Northern Africa
Northern Africa invites you to explore rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking scenery in a seamless, unforgettable journey.
Northern Africa is the Mediterranean-Saharan gateway between Europe and the African continent — a region of extraordinary antiquity, layered civilisations, and dramatic geographic contrast. From Morocco’s imperial cities and the Sahara’s golden ergs to the Nile Valley’s 5,000 years of pharaonic history and the UNESCO Saharan scholarship cities of Sudan, North Africa spans extraordinary diversity across seven countries.
This guide covers all seven countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, and Western Sahara. Each has a full destination profile, visa and entry notes, recommended operators, and a signature tour itinerary. Countries are presented with full itineraries regardless of safety status — RED status countries include future-planning itineraries for use when conditions allow.
| Countries Covered | Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Western Sahara — 7 countries total |
| Safety Status | GREEN = Safe to offer. AMBER = Specialist required. RED = Future profile only. |
| Itinerary Format | Daily breakdown + operator + visa + pricing tier + best season for each country |
| Best Season | October–April for most of North Africa. Avoid June–August in Saharan/Nile regions. |
| Currency | USD and EUR most practical. Local currency needed for markets and rural areas. |
| Sahara Travel | All Saharan itineraries require licensed local guide — legal requirement in Algeria; strong recommendation elsewhere. |
Countries of Northern Africa
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country known for its vibrant culture, historic cities
Egypt
Egypt is one of the world’s greatest destinations — 5,000 years of recorded history concentrated.
Tunisia
Tunisia is the most accessible North African country for European visitors
Algeria
Algeria is Africa’s largest country and one of its most profoundly undervisited
Northern Africa — Essential Travel Tips & Logistics
Health & Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Recommended for all North African countries.
- Malaria: Not required for standard tourist routes in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, or Egypt. Required for southern Sudan (future planning).
- Rabies: Recommended for extended rural stays — stray dogs present in all North African cities.
- Yellow fever: Not required unless arriving from an endemic country.
- Sun protection: Critical year-round — SPF 50+, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves for desert zones.
- Medical evacuation insurance: REQUIRED — minimum $100,000 cover. Particularly important for Saharan and remote destinations.
Currency & Payments
- Morocco: Cards widely accepted in medina shops, restaurants, and hotels. Carry cash (MAD or EUR) for souk bargaining.
- Egypt: USD widely accepted at major archaeological sites. Local EGP needed for markets, taxis, local restaurants.
- Tunisia: EUR exchangeable easily. TND cannot be exported — spend it before departure.
- Algeria: DZD cannot be imported or exported. Exchange at airport bank on arrival. Keep receipts.
- Always negotiate in North African souks — haggling is culturally expected and part of the experience.
Dress Code & Cultural Sensitivity
- All North African countries are predominantly Muslim. Dress modestly at mosques, medinas, and rural areas.
- Women: Morocco and Tunisia are relaxed in tourist areas. More conservative attire appreciated in rural markets and religious sites.
- Ramadan: Eating, drinking or smoking publicly during daylight hours is disrespectful. Most tourist facilities remain open.
- Photography: Always ask before photographing people — particularly in conservative rural areas and religious settings.
Sahara Travel Essentials
- Water: Carry minimum 3 litres per person per day in all Saharan regions. Dehydration is a serious risk.
- Navigation: Never enter the Sahara without a licensed local guide. GPS can fail in dunes. Phone signal is non-existent.
- Temperature extremes: Saharan day temperatures exceed 50°C in summer. Winter nights drop below 0°C. Pack layers.
- Sand: Carry a headscarf (shemagh/keffiyeh) for sandstorms. Protect cameras and electronics in sealed bags.
- Algeria (legal requirement): All travellers in Tassilin’ Ajjer and Hoggar must travel with a licensed Algerian guide. This is law — not optional.
Booking Notes by Country
- Morocco: Most accessible North Africa destination. Strong independent travel infrastructure. Africa Milestone recommends licensed local guides for souks and Sahara.
- Egypt: Nile cruise must be pre-booked — books out 3 months in advance in peak season. All temple entry fees paid in advance.
- Tunisia: Straightforward independent travel in north. Specialist operator recommended for southern Sahara and Berber village routes.
- Algeria: Sponsor letter from licensed operator REQUIRED before visa application. Budget 4 weeks for visa processing. All-inclusive specialist package recommended.
- Libya and Sudan: Africa Milestone does NOT offer these. Do not book. Full itineraries ready for when conditions allow.