Africa and the Middle East Trips and Travel Guide

DISCOVER OUR AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST TRIPS

Travel to Africa & The Middle East with Contiki

From the biblical lands of Israel to the spice islands of Zanzibar, the Middle East and Africa are regions worth dedicating months and years of travel to. On our Africa trips you can admire colonies of penguins on the beaches of South Africa, share breakfast with giraffes in a foliage covered Kenyan manor, and take an Africa safari in the wild East. Our Middle East trips will see you exploring rich archaeological sites, religious monuments and diverse cultural groups. Only with Middle East travel will you have the chance to visit the supposed tomb of Jesus, gawk at fossils some 250 million years old, and meet tribes of nomadic humans still living in harmony with the earth. One thing is certain: the Middle East and Africa will rouse each of your senses from sun up ‘til sun down.

Top Africa & The Middle East Trips

8% OFF

Cape Safari and Falls

11 Days

3 Countries

14% OFF

Egypt and the Nile

8 Days

1 Country

4% OFF

Kenyan Highlights

7 Days

1 Country

13% OFF

Cape to Delta Safari

15 Days

3 Countries

3% OFF

Taste of Tanzania

6 Days

1 Country

4% OFF

Nomadic Namibia

7 Days

1 Country

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Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro
The dormant Tanzanian volcano of Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing nearly 6,000 metres above sea level. No easy walk in the park, reaching the summit of the ‘roof of Africa’ requires mental and physical stamina and training, with even the most well-prepared climbers susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness caused by the extremely high altitude. Take on this Africa travel landmark with an experienced guide, a positive attitude and plenty of snacks to refuel along the way.
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Discover magical Zanzibar in Tanzania
Tanzania’s pristine spice islands have been the centre of much debate over the years, wrestled from power between the British and Omani until a bloody revolution in 1964. These days the archipelago is a peaceful holiday destination, with the main island of Unguja and Pemba drawing in travellers from across the globe. Producing spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, the paradise setting is a journey for the senses worth journeying long and far for.
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Swim in the Dead Sea
Experience the surreal natural buoyancy of the Dead Sea from Israel of Jordan, submerging in water ten times saltier than the ocean. Said to be the lowest valley in the world, this landlocked body of water sees an unusual amount of minerals descending into it, caking in the sun to create a salt content of over 30%. Though a visit here won’t see you admiring brightly coloured fish or the usual beach paradise setting, this water is said to heal many bodily ailments - or at the very least give travellers a relaxing float under the Middle Eastern sun.
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Be amazed by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem
The spiritual epicentre of the planet and one of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem sits high on the to-visit list of many travellers, particularly those with an appreciation of ancient marvels. Buried within Jerusalem’s Old City Christian Quarter sits the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the supposed site of Jesus’ crucifiction and resurrection, with a shire now standing around his empty tomb. Built in the year 335, you need not be a religious devotee to appreciate the significance and architectural wonder of this Israel landmark.
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Try Turkish delights at the bazaar in Izmir
Coated in icing sugar and flavoured by rosewater, the hardened jelly treat of Turkish delight is one of Turkey’s great prides and joys. Whilst the ‘comfort of the throat’ cubes can be found at numerous places across the country, sampling them from a market bazaar will add to the authenticity and excitement of the experience. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar may receive the most attention, but a more boutique bazaar with less overwhelm - such as the one found in Izmir - may give you more peace in which to savour your delights whilst strolling through the mazes of Turkish goods.
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See a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town
The beaches of South Africa are best known for their unforgiving shark collection, overshadowing more friendly creatures like the African penguin. Found flapping about on the idyllic coastline of Boulders Beach, this black and white birds seem to enjoy the granite rock formations and clear waters found by Simon’s Town. Best admired in the Summer months from the boardwalks of Foxy Beach, this is a unique chance to see the only penguin native to the continent of Africa.
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Things to do in North Africa & The Middle East

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Why Contiki?

They’re about immersing yourself in every place you visit, thanks to insights from our local guides. They’re about experiencing other cultures and ways of living, thanks to our hand-picked experiences. And, above all, they’re about having fun and making connections that last long after the trip ends: connections with new places and connections with people as hungry for adventure as you.

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Travel inspiration from six-two

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