Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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National Museum of Ethiopia
One of the most important collections in sub-Saharan African is housed within the walls of the National Museum of Ethiopia in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Founded in 1944, the museum is divided into four sections: paleontology and prehistory, history, ethnography and modern art. The collections together paint a picture of Ethiopia’s natural and cultural history.
The star of the collection, which includes traditional and ceremonial costumes, paintings, sculptures and relics from the Pre-Aksumite civilization, is the partial fossilized skeleton of Lucy, a female hominin who lived some 3.2 million years ago. While the original fossils belong to the museum, what’s on display for visitors is a cast of our ancient ancestor.
Practical Info
English-speaking guides will show you around the museum free of charge, though tips are appreciated.
Address: King George VI St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Admission: Birr10
From $ 65
Neve Tzedek
Neve Tzedek (נְוֵה צֶדֶק) is one of the most charming neighborhoods in all of Tel Aviv. The first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of the ancient Jaffa walls, it enjoyed a prosperous beginning as the first modern city in the Hebrew world. Today, it is stylish and full of life. Galleries and restaurants dominate the area's streets, and the small cafes and artist studios make the colorful streets look like a sort of Bohemian haven. For great shopping, be sure to visit Shabazi Street (ברחוב שבזי) for lovely boutiques and specialty stores.
Be sure to visit the Nachum Gutman Museum (נחום גוטמן במוזיאון), devoted to the famous Israeli artist, as well as the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theatre (מרכז סוזן דלל למחול ותיאטרון), an incredible cultural center surrounded by beautiful gardens. Neve Tzedek is one of the most enthralling, beautiful, and culturally blooming area in Tel Aviv, and is certainly not to be missed.
Practical Info
Located in the southwestern part of the city, just south of the Yemenite Quarter, Neve Tzedek is very easily accessed from the heart of Tel Aviv by foot, bus, or car. There is also a light rail that is rumored to go into central Tel Aviv very shortly.
Some of the best restaurants in the entire city are in the neighborhood, so be sure to sample some of the local fare.
Address: Tel Aviv, Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 98
Nile River
Measuring a mighty 4,150 miles (6,680 kilometers) from end to end, the Nile is the world’s longest river. It’s also the lifeblood of Egypt, flowing through the heart of the Sahara desert, and passing through cities, including Khartoum, Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria.
The Basics
A boat ride along the Nile is a quintessential Egypt experience and there are plenty of ways to get on the water. Admire Cairo's illuminated skyline on an evening dinner cruise, marvel at the ancient wonders of Luxor's East Bank and West Bank on a sunset cruise, or set sail aboard a traditional felucca for Elephantine Island or Soheil Island from Aswan.
Multi-day cruises also run up and down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, affording spectacular views and stopping at sights such as Aswan High Dam and the temples of Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, and Karnak.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and lightweight clothing, as well as modest clothing suitable for visiting temples and mosques.
- Most multi-day cruises include a choice of standard or deluxe cabins, and meals (often a buffet) are served on board.
- Many boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
The Nile River runs right through the heart of Egypt, passing numerous towns and cities along the way. The main ports for multi-day cruises are in Aswan and Luxor, while short sightseeing cruises are a popular choice in Cairo.
When to Get There
Cruises run year-round, but the best time for a Nile River cruise is between October and April, when the weather is hot but manageable. Temperatures can reach over 104˚F (40˚C) in the summer months of June to August.
Wildlife of the Nile
The vast riverbanks of the Nile River provide a habitat to a huge variety of wildlife. Most notorious is the Nile crocodile, which can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters), but more welcome sightings include African tigerfish, Vundu catfish, turtles, and tortoises. In more remote rural areas, hippopotamuses, wildebeests, rhinoceros, and mongoose flock to the Nile to drink, while the Nile Delta in the north is home to a sizable population of water birds, including little gulls and whiskered terns.
Address: Egypt
From $ 7
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Few places in Tanzania are as beautiful or diverse as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This unique destination offers travelers a one-of-a-kind experience with unfettered access to the nature, wildlife and people that make this country an incredible destination. Its volcanic craters, vast savannah, thick forests and rugged bush cover some 8,300 square kilometers of protected land, making it the perfect place to spot high concentrations of African wildlife.
While the Olduvai Gorge and Maasai people make a visit to the Conservation Area memorable, it’s the Ngorongoro Crater that draws travelers to this natural wonder. Covering some 260 square kilometers, this sunken crater formed by a volcanic explosion is home to more than 25,000 animals. Black rhinos, thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles graze on this fertile plain. The crater is also home to the densest population of lions in the world.
Travelers who visit the crater in December or June will also catch part of the legendary migration, when 1.7 million wildebeests, 260,000 zebras and 470,000 gazelles make the trip between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed.
Practical Info
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is accessible by both land and air. Travelers can fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport at Moshi and take a charter flight, shuttle or taxi the 55 kilometers to Arusha. For those traveling overland, the road between Arusha and the Lodoare gate is about 160 kilometers and takes about two hours. Though this path is paved a 4x4 vehicle is necessary inside the Conservation Area. Gates open at 6 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. All visitors must be accompanied by a guide.
Address: Arusha, Tanzania
From $ 346
Nakhal
Nakhal is a small town in the Al Batinah Region of Oman. The name translates to “palm,” many of which line the streets of this desert oasis. It is one of the more scenic towns in the country, set against the jagged peaks of the Jebel Nakhal Mountains of the Western Hajar range, and there is a hot spring and a small stream flowing calmly into town.
A main draw to the area for visitors is the historic Nakhal Fort, which sits atop a rock mound in the center of town. The castle dates back to pre-Islamic times, but like its neighboring forts it has undergone several renovations since. Even more palm and banana trees lie below in the orchards surrounding the structure. Climbing up the fort offers wide views of both the ancient town below and the magnificent surrounding landscape.
Practical Info
Nakhl is located about 120 kilometers away from Muscat. The trip to the fort can be combined with a visit to the Ain Al Thawarah spring or Wadi Al Abyadh. Nakhal Fort is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm and on Friday from 8am to 11am. Entry fee is 500 baizas for adults.
Address: Nakhl, Oman
From $ 223
Muttrah Corniche
Sweeping down from the lively Port Sultan Qaboos to the 16th-century forts of Mirani and Jalali, the Muttrah Corniche marks the seafront boundary of Muscat’s Old Town. Walking or driving the coastal Al Bahri Road covers one of Muscat’s most scenic stretches, sandwiched between the lapping waves of the Gulf of Oman to the north and the looming Al Hajar Mountains, which separate the neighborhoods of Old Muscat from the modern city in the west.
Start out from the harbor where wooden dhows jostle for space with modern cruise liners and the circular towers of Muttrah fort keep a watchful eye over the bay. From here, the road runs east for around 3km along the coast, passing by the famous Muttrah fish market and souk and Al Lawatiya Mosque, with its striking gold-dome topped minaret, before jutting inland through the historic city gates of Old Muscat center. The leafy Al Riyam Park and the golden sands of Al Bustan Beach also lie along the Corniche, breaking up the sprawl of dazzling white architecture and making ideal dolphin-spotting areas.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 70
Nairobi National Museum
The National Museum of Kenya opened in 1930 as a place for local naturalists to collect and display their specimens. But in 2005, the museum doors closed and the once archaic structure got a much-needed facelift. Today, it houses more than mere evidence of Kenya’s unique flora and fauna (although its massive East African bird collection is impressive and the botanical garden and nature trail are perfect for afternoon wandering).
In addition to biological wonders, the National Museum now houses galleries that examine the rich culture and traditions of its numerous tribes, outline the nation’s history, and even galleries that display the talents of Kenya’s contemporary modern artists.
Practical Info:
The museum is open Monday through Sunday—including public holidays—from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Entry costs about $8 USD for non-residents.
Address: Museum Hill, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: Nonresident Adult: $8; Child: $4
From $ 150
National Museum of Ghana
Opened on the eve of Independence Day back in 1957, the National Museum of Ghana has become a staple for travelers and locals looking to learn more about the rich history, colorful culture and unique traditions of a country and people in the midst of constant change.
Three major galleries highlight artifacts from ancient and contemporary Africa. Historic sculptures are displayed alongside the works of modern West African artists. Travelers can wander the halls decorated with traditional attire and handcrafted instruments, impressive and ornate chiefs’ regalia, and bronze statues from neighboring countries. A unique sculpture garden displays life-size 3-D images of Kawme Nkrumah, the nation’s first president, and other political figures. The library, conservation laboratory and education hall are also popular stops on a tour of the National Museum of Ghana.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Ghana is located at No 2 Barnes Road in Central Accra. It is open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily with an entrance fee of US$2 for foreign children, US$5 for foreign students and US$7 for foreign adults.
Address: No 2 Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana
Hours: Daily 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults US $7, Students US $5, Children US $2
From $ 62
Newtown
Newtown is a neighborhood in the center of Johannesburg, and it has been the focus of redevelopment efforts in recent years. Originally called “The Brickfields,” as brick-making was the primary industry, the neighborhood was burned to the ground in 1904 – on purpose. The reason given was to stop the spread of the plague. Later that year, as the area was being redeveloped, it was given the name of Newtown.
Today, Newtown is home to some important Johannesburg attractions, such as MuseumAfrica, Market Theatre, and Mary Fitzgerald Square.
Practical Info
Newtown is in the western part of Johannesburg, and the new Nelson Mandela Bridge makes access to the neighborhood easier.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 55
Na'ama Bay
The focus of the Sharm el Sheikh resort action is Na’ama Bay, a collection of glittering seaside resorts fronting the water.
Stroll the beachfront promenade lined with restaurants and hotels, or organize a camel or horse ride to the desert Bedouin villages.
Na’ama Bay’s clubs party hard from midnight to dawn, and cafes overlooking the water are an atmospheric setting to try a sheesha water pipe.
Of course, Na’ama Bay’s other raison d’être is as a jumping-off point to hit that crystal-clear water, filled with fluttering fish, lying offshore in Ras Mohamed National Park.
Practical Info
Na’ama Bay joins with Sharm el Maya Bay to form the resort of Sharm el Sheikh. The bay is around 6 kilometers (4 miles) east of Sharm el Maya Bay.
Address: Sharm-Na'ama Bay Road, Na'ama Bay 46619, Egypt
Admission: Free
From $ 22
Muttrah Souk
One of the oldest traditional souks (marketplaces) in the Arab world, the Muttrah souk has a history stretching back over 200 years and has earned acclaim throughout Oman for its varied array of both local and imported goods – thanks in large part to its strategic position at the mouth of Muscat Harbor. Known locally as the Al Dhalam souk, which translates as ‘Darkness’ in Arabic, the souk takes its name from the network of narrow streets that run between Khour Bimba and the Al Lawatiya Mosque, where the stalls are so cramped together the sunlight can’t make it through the cracks.
Navigating the dimly lit stalls and maze-like alleyways is all part of the experience and shopping in the souks is one of the top pastimes for visitors to Oman. Exploring the myriad of stalls reveals a host of local goods like Frankincense, perfumes and fresh spices, alongside traditional handicrafts like Khanjers (Omani knives), Bedu jewelry and colorful hookah pipes. Pay a visit to the Gold Souk, where the honeycomb of stalls are laden with gold and silver jewelry, tuck into some local street food, then put your haggling skills to the test as you scour the markets for unique Omani souvenirs.
Address: Hellat Scoral Lawatiya, Muscat, Oman
From $ 52
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge covers a span of over 931 feet in the Johannesburg city center, but this bridge doesn't cross a river. Instead, the bridge soars over more than 40 rail lines, linking the Newtown and Braamfontein neighborhoods.
Opened in 2003 by Nelson Mandela himself, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is Africa's largest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge accommodates two lanes of car traffic, a cycling path, and pedestrian sidewalks on either side. The modern design has a lightweight appearance, and the entire bridge is illuminated at night with varying colors – it's something of a light show in the Johannesburg city center every night.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge was built as part of a rejuvenation project in Johannesburg's business district. In 2011, it was used as a runway during Joburg Fashion Week. Thanks to the bridge, it's now easier to get between attractions such as the SAB World of Beer, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Mary Fitzgerald Square, the Civic Theatre, the Market Theatre, and the 1913 Museum Africa.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 65
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
On August 5 1962, on a stretch of the R103 just outside Howick in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, armed police flagged down a car and arrested the driver, Nelson Mandela. The former president had been on the run from the South African apartheid government for 17 months and his capture marked the beginning of his 27-year imprisonment and what he called “the long walk to freedom.”
Until quite recently, this unassuming spot was marked only by a simple bricked zone with a plaque, but in 2012, on the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the significance of the area was marked with an impressive steel sculpture and a newly created visitor center.
Designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli in collaboration with the architect Jeremy Rose, the sculpture is the centerpiece of the new memorial site. It is made from 50 steel columns of varying heights. At first glance, the poles appear to be randomly suspended, but on approaching the sculpture, they merge to form an image of Mandela’s face.
Practical Info
To reach the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, head around five kilometers northwest of Howick on the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg and take the turnoff to Lions River. Then turn right onto the R103. The site is a five-minute drive from here and is well signposted.
Address: R103, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal 3290, South Africa
Hours: Open 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults: R25; Children: R15
From $ 142
Nazareth
According to the Christian faith, Nazareth was home to Mary and Joseph before the birth of Christ. Located in northern Israel, this once-sleepy village is now a bustling metropolis full of Ottoman-era mansions and Roman ruins. Lofty churches, mosques, and temples pepper the city, along with both Christian and Muslim holy sites.
The Basics
Nazareth is an important Holy Land site on par with Bethlehem, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Here you can find some of the most beautiful churches in the Middle East, such as the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St. Gabriel, and St. Joseph’s Church. The White Mosque is also a must-see, along with the Peace Mosque and Ela-Nabi Sa'in Mosque. For a taste of Nazareth’s diverse culture, visit the Diwan El Lajun, a multicultural performing arts center.
Nazareth is a popular day trip destination from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Most tours last at least a day, and some multi-day excursions visit Nazareth along with other important Holy Land sites such as Jericho, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. Private tours are also available for a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nazareth is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
- Remember to dress modestly if you plan to visit churches or mosques—you should cover up from your shoulders to below your knees.
- Because this is a predominantly Arab city, most stores and restaurants are open during Shabbat on Fridays and Saturdays.
How to Get There
Nazareth is located in northern Israel, near the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. By road, the city is roughly two hours from Jerusalem and 90 minutes from Tel Aviv. It’s possible to travel by bus from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, although be aware that public transportation does not run during Shabbat or on Jewish holidays.
When to Get There
You can visit Nazareth year-round, although Israel’s weather is most pleasant during spring and autumn. Most restaurants and stores close on Sundays.
Holy Sites in Nazareth
The Basilica of the Annunciation is a modern church built upon Crusade-era ruins, the remains of which are still visible on the lower level. The site’s mix of architectural styles and stunning works of art make it one of the most unique churches in Israel. Mary’s Well is another important spot, known for its beautifully restored Roman arches.
Address: Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 92
Nairobi National Park
Located just south of the city, Nairobi National Park is Kenya’s first game reserve and the only protected area in the world that sits so close to a nation’s capital. Visitors to the vast wildlife park are likely to spot black rhinos, lions, giraffe, and zebra, as well as some 400 bird species.
The Basics
Nairobi National Park ranks among Africa’s most accessible wildlife experiences, offering the chance to spot some of the continent’s most iconic species in as little as a half-day trip from downtown Nairobi. Explore on a safari tour, enjoy picnic sites and campsites, and hike an assortment of walking trails in this nature escape. Half-day and full-day tours allow visitors to drive through the park’s grass plains with the capital’s skyscrapers as a backdrop, spotting endangered animal species in their natural habitat. It’s also possible to visit on a more comprehensive Nairobi tour to also see nearby highlights such as the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Center, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nairobi National Park is a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Kenya’s capital.
- A guided day tour of Nairobi National Park can last anywhere from five to nine hours.
- Bring plenty of drinking water and a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park.
- Don’t forget to bring binoculars, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
How to Get There
Nairobi National Park lies roughly six miles (10 kilometers) south of Nairobi’s city center. Visitors must enter the park in a vehicle, and a guided safari tour is the easiest (and most rewarding) way to visit. Most tours to the park include hotel pickup and drop-off in the capital city. The closest major airport is Jomo Kenyatta International.
When to Get There
The dry season (July to September) is the best time to spot animals within the park. Avoid April through June, when heavy rains can make spotting wildlife difficult and a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary for visiting certain areas of the park.
Four of the Big Five in Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is home to four of the Big Five safari animals: lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. In fact, the park contains the highest density of black rhinos anywhere in Kenya. What you won’t find here are elephants. While the park once had an African elephant population, the animals were relocated to reduce unnecessary contact between humans and wildlife.
Address: Kenya
Admission: Nonresident Adult: US$43; Child: US$22
From $ 25
National Museum of Beirut
An essential stop for all visitors to Beirut, the National Museum features an impressive, well-displayed collection of archaeological artifacts from throughout the ages, offering a thorough overview of Lebanon’s history. Entry into the National Museum of Beirut is a staple of most historical Beirut walking tours.
The museum collection is displayed in chronological order, beginning in prehistory and ending in the Ottoman era. The circuit begins on the ground floor, where you’ll find various ancient statues and mosaics. The museum’s upper level features more than 1,000 artifacts from the Bronze and Iron ages, as well as from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Mamluk eras, all arranged by theme. Of its many artifacts, the Phoenician gilded bronze figurines found buried near the Obelisk Temple are probably the museum’s most famous.
Insider’s Tip: The museum’s audiovisual room near the entrance plays the documentary Revival every hour from 9am and 4pm, covering the restoration, revival and reopening of the National Museum.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Beirut is located a 15-minute walk south of Sodeco Square.
Address: Museum Street, on the corner of Damascus St. and Abdallah El Yafi Ave., Beirut, Lebanon
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–5pm
Admission: Adult: 5000 LP; Student/Child: 1000 LP
From $ 40
Muttrah
Muttrah is a district and former fishing village in the Muscat province of Oman with a long history as a center of commerce in the region. Souq Muttrah, a traditional bazaar still operating today, is one of the oldest marketplaces in the world. Its history dates back to the age of sail, when Muttrah was an important trade location between India and China. Set against the backdrop of the Muttrah harbor, it is still a center for trading and shopping today both for locals and visitors. It is named “Al Dhalam” (‘darkness’ in Arabic) for its many crowded stalls and lanes where little sun hits. Housed under a timber roof, it maintains its traditional Arabic feel. A labyrinth of alleyways, spices, perfumes and stands, it is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Oman.
Stroll alongside the Port Sultan Qaboos (Port Muttrah), one of the main commercial ports of Oman. Barter for silks, precious metals, antiques, spices, incense or jewelry in the souk, stop for an Arabic coffee or a fresh fruit juice, explore the local fish market and be transported to both the past and present of the country’s culture.
Practical Info
Muttrah district is located in the center of Muscat. It is recommended that the Souk Muttrah is visited earlier in the day, as it can become quite crowded closer to evening.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 37
Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts
This well-restored former fondouk – a place where traders took lodgings and stored and sold their goods during the 18th century – is now home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. Opened in 1998, the museum allows visitors to marvel at such artefacts as craftsmen’s tools, prayer beads, ancient chests, and musical instruments.
Much care has been taken with regards to the presentation of the displays, and the building is almost an attraction in itself, although photography is now allowed. Displays are presented within an attractive inner courtyard, in rooms through intricately-carved wooden archways, and beneath cedar ceilings.
The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts is located in the picturesque setting of the Place el-Nejjarine (Carpenters' Square). Here you’ll find one of the medina’s best-known mosaic fountains, plus small alleys that lead off to the Nejjarine Souk, where carpenters still chisel, carve, and sell their cedar wood items.
Practical Info
This museum is located on Place el-Nejjarine, which is easily found, although you may wish to use a guide to navigate the alleyways of the medina. The museum has a rooftop cafe with panoramic views over the medina.
Address: Place el-Nejjarine, Fez, Morocco
Hours: Open daily 10am-7pm
Admission: Dh20
From $ 104
Nejjarine Square
In the heart of the medina, close to the carpenters’ souk, Nejjarine Square is one of Fez’s most beautiful historic squares, best known for its distinctive centerpiece – the Nejjarine water fountain. Elaborately decorated with ornate carvings and zellij tilework, it’s the kind of drinking fountain normally seen fronting mosques or palaces.
Also taking prize place on Nejjarine Square is the exquisite Fondouk el-Nejjarine, an impressively preserved 18th-century funduq (historic traveler’s inn), now home to a fascinating carpentry museum. Inside, the interiors are decked out with magnificent wood-carved balconies and sculpted pillars, while the permanent exhibition houses a remarkable collection of wooden arts, crafts and carpentry tools, dating back as early as the 14th century.
Practical Info
Nejjarine Square is located in Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali), not far from the Al-Attarine Madrasa.
Address: Nejjarine Square, Fez, Morocco
From $ 15
Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot)
Tel Aviv’s Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot) tells the ongoing 4,000-year story of the Jewish people from the past into the future. The permanent collection includes exhibits on trailblazers and heroes of Jewish history, Israel’s War of Independence and the past and present of synagogues.
At the heart of it all is the Core Exhibition — a story through the eras of Jewish life and history through a collection of dioramas, murals, models, film and multi-media displays on topics like family life, community, martyrdom, faith, culture and the interaction between the Jewish people and their host environments throughout the world.
As of 2016 the museum is undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which will culminate in a new 66,000-square-foot permanent exhibit in 2019 — this reinvented space will place greater emphasis on narrative, identity and participation.
Practical Info
The BH Museum App includes a free audio guide with pictures, videos and commentaries on the exhibits.
Address: Klausner Street, Matiyahu Gate #2, Tel Aviv, Israel
Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 10am to 4pm; Wednesday to Thursday 10am to 7pm; Friday 9am to 1pm
Admission: 45/35 Adult/Child
From $ 14