North Africa packs a lot into a small number of places: pharaonic temples on the Nile, medina markets that have been trading for a thousand years, and desert landscapes that go on for days. It is also hot, busy and sometimes tiring, so a little planning goes a long way. These are the highlights most visitors find worth the effort, followed by two routes that link them without too much backtracking.
Cairo and Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are on the edge of Cairo, and they are as impressive as the photos suggest, though busier. Go early, ideally right at opening, and walk around the plateau rather than staying only at the main viewpoint. You can enter the Great Pyramid for an extra ticket, though the space inside is cramped and empty. In Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza now holds the Tutankhamun collection, and the older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square still has many exhibits. Add Islamic Cairo for the Citadel, the Al-Azhar area and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, ideally in the evening.
Luxor
Luxor is the most concentrated place for ancient Egypt. On the east bank, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, which is beautifully lit at night, are the main sights. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Queens complete the picture. Give it at least two full days. Start at sunrise to avoid the worst heat, and consider an early balloon ride over the west bank. From Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel can be added by train, boat or road.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a city to experience with your senses. The medina is a maze of alleys and souks, and the central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, changes through the day from juice stalls and snake charmers to food stands in the evening. Stay in a traditional riad, visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Majorelle Garden, and leave time to get lost. Keep a map on your phone, as the alleys are confusing, and ignore “helpful” strangers who insist the way is closed.
The Atlas Mountains and the Sahara
The High Atlas is only an hour or two from Marrakech. Day trips go to Imlil and the Ourika Valley, where you can walk between Berber villages. Further on, the Tizi n’Tichka pass leads to the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO site used in many films, and on to the desert around Merzouga or Zagora. A night in a desert camp, with a camel ride at sunset and a sky full of stars, is a highlight. Allow at least three days for the round trip from Marrakech, and preferably four.
Two routes
Egypt core, 6–8 days. Cairo (2–3 days), then fly or take the overnight sleeper train to Luxor (2–3 days), and extend to Aswan if you can. Giza and the museums fill the first half, Luxor’s temples and tombs the second.
Morocco core, 6–9 days. Marrakech (2–3 days), the High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou, then either the Sahara at Merzouga or the Atlantic coast at Essaouira. Essaouira is a relaxed, windy fishing town with a walled medina and good seafood.
Tips for a smoother trip
- Beat the heat. Visit sights early, rest in the afternoon and go out again in the evening. In summer, temperatures above 40°C are common.
- Use a licensed guide where it helps. At the Valley of the Kings, in Giza and in Marrakech’s medina, a good guide saves time and explains what you see. Agree on the price first, and expect to tip.
- Watch the calendar. During Ramadan, business hours and meal times change. Eid holidays bring crowds and higher prices. See our guide to the best time to visit North Africa.
- Dress sensibly. Cover shoulders and knees, particularly in smaller towns and at religious sites.
- Bargain politely. In souks, expect to negotiate. Offer around half the first price and settle with a smile.
Common mistakes
- Trying to squeeze in too much. Cairo and Luxor are an hour apart by plane but need separate days. Give each region three or four days rather than racing between them.
- Driving yourself into the Sahara. Roads become tracks, signs disappear and mobile signal is patchy. Use a reputable camp or tour operator.
- Only seeing the headline sights. Keep an hour for a mint tea in a quiet alley, a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset, or a walk along Essaouira’s ramparts.
North Africa rewards visitors who plan around the heat and the local pace. Pick one country for a short trip, add the second only if you have ten days or more, and the trip will feel much more relaxed.
Related: top destinations in North Africa and the Africa travel guide.