Morocco · Tunisia · Egypt
Golden deserts, spice-scented markets, Roman ruins and pharaohs’ tombs—few regions pack in so much variety so close together. Use this guide to plot a journey across Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, brushing up on local customs, can’t-miss sights and practical tips along the way.
Morocco – Medinas, Mountains & the Sahara
The Essentials
- When to go Mar–May & Sep–Nov for warm days and cool nights.
- Currency Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cash is handy for souqs; cards accepted in larger hotels/restaurants.
- Etiquette Ask before photographing people, keep shoulders/knees covered in mosques, greet with the right hand.
Must-See Stops
| Place | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | Djemaa el-Fna night market, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden & Berber Museum |
| Fez | UNESCO-listed medieval medina, tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque (world’s oldest university) |
| Chefchaouen | Dreamy blue lanes, Kasbah museum, hillside sunset views |
| Essaouira | Atlantic ramparts, windsurfing beaches, fresh seafood stalls |
| Atlas Mountains | Berber villages, day hikes or multi-day treks, optional camel ride at desert edge |
| Casablanca | Modern art-deco downtown, oceanfront Corniche, Hassan II Mosque’s soaring minaret |
Taste of Morocco
- Tagine – slow-braised lamb or chicken with apricots and spices
- Couscous – Friday family staple, steamed over fragrant broth
- Pastilla – sweet-savory pie layering pigeon (or chicken), almonds & cinnamon
- Mint tea – poured high for extra foam: “Moroccan whisky”
Stay connected
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Tunisia – Roman Ruins & Mediterranean Sands
Quick Facts
- Best time Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov (warm seas, fewer crowds).
- Currency Tunisian dinar (TND). Note: it’s a closed currency—exchange before leaving.
- Dress code Swimwear on beaches is fine; elsewhere aim for modest light layers.
Top Destinations
| Place | Why Go |
|---|---|
| Tunis | Maze-like medina, Bardo Museum mosaics, café culture on Avenue Habib Bourguiba |
| Carthage | Punic and Roman ruins strewn beside the sea |
| Sidi Bou Said | Cliff-top village of white walls and blue doors—perfect for sunset coffee |
| Dougga | Tunisia’s best-preserved Roman city; hardly any crowds |
| Djerba | Beach resorts, pottery villages and one of the world’s oldest synagogues |
| Kairouan | Fourth-holiest city in Islam, Great Mosque & hand-knotted carpet souqs |
| Matmata | Troglodyte homes—one starred as Luke Skywalker’s house |
Coastline Classics
- Hammamet – relaxed resort town for families, sailing and music festivals
- Mahdia – quiet port with silky beaches and Fatimid history
Tunisian Flavours
- Couscous royal with fish or lamb
- Harissa chilli paste in, well, almost everything
- Brik – deep-fried pastry stuffed with egg and tuna
Need data on the go?
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Egypt – Pharaohs, Feluccas & Red-Sea Reefs
Good to Know
- Best weather Oct–Apr; Dec–Jan are busiest.
- Currency Egyptian pound (EGP). Small notes useful for tips (“baksheesh”).
- Dress Loose cotton beats the heat; cover knees/shoulders in mosques.
Iconic Stops
| Site | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Cairo | Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, sunset over the Citadel |
| Giza | Great Pyramid & Sphinx—arrive at opening time for emptier photos |
| Luxor | Valley of the Kings, Karnak’s hypostyle hall, Nile hot-air ballooning |
| Aswan | Felucca cruises, Philae Temple, colourful Nubian villages |
| Alexandria | Bibliotheca Alexandrina, seafood on the corniche, catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa |
| Sinai | Hike Mount Sinai pre-dawn, snorkel Ras Mohammed’s coral walls |
Outdoor Thrills
- Western Desert camping in the chalk sculptures of the White Desert
- Sand-boarding & dune-bashing near Bahariya Oasis
- Red Sea diving: colourful reefs from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh
Egyptian Eats
- Ful medames – fava-bean breakfast of champions
- Kofta – spiced lamb skewers
- Mulukhiyah – garlicky green stew with rice and chicken
- Baklava – nut-filled pastry drenched in honey
Connect effortlessly
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Handy Regional Pointers
| Tip | Morocco | Tunisia | Egypt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Arabic & French widely spoken | Arabic; French handy | Arabic; English understood at sites |
| Transport | ONCF trains & grand taxis | Louage shared vans & SNCFT rail | Trains, domestic flights, Nile cruise |
| Bargaining | Expected in souqs—start at 50 % | Haggle in medinas | Negotiate taxi fares in advance |
| Power plug | Type C/E (EU) | Type C/E | Type C/F |
| Tipping | 10 % in restaurants, small coins for helpers | Round up fares, 5-10 % dining | 10-12 % dining, small change for service |
Safety Basics
- Keep photocopies of your passport.
- Use hotel safes for valuables.
- Drink bottled or filtered water; stay hydrated in desert regions.
- Travel insurance that covers medical care and adventure sports is a must.
Final Word
North Africa rewards slow travel: linger over mint tea in a Marrakesh riad, watch dusk settle on Carthage’s ruins, or drift down the Nile under a blanket of stars. Pack curiosity, respect local customs—and let the colours, scents and stories of Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt do the rest.
Safe travels and mabrouk on planning an unforgettable journey!