Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
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Savanne District
The southern district of Savanne is known for its rolling hills, thick forests and rugged untouched beauty, and while the well-manicured greens of the Heritage Golf Club draw travelers eager to play the back nine, it's the less developed reaches that bring travelers to this southern edge of the country.
Whether it's cruising the trails on board a quad bike or riding horseback through the quiet landscapes of this beautiful region, visitors will find plenty to do, see and experience in Savanne. La Vanille Crocodile Park offers travelers an alternative to surf and sand with an informative look at these giant reptiles, while the Grand Bassin, a tradition Hindu temple, offers a look at local spirituality and the historic Bois Cheri Tea Factory provides travelers with a literal taste of what this district has to offer.
Practical Info
The Savanne District is the southern-most district in the country. It's located below the Riviere Noire, as well as the Plaines Wilhems and Grand Port districts. It has a population of nearly 76,000 people.
Address: Savanne District, Mauritius
From $ 110
Plettenberg Bay
Whether it's an international polo match, taking a walk with wild cheetahs or heading out on a wild canyoning adventure, the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay"”named Beautiful Bay by early Portuguese explorers"”offers travelers ample opportunity to explore the outdoors. The surrounding mountains are home to plenty of hiking trails and scenic bike passes ideal for nature-lovers, while extreme sports like skydiving and climbing prove ideal for the thrill-seeking set.
Plettenberg's sunny shores, particularly along the Keurbooms Lagoon, offer options for travelers looking to swim, relax and take in the area's quiet shores. In July, these protected waters attract Southern Right Whales and lucky travelers can catch a glimpse of these beautiful beasts from the safety of shore.
Practical Info
Plettenberg Bay is located about 600 kilometers west of Cape Town and 200 kilometers from Port Elizabeth, along South Africa's famous Garden Route.
Address: Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
From $ 314
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park"”one of the most photographed (and visited) destination in the entire country"”straddles the Namib Desert, what's considered by many to be the world's oldest desert, and the Naukluft Mountain Range. Its bright orange dunes, ever-changing towers of sand, arid landscape and impressive collection of African wildlife make it a destination among travelers. And while dune boarding, sand-surfing and 4x4-riding prove popular activities for adrenaline junkies who venture to this part of the coast, it's Sossusvlei that's the real show stopper of the Namib-Naukluft. This well-known area of the park is home to some of the tallest dunes in the world, and a favorite activity among travelers is a sunrise or sunset drive and hike to this incredible natural wonder.
While iconic pictures juxtaposing dark shadows with sun-kissed sands are available in every town in the country, travelers agree nothing is more breathtaking than seeing the real thing.
Practical Info
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is located in the Namib Desert off the C28 highway and is part of the Naukluft mountain range. The gate to Sossusvlei opens at 6 a.m., but it's best to arrive earlier if you plan to catch sunrise, as long lines can make it easy to miss.
Address: Namibia
From $ 74
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Recognized as the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden was built in 1770 and stretches over some 37 hectares of land. The park is known for its massive pond of giant water lilies, while its lush gardens include species like ebony trees and sugar cane that serve as a reminder of the nation's colonial influences, as well as plants from Central America, Asia and Africa, too. Visitors say that the sheer variety of plant species make Pamplemousses Botanical Garden worth the visit but most agree that the grounds are in need of a bit of an update.
The gardens are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The site is located east of the B18 and north of the A2 highway near Port Louis, about seven miles northeast of the capital in the village of Pamplemousses. Travelers warn there's no place to eat or drink in the park, so be sure to pack water for the visit.
Address: Pamplemousses, Mauritius
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults €8, Children under 5 free
From $ 110
Rivière Noire District (Black River District)
The Black River District"”the third largest district in the country"”is home to one of the smallest populations in Mauritius. But its beautiful rural landscapes, dry climate and outdoor activities make it a favorite among travelers.
Those in search of outdoor adventure can head to the area's coast and embark on a big-game fishing excursion. Nearby warm waters attract some of the best catches, and local charters know where to go to find tuna, sharks and even dolphins. Those looking to stay dry can head to the district's scenic Casela Nature Park, where a network of epic trails, steep mountain climbs and beautiful canyons make it the perfect destination for land-loving travelers. The shores of Tamarin, One Eye, Kei Sei and Flic-en-Flac offer the best of both worlds, with white sandy beaches and cool ocean waters perfect for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and scuba diving, too.
Practical Info
The Black River District is easy to access from the capital city of Port Louis, as the city's western edge is part of the district. Because the area receives little rain, you can visit any time of year.
Address: Rivière Noire District, Mauritius
From $ 110
Qurum Beach
The most popular beach lining the coast of Oman, Qurum Beach is known for its soft golden sands, water activities, and restaurant scene. It is popular with families and active visitors with its long, flat paths for walking and jogging. Walking in the sand is also possible at low tide. Several beachside hotels are located on the beach, so many facilities as well as coffee shops, snack bars, shops, and cafes are available here. Many restaurants face the water and enjoy scenic views of the ocean.
The long stretch of sand sits next to the Qurum nature reserve, so the area keeps its natural feel. In addition to relaxing in the sun and sand, water sports such as beach volleyball, kite surfing, and swimming are popular here. Locals often come to this beach to make BBQ dinners, play soccer, and enjoy the evening ocean breezes.
Practical Info
Qurum Beach is located 20 minutes from the Muscat International Airport. Shower, BBQ and parking facilities are available. Conservative swimwear is encouraged.
Address: Muscat, Oman
From $ 68
Seven Coloured Earth
Located near the famed Chamarel Waterfall, Seven Coloured Earth is one of the most popular destinations in Mauritius. This natural geological formation, surrounded by lush greenery in the southwestern region of the country, is made up of colorful rolling sand dunes whose look is constantly shifting and changing with the winds.
Layers of volcanic rock, rich with iron and aluminum, give the dunes their unique red and blue colors, and travelers agree Seven Coloured Earth is a must-see stop for those visiting the country. Although a relatively new wooden fence prevents people from climbing the dunes, it's still impossible to miss the unique beauty of one of Mauritius's famed natural wonders.
Practical Info
Travelers can experience the wonders of the Seven Coloured Earth on a much smaller scale by scooping up handfuls of the sand, which will separate into distinct layers all on its own.
Address: Mauritius
From $ 110
Ruwi
Ruwi is one of three towns or districts that make up the Muscat area. It is considered the commercial hub and main business district of the capital. With its neon lights, many shops and busy streets, Ruwi has an urban feel that is pulsing with energy. At the same time, there are still many older structures and narrow alleys that maintain the town's traditional feel. Although many were demolished in the last 40 years to make way for commercial spots, the historical buildings that still stand are some of the oldest in the country.
On the southeastern side of the district you'll find Muscat's Little India and Souq Ruwi Street with dozens of colorful shops and local eateries. The many banks and business headquarters can be found on the western side. Ruwi High Street is the main commercial avenue with a variety of shopping options.
Practical Info
Ruwi is located about 3 kilometers inland from Muttrah and about 5 kilometers from the main residential localities of Al-Khuwair and Al-Qurm.
Address: Ruwi, Oman
From $ 68
Workers Museum
Johannesburg's Workers Museum, as the name suggests, exposes the conditions in which the city's substantial migrant population lived and worked in the 20th century. The museum occupies a former workers' compound, where hundreds of men lived in cramped and dirty conditions. These men worked for the city's sanitary and power departments, and lived under what amounted to little more than slave-like conditions. The compound was built in 1913, and it was used until the 1980s.
Today, the compound houses the Workers Museum (opened in 2010), offering a poignant reminder of a dark period in Johannesburg's past through exhibits illustrating the horrid life a migrant worker lived. In addition to rooms such as bunk rooms and toilets, the museum also has a workers' library and resource center.
The Workers Museum is managed as a branch of Museum Africa (its entrance is on Newtown Park, in the Newtown Cultural Precinct). It tells the story of migrants who came to Johannesburg from across Southern Africa, leaving behind their homes and families. Centrally located in the Newtown Cultural Precinct, the original dormitories, concrete bunks, and punishment room at the old compound building reveal the workers' hardships under the migrant labour system. This was a cornerstone of the economy from the early 1900s to the 1970s, when at last the system of job reservation began to break down.
Practical Info
The Workers Museum is part of MuseumAfrica, located in the Newtown area of Johannesburg, though it has a separate entrance on Jeppe Street. It's open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Admission is SAR10 for adults, SAR7 for students, and SAR5 for children.
Address: Jeppe Street, Johannesburg, South Africa
Admission: Adults: SAR10
From $ 18
Uganda Martyrs' Shrine
On June 3, 1886 in the town of Namugongo just northeast of Kampala, 26 young men were burned to death for their refusal to their Anglican and Catholic faiths. The Uganda Martyrs' Shrine, also called the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine, was built on the site to commemorate the lives lost and was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
The church, built in the shape of a typical Baganda hut, features 22 copper pillars representing each of the 22 Catholic men, all of whom were formally canonized in 1964, a first in modern Africa. On June 3 each year, Catholic pilgrims from throughout Uganda visit the Uganda Martyrs' Shrine to pay their respects and attend mass.
Practical Info
You can reach the Uganda Martyrs' Shrine via public transportation along the road from Kampala to Jinja.
Address: St Andrew Kaggwa Rd, Kampala, Uganda
From $ 2,848
Sharm el Sheikh Cruise Port
Sharm el Sheikh lies on the tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez meet the Red Sea. Rapidly growing in popularity with tourists, it is one of the most extraordinary diving destinations in the world. In addition to cruise ships, the port welcomes private yachts and sailboats and regular ferries to and from Aqaba and Hurghada.
How to get to Sharm el Sheikh
The port is located on the southern side of town, about 4 kilometers from Old Sharm and 10 kilometers from the tourist hotspot Na'ama Bay. No public transportation connects the port with the city and taxis may not always be available, so the best option to get into town may be a shore excursion or other transportation offered by your cruise ship.
One Day in Sharm el Sheikh
Diving is the primary attraction in Sharm el Sheikh, but there is plenty to occupy the non-diver. Possible activities include snorkeling, horseback riding, quad bike riding, parasailing and camel trekking. Just south of the city you will find the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is a wildlife haven known to have some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.
You might also consider a day trip to Mount Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine. The mountain is thought to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments and hiking to the top (about 2-3 hours) will reward you with incredible views across Sinai.
For a more relaxing experience in Sharm el Sheikh, you might just spend the day around town, checking out the Bedouin handicraft markets or relaxing on the beach.
How to get to Sharm el Sheikh
The port is located on the southern side of town, about 4 kilometers from Old Sharm and 10 kilometers from the tourist hotspot Na'ama Bay. No public transportation connects the port with the city and taxis may not always be available, so the best option to get into town may be a shore excursion or other transportation offered by your cruise ship.
One Day in Sharm el Sheikh
Diving is the primary attraction in Sharm el Sheikh, but there is plenty to occupy the non-diver. Possible activities include snorkeling, horseback riding, quad bike riding, parasailing and camel trekking. Just south of the city you will find the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is a wildlife haven known to have some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.
You might also consider a day trip to Mount Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine. The mountain is thought to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments and hiking to the top (about 2-3 hours) will reward you with incredible views across Sinai.
For a more relaxing experience in Sharm el Sheikh, you might just spend the day around town, checking out the Bedouin handicraft markets or relaxing on the beach.
Port Information
There are no exchange facilities, ATMs, phones or internet access at the port. While the official currency is the Egyptian pound, most tourist stores will readily accept US dollars and possibly British pounds and Euros as well. The official language is Arabic and while English may be spoken by many in the tourism industry, it is not common among taxi drivers.
Address: Egypt
From $ 53
Phansi Museum
Durban's Phansi Museum is a treasure of South African artifacts, both historic and contemporary, and is known as one of the world's largest collections of South African arts and crafts. Originally located in the basement of a private home, the museum's name Phansi translates to "below" or "beneath" and serves as a nod to that meager beginning. Today, the collection occupies three floors of a converted Victorian house.
Among the exhibits at the Phansi Museum are examples of beadwork, baskets woven from telephone wire, wooden serving platters, snuff boxes and pipes, carved statues, blankets and fertility dolls. The top floor has a display of life-sized marionettes wearing ceremonial costumes.
Practical Info
The Phansi Museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only by appointment. Tickets cost 40 Rand for adults and 30 Rand for children.
Address: 41 Cedar Rd Berea 4001, Durban, South Africa
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only by appointment.
Admission: Adults 40 Rand, Children 30 Rand
From $ 43
Springbok Experience Rugby Museum
The South African national rugby team's nickname is the Springboks, and the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum in Cape Town highlights the team's history.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports in South Africa, and the Springbok Museum gives visitors a peek into the sport's history. Displays are high-tech and engaging, featuring 91 media channels playing and even a section where visitors can check their own skills against those of the Springboks"”there are passing, kicking, and reaction-time skills tests.
In addition, there are exhibits dedicated to the years when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Trophy, including a World Cup trophy replica.
Practical Info
The Springbok Rugby Museum is located on the Victoria & Albert Waterfont in Cape Town, and is open daily (except Christmas day) from 10am-6pm. Tickets cost SAR65 for adults, SAR40 for students, SAR30 for seniors, and children five and under are free.
Address: Portswood Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
Admission: Adults: SAR65; Students: SAR40
From $ 6