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Things to Do in Middle East And Africa

Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa

Muscat Cruise Port

In a region where passengers are typically greeted by towering skyscrapers and cold, modern architecture, Muscat’s scenic coast, with its historic buildings and far-off mountain ranges, offers travelers a taste of old-world Arabia. This conservative port is close to vast deserts, ornate mosques, traditional fishing villages and bustling open-air markets, making it a perfect stop for travelers looking to explore well-preserved tradition.

How to Get to Muscat

Free shuttles take travelers from berth to the port’s exit gate. Visitors can hire a taxi to town, or take the steep climb on foot. Old city center, which is closest to the waterfront, is easily walkable.

One Day in Muscat

Groups of travelers can hire a guide and a car for a reasonable rate and explore the desert or the mountains of Muscat on popular private safaris. Those traveling alone should stick closer to port, where there’s still plenty to do and it’s easier to stretch a dollar.

Start exploring the city at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The marble halls and beautifully kept gardens make it a regular stop for most tours. Next, visit Muttrah Corniche, near the harbor’s edge. This bustling promenade is a popular gathering place for locals and its lively cafes and tasty restaurants offer plenty of opportunity for people watching. Round out the day by heading inland to Nizwa, where ancient Portuguese forts offer tourists some of the best mountain views in Muscat.

Port Information

Cruise ships dock in a mostly industrial area, so travelers must take free shuttles from the boat to exit gates. Arabic is the official language in Muscat and while tour guides typically speak English, most people working in Oman do not. The Omani rial is the accepted currency but some shops will take euros or dollars. Be aware--travelers typically lose out on the exchange.

As Sultan Qaboos Port, Muscat, Oman

From $ 51

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Durban's massive Moses Mabhida Stadium was one of the new stadiums built for the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, hosting seven games during the tournament.

Since the World Cup, the stadium has been used for local games of soccer and cricket, as well as live concerts and other performances. The stadium is home to a local top-league soccer team, AmaZulu.

One of the defining architectural features of the stadium is an arch that extends over the length of the field. When the stadium is not in use, visitors can ride a funicular to the top of the arch, which offers excellent views over the city of Durban. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can also ride the Big Rush Big Swing – it's part bungee free fall, and part gigantic playground swing, hanging from the center of the stadium's arch.

Practical Info

Moses Mabhida Stadium is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-1:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm. Adult tickets are 90 Rand. The SkyCar funicular to the viewing platform is open from 9am-5pm daily, and an adult ticket is 55 Rand. The Big Rush Big Swing is open Friday-Monday and Wednesday 10am-4pm, and is closed Tuesday and Thursday. Adult tickets are 695 Rand. You can also walk over the arch rather than taking the SkyCar – that's available Saturday-Sunday at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm, and adult tickets are 90 Rand.

44 Isaiahntshangase Rd., Durban, South Africa

The stadium is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-1:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm.

Adult Tickets 90 Rand

From $ 93

Mount Toubkal

When you think of the Sahara, Northern Africa, or the sunny Moroccan plains, things like snow, ice, and crampons usually aren’t part of the picture. When climbing Mount Toubkal, however, conditions quickly go from hot to brisk, mountainside cold. Towering 13,751 feet above sea level, Mount Toubkhal is not only the highest mountain in central Morocco, but also the highest in the Atlas Range and all of Northern Africa. It’s a trail that’s accessible all year round to a wide range of hikers, and is more of a long, very steep stroll as opposed to a technical climb.

Trips begin from the town of Imlil about an hour south of Marrakech, where temperatures can still be blazingly hot despite the hillside perch. By the end of the first day of walking, however, the trail levels out at Toukbal Refuge near 10,000 feet elevation, where the air is suddenly crisp, cool, and a welcome break from the heat. Reaching the summit means rising early—often well before dawn—for the final, 3,000 foot vertical climb on a steep, scree-laden slope. Going up is often easier than down, though the view from the top is more than worth the six hour round trip climb. Finally, while climbing the mountain in two days is possible, most hikers break the journey up into a slower, three day climb.

Practical Info

The drive from Marrakech to the base camp at Imlil takes about an hour and 15 minutes. November-May can have winter conditions where ice axe and crampons are required, though the route is still a straightforward walk as opposed to climbing with ropes.

Morocco

From $ 46

Museum of Islamic Art

The collection within the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha spans three continents and more than 1,400 years, making it the largest collection of Islamic art on the planet. Built on reclaimed land just of Doha’s Corniche, the structure was designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei, who took inspiration from ancient Islamic architecture in crafting this postmodern masterpiece.

The collection—ceramics, metalwork, textiles, glass and manuscripts, among others—are spread across three floors; the ground floor houses a museum shop and a cafe with a stellar view of Doha Bay, where visitors can take a break over some French Arabic cuisine.

The neighboring MIA Park is free and open 24 hours a day.

Practical Info

The best way to get to the museum is by taxi, but there is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the museum and Mathaf from Wednesday to Sunday.

Doha, Qatar

Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 10:30am-5:30pm; Thursday and Saturday noon-8pm; Friday 2pm-8pm

From $ 50

Moulay Idriss

A mound of whitewashed buildings framed by lush mountains and olive groves, the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss is a striking proposition, and it’s a suitably picturesque setting for one of Morocco’s most important pilgrimage sites. The town takes its name from one of Morocco’s most revered saints, Moulay Idriss I, famous for bringing Islam to Morocco and founding the country’s first dynasty. Today, the grand Mausoleum of Idriss I is the focal point of pilgrim’s visits and plays an important role in celebrating the annual Festival of Moulay Idriss.

Although traditionally non-Muslims were unwelcome at the holy site, attitudes have relaxed considerably in recent years (although non-Muslims are not permitted access to the mausoleum) and Moulay Idriss has become a popular addition to tourist itineraries, often combined with a visit to near Meknès and Volubilis.

Practical Info

Moulay Idriss is located 30 km north of Meknès in northern Morocco, close to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Moulay Idriss, Morocco

From $ 93

Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech)

Housed in the 19th-century Dar Mnebhi Palace, at the heart of the medina, is the Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech). Founded by Moroccan journalist and activist Omar Benjelloun in 1997, the museum houses a small but impressive collection of Moroccan art and artifacts.

The Basics

Visitors can explore the museum as part of a tour of Mumbai’s highlights, or on a self-guided tour. Tickets include access to the temporary exhibitions, housed in the palace’s old hammam. Highlights of the permanent collection include ceramics, jewels, arms, costumes, calligraphy, and a collection of Judaica, reflecting the diverse cultural history of the city. Also on display is a fascinating series of etchings, which show Morocco over the centuries.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is an admission fee to enter the museum.
Signage within the museum is in Arabic and French only.
On-site facilities include a café, gift shop, and restrooms.

How to Get There

The museum is located in the souks area of the medina and is best reached on foot; it’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square. It can be tricky to find your way amid the maze-like lanes of the medina, so it may be best simply to ask for directions to Ben Yousef Madrasa, which is right next door.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 9am to 6:30pm daily, year-round, and although small, it rarely gets crowded.

Marrakech’s Best Museums

Other museums of note are also located in the medina and can be reached on foot from the Museum of Marrakech. The Tiskiwin Museum is a restored riad (a house built around a courtyard) with a large display of North African arts and crafts. The Museum of the Palmery combines stunning gardens with traditional art, and the Photography Museum showcases photos of Marrakech through the ages.

Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech, Morocco

From $ 35

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Whether it’s the oldest mosque in Cairo or not (there is some debate about this), the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is certainly the largest, and most definitely worthy of a visit while in Cairo. This huge, sprawling complex was built by Ahmad Ibn Tulun to accommodate all of his troops during Friday prayers. There’s an inscription slab on-site that identifies the date of the mosque’s completion as 879 AD.

The mosque covers an area of more than six acres and features small outer courtyards, their galleries decorated with intricately carved stucco. These courtyards served to ensure privacy, separating the sacred space of the interior from the outside world. The mosque’s minaret is the only one of its kind in Egypt and is a famous Cairo landmark. It features an external staircase on its second story, which spirals up to its pinnacle.

Practical Info

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is located at Al-Basatin, off Al-Saliba Street in Cairo.

Al-Basatin, off Al-Saliba Street, Cairo, Egypt

From $ 14

Mosque of Amr ibn al-As

Constructed in 642 AD under orders of the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
was the first mosque to ever be built on Egyptian soil.

Situated north of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, it sits on the edge of Fustat, the country’s first capital, which was founded by Amr ibn al-As.

The mosque is said to have been built on the site where the general pitched his tent, and the original structure was thought to consist of only palm trunks covered with leaves. It expanded to its current size in 827 AD, while the Fatimid period saw the mosque ornately decorated with marble, mosaics, silver coatings, and a moving pulpit. The building has been restored and expanded upon many times since, with parts of the entrance reconstructed as recently as the 1980s.

The mosque incorporates both Greek and Roman architectural styles. It features 200 marble columns, many taken from ancient sites, and three minarets.

Practical Info

The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is close to the Coptic Quarter in Cairo. To reach it, head north on Sharia Mar Girgis and past the Souq al-Fustat market. The nearest metro station is Mar Girgis.

Sharia Sidi Hassan alAnwar, Cairo, Egypt

From $ 20

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-Oa-Tunya, or 'the smoke which thunders,' refers to the iconic Victoria Falls that give this national park in Zambia its native name. Located along the upper Zambezi River, Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park houses half of the waterfall, as well as 41 square miles (66 square kilometers) of protected land rich with biodiversity.

Most visitors come to see the falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest curtain of falling water. There are a host of clearly marked and well-kept paths that wind through towering forests, and from the Zambian side of the falls, visitors can cross Knife-edge Bridge for spectacular views of the main falls. Outdoor adventurists can make the steep descent into the Boiling Pot and watch whitewater rafters board for a wild ride on the Zambezi River.

While the waterfalls are certainly a highlight of the national park, there’s also an entire section dedicated to wildlife-spotting, where travelers can book a game drive. Depending on the time of year, it’s possible to spot zebras, giraffes, antelope, warthogs, many species of birds and rare rhinos. The national park also serves as an important point for elephants to cross the Zambezi River, so they’re often sighted as well.

Practical Info

Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and protective camera cover to keep the fall’s mist from destroying your equipment and your attitude.

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia

From $ 140

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is 817 meters (2,680 feet) above sea level, and thus more than 1km (0.6 mi) above the neighboring Dead Sea. It is a site holy to both Christians and Jews: Moses is said to have died on or near the mountain some time after God had showed him the Holy Land from its summit.

You can still enjoy the prophet’s view today – gaze out over the sea lying under a saline haze, the ancient city of Jericho and, if you’re lucky, all the way to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. On Siyagha (one of the mountain’s twin peaks), you can see the remains of mosaics from a Byzantine monastery.

Practical Info

Mount Nebo is near both the Dead Sea and Madaba, and can be included on a day trip from Amman to either or both of those places. The nearby village of Khirbet al-Mukhayyat (Nebo in the Bible) contains more mosaic treasures.

Jordan

From $ 69

Mount Meru

Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s more accessible cousin, is located east of the Great Rift Valley in the small but beautiful Arusha National Park. Recognized as the second tallest mountain in Tanzania and the fourth highest on the continent, its towering peak and fertile soil attract avid hikers because of the easy trails and diverse wildlife.

Travelers agree that Mount Meru offers incredible views of the summit crater and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as access to numerous African animals. (The fertile soil surrounding this still active volcano is home to some 400 species of indigenous birds, several types of monkeys and a handful of Tanzanian leopards.) A trip to this less-traveled peak is typically done in conjunction with an excursion to one of Tanzania’s more popular destinations: Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater or Mount Kenya. But this just means travelers looking to get back to nature can escape the congestion on the trails of Mount Meru.

Practical Info

Mount Meru is located 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It last erupted in 1910 and is nearly 15,000 feet tall. Entry fee to the park is $25 a day. Mandatory guides are available for around $20 and costs should be paid in US dollars. Hikes from Momella Gate begin between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Peak hiking season is from June to February, with the best views of Kilimanjaro between December and February.

Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Daily 9am-3pm

Park entry fee ($25) applies

From $ 382

Murchison Falls National Park

This massive park in the countryside of Uganda is home to the famed Rabonga Forest, the Nile River and plenty of wildlife. Travelers will find hippos, chimps and plenty of crocodiles on a visit to this stunning natural wonderland.

Travelers can take a boat cruise along the Nile and get up close to bathing elephants, water buffalo and massive hippos. Game drives through the vast savannah showcase the best of this country’s wildlife, including giraffes, warthogs, baboons, honey badgers and even an occasional lion! Some tour outfits offer birding adventures for those who want to check winged creatures off their Life List and chimp walks through the landscapes give visitors once-in-a-lifetime access to these incredible primates. Travelers can purchase handmade items and unique souvenirs at nearby Boomu Women’s Group and support this unique female-run collective.

Practical Info

The park is beautiful to visit anytime of year, but travelers should be advised that rains occur most often between April and May and October and November. Visitors must hire their own car or driver to enter the park, as there is no public transportation. A one-day permit costs US$30, which is included in most tour prices.

Lolim, Uganda

Open year round

A one-day permit costs US$30

From $ 800

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai rises a lofty 7,497 feet (2,285 meters) above sea level and is an important religious pilgrimage site, where the prophet Moses is said to have received the 10 Commandments directly from God. Visit the site’s ancient monastery or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Egypt’s mountainous Sinai Peninsula.

The Basics

Mount Sinai’s rocky slopes are steeped in history. Here you can explore St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built almost 1,500 years ago against the foot of the mountain; see the Chapel of the Burning Bush and a gallery of ancient icons; ride a camel to the mountain’s summit; or walk the Steps of Repentance—3,750 stone steps leading to Sinai’s peak.

Mount Sinai tours typically last a full day and include a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery as well as a hike or camel ride to the mountain’s summit. Sunrise tours leave late at night and allow you to climb the peak before dawn, arriving in time to see the sun rise over the desert and surrounding hills. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

Mount Sinai is a must-see for culture lovers and history buffs.
The hike to the summit can be strenuous; wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots.
Dress in layers if you plan to visit during sunrise or sunset, as it can be cold at the top of the mountain. It’s also possible to rent blankets at the summit.
Multiple huts sell refreshments along the mountain path, so it’s a good idea to bring some spending money.

How to Get There

By road, Mount Sinai is located roughly one hour from Dahab, 2.5 hours from Taba, three hours from Sharm El-Sheikh and Eilat, and six hours from Cairo. The easiest way to get there is by private vehicle or through an organized tour, although it’s also possible to take a bus from Sharm El-Sheikh and then hire a taxi from the nearby village of Al Milga.

When to Get There

You can visit Mount Sinai year-round, although Egypt’s weather is most pleasant from October through April. Opt for a sunrise excursion to see the landscape at its most picturesque, as dawn transforms the surrounding mountains with shades of lilac and pink.

Walking the Steps of Repentance

Ascending Mount Sinai via the camel path and descending along the Steps of Repentance (also known as the Path of Our Lord Moses) is a classic way to experience the landmark mountain. According to legend, the 3,750 stone steps were created by a single monk who was repenting for evil deeds.

Mount Sinai, Sinai Peninsula, Mt Sinai 4828513, Egypt

Free

From $ 24

Mount Kenya

The volcanic peak which gave Kenya its name is second only to Kilimanjaro among Africa’s highest points. Not surprisingly it is predominantly hiking and climbing which draw people to the Mount Kenya National Park, with routes to match all abilities from keen first-timer to seasoned professional. Point Lenana is the most accessible of the mountain’s three peaks, but should only be attempted with guides.

From below, Mount Kenya is a stirring sight with its jagged outline sprinkled with snow and criss-crossed by glaciers. And this – remember – is just south of the Equator. The mountain’s steep slopes ensure dramatic changes in landscape within a small geographical area, rising from grass plains to alpine heights. The National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also an important source of Kenya’s water, with rivers and other waterways attracting myriad bird species.

Practical Info:

Mount Kenya is 109 miles (175 kilometers) north-west of Nairobi, east of the Rift Valley. Accommodation facilities in the park are on the basic side.

Kenya

From $ 440

Museum Africa

Museum Africa, Johannesburg’s main cultural and historical museum, occupies an imposing building which was once the city’s main fruit and vegetable market. Its inner city location is key; Museum Africa concentrates on urban living, and thus complements the numerous cultural displays which show life as it has been lived for centuries in rural areas.

One of the most interesting interactive displays examines the importance of gold for South Africa – not just the prosperity it has brought, but the high human toll of the mining industry. Elsewhere you’ll find The Sounds of the City, an exhibit which highlights Jo’Burg’s dazzling musical heritage, a phenomenon which echoes far beyond the city itself. A recreation of a shebeen, a type of shanty bar, puts the unique melodies and rhythms of the townships in context.

Practical Info

Museum Africa is centrally located in Newtown, right at the edge of the business district.

121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa

Closed Mondays.

From $ 55

Montecasino Bird Gardens

Located in northern Johannesburg, Montecasino is first and foremost a Vegas-like gaming complex, complete with casino games, shopping and restaurants. It’s also home to the Montecasino Bird Gardens.

This walk-through aviary houses more than 1,000 birds representing over 60 species, including Nicobar pigeons and the colorful Scarlet ibis. Other animals — reptiles, amphibians and a few mammals like antelope, sloth and lemur — also call the gardens home. The garden’s collection of more than 750 South African Cycads representing 37 species is the largest private collection of its kind in the world. One specimen is estimated to be more than 2,500 years old.

Twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends, Montecasino Bird Gardens presents a 40-minute Flight of Fantasy educational bird show. Cafe Flamingo serves refreshments overlooking the flamingo pond.

Practical Info

Guests of the Montecasino Hotel get a discount on admission to the Bird Gardens.

1 Montecasino Blvd, Johannesburg, South Africa

Daily 8:30am-5pm

R64

From $ 222

Mount Kilimanjaro

There are few mountains more iconic than Africa’s tallest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro has attracted authors, adventurers, travelers and thrill seekers for hundreds of year, promising a challenging climb and unprecedented views. With a summit that measures an impressive 19,341 feet and transitions through some five different climate zones, the snow-capped peak offers travelers a serious sense of accomplishment and an incredibly memorable African experience.

A network of seven official trekking routes wind up and down Kilimanjaro. Travelers agree that Machame—one of the most challenging routes—is the most scenic. Rongai, a less scenic but much easier pass, is accessible to hikers of all levels. Still, steep climbs, changing elevation and unpredictable weather can make reaching the summit a test for almost anyone. Those tight on time may not be able to climb Kilimanjaro’s peak, but they can still visit the base camp in the municipality of Moshi.

Practical Info

Though Kilimanjaro is famed as one of the world’s tallest walkable mountains its difficulty level still ranks as challenging. Travelers should allow seven to ten days to climb and properly acclimate to the change in elevation. It’s necessary to hire a trek operator and guide for the excursion. Most of these organized groups include camping, food, a guide, park fees and transport. They can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $5,000 per person. High season is between January and March and September and October.

Tanzania

From $ 2,860

Mummification Museum

Located in Luxor, to the north of Luxor Temple and overlooking the River Nile, the Mummification Museum is a small yet interesting museum dedicated to explaining the ancient art of mummification. It can easily be explored and appreciated in less than an hour.

At the museum’s entrance is an ornate statue of Anubis, the god of embalming. The Ancient Egyptians applied their embalming techniques to many species, and the museum displays a number of mummified animals, including cats, fish, and crocodiles. There’s also a particularly well-preserved mummy of the high priest Maserharti of Amun from the 21st dynasty.

The tools used for the mummification process are also on display, including macabre items such as spoons and spatulas that were used for scraping the brain out of the skull. Several artefacts that were believed to aid the mummy’s journey into the afterlife are also exhibited, along with some intricately painted coffins.

Practical Info

The Mummification Museum is located on the Corniche, close to the Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum. There is also a cafe, bookstore, lecture hall, and library on site.

Corniche El-Nil, Luxor, Egypt

Winter: 9am-9pm / Summer: 9am-10pm

E£40

From $ 35

Muscat Old Town

Located at the eastern tip of the modern capital city, Muscat’s Old Town is best known for its pair of 16th-century forts and the striking Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace), clustered around the waterfront. The two forts of Al Mirani and Al Jalali, perched on neighboring cliff tops, look out over the Gulf of Oman and form the boundaries of what was once the center of the historic capital.

Today, the area known as Old Muscat encompasses the coastal suburb of Muttrah and the idyllic Muttrah Corniche, which runs the length of Muscat bay. With its busy port and eclectic blend of old and new architecture, this is one of the capital’s most atmospheric areas and there’s plenty for visitors to see and do. Stroll along the restored remains of the original 16th century city walls; get lost in the colorful labyrinth of the Muttrah souk; or discover the city’s rich history and heritage at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Muscat National Museum or the Muscat Gate House Museum.

Muscat, Oman

From $ 37

Mount of Olives

Just east of the Old City, separating Jerusalem from the Judean Desert, sits the Mount of Olives, one of the city’s most famous scriptural sites. The famous mountain is referenced in both the Old and New Testaments, first as the escape route David used during his son’s rebellion, and again by the prophets. The New Testament recounts Jesus addressing his pupils from the Mount of Olives.

Apart from its religious importance, the Mount of Olives is historically significant as well. On the lower slopes of the mountain, you’ll find the Jewish cemetery, believed to be the oldest cemetery in the world still in use and burial place of many prominent Jewish figures, including Zechariah and philosopher Nahmanides. The foot of the mountain is also home to the Gardens of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations and the Russian Orthodox Church of Maria Magdalene.

At the top of the mountain, the Mount of Olives Observation Point offers panoramic views of the domes and towers of the Old City below. If possible, head to the top first thing in the morning, so you’ll have the sun at your back for photos, before exploring the rest of the area.

Jerusalem, Israel

From $ 12