Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church (Monastery of St Simon)
El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, also known as the Monastery of St Simon, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeast Cairo. The area is known as ‘garbage city’ due to the
large number of garbage collectors or ‘Zabbaleen’ that live there and sort through the city’s waste, recycling up to 80% of it.
To reach El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, visitors must weave through winding alleys before arriving at the entrance to what is believed to be one of the largest engraved monasteries in the world. The Zabbaleen are a minority Coptic Christian group and this gigantic church, which has been carved out of the mountainside and has a seating capacity of up to 20,000, is their place of worship.
The cave church is dedicated to Simon the Tanner, a craftsman saint who lived during the 10th century. The church as it exists today features various motives and sculptures depicting the life of Christ, and an amphitheater surrounding a central pulpit.
Practical Info
Reaching the monastery is relatively tricky due to the narrow, bustling alleys visitors must navigate before reaching the far end of the village. The best way to reach the cave is with a private guide or as part of an organized tour.
Address: Mokattam Mountain, Qism El-Khalifa, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 23
Emirates Palace
Opened in 2005, the 5-star Emirates Palace hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions for its sheer scale and grandeur. The multi-domed luxury hotel, part of Kempinski Hotels, sits on the beachfront in palm-sprinkled gardens and makes a lavish retreat for guests and a must-see for Abu Dhabi visitors.
The Basics
Overlooking its 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) private beach, Emirates Palace is a modern Arabian showstopper, with soaring arches, domes, and windows fronted by fountains and a gigantic staircase. The hotel measures just over a half-mile (1 kilometer) from wing to wing, and features vast halls; gold, crystal, and marble décor; Swarovski chandeliers; and 394 rooms and 92 suites.
Visitors not ready to splurge on a stay can experience the hotel in other ways: eating at an on-site hotel restaurant or booking a spa treatment. Many Abu Dhabi city tours include an exterior photo op or time to explore the hotel's public areas, while others include lunch at one of the restaurants.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Emirates Palace is a must for luxury travelers, sightseers, and culture vultures.
- Experience the hotel on a photo op or brief visit on a wider city tour.
- Most communal areas are open to visitors, so you can view the interior independently.
- Dress code is smart-casual: Expect to be refused entry if wearing shorts, flip-flops, or open sandals.
- The hotel and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Emirates Palace. Visitors can view the hotel on a guided Abu Dhabi tour, or catch a cab or self-drive to the entrance on the city’s West Corniche Road. Alternatively, several public buses run by the hotel—look for those heading to Al Marina and ask to hop off just before for a short walk to the gate.
When to Get There
Nonresidents can view the hotel’s communal areas free, any time. That said, it’s best to avoid weekends—Fridays and Saturdays—or during any big event, as the hotel may refuse entry if it’s busy. To ensure admission, you may want to reserve a table at a restaurant or the café.
Top Tips for Visiting Emirates Palace
To experience the opulence of Emirates Palace’s without staying there, pop in to enjoy its signature Palace Cappuccino, sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. Otherwise, up the luxury with an afternoon tea of scones, sandwiches, and dessert cakes with premium teas or coffees. Both are served at Le Café, and you’re advised to book ahead due to high demand.
Address: Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Duiker Island
Duiker Island is very small, sitting in Hout Bay, home to an abundant variety of wildlife. The island is sometimes known as Seal Island due to the large population of fur seals that is often found there, and the area is also home to sea birds.
The island itself isn't even one acre, so visits are not usually very long. There are several daily cruises out to the island, however, so you can see the seals and birds up close—either from the boat or from the island. Hout Bay is also known for diving.
Practical Info
Duiker Island is roughly 13 miles from Cape Town. Don't confuse this Seal Island with the other Seal Island in False Bay.
Address: South Africa
From $ 249
Elsamere Conservation Park
One of several private conservancies in Kenya, the Elsamere Conservation Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley.
It's here that conservationist Joy Adamson nurtured some of her orphaned big cats -- including the most famous: Elsa. This orphaned lion cub was hand-raised in the 1950s by Joy and her husband, George, and released into the African bush. The book Joy wrote about the experience, "Born Free", was made into a movie.
The area is still a haven for wildlife, with its own small troop of black and white colobus monkeys in the acacia trees. Fish Eagles can be found on the lakeshore, and hippos, eland and zebra graze on the lawns at night. More than 260 species of bird including rare species such as the Verreaux's Giant Eagle Owl have been spotted.
Practical Info:
Elsamere is located between Lake Naivasha National Park and Hell's Gate National Park, about a two-hour drive from Nairobi. Visitors can come for a visit between 3 and 6 p.m. stay overnight in one of four cottages (rates start at $165 per night) or sign up for a course at the Field Study Centre. Established in 1989, the field study centre continues the conservation work started by the Adamsons.
Elsamere is operated by the Elsa Conservation Trust, established in 1963.
Address: 1497-20117 Naivasha, Africa, Kenya
Admission: Check website for details
From $ 160
Elephantine Island
Elephantine Island is the site of ancient Abu (meaning both elephant and ivory in ancient Egyptian), both names a reminder of the island's once important ivory trade. At the beginning of the 1st dynasty (about 3,000 BC) a fortress was built on the island to establish Egypt's southern frontier. Abu soon became an important customs point and trading center. It remained strategically significant throughout the Pharaonic period as a departure point for the military and commercial expeditions into Nubia and the south. During the 6th dynasty (2345-2181 BC) Abu grew strong as a political and economic center and, despite periodic ups and downs, the island retained its importance until the Greco-Roman period.
As well as being a thriving settlement, Elephantine was the main cult center of the ram-headed god Khnum (at first the god of the inundation, and from the 18th dynasty worshipped as the creator of humankind on his potter's wheel), Satet (Khnum's wife, and guardian of the southern frontier) and their daughter Anket. Each year the rushing of the waters of the flood were first heard here on Elephantine. Over time religious complexes took over more and more of the island, so residential areas moved either further north on the island or to the east bank. The temple town of Abu received its coup de grâce in the 4th century AD, when Christianity was established as the imperial Roman religion. From then on, worship of the ancient gods was gradually abandoned and defensive fortifications were moved to the east bank, today's city of Aswan.
You can either visit Elephantine Island on an organized tour or independently, crossing on the local ferry. There are ruins and a small museum to explore.
Address: Egypt
From $ 28
El Badi Palace (Palais El Badi)
Built in the 16th century by King Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadi dynasty, the lavish El Badi palace was designed to be one of the grandest in the world: "El Badi” means “The Incomparable.” Today, this architectural masterpiece lies in ruins, but it’s still among the most visited monuments of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina.
The Basics
Located within strolling distance of the equally magnificent Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace is a popular destination on Marrakech sightseeing tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities such as Essaouira or Casablanca. Visitors can admire the vast prayer hall and grand courtyard; spot the storks that now nest in the old palace walls; and see the famous Koutoubia minbar (pulpit), which dates back to the 12th century.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to visit the palace.
- It’s best to visit with a guide, as there is no visitor information available.
- Plan to spend about an hour to visit the palace.
- Most areas of the palace are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
El Badi Palace is located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish quarter. Taxis stop right outside the palace. It’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.
When to Get There
The palace is open daily, but it’s best to visit before midday to avoid the heat, because there’s little shade at the palace. Each year in June or July, the palace hosts the National Festival of Popular Arts, with live music and dance performances taking place within the palace grounds.
History of El Badi Palace
King Ahmad al-Mansur spared no expense when building El Badi; the original palace was adorned with Italian marble, Sudanese gold, and intricately carved Indian woodwork. Sultan Mawlay Ismail of the succeeding Alaouite dynasty plundered those riches, leaving it almost completely bare. However, visitors can get an idea of the palace’s former grandeur, with its towering walls enclosing the traces of stately reception halls and other regal chambers.
Address: Place des Ferblantiers, Marrakech, Morocco
From $ 35
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Hemmed in by the rocky peaks of the Judean Desert to the west and the salty shores of the Dead Sea to the east, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is the largest and most beautiful oasis in Israel. A popular spot for hikers, it’s also famous for its biblical importance: This is the place where David hid from King Saul around 1000 BC.
The Basics
Ein Gedi has several well-marked hiking trails traversing its wadis, waterfalls, and desert oases, and guided hikes typically take in landmarks like Dodim’s Cave (Lovers’ Cave), Wadi David, Ein Gedi
Springs, and David Waterfall. Most travelers opt to visit on a day trip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, often combining a hike at Ein Gedi with a cable-car ride to the mountaintop fortress of Masada and a soak in the Dead Sea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the reserve, and tickets include a map of the park’s hiking trails and attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking; temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C) in the summer months.
- The uneven and often gravelly tracks mean that Ein Gedi is mostly inaccessible to wheelchair users.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a kiosk, and a gift shop at the reserve entrance.
How to Get There
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is located along Road 90, which runs along the coast of the Dead Sea. To arrive by public transport, take bus 486/487 from Jerusalem or Ein Gedi, or bus 421 from Tel Aviv. The park entrance is at the southeast edge of the park, just off the highway.
When to Get There
An early start is recommended to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months (June–August); here is very little shade in the reserve. In winter, the reserve closes early for conservation reasons, so be sure to check the closing times before setting out on an afternoon hike.
Wildlife of Ein Gedi
Covering 6,250 acres (2,529 hectares) and fed by four natural springs—David, Arugot, Shulamit, and Ein Gedi—the park hosts a wealth of tropical flora and native wildlife, with endemic species including Nubian ibex, Syrian hyrax, Afghan fox, and striped hyena, as well as a large population of migratory and resident birds. The reserve is also dotted with archaeological sites, with key attractions including the Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi and a village dating back to the AD first century.
Address: Ein Gedi Reserve, Ezor Yam Hamelah, Israel
From $ 69
Durban Botanic Gardens
Cape Town's Kirstenbosch gardens may be more famous, but Durban's Botanic Gardens hold the title of Africa's oldest surviving botanical gardens.
Founded in 1851, Durban's Botanic Gardens were a response to Kew Gardens' challenge of creating botanic gardens around the world. The goal was not only to furnish Kew with new plants, but also to help raise global awareness of potentially valuable plants. The first garden in Durban was established in 1849 in a different location – it has been at its current location, closer to the city, since 1851.
The gardens cover more than 37 acres and are known for their collection of cycads, ferns, and orchids. There are also several events held in the gardens throughout the year, including concerts, tea parties, and an indigenous plant fair in September.
Practical Info
The gardens are open April 16-September 15 from 7:30am-5:30pm, and September 16-April 15 from 7:30am-5:15pm. The Orchid House is open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission is free (tickets are required for many events), and donations are always welcome.
Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Durban, South Africa
Hours: April 16-Sept 15 7:30am-5:30pm; Sept 16-April 15 7:30am-5:15pm
From $ 43
Egyptian Museum
From the Royal Mummy Room to a number of glittering galleries showcasing finery extracted from various ancient tombs, there's a ton to see at the Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Getting around to all 107 halls in one trip is tough, so you'll want to choose a few subjects or exhibits that are most important to you.
Although the entire museum is filled with artifacts from as far back as the prehistoric period, the most renowned exhibit is, without a doubt, the collection of treasures once belonging to King Tutankhamun—don't miss the astonishing solid gold death mask. Other highlights include the Amarna Room, devoted to Akhenaten; the Greco-Roman mummies; and the larger-than-life statue of Khafre, considered by many to be the museum's masterpiece.
Practical Info
By metro, get off at Sadat Station and follow signs to the Egyptian Museum. General museum admission costs LE 60 for foreigners, but entrance to the Royal Mummies Room costs LE 100 for foreigners. Entrance to the Centennial Gallery costs an additional LE 10. Exhibit labels are written in both Arabic and English, while audio guides are available in English, French, and Arabic for an additional fee of LE 20. Note that photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Address: Tahrir Square (Midan Tahrir), Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9am–7pm (open until 5pm during Ramadan)
Admission: LE 60
From $ 10
Dubai Museum
Set inside Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum recounts the Emirates’ history up until the oil boom, which forever altered its skyline. Dioramas and artifacts convey what daily life was like for Dubai’s earliest communities, while life-sized re-creations of the city’s early souks and wharfs bring the past to life.
The Basics
Housed in Dubai’s oldest structure—built in 1787—the Dubai Museum gives visitors insight into a side of the city hard to imagine amid all the ultramodern skyscrapers. The museum is a highlight on many city tours, along with other popular Dubai attractions such as the Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Gold and Spice souks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Museum is a must-see for history buffs.
- See the museum as part of a city sightseeing tour, with stops at several other popular attractions.
- The Dubai Museum is accessible to wheelchair users, but there are some steep walkways that may require assistance for manual wheelchairs.
How to Get There
To reach the Dubai Museum, either walk along Al Fahidi Street through the backstreets of Bastakia or make your way there from Bur Dubai Souq. The Dubai Museum is a short walk from both the Bhubaiba and Fahidi bus and metro stations. Limited free public parking is also available.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily (limited hours on Fridays) except for during Ramadan, when the museum remains closed on Fridays. Despite being in the oldest building in Dubai, the museum is completely air-conditioned, making it a perfect way to spend an hour or so during the hottest part of the afternoon.
History of Al Fahidi Fort
Located on the southern shores of Dubai Creek, the 200-year-old Al Fahidi Fort was built at what was then the edge of urban Dubai to lend protection to the city. Throughout its history, the building served as an arsenal for weapons and artillery, and as a prison before it became a museum in 1971.
Address: Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: 3 AED
From $ 23
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts has grown to become the region’s first integrated resort destination, comprising three theme parks, a waterpark, an entertainment district, and a Polynesian-style family resort. From Lego-building experiences to Bollywood-themed stunt shows and fireworks every Friday night, there is truly something for everyone.
The Basics
For many Dubai Parks and Resorts visitors, the highlights are the twin parks LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park, each with its own set of rides, water features, and, of course, LEGO-building ops. Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai are cinematic theme parks based on Hollywood and Bollywood classics, while Riverland Dubai serves as the gateway to the parks, with a collection of shops and restaurants divided into four themed zones.
One of Dubai’s most popular family attractions offers numerous ways to visit. If you’re planning to spend only a day at the parks, choose between a 1- or 2-park pass. With two days to dedicate to the area, you can opt for a 2-day all-parks pass that offers unlimited access to all three theme parks and the waterpark. Single-day park passes with hotel transfers are also an appealing option for a care-free experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dubai Parks and Resorts are a must for families visiting the region.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and drink plenty of water.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet.
- Some of the parks’ rides, attractions, and amenities are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Dubai Parks and Resorts are located about 20 minutes outside of Dubai. The park offers a free shuttle service from malls and hotels around the city, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the parks is during the winter months, from November to April, when temperatures are cool enough to enjoy the many outdoor attractions. Save Motiongate for the hottest part of the day, as the park features more indoor sights. Expect temperatures to top 100°F (38°C) degrees from June to September.
Fireworks by the River
While Dubai Parks and Resorts doesn’t currently offer a nightly fireworks display, the resort does host a fireworks show, called Fireworks by the River, each Friday night at Riverland Dubai. The area isn’t ticketed, so you can come enjoy the show over coffee or dinner at one of the area’s 40 restaurants.
Address: Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Dubai Spice Souk
Dubai may have the world’s largest shopping mall, but for many visitors, the best shopping is found in the city’s traditional souks, or markets. Each of these historic markets specializes in one product or category of products, and one of Dubai’s most famous (and most pungent) souks is the Spice Souk.
Located in the eastern part of Dubai next to the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk includes a small area of narrow lanes lined by small shops selling almost any spice you can imagine. Huge bags and bins of colorful and fragrant spices -- everything from frankincense and saffron to dried chillies -- overflow into the streets. You’ll also find shops selling incense and sheesha, a type of tobacco smoked in a water pipe.
If you come to buy spices, be prepared to haggle; knowing your basic numbers in Arabic will help. Even if you’re not in the market for spices, a trip to the Spice Souk is worth an hour of your time just to soak up the atmosphere of one of the few remaining places where you can catch a glimpse of a more traditional Dubai.
Address: D 85, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From $ 27
Emirates National Auto Museum
The Emirates National Auto Museum is home to the private collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and exhibits more than 200 unique and classic vehicles.
Set within a pyramid-shaped building, there’s a workshop located around the back of the main museum. All of the exhibits are in excellent condition, and car lovers will rejoice at this fascinating collection, which features everything from 4x4 vehicles and racing cars to classic American motors. It’s also home to a steam-powered Mercedes from 1885, along with what is considered to be the world's largest truck.
In 1983 the Sheikh bought seven Mercedes, one for each day of the week, which he had painted the colors of the rainbow. All seven are on display in the museum and each is kitted out with such conveniences as TVs and refrigerators.
Practical Info
The Emirates National Auto Museum is around an hour’s drive south of Abu Dhabi on Hamim Road off the E11. It’s open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Address: Hameem, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Admission: AED 50, Children Under 10 are free
From $ 73
Dyer Island
Dyer Island sits just off the coast of Gansbaai, a town in South Africa's Western Cape. The largest island off Gansbaai's coast, Dyer Island sits roughly five miles from shore. It was originally called Ilha de Fera, Portuguese for “Island of Wild Creatures,” which makes sense given that the island is home to hundreds of African penguins.
Another nearby island has thousands of resident Cape fur seals, and the channel between the two islands is known as “Shark Alley” for the high numbers of great white sharks found there. As you might guess, the sharks like feeding on the seals.
Practical Info
Dyer Island is only accessible via boat tours, since it's a bird sanctuary that is not open to the general public. There are frequent tours, however, for whale-watching and shark cage diving. Gansbaai is just over 100 miles from Cape Town.
Address: South Africa
From $ 183
El Fayoum
El Fayoum is a city in Middle Egypt situated 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo. El Fayoum is Egypt's largest oasis, measuring in at around 60 kilometers long and 70 kilometers wide. Founded in around 4000 BC, it’s the oldest city in the country and is home to a number of important archaeological sites; the pharaohs built palaces here and the Greeks built temples.
Rich in nature as well as history, El Fayoum’s landscape extends to sand dunes, palm trees, lakes, and valleys. Home to an abundance of wildlife, Lake Qaroun is an important natural lake here, where locals and visitors gather for such activities as fishing, watersports, and birdwatching.
The Valley of Whales is another main attraction in the area. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley was once a vast ocean that was home to a variety of marine life. Today, it is the site of many fossils and skeletons of extinct whales, along with some fascinating rock formations.
Practical Info
A 4x4 vehicle is the best way to explore most of the attractions of El Fayoum. The best time for activities such as hiking and sandboarding on the dunes is October through April, when the weather is more mild.
Address: El Fayoum, Egypt
From $ 46
El Alamein War Cemetery
El Alamein, situated on the Mediterranean coast around four hours north of Cairo, is the site of where two battles were fought during World War II. The War Cemetery in the town houses the graves of allied soldiers who died during this time, particularly in the Battle of El Alamein of 1942. The cemetery contains over 7000 commonwealth burials from the war, of which 815 are unidentified. There are also more than a hundred war graves belonging to men of other nationalities.
The El Alamein War Cemetery also has an informative museum nearby, which covers the entire story of World War II in this part of the world, as seen from a number of perspectives. The museum serves as a memorial for the battles fought and displays a number of items from the war, including weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and war records.
Practical Info
The El Alamein War Cemetery is located at Marsa Matrouh Road, Markaz, Al Alamein.
Address: Alamein, Egypt
Hours: Open every day from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
From $ 100
Durban Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is where Durban dips its feet into the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean. The wide expanse of sand which gives the stretch its name is one of the most popular playgrounds of South Africa, known particularly as a surfing centre but also a great place for sunbathing and year-round swimming.
There are numerous attractions nearby, including uShaka Marine World, the Surfing Museum and Mini Town, a miniature replica of Durban. Numerous nearby shops compete for your rand, though if you’re looking for souvenirs the Zulu craft market offers great value and variety.
The Golden Mile (actually closer to 4 miles, or 6 kilometers) is located at the eastern edge of Durban’s central business direct, and the city’s main railway station is around 15 minute’s walk from North Beach. Enjoy sea breezes along the promenade on foot, or take one of the extravagantly decorated “Zulu Rikshas”.
Address: Durban, South Africa
Admission: Free
From $ 43
Dubai Miracle Garden
A floral wonderland of 50 million flowers, the Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the UAE's most original attractions. Branded as the world's largest natural flower garden, it boasts hundreds of flower-formed displays spread over 18 acres (7.3 hectares), all of which create an extravaganza of color and scent on the outskirts of Dubai.
The Basics
Visitors can book a tour to the gardens with round-trip transportation from Dubai. Many tours also include visits to the nearby Butterfly Garden and Dubai Global Village.
The Miracle Garden offers a multitude of floral sculptures, all created or revamped annually and open for viewing between November and May each year. The flower-formed sculptures are created from different species such as petunias, viola, geraniums, and marigolds, and shaped into everything from cartoon characters to castles, pyramids, hearts, birds, and animals. Explore the walkways around the fairy tale-like displays, whose colors and scents are lent extra intensity by the surrounding desert-and-highway landscapes and backdrop of Dubai’s skyscrapers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Miracle Garden is great for families with kids and anyone wanting a break from urban Dubai.
- Don’t forget sunscreen—there’s not much shade—and bring your camera to capture the Instagram-worthy exhibits.
- The garden closes for summer and is typically only open from mid-November to mid-May.
- Exhibits change regularly, so don’t count on seeing a specific one from season to season.
- Food kiosks, coffee shops, kids’ playgrounds, hammocks, and restrooms are all here for breaks from the sightseeing.
How to Get There
The Dubai Miracle Garden lies in Al Barsha South 3 in the Dubailand area southeast of central Dubai. Drive south via Highway E44 before turning onto the E311 toward the Arabian Ranches. It’s possible to arrive by cab or the buses that run here from the Mall of Emirates metro station, as well as on a guided tour.
When to Get There
The garden is open mid-November to mid-May, although dates can vary. Opening hours are generally 9am to 9pm Sunday to Wednesday and 9am to 11pm Friday and Saturday. Remember, the park is closed during the summer months.
What The Kids Will Want to See at Dubai Miracle Garden
There’s plenty for youngsters at the Miracle Garden, with sculptures replicating cartoon characters, animals, and other designs. Creations include a 59-foot (18-meter) Mickey Mouse; teddy bears, frogs, and parrots; and even a life-sized floral model of an Emirates Airbus 380 airplane.
Address: Al Barsha South 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Admission: Varies
From $ 75
Emirates Park Zoo
With 1,700 animals, the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of species, from local goats to the more exotic savannah lions and cheetahs. Located close to the city, it is the perfect way to spend a day out with the family, with a petting zoo and sea lion show providing entertainment for the kids.
From admiring the rare and impressive white tigers to feeding giraffes and elephants under the guidance of trained zoo professionals, there is something for everyone here. The zoo aspires to play its part in conservation and as such wants to encourage children and adults alike to learn more about the challenges of wildlife in the modern world. The site is split into several sections, including the bird park, primate parade, the aquarium, and snake alley. Several areas are indoors and air-conditioned, meaning the zoo can be visited all year round.
From Abu Dhabi, the easiest way to visit the Emirates Park Zoo is to book a day tour that includes hotel pickup and drop off. Traveling with a private guide makes it a unique experience, giving you an insight into the lives of the animals as well as ample free time to walk around and explore the zoo at your own pace.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach the zoo by taking a metered taxi or regional bus from the city.
Did You Know? The Emirates Park Zoo has a unique and unusual guest, Jasper the cheetah. Rescued with other cheetah cubs from smugglers selling them as pets, Jasper has developed a quirky skill as a painter. His paintings are sold to the public and all the profits go towards conservation.
Address: 12th Street, Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 9am-8pm; Thursday-Saturday 9am-9pm
Admission: Adult: 30 AED / Child: 20 AED / Child under two: Free
From $ 11
El Mu'ayyad Mosque
The red-and-white-striped Mosque of al-Mu'ayyad (the Red Mosque), built on the site where its patron Mamluk Sultan al-Mu'ayyad had earlier been imprisoned, displays a particularly grand entrance portal, dripping with stalactite vaulting; the interior is equally lavish. The mosque was completed in 1421 and was considered the finest built in Cairo.
It is one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in Egypt with a dome and two minarets standing at the southern gate. Originally all four sides were equally decorated and all considered front facades and entrances. It has intricate stone carvings, bronze doors, inlaid mosaic patterning and a painted floral pattern ceiling. The central pavilion with the ablutions fountain is unusually large. Inside an entrance hall leads to the tombs of Sultan al-Mu'ayyad and his son.
Practical Info
The best way to get around Cairo is to hire a private car and guide.
Address: Sharia al-Muizz, Darb al-Ahmar, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Admission: Mosque admission: 7.15 L.E
From $ 16