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Home / Regions / North Africa
Continental Region

North Africa

Overview

Ancient Wonders,
Modern Ambition

North Africa is the cradle of human civilisation - home to the Great Pyramids, Sahara Desert adventures, imperial Moroccan medinas, and a rapidly modernising hospitality and MICE infrastructure that is transforming the region into a world-class tourism destination.

Spanning the Mediterranean coastline to the vast Saharan dunes, North Africa offers a breathtaking mosaic of archaeological treasures, vibrant souks, world-class diving in the Red Sea, and a culinary heritage that blends Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean traditions. The region is rapidly emerging as a leading destination for wellness tourism, luxury resorts, and international conferences.

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42M
ANNUAL VISITORS
7
MEMBER STATES
$38B
TOURISM REVENUE
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Egypt
Egypt
 Morocco
Morocco
 Tunisia
Tunisia
Key Tourism Sectors

Heritage & Archaeology

From the Pyramids of Giza to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, North Africa is home to 7 of Africa's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of history enthusiasts annually.

Beach & Resort Tourism

The Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines offer world-class beach resorts, diving in Sharm El Sheikh, and all-inclusive resort experiences in Hurghada and Djerba.

Desert & Adventure

The Sahara Desert offers spectacular camel treks, luxury desert camps, hot air ballooning over the Atlas Mountains, and 4x4 expeditions across Algeria and Libya's sand seas.

Featured Destinations
Luxor & The Nile Temples
Luxor & The Nile Temples, Egypt
 Aswan & Abu Simbel
Aswan & Abu Simbel, Egypt
 Red Sea Riviera
Red Sea Riviera, Egypt
Destination Spotlights
Cairo Pyramids
Egypt

Cairo & The Pyramids of Giza

The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx have captivated travellers for over 4,500 years. Cairo itself is a sprawling metropolis where Pharaonic monuments coexist with Ottoman mosques, bustling bazaars, and contemporary art scenes.

The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artefacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Visitors can explore the ancient necropolis at Saqqara, cruise the Nile to Luxor and Aswan, and discover the vibrant street food culture of downtown Cairo - from koshari to freshly grilled kebab.

UNESCO Heritage Ancient History Nile Cruises Museums
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Morocco

Marrakech & The Imperial Cities

Known as the "Red City" for its distinctive terracotta buildings, Marrakech is a sensory overload of spice-scented souks, ornate palaces, and rooftop terraces overlooking the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square transforms nightly into one of the world's greatest open-air spectacles.

Beyond Marrakech, the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, and Rabat offer centuries of Islamic architecture, artisan craftsmanship, and labyrinthine medinas. Morocco's luxury riad accommodations blend traditional Moorish design with contemporary comfort, making it Africa's most visited country with over 14 million annual arrivals.

Luxury Riads Souks & Bazaars Atlas Mountains Culinary Tourism
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Marrakech
Sahara Desert
Algeria / Morocco / Tunisia

The Sahara Desert Experience

The world's largest hot desert stretches across North Africa, offering some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on earth. From luxury desert camps beneath star-filled skies to sunrise camel treks across towering erg dunes, the Sahara is the ultimate frontier for adventure tourism.

Morocco's Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes are the most accessible, while Algeria's Tassili n'Ajjer contains prehistoric rock art dating back 12,000 years. Tunisia's Tozeur and Douz serve as gateways to oasis towns and sand-sea expeditions. The region is rapidly developing eco-lodges and sustainable desert tourism models.

Adventure Tourism Stargazing Eco-Lodges Camel Trekking
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Egypt

Red Sea Riviera

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam form the backbone of Egypt's booming coastal tourism. The Red Sea's crystal-clear waters are home to over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of coral, making this one of the world's premier diving and snorkelling destinations.

The coastline offers five-star resorts, championship golf courses, and international MICE facilities. Sharm El Sheikh hosted COP27 in 2022, cementing its place as a global conference destination. New developments include the NEOM-adjacent Red Sea Project and sustainable luxury resorts designed to preserve marine ecosystems.

Diving & Snorkelling Luxury Resorts MICE Tourism Marine Conservation
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Red Sea