North Africa has far more to see than a single trip can cover, so the best approach is to pick one country, choose a few bases and spend real time in each. These four destinations are the strongest anchors for a first visit, and the two routes below link them into trips of 7 to 10 days.
Cairo and Giza
Cairo is large, loud and crowded, and it also holds some of the most important sights in the world. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are about 45 minutes from downtown. Visit them first thing in the morning, when the gates open and the light is soft. The Grand Egyptian Museum next to the plateau displays the Tutankhamun treasures, while the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square keeps a large collection of older finds. In the city, spend an evening in Islamic Cairo, around Al-Muizz Street and the Khan el-Khalili market, and climb to the Citadel for the view over the minarets. Plan two to three nights.
Luxor
Luxor sits on the Nile about 650 km south of Cairo and is often called the world’s largest open-air museum. The east bank has the huge Karnak complex and Luxor Temple, which looks especially good after dark. The west bank has the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. A felucca ride at sunset is a calm way to end the day. You can reach Luxor from Cairo in about an hour by plane or on an overnight train. Spend at least two days here, and three if you want to visit Dendera or Abydos.
Marrakech
Marrakech is the best starting point for Morocco. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed with souks selling leather, spices, lamps and textiles. Jemaa el-Fnaa square is the center of the city and the best place to see its energy at night. Beyond the markets, look at the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Majorelle Garden. Stay in a riad inside the medina for the atmosphere, and use a taxi or a guide the first time you walk in, as it is easy to lose your way. Allow two or three nights.
The Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas rises behind Marrakech, with villages, valleys and snow on the peaks into spring. Imlil, about 90 minutes from the city, is the starting point for walks to Berber villages and the climb to Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 m. The Tizi n’Tichka pass leads over the mountains to Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village made from earth, and then to the edge of the Sahara. Allow a day for an easy valley walk, or three or four days if you plan to cross to the desert.
Compact routes
Egypt heritage, 7–9 days.
- Days 1–3: Cairo and Giza (pyramids, museum, Islamic Cairo)
- Days 4–6: Luxor (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, west bank)
- Days 7–9: Aswan, with a Nile boat ride, the Philae temple and an early-morning trip to Abu Simbel, or an extra day in Cairo
Morocco mix, 7–10 days.
- Days 1–3: Marrakech
- Days 4–5: High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou, with an overnight stay in a kasbah or a desert camp
- Days 6–8: Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, a relaxed town with a fish market and a walled medina
- Days 9–10: back to Marrakech or on to Casablanca for the flight home
If you only have a week, the Egypt route can be shortened to Cairo and Luxor, and the Morocco route to Marrakech, the Atlas and one extra stop.
Practical planning
Start early. At major archaeological sites, the first hour is cool, quiet and good for photography. Plan to be at the entrance at opening time and rest during the hottest part of the day.
Check holidays. Ramadan and Eid change opening hours and demand for transport. Fridays are also quieter for business in many places. Our best time to visit North Africa guide has dates and seasons.
Use licensed guides. At the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak complex or Marrakech’s medina, a registered guide provides context and keeps pushy sellers away. Agree the fee before you start.
Get the transport right. In Egypt, use domestic flights or the sleeper train between Cairo and Luxor, and book a driver for day trips. In Morocco, trains run between the major cities, and private transfers are practical for the mountains.
Mix heritage and rest. After a day of temples or markets, plan something relaxed: a Nile cruise, a hammam in Marrakech, or a seafood dinner by the sea in Essaouira.
Where to start
If ancient history is your priority, begin with Egypt. If you prefer markets, mountains and desert in a shorter trip, start with Morocco. Either way, plan fewer stops and a slower pace, and you will see much more.
See also: North Africa must-see and the Africa travel guide.