Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
The island of Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Archipelago, called Mascareignes in French. On the southern part of the island is an animal park called La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes.
Opened in 1985 near the town of Riviere des Anguilles, La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes is part nature park, part zoo, covering 3.5 hectares. Visitors can walk along trails through giant bamboo, palm and banana trees, while guides talk about the types of animals found on the three Mascarenes Islands – Mauritius, Reunion, and Rodrigues.
There are 1500 Nile crocodiles at La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes, as well as butterflies, geckos, iguanas, frogs, mongoose, and giant tortoises – including the oldest tortoise, which is 97 years old.
Practical Info
La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes is open daily from 8:30am-5pm. Tickets cost Rs. 395 for adults and Rs. 225 for children ages 3-12 Monday-Friday, and Rs. 225 for adults and Rs. 100 for children ages 3-12 Saturday-Sunday.
Address: La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes, Rivière Des Anguilles, Mauritius
Admission: Adults: Rs. 395; Children: Rs. 225
From $ 80
Ksara
Since its creation in 1857 by members of the Lebanese Jesuit community, the vineyard at Chateau Ksara has produced award winning wines ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah, from Gewurtzraminer to Chardonnay. Set in the Bekaa Valley at an average altitude of 3,300 feet, Chateau Ksara benefits from fertile clays soils and the warm days and cool nights of a classically Mediterranean climate.
The oldest and largest winery in Lebanon, Chateau Ksara is conveniently set on the road between the Lebanese capital of Beirut and the historic ruins of Baalbek. Visitors to Chateau Ksara are invited to take a complimentary tour of the ornately manicured property and sample some locally crafted Lebanese wines. Those wanting to broaden their palate should also try a glass of arak, the national drink of Lebanon which can be found in various forms throughout the Middle East.
A particular highlight of touring Chateau Ksara is viewing the ancient grotto which is now used as a massive storage room. Accidentally discovered in 1898 by the Jesuit winemakers, the 1.2 mile long subterranean grotto is carved into limestone rock and believed to date back to the Roman period nearly 2,000 years ago. Though its exact origins are still uncertain, the cool, dark recesses of the grotto provide the perfect temperature for storing and aging wines. Thanks to this fortuitous twist of fate, as many as 900,000 bottles are currently stored in the grotto with a few vintages dating as far back as 1918.
The oldest and largest winery in Lebanon, Chateau Ksara is conveniently set on the road between the Lebanese capital of Beirut and the historic ruins of Baalbek. Visitors to Chateau Ksara are invited to take a complimentary tour of the ornately manicured property and sample some locally crafted Lebanese wines. Those wanting to broaden their palate should also try a glass of arak, the national drink of Lebanon which can be found in various forms throughout the Middle East.
A particular highlight of touring Chateau Ksara is viewing the ancient grotto which is now used as a massive storage room. Accidentally discovered in 1898 by the Jesuit winemakers, the 1.2 mile long subterranean grotto is carved into limestone rock and believed to date back to the Roman period nearly 2,000 years ago. Though its exact origins are still uncertain, the cool, dark recesses of the grotto provide the perfect temperature for storing and aging wines. Thanks to this fortuitous twist of fate, as many as 900,000 bottles are currently stored in the grotto with a few vintages dating as far back as 1918.
Address: Charles Malek Ave., Achrafieh, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
From $ 49
Lake Manyara National Park
Ernest Hemingway called Lake Manyara National Park the most beautiful place in all of Africa. Today, the same winding roads, lush jungles, grassy floodplains and blue volcanic mountaintops that left this famous author with lasting memories, make it one of the most picturesque destinations in all of Tanzania.
Hundreds of species of birds glide through the air above Lake Manyara National Park, making it the ideal stop for international birders looking to check the rare and exotic off their life list. Travelers in search of bigger beasts will find wild buffalo, zebra and other African mammals wandering the grounds of this concentrated safari wonderland. Its compact size and close proximity to the Rift Valley escarpment mean Lake Manyara National Park offers plenty of wildlife for time-crunched travelers.
Practical Info
Dry season runs from July to October. The scarcity of water makes it ideal for viewing large mammals. Travelers who venture to Lake Manyara between November and June will have the best chance of spotting rare birds and enjoying the waterfalls and canoeing during rainy season.
Address: Tanzania
Hours: Camping: Daily 24/7
Admission: Fees vary
From $ 305
Lesotho
Lesotho is an independent country that is surrounded on all sides by South Africa – it's an enclave within another country.
The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Lesotho, and it occupies just over 11,500 square miles high in the mountains. It holds the distinction of being the only independent country in the world where the entire country is above an elevation of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The population is almost entirely Sotho, the people who gave the country its name.
Lesotho gained independence from the UK in 1966 – before that was it called Basutoland. The small country remains largely agricultural, and it's a draw for visitors to South Africa who are keen to see traditional Sotho life in person. Those with more time to spare can enjoy the incredible hiking and see the mighty Semonkong Falls.
Practical Info
A day trip to visit the Kingdom of Lesotho from Durban is a long day—12 to 13 hours—but you'll get to see the dramatic countryside of the Drakensberg mountains, stop in historic Himeville, and experience the mountain nation all in one day. It's best to book this trip with a guide, since the Sani Pass (which you must cross to get to Lesotho) requires a 4x4 vehicle and someone who knows the dangerous road.
Address: Lesotho, South Africa
From $ 218
Lake Naivasha
Situated at an altitude of 1884 meters, Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya located around 100 kilometers northwest of Nairobi and near the town of Naivasha (formerly East Nakuru). The lake is part of the Great Rift Valley and its name comes from the Maasai word, Nai'posha – which translates as "rough water" – on account of the storms that can suddenly arise here.
This vast lake is surrounded by a swampland and fringed by papyrus plants. Among the residents of the lake are over 400 species of birds, including fish eagles, ospreys, lily-trotters, black crakes, and herons, and it’s also home to a large community of hippos. A number of other mammals are also drawn here and it’s not uncommon to see zebra, impala, buffalo, giraffe, and kongoni grazing in the areas surrounding the lake.
Practical Info
Lake Naivasha is a popular spot for day trips and weekends away from Nairobi. There are two roads connecting Nairobi and Naivasha; the A104 and the B3. The A104 is the starting route for many safaris, which means most visitors will get their first glimpses of Kenya’s rural landscape as they drive along it.
Address: Naivasha (East Nakuru), Kenya
From $ 60
Kruger National Park
One of South Africa’s premier attractions, Kruger National Park is famous for the extent and diversity of its wildlife. The “Big Five” of game are all there—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—and a world-class conservation program means you’ll also encounter wildebeest, giraffes, zebra, big cats of all stripes, and diverse bird species.
The Basics
South Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park covers 7,700 square miles (19,485 square km). Many lodges within the park offer safari packages that include morning and afternoon game drives. If you are staying outside Kruger Park in Hazyview, Nelspruit, or White River, you can book a tour that includes an early morning, evening, or day-long game drive. From the full experience from Johannesburg, book a full-day group or private tour that runs up to 16 hours and includes about three hours of game viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Kruger safari is a bucket-list trip for any wildlife lover.
- Game drives take place in open safari vehicles and are led by experienced guides who are passionate about wildlife and the bush.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera, as well as binoculars for game viewing at a distance.
- To make the most of your safari experience, follow your guide’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to safety around the animals.
- You can choose between a guided tour and a self-drive excursion.
How to Get There
From Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is about a five-hour drive or a short flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Buses are also available from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, from where you can also book a tour into the park.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry season, between April and September. Temperatures are pleasant, vegetation is sparse, and water levels are low, which makes for the best game viewing. In the rainy season, October to March, thick foliage can make it harder to spot animals.
Spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park
Catching sight of the Big Five is the highlight of any African safari. Lions tend to roam the open savannah and travel in prides of five to 15. They spend much of the day sleeping and get active in the later afternoon. Elephants are highly social and you can spot herds as large as 100 in Kruger, most often gathered around a watering hole. Buffalo may be the most dangerous of the Big Five and are also quite social, moving in herds of several hundred that often give rise to large dust clouds as they move in the dry season. Both white and black rhinos are endangered, so seeing them in Kruger is a rare treat. Leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five; you’re most likely to spot one perched on a large tree branch or preparing to stalk prey at night.
Address: South Africa
Hours: Open year round
Admission: Adults: ZAR 304.00. Children under 12: ZAR 76.00
From $ 225
Kwa Muhle Museum
Housed in the former home of an apartheid legislation enforcement body, the modern Kwa Muhle Museum transcends its unsavory history to showcase the effects that era had on the city of Durban. An insightful and informative rainy-day activity, the two-story building includes video and photographic displays, documents and reconstructed scenes that depict the shaping of city through its working class.
Permanent exhibits teach visitors about past and present labor practices, as well as different facets of the apartheid system, including the use of sorghum beer halls to fund social services for non-whites. Gallery spaces house temporary exhibitions; a National Geographic photography display recently spanned two rooms. Kwa Muhle is one of four historical museums in Durban, the others being the Old Court House Museum, the Old House Museum and the Port Natal Maritime Museum.
Practical Info
The Kwa Muhle Museum is located at 130 Bram Fischer Rd., across from the Workshop Park Shopping Center. It is open with free admission Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should allot between one and two hours to explore the small museum in its entirety.
Address: 130 Bram Fischer Rd, Durban 4001, South Africa
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-4pm
From $ 41
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is host to hundreds of species of animals, from rare birds to zebras and hippos. A haven for nature enthusiasts, a trip here is the perfect way to discover Uganda’s rich yet fragile wildlife. The park is part of a wetland system spanning 50 kilometers and linked by a swamp, making it an integral part of the country's ecosystem.
With more than 350 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park is the perfect place for birdwachers to observe, among others, the rare Red-faced Barbet from popular spots such as Rubanga Forest. However, all animal and nature lovers are rewarded at the park; the lake itself offers a great spot for wildlife watching, while for those who enjoy hiking, Rwonyo Rest Camp is the best place to start. For the adventurous, quad biking and game drives are also available.
The best way to visit Lake Mburo National Park is to book a tour from Kampala with an early morning start. As Uganda is situated on the equator, the journey offers the opportunity to stop and stand over both the north and southern hemispheres. A day trip consists of a guided safari drive through the park, with a stop at one of the lakes for lunch. You can also add a guided nature walk, or perhaps a boat ride for a chance to see the crocodiles up close. Lake Mburo National Park can also be visited as part of a week-long night safari or as part of a cultural tour of Uganda. For the bravest embarking on a trek across the Rwenzori Mountains, visiting Lake Mburo will come as a pleasant and well-deserved break at the end of your trip.
Practical Info
If staying in Kampala and planning a visit, it is strongly recommended to book a tour as Lake Mburo National Park is a three-hour drive away. If staying on-site, the options for navigating the park are by vehicle, on foot, by boat, or even on horseback. The best time to visit is from October to March when wildlife congregates around the few remaining waterholes.
Did You Know? Twenty percent of the entrance fee into the park is used to fund local community projects, such as building clinics and schools.
Address: Lake Mburo National Park, Kampala, Uganda
Admission: Adult: $40 / Child: $20. Other activities are extra.
From $ 348
La Palmeraie (Palm Grove)
A short taxi ride from the bustling Djeema el Fna, La Palmeraie offers a tranquil escape from the lively souks and traffic-laden streets of the Old Medina and Marrakech’s most affluent district has often been nicknamed the ‘Beverly Hills of Marrakech.' A quiet, sun-soaked oasis of palm and orange tree-fringed boulevards, neatly-tended rose gardens and vast swimming pools, La Palmeraie is home to many of the city’s most extravagant resort hotels and luxurious private villas.
Even if you can’t afford to stay in La Palmeraie, the scenic district makes a worthwhile detour from downtown Marrakech and the 32,000-acre stretch of palm groves provides a shady backdrop for leisure activities. As well as walking and biking tours, horseback riding and camel riding are popular pastimes, and there’s also a beautifully situated golf course overlooking the villas.
Practical Info
La Palmeraie is a district in north Marrakech, approximately 15 minutes’ drive north of the old Medina.
Address: Marrakesh, Morocco
From $ 22
Langa Township
Settled in the mid-1920s as a designated area for black Africans, Langa Township is Cape Town’s oldest and largest township. This lively community, which was established pre-apartheid, is steeped in history of the Xhosa people. Even its name pays homage to a famous tribe member who rebelled against the government in the late 1800s and was later imprisoned at Robben Island.
Visitors can tour the community with local Xhosa guides and explore the streets of Joe Slovo, the largest informal settlement in the township. A monument recognizing those who lost their lives in anti-pass campaign protests during apartheid stands at the community’s center, as well as a newly opened craft market stocked with local handmade items and a recently renovated cultural and multi-purpose center.
Visitors can tour the community with local Xhosa guides and explore the streets of Joe Slovo, the largest informal settlement in the township. A monument recognizing those who lost their lives in anti-pass campaign protests during apartheid stands at the community’s center, as well as a newly opened craft market stocked with local handmade items and a recently renovated cultural and multi-purpose center.
Practical Info
Langa Township is located off the N2 Highway at exit 12. It is also accessibly by the Langa Railway Station. Visitors should allot several hours to explore the neighborhood to gain a real feel for the community, life and culture.
Address: Langa, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 46
Klein Karoo (Little Karoo)
On a coastal travel route filled with spectacular scenery, outdoor adventure and unique cultural experiences, the tiny and sparsely populated Klein Karoo region offers visitors the opportunity to experience some true South African wonder. From ostrich riding to photography this easily accessible destination is a perfect place to pull off the road, relax, unwind and explore.
Whether it’s taking a ride atop one of Outdshoorn’s native ostriches, venturing out into the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, sipping a glass of port on the Little Karoo Wine Route or trekking through the Congo Caves, Klein Karoo has something for almost every traveler.
Practical Info
The town of George is home to plenty of accommodation options and serves as an ideal jump point for travelers looking to explore the region. The National Art Festival takes place in early April and showcases live music, dance and theater performances that are worth checking out.
Address: Klein Karoo, South Africa
From $ 30
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, established in 1913 to protect indigenous flora, were the first of their kind in the world. The main garden covers five of the six South African biomes, most of which are found inside an indoor greenhouse. The Kirstenbosch gardens are also home to various exhibitions of sculpture ranging from Zimbabwean stone sculptures to the world-famous bronze animals of Dylan Lewis.
Nature lovers and hikers both enjoy the gardens, as there is series of nearby trails that lead to Table Mountain and the pass at Constantia Nek, the site of the oldest restaurant in Cape Town. From Constantia Nek, hikers can reach the mountain of Constantiaberg, the back table reservoirs of Table Mountain and Cecilia Forest. Following the same path north leads to the Rhodes Memorial and the slopes of Devil's Peak.
Practical Info
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are regularly visited on tours of the Cape Peninsula. The site often host concerts and other outdoor performances, many of which are part of art and performance camps for children. By car, the gardens are about about 13 miles (21 km) from Cape Town's city center, where travelers can take De Waal Drive (M3) in the direction of Muizenberg, hang a right at Rhodes Drive (M63) toward the mountain and follow the signs to Kirstenbosch. There is free parking at gates 1, 2 and 3.
Address: Cape Town, South Africa
Hours: Daily 8am–7pm (until 6pm April–Aug)
Admission: R37
From $ 16
Lake Mutanda
Located in the Kisoro District of southwestern Uganda, scenic Lake Mutanda sits in the shadows of a string of misty volcanoes and is a popular base camp for gorilla trackers, bird watchers and volcano trekkers taking excursions into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park.
Due to its remote location and limited accommodation options, Lake Mutanda remains pristine and tranquil. Located in a region aptly nicknamed “Little Switzerland,” the freshwater lake attracts a wide variety of birds to its shores, including Uganda’s national bird, the grey-crowned crane. Birdwatching boat trips often encounter pelicans, Hadada ibis, African spoonbill, sacred ibis, kites, hawks and buzzards. The unique African clawless otter also calls the lake home.
Lake Mutanda is also one of only a few lakes in Uganda safe for swimming (no bilharzia, hippos or crocodiles to worry about), as well as canoeing or paddling in a traditional dug-out canoe.
Practical Info
You can reach Lake Mutanda by hiring a local taxi, called a boda-boda, in Kisoro.
Address: Uganda
From $ 3,050
Lesedi Cultural Village
Set among the rocky hills and bushland outside Johannesburg, Lesedi Cultural Village is made up of traditional homesteads and provides an opportunity to meet people from Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, and Basotho origins. Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants with elements from many tribal cultures.
The Basics
At the village, you can admire the riotous color schemes of tribal beehive huts, experience traditional dances and foods, talk with individuals from different tribal backgrounds, and even stay overnight. Many half-day Lesedi cultural tours are available from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Some tours combine visits to Lesedi Cultural Village with stops at the Apartheid Museum, Pilanesberg National Park, and the Cradle of Humankind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dining options include the Nyama Choma Restaurant, the Nile Room, and the Tswana Letsatsi Lapa.
- For guests staying at the property, the village offers game drives, walking trails, and guided Anglo-Boer history tours.
- The on-site craft market is an excellent place to purchase authentic souvenirs.
How to Get There
Lesedi Cultural Village is roughly an hour’s drive north-west of Johannesburg, and makes a good stopover on the way to Sun City. Overnight accommodation is available that reflects the authentic housing styles of each ethnic group.
When to Get There
Visitors typically arrive on a half-day guided tour from Johannesburg or opt to stay the night in a traditional homestead. The overnight stays include a dance show in an African lodge, meals, and other optional activities. The best times to visit the Johannesburg area are from March to May and September to November. These low season months ensure fewer crowds, warm and dry weather, and lower prices.
Overnight Stays at Lesedi Cultural Village
Those wishing to immerse themselves in a true African experience can stay overnight in a traditional beehive hut, with all the modern conveniences supplied. The head of the household will act as a guide and take visitors to the traditional "boma" or dance show, followed by a meal that includes traditional African foods such as potjiekos (a meat stew cooked in a black cast-iron pot with maize porridge), or even crocodile, kudu, or warthog.
Address: South Africa
From $ 70
Lake Nakuru National Park
Made up of the lake itself and the rocky caves and bushy grassland that surrounds it, Lake Nakuru National Park especially draws visitors looking to see pink flamingos, as there may be as many as 2 million lesser and great flamingos seen around the edges of the lake at a given time. The birds are drawn here by their favorite food, cyanophyta spirulina plantensis, a type of blue-green algae that fills the lake.
In addition to the flamingos, more than 400 different bird species have been spotted in the park, which is on a migration route for many European birds. This is one national park where you definitely want a bird-watchers' guide in hand to identify all the feathered creatures and ensure the species you need for your life list are expected to be in residence when you visit. The park is also home to many water-loving animals such as hippos and waterbucks, and among other mammals found in the park, visitors who get lucky will also be able to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, hyenas, buffalo, baboons, monkeys and gazelles. In addition, once simply a bird sanctuary, the Lake Nakuru National Park has since become a national rhino sanctuary and is the best place in Kenya to see protected black and white rhinos.
Practical Info
Lake Nakuru National Park is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Nairobi and is connected to the city via the main A104 road. The most commonly used route into the park is by way of the main gate, which is about 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from Nakuru town center.
Address: Kenya
Hours: Daily 6:30 am-6:30 pm
Admission: Adult: $80, Children/Student: $40 (non-resident rates)
From $ 69
Lighthouse of Alexandria
Famously one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the world’s first ever lighthouse, constructed in the 3rd century BC by Ptolemy I. An incredible architectural achievement of its time, the lighthouse took over two decades to complete and, at 450 feet (137 meters) tall, ranked among the world’s tallest structures for centuries after. It stood as a commanding force in Alexandria’s harbor for hundreds of years before being destroyed by a series of earthquakes that sent huge stones into the bay.
Today, almost nothing remains of the former world wonder, although the seaside Citadel of Qaitbay was built in its place using lighthouse ruins in 1480. The well-preserved medieval fortress offers visitors great views of Alexandria’s skyline and out to sea, plus the knowledge of its location’s historical significance. Travelers can walk the ramparts and wander the staircases while keeping an eye out for granite details that may have come from the lighthouse. In addition, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities has recently approved plans to reconstruct the ancient landmark, but details of the project are yet to be released.
Practical Info
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was located at the tip of Alexandria’s harbor. Today, the Citadel of Qaitbay stands in its place on Pharos Island and is open daily from 8am-5pm. Admission to the citadel is E£30.
Address: Alexandria Harbor, Alexandria, Egypt
From $ 82
Knysna
The town of Knysna sits on South Africa's southern shore, part of the famous Garden Route. It sits on a warm-water estuary called Knysna Lagoon, and the surrounding area is home to some dense forests. It's a beautiful area, full of wildlife, and popular with tourists visiting South Africa's Garden Route as well as those who just want a relaxing holiday destination on the water.
Visitors can explore the forests around Knysna, and can also get a taste of local culture with a tour of a Xhosa township on the outskirts of the city. There are three golf courses in the area, and there's an annual oyster festival held in June or July.
Knysna is just over 44 miles east of George (which has an airport), and 15 miles west of Plettenberg Bay.
Address: Knysna, South Africa
From $ 57
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra holds the remains of Osagyefo (the Messiah) Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and one of its founding fathers. A national park was built in his memory on the site where Nkrumah declared independence in 1957.
Along with the mausoleum where Ghana’s first president and his wife were laid to rest, there are also a number of fountains and statues around the site dedicated to Nkrumah, as well as a museum tracing his life. This features photographs of him with various world leaders, plus a number of his personal artefacts, including his desk, bookcase, and jacket.
Practical Info
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park is located in downtown Accra and is open from 10am to 5pm. English-speaking guided tours are available.
Address: Downtown, Accra, Ghana
From $ 62
La Storia Complex
La Storia Complex, located just over a mile (2 kilometers) from Mt. Nebo, offers visitors a quirky overview of the culture, religion, history and heritage of Jordan. The museum portion of the complex comprises a series of dioramas (some of them animatronic) depicting mostly Biblical scenes, starting with Noah’s Ark and continuing through the parting of the Red Sea, the birth of Jesus and the Last Supper. Other scenes show what life was like in a traditional Bedouin village, with animatronic villagers performing day-to-day tasks.
Also of interest is the onsite HandiCrafts Centre, where you can buy handmade mosaics, furniture, carpets, Dead Sea products, scarves, shawls and Bedouin jewelry, much of it made by local artists with special needs. Another section of the museum has been reserved to house what could turn out to be the largest mosaic mural in the world, set to measure 98 feet (30 meters) long and 20 feet (6 meters) tall.
Practical Info
La Storia Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Address: Mount Nebo, Jordan
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Admission: Admission: JD2
From $ 106
Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
The largest and most famous of Marrakech’s many mosques, Koutoubia Mosque is also the city’s most prominent navigational landmark. Just a short stroll from Djemaa el Fna square, the mosque’s soaring minaret stands proud at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina.
The Basics
Whether you’re exploring the medina on a walking or bike tour, sightseeing with a private guide, or visiting Marrakech on a day trip from Casablanca or Agadir, a photo stop at the Koutoubia Mosque is a must. Combine a stroll around the mosque’s beautiful grounds with a visit to the bustling Djemaa el Fna square, shopping in the souks, or other popular attractions such as Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The mosque interiors are only open to Muslim visitors, but the exterior grounds and gardens are open to all.
- The surrounding park has plenty of shady areas and benches, making it a great spot to take a break from sightseeing.
- The mosque grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
It’s impossible to miss Koutoubia Mosque. Wherever you are in the medina, look up and you’ll spot the mosque’s distinctive minaret. Buses and taxis stop right outside the mosque, or walk two minutes southwest of Djemaa el Fna square.
When to Get There
The mosque is busiest during prayer times, and the call to prayer can be heard all around the medina. For the most atmospheric photos, arrive in time for sunset or ride past in a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) at night, when the minaret is dramatically floodlit.
Architecture of Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most influential buildings in the Muslim world. Buildings from the Hassan II Mosque in Rabat to La Giralda in Seville, Spain, echo Koutoubia Mosque’s intricate geometric stone work, graceful arches, and imposing square minaret. The 220-foot (61-meter) minaret is the star attraction. It’s the highest point in the city, and local laws even prevent any building from exceeding its height.
Address: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco
Admission: Varies
From $ 14