive from Cape Town. Guided game drives cost around R280 per person. Gates to the park open and close depending on the season, so its best to check with your accommodation for an accurate and up-to-date schedule.
Address: South Africa
From $ 494
Agadir Kasbah
Though today’s Agadir is concentrated along its long beach dotted byumbrellas, ancient Agadir once used to be an altogether different place — and located in a different place, too. Situated on a hilltop, above giant, hard-to-miss Arabic lettering (which translates as "God, Country, King"), sits that former town - the Agadir Kasbah - or, at least, what remains of it.
Also called Agadir Oufella, this historic area was constructed in the 1500s, but much of it was ultimately destroyed during the region’s great earthquake in 1960. What now exists is its still-intact and very visible-from-afar wall, which once protected the old town and its some 300 residents, and that now surrounds unmaintained ruins and rubble. What most people come for, though? Unparalleled views that stretch along the entire city and coastline, making the journey an impressive one whether you’re keen to see a historic site or to simply gape at the Moroccan landscape before you.
Practical Info
The Agadir Kasbah has a reputation for having many lingering touts who try to sell souvenirs, tours, and photos with camels. As such, the best way to experience and understand the sight is to come with a pre-arranged guide.
Address: Agadir, Morocco
From $ 12
Ait Benhaddou
The UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most impressive historic landmarks and a popular film location for Hollywood movies. Sculpted from traditional mud bricks and fortified by walls of dark red pisé, this kasbah lies on the old trans-Saharan trade route, at the border of the High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
The Basics
A guided tour of Ait Benhaddou takes in highlights such as the Telouet Kasbah, once the lavish 20th-century home of Thami el Glaoui, “The Lord of the Atlas”; the magnificent hilltop Granary; and the elaborate Mausoleum of Benhaddou. Full-day tours to Ait Benhaddou from Marrakech usually combine a tour of the hillside kasbah with a scenic drive along the Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass and a visit to the desert town of Ouarzazate.
Multi-day tours into the Sahara Desert from Marrakech or Fez also often make a stop at Ait Benhaddou, en route to Erg Chebbi or Merzouga, where you can trek through the dunes on a camel and spend a night at a traditional desert camp.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A tour of Ait Benhaddou involves a lot of walking uphill and along uneven paths, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
- There are a number of restaurants, accommodation options, and souvenir stalls at Ait Benhaddou.
- Ait Benhaddou is not easily accessible for wheelchairs users.
How to Get There
Ait Benhaddou is about 3.5 hours’ drive south of Marrakech, or a 30-minute drive northwest of Ouarzazate. There is no direct public transport to Ait Benhaddou, and most travelers opt to visit as part of a guided tour or to take a taxi from Ouarzazate.
When to Get There
For the most impressive photo opportunities, time your visit for sunrise, when the golden light is most magical, or stick around until the evening to watch the sunset from the hilltop. Most day-trippers arrive during the mid to late morning, so it’s worth making an early start to avoid the crowds.
Ait Benhaddou on the Big Screen
Ait Benhaddou boasts an impressive resumé of film credits, having served as a set location for a number of international movies. The city’s dramatic edifice and mountain backdrop have appeared in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth, The Mummy, and Babel. Most recently, the site was used to film on location for HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones.
Address: Ait Benhaddou, Marrakech, Morocco
From $ 23
Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace)
With its funnel-like gold and blue pillars and lone flagpole extending like an antenna from its flat roof, Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace) is one of Oman’s most striking examples of contemporary Islamic architecture. The palace, built in 1972, is set between the Mirani and Jalali forts along the coast of Muscat’s Old Town and is one of six royal residences belonging to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
Over the years, the ceremonial palace has received a number of important visitors, including Queen Elizabeth of England and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, as well as hosting a number of official functions and ceremonies. Although the palatial buildings are closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy views of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed’s masterpiece from the surrounding palace gardens or the waterfront of the nearby Muscat Port.
Address: Waterfront, Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Abu Simbel Temples
Often referred to as the Temples of Ramses II, the two enormous sandstone structures at Abu Simbel were built in 1255 BC by Ramses II to commemorate himself and his favorite wife Nefertiti. The larger temple, dedicated to three major Egyptian deities, features four large statues of Ramses II on its facade, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the love goddess Hathor, with statues designed to embody Nefertari.
Set on the banks of the artificial Lake Nasser, the structures were once in danger of being flooded with the construction of the Aswan High Dam but were saved via an extensive project to cut the temples into pieces and move them to higher ground, where they are seen today.
Both Temples of Ramses II are open to the public and together form one of the greatest tourist attractions in Egypt as half of UNESCO's Nubian Monuments World Heritage site. An impressive light and sound show takes place daily.
Practical Info
The temples lie about 180 miles (290 km), or a three-hour drive, southwest of Aswan. The best way to visit is via an organized tour from the city. It is also possible to arrive via plane from either Cairo or Aswan (30 minutes).
Address: Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Open daily. Winter: 6am - 4pm; Summer: 6am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: 80 L.E., Children: 40 L.E.
From $ 55
Al Ain Oasis
In the heart of Al Ain, a garden-filled city located 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Abu Dhabi, you’ll find the Al Ain Oasis. The largest green space in the emirate of Abu Dhabi offers a welcome respite from the clamor and heat of the country’s fourth largest city. Locals and visitors alike come here to wander the shady, palm-lined paths past the water channels of the ancient irrigation system that once brought water to local farmers.
As you explore the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) space, you’ll be shaded by more than 100 varieties of date palms--nearly 150,000 of them. Rent a bike or throw on some walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to enjoy the winding brick-paved trails.
As you explore the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) space, you’ll be shaded by more than 100 varieties of date palms--nearly 150,000 of them. Rent a bike or throw on some walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to enjoy the winding brick-paved trails.
Address: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
From $ 57