Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Tugela Gorge
Intrepid travelers with a love of the outdoors will find that a truly memorable experience awaits them on trek through the Royal National Park. An easy 7 km trail winds through this impressive gorge, past thick forests and the stunning Tugela Falls. Well-marked paths guide hikers to a bouldering wonderland and a terrifying (but safe) chain ladder over a rushing river where incredible views of the Africa’s second-largest falls will inspire.
Travelers in the know say it’s best to start the hike early to avoid the blazing hot afternoon sun, and packing plenty of water is a must. Remember, the falls run dry during winter, so while the hike still offers stunning mountain range views, the raging waters can only be found during summer and spring.
Practical Info
Tugela Gorge is located in the Drakensberg Mountains of the Royal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
Address: Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
From $ 41
Tyre Sour
Ever since its founding in 2,750 BC, the Lebanese city of Tyre (Sour) has been a center of conquest, exploration and empire. Originally an island city with one of the finest harbors in the eastern Mediterranean, scholars argue that the first explorers to navigate the waters of the Mediterranean Sea departed from the modern day port of Tyre. Although heavily fortified and able to repel many previous attacks, the island of Tyre was finally conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC when his armies constructed a causeway to get within striking distance of the island. Due to thousands of years of sedimentation caused by the man-made causeway, the city of Tyre is now an isthmus which forms a rugged promontory jutting out into the sea.
Tyre is renowned for having the cleanest beaches in Lebanon, and is also known for the authenticity of its souks and wealth of Roman ruins. In addition to the Monumental Arch which once served as the entrance to the city, the most notable ruin in Tyre is the massive Roman hippodrome set in the Al Bass Archeological site. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest ever constructed in the ancient world, the hippodrome staged raucous chariot events for crowds numbering over 20,000.
While regarded as safe for modern day travelers, Tyre has been a place of much turmoil in the past. The city was damaged in 1982 and 2006 during conflicts with neighboring Israel, and though Tyre is fully open for tourism and deserves a spot on any Lebanon itinerary, the political situation can nevertheless be tense.
Tyre is renowned for having the cleanest beaches in Lebanon, and is also known for the authenticity of its souks and wealth of Roman ruins. In addition to the Monumental Arch which once served as the entrance to the city, the most notable ruin in Tyre is the massive Roman hippodrome set in the Al Bass Archeological site. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest ever constructed in the ancient world, the hippodrome staged raucous chariot events for crowds numbering over 20,000.
While regarded as safe for modern day travelers, Tyre has been a place of much turmoil in the past. The city was damaged in 1982 and 2006 during conflicts with neighboring Israel, and though Tyre is fully open for tourism and deserves a spot on any Lebanon itinerary, the political situation can nevertheless be tense.
Practical Info
Microbuses to Tyre leave Beirut on a regular basis. They take no more than two hours and cost 2000 Lebanese Pounds (approximately $1.33 USD).
Address: Lebanon
From $ 90
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Located in southeastern Tanzania, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a lush area that's rich with wildlife. It is near both Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa, and has one of the highest rates of biodiversity anywhere in Africa, with several different landscapes inside the park's borders that serve as home to hundreds of species.
Two of the six primate species in Udzungwa are only found there – the Iringa Red Colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey. The park sustains more than 400 bird species, including four that occur nowhere else in the world.
Practical Info
There are no roads in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, but it's a prime location for hiking and trekking. Because of this, it's advisable to visit during the dry season (usually June-October).
Address: Kidayi, Tanzania
Admission: Fees based on activity
From $ 710
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a lone mesquite tree that stands in the desert atop a sandy hill near the highest point in Bahrain. Approximately 400 years-old and standing at almost 10 meters tall, the tree has continued to grow despite the extreme temperatures and lack of any apparent water source for miles around.
The tree’s source of water is a mystery and the fact that it has thrived for so long has made it something of a mystical legend in Bahrain. The locals believe that the tree is looked after by Enki, the mythical God of water, and some believe that it is the last vestige from the Garden of Eden. Presumably, the old tree has tapped into an underground spring somewhere, a feat of nature that is impressive even without the legends and myths.
Both its age and location make the Tree of Life a true natural survivor, although the sheer volume of visitors it attracts might be its eventual downfall; spray paint and etchings are clearly visible on its old bark, and a protective circular fence now surrounds the tree in an attempt to preserve it.
The best way to see the Tree of Life is to join a short tour that also takes in other attractions in the desert, including the Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort and the first ever oil well, plus the Oil Museum next to it.
Practical Info
The Tree of Life is located in the desert around a 45-minute drive from Manama. The best way to reach it is as part of an organized tour, but if driving yourself, take the Zallaq Highway heading east, which becomes the Muaskar Highway. Take a right turn by Khuff Gas Well 371 and then turn right again along the power lines. Be careful not to drive in the soft sand.
Did You Know? Since 2010, archaeologists have discovered pottery and other artifacts in the vicinity of the Tree of Life, some of which is thought to date back to the Dilmun era.
Address: Manama, Bahrain
From $ 107
Tizi-n-Tichka
Winding through the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco from southeast of Marrakesh to Ouarzazate, Tizi-n-Tichka (Difficult Path) offers one of the nation’s most dramatic and hair-raising drives. This high mountain pass offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains around every hairpin turn — and there are plenty of them. Built by the French for military use in 1936, the road follows Route Nationale 9 and reaches an altitude of 7,415 feet (2,260 meters).
Practical Info
Tizi-n-Tichka typically stays open throughout the year, but be aware that snowfall can cause unexpected closures from November to March.
Address: Morocco
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 42
Todgha Gorge
A hike through the picturesque Todgha Gorge offers travelers spectacular valley views of the sheer red rock faces Morocco is famous for. Visitors can navigate the picturesque canyon where the final 600 meters offer intrepid trekkers a narrow pass between towering stone walls that is truly awe inspiring.
In addition to easy hiking trails options ranging from the mostly dry riverbed to the easy paved road, travelers will find more than 150 well-marked rock climbing routes bolted into the mountain side, making Todgha Gorge one of the nation’s premier destinations for those looking for a scramble that’s strictly vertical.
Practical Info
Todgha Gorge is located in the eastern part of the Atlas Mountains near the town of Tinerhir, between the Todgha and Dades Rivers.
Address: Tinerhir, Morocco
From $ 90
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is named after the San word for clear water. The rushing river that winds through this scenic destination is as crystal clear as they come and attracts visitors from across the globe in search of untouched South African beauty.
Travelers to the park can find accommodation, food and adventure tours in Storms River and Nature’s Valley, where thick forests and lush foliage are home to various wildlife and rare birds. The popular Otter Trail, Suspension Bridge and Lookout Trail, as well as the Strandloper Cave and Waterfall Trail all off visitors the perfect place to get out of the car, stretch their legs and get back to nature.
Practical Info
The park spans 50 miles of coastline between Nature’s Valley and Storms River Mouth. It is in close proximity to Bloukrans Bridge, which is home to the world’s tallest bungee jump.
Address: Garden Route, South Africa
From $ 314
Tsavo National Park
Though forming one contiguous stretch of land, Tsavo is split into two entities either side of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road. Tsavo East National Park is the larger of the two, and is famed for its huge numbers of elephants that gather at the Galana River and wander across the plains. You may also spot lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes to complete the “Big Five” of game-spotting, and the park is a haven for a huge range of bird species.
Tsavo West extends southwards to the Tanzanian border, and includes the beautiful Mzima Springs. Here you can watch hippos, Nile crocodiles and fish swim by in a submerged viewing tank. There are also great opportunities for rock climbing, hiking and cave exploration.
Practical Info:
Tsavo East and West are in the south-east of Kenya, with the coastal city Mombasa about 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Tsavo East's closest point. There are lodges and campsites for overnight stays.
Address: Kenya
Admission: Non residents - Adults: $65, Children/Student: $30
From $ 390
Twelve Apostles
Just beyond the peaks of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, lies the Twelve Apostles, a range of rocky cliffs that line the coast of the Cape Peninsula. Travelers can enjoy the views during a scenic drive from Cape Town, or while relaxing on the sandy shores of Camps Bay. Grab lunch along the bustling promenade and then head to the trails, since a climb to the top of the Twelve Apostles offers an unmatched view of Clifton and the bay. Afterwards, relax with a sundowner at the Leopard Lounge, known for extensive collection of South African wines and its famous Twelve Apostles cocktail.
Practical Info
The hikes at Twelve Apostles are relatively easy going. It’s best to park near the corner of Kloof Nek and Tafelberg Roads and head up the trails from there.
Address: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 53
Two Oceans Aquarium
Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium celebrates the unique collection of marine life that lives off South Africa's coasts, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Travelers can get a glimpse of life below the surface of the ocean surrounding southern Africa, including microscopic creatures, magnificent fish, penguins, turtles, sharks, stingrays, rare seahorses, and colorful clownfish.
The Basics
This kid-friendly attraction is an ideal destination for families, offering a number of opportunities to explore, experience, and engage with the underwater world. The popular attraction is part of the Cape Town City Pass, including 45 other popular attractions like the District Six Museum, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and the Wheel of Excellence, and it’s also a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus. Animal lovers can combine their visit to the aquarium with a stop at the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park in Hout.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The aquarium is a must-see for families and animal lovers.
- Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a multi-attraction ticket that includes access to other Cape Town attractions.
- All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available free of charge.
How to Get to Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The easiest way to reach the aquarium is by taking MyCiTi Bus 104 to the stop just outside the aquarium.
When to Get There
The Two Oceans Aquarium is open 365 days a year and makes an ideal rainy day activity. To make the most of your time in the aquarium, plan your visit around the animal feeding times in the Penguin, Predator, and I&J Ocean Exhibits.
Conservation at Two Oceans Aquarium
In addition to inspiring environmental stewardship through its exhibits, Two Oceans Aquarium participates in conservation and research programs around the globe, including tagging and releasing of ragged-tooth sharks, freeing seals caught in fishing lines, rescuing beached sunfish, and rehabilitating injured sea turtles so they can be returned to the wild.
Address: Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape 8002, South Africa
Hours: Open daily from 9:30am - 6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 3
Tombs of the Nobles (Valley of the Nobles)
The Tombs of the Nobles (or Valley of the Nobles) may lack the star power of the Valley of the Kings or other Luxor hot spots, but this lesser-visited gem is well worth the trip. A cemetery on a rare scale, the site features hundreds of tombs embedded in rock, often richly decorated with frescoes depicting the working lives of their inhabitants. The site is most often visited on day tours of Luxor's West Bank.
Only a fraction of the sites can be accessed, and the most highly recommended is Sheikh Abd El-Gurna. Highlights include the tomb of Sennofer, the mayor of Thebes (modern-day Luxor), with its charming painted grapevines, and the harvest scenes accompanying Nakht the astronomer on his eternal journey.
One of the grandest tombs belongs to the nobleman Ramose, affording visitors a rare glimpse of life under Akhenaten, possibly the earliest of all rulers to espouse a monotheistic faith.
Practical Info
The Tombs of the Nobles are scattered in the low hills above the Ramesseum. Each area charges its own admission fee.
Address: Egypt
Hours: Open daily 6am - 5pm
Admission: 25 L.E. - 30 L.E. for 2 - 3 tombs
From $ 35
Tomb of Ramses VI
The Tomb of Ramses VI is one of the most striking and architecturally interesting tombs within the Valley of the Kings, which is situated on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor. Originally built for Ramses V and expanded upon by Ramses VI during the 20th dynasty, its decoration is one of the most sophisticated and complete of the royal tombs.
In general, the Tomb of Ramses’ elaborate decoration depicts the story of the origins of heaven and earth, including the creation of the sun and life itself. Extracts from the Book of Gates and the Book of Caverns adorn the entrance corridor, and these continue into the midsection of the tomb, with the addition of the Book of the Heavens.
The tomb’s most notable and striking feature is the stunning vaulted ceiling in the main burial chamber featuring a double image of the Goddess Nut swallowing the sun. This is said to represent the endless cycle of life and the revival of the souls of the dead pharaohs.
Practical Info
To reach the Valley of the Kings, take a taxi and ask for “wadi al-muluk” for the East Valley and “wadi al-gurub” for the West Valley. No photography is permitted inside the tombs.
Address: West Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 6am-4pm
Admission: E£50
From $ 29
Tomb of King Tutankhamun
The boy pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled the New Kingdom in the 14th century, enjoys fame disproportionate to his short reign and modest achievements. This is mostly due to the discovery of his largely intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, his mummy adorned by a dazzling gold mask (now in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, along with most of the tomb’s other bling).
Having risked the curse said to await anyone who disturbs the tomb’s rest, visitors may be slightly disappointed by its modest scale and relative lack of adornment. “King Tut” is, however, still in residence, his linen-wrapped mummy visible in a glass box watched over by richly colored wall paintings.
Practical Info
The Tomb of King Tutankhamun is in the Valley of the Kings, though there is a separate admission charge.
Address: Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Hours: Open daily. Summer: 6am - 5pm, Winter: 6am - 4pm
Admission: Valley of the Kings admission: 55 L.E. King Tut's Tomb: 40 L.E.
From $ 29
Uganda National Mosque
The Uganda National Mosque, formerly called the Gaddafi National Mosque, is to the city of Kampala what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and the Statue of Liberty to New York. Located in the old city on Kampala Hill, the giant 12-acre facility serves as the headquarters of Islam in Uganda.
Construction of the mosque began in 2004, after the unfinished Old Kampala National Mosque from the 1970s was demolished. Completed in 2008, the mosque can accommodate some 35,000 worshippers, but double the number pack in during Ramadan and other Islamic holidays.
Foreign visitors—even non-Muslims—are welcome to visit the inside of the mosque, but they’re required to pay a small fee. The mosque maintains a staff of guides who offer tours of the interior.
Practical Info
When visiting the Uganda National Mosque, women should wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs, as well as a scarf to cover the head. Men must wear pants and a sleeved shirt.
Address: Plot 23/25 Old Kampala Road, Kampala, Uganda
From $ 300
Tomb of Merenptah
Pharoah Merenptah, son of Ramesses II and Queen Isis-Nofret, was entombed in the Valley of Kings in Tomb KV8, more popularly called the Tomb of Merenptah. This paticular tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1902, almost a decade before his more famous discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
When the tomb was first excavated, it was filled with debris, indicating that it had been open for centuries. While very little in the way of funerary items or furniture was found within, the tomb is notable for the height of its corridors and rooms and wide entrance — stylistic choices that marked the transition between tombs of nineteenth and twentieth century kings. It’s also the second largest tomb in the Valley of Kings.
While Merenptah was originally interred within four nested sarcophagi within Tomb KV8, his mummy was later moved to the tomb of Amenhotep II, discovered by Victor Loret in 1898.
Practical Info
The Tomb of Merenptah sees less tourists than some of the more popular tombs, and as such, many visitors consider it their favorite.
Address: Luxor, Valley of Kings, Egypt, Egypt
From $ 29
Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park
The fast-paced streets of Nairobi buzz with an energy unique to the capital. But this constant bustle can be exhausting. Green grassy fields and scenic city views at Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park provide a welcome respite from the chaos and offer visitors a place to slow down. Weekdays are mostly quiet in this hillside park, and weekends bring local families out to picnic in the sun. The president uses Uhuru’s sloping hillside as stadium seating for his political speeches, so be sure to check whether rallies are scheduled before venturing to the park.
Practical Info:
Some locals come to this open space to booze in the open, so it’s best to stay aware of surroundings and only visit during the daytime. Consider carrying only small amounts of money and leaving cell phones at home, since theft is known to occur more often here.
Address: Langata Road, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Hours: Daily: 8am - 6pm
From $ 48
Tomb of Ramses III
Located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is the final resting place of the last of Egypt’s warrior pharaohs. At 125 meters long, the Tomb of Ramses III is one of the longest in the Valley of the Kings. It has been well preserved, with its colorful sunken reliefs of traditional ritual texts still clearly evident.
All 63 of the royal tombs here are different, and what’s unique about the Tomb of Ramses III are the foreign tributes located within its side chambers, including detailed pottery imported from the Aegean and depictions of royal armoury and boats. In the last of these side rooms there’s a bas-relief of two blind musicians that gives the tomb its alternative name: ‘Tomb of the Harpists’.
In the chamber beyond is an aborted tunnel; after realising they were building into the neighboring tomb, ancient builders apparently shifted the axis to the west, constructing a corridor leading to a hall featuring grand pillars and walls decorated with scenes from the Book of Gates.
Practical Info
To reach the Valley of the Kings, take a taxi and ask for “wadi al-muluk” for the East Valley and “wadi al-gurub” for the West Valley. No photography is permitted inside the tombs.
Address: West Bank, Luxor, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 6am-4pm
Admission: Three tombs (excluding Ramses VI, Ay & Tutankhamun): E£70
From $ 30
Umm Qais Museum
With the Roman ruins of Gadara, an abandoned Ottoman village, and sweeping views over Jordan, Israel, and Syria, the little town of Umm Qais has a lot to offer the visitor. The undisputed highlight is the ancient city of Gadara, where the remains of Roman theaters, colonnades, and tombs enjoy a spectacular hilltop location.
The Basics
Because it’s difficult and time-consuming to reach the ruins at Umm Qais by public transportation, most visitors either drive themselves or opt for an organized tour. Some day tours from Amman combine Umm Qais with the Roman ruins at Jerash. Full-day Umm Qais tours often include visits to the site’s small museum. Few visitors will be interested in the modern town, although hiking, biking, and even foraging are possible in the countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Though it’s not as well known as Jerash, Gadara is a must for history buffs.
- Umm Qais is close to both Syria and Israel, so check your government’s travel advice before booking a tour.
- At the Gadara site, the Umm Qais Resthouse offers not only sweeping views over the ruins and the Middle East but excellent seasonal cuisine.
How to Get There
It takes at least four hours and four vehicles to reach Umm Qais from Amman by public transport, so most visitors opt to drive, hire a driver, or join a tour with round-trip transfers. The 78-mile (125-kilometer) drive north from Amman takes around two hours in a private vehicle.
When to Get There
The beauty of Umm Qais’ location is best appreciated in spring (roughly mid-March to mid-May), when the hills are lush and green. April is the optimal time to see wildflowers flourishing in the hills and among the ruins of Gadara. The site is rarely crowded so there’s no need for an early start to your Umm Qais tour.
The City of Gadara
According to the Bible, it was at Gadara that Jesus exorcised demons from two possessed men and cast the evil spirits into a herd of pigs, which then ran down the hill into a lake. During its heyday 2,000-odd years ago, Gadara was an intellectual hub known for its writers, artists, philosophers, and academics.
Address: Amman, Jordan
Admission: Varies
From $ 52
Uganda Museum
Founded in 1908, the Uganda Museum in Kampala is considered one of the best museums in all East Africa. The museum’s extensive collection is divided among exhibits on Ugandan history, culture, science, natural history and archeology, making it a great first stop for first time visitors to get a thorough introduction to the country.
Highlights of the Uganda Museum collection include an exhibit on traditional musical instruments (some of which visitors can play), fossilized remains of an 8 million years-extinct Napak rhino and a cultural village filled with recreated traditional homes from various Ugandan tribes.
Practical Info
With a fairly cheap admission price, a visit to the Uganda Museum is well worth a couple hours of your Kampala itinerary.
Address: Kira Road, Kampala, Uganda
Admission: 5,000 Ug shs
From $ 300
Trou aux Cerfs Crater
This massive crater in the heart of Mauritius measures more than 980 feet (300 meters) in diameter and some 260 feet (80 meters) deep. Known for its humid climate and expansive 360-degree views, Trou aux Cerfs Crater is a favorite spot among travelers seeking out natural beauty and quiet tranquility. While this dormant volcano hasn’t erupted in lifetimes, experts say it’s primed to blow any time in the next thousand years—a fact that lends a bit of edge to an otherwise peaceful excursion. Travelers can wander the scenic paths surrounding Trou aux Crefs Crater and take in epic views of incredible island countryside.
Some believe the Grand Bassin, a natural lake at the top of another nearby volcano, is an extension of the Ganges River, so travelers can sometimes find Hindus from throughout Mauritius worshiping at its sacred waters.
Practical Info
The crater is located in Curepipe, in central Mauritius. While it is accessible via a steep path, locals agree that the slippery channel that leads to the crater is too dangerous to descend.
Address: Trou-Aux-Cerfs Rd, Curepipe, Mauritius
From $ 80