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Africa & The Middle East
Destination Guide
The cradle of civilisation, the mother of the earth and entrenched in deep identity, this stunning continent is to be admired up close and enjoyed plentifully. From the highly popular Cape Town in South Africa, to the great Safaris of Kenya and Zambia, you’ll find exotic animals, true African sunshine and a stripped-back experience of nature at its most glorious.
Dive into ancient history in Egypt and see the Giza Pyramids - walk where the Pharoah walked! Enjoy the Mediterranean weather and enjoy the crystal clear ocean as you soak in the vibe. Speaking of vibes, Morocco is buzzing, and a firm favourite amongst tourists. With hospitality, experiences and the Sahara Desert on the menu, it’s no wonder!
Wildlife
Tribes & Traditions
Adventure
Currency
Cairo, Egypt
Cape Town, South Africa
Marrakesh, Morocco
Language(s)
70 Million
Yearly Tourists
National Flag
Wildlife
Tribes & Traditions
Adventure
Currency
70 Million
Capital City
Cairo, Egypt
Cape Town, South Africa
Marrakesh, Morocco
Yearly Tourists
Wildlife
Tribes & Traditions
Adventure
Highlights
Cairo, Egypt
Cape Town, South Africa
Marrakesh, Morocco
Popular Cities
70 Million
Yearly Tourists
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Plan your ideal trip using our seasonal guide to the best times to travel for your destination.
Summer & Winter in Africa & The Middle East
December to February marks the summer season in the southern parts of Africa, including countries like South Africa and Namibia, while it’s winter in the northern parts of Africa and the Middle East, such as Morocco, Egypt, and the Gulf countries. This period offers a diverse range of experiences, from warm beaches and wildlife safaris in the south to cooler, more comfortable conditions for exploring historical sites and deserts in the north and Middle East. It’s a prime time for travellers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.
Weather and Climate
Details
- Southern Africa:
- Temperature Range: Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with coastal areas experiencing milder conditions and inland areas becoming quite hot.
- Precipitation: This is the rainy season for many southern regions, especially in countries like Botswana and Zimbabwe, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the landscape.
- Sunlight Hours: Long daylight hours, with up to 13-14 hours of daylight, especially in South Africa.
- Northern Africa & The Middle East:
- Temperature Range: Winter temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in Northern Africa, while the Middle East can range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with cooler nights.
- Precipitation: Northern Africa, particularly the Mediterranean coast, sees its wettest months, while the Middle East remains mostly dry with occasional rain.
- Sunlight Hours: Shorter days with around 10 hours of daylight, but generally sunny skies, particularly in the Middle East.
Pros and Cons
Details
- Diverse Experiences: You can enjoy a summer beach holiday in Southern Africa or escape the heat in the north and Middle East, where the cooler weather is perfect for exploring cities, deserts, and ancient sites.
- Wildlife Viewing: Southern Africa’s rainy season is great for birdwatching, and while game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, baby animals are often born during this time, offering unique sightings.
- Cultural Festivals: This season includes several important cultural and religious festivals, such as Christmas and New Year celebrations in South Africa, and the Dubai Shopping Festival in the UAE.:
- High Temperatures in the South: The summer heat in southern Africa can be intense, making outdoor activities in the middle of the day less comfortable.
- Rainy Season in Southern Africa: Heavy rains in the south can lead to travel disruptions and muddy conditions, particularly in more remote areas.
- Tourist Crowds in Popular Areas: The cooler weather in Northern Africa and the Middle East attracts tourists, so popular destinations like Marrakech, Cairo, and Dubai can be crowded and more expensive during this peak season.
Autumn & Spring in Africa & The Middle East
March to May is a transitional period in Africa and the Middle East, with autumn settling in across southern Africa and spring blossoming in the northern regions and the Middle East. This season is characterised by milder temperatures, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and exploring cultural sites. In southern Africa, the landscapes begin to dry out, creating ideal conditions for safari-goers, while in Northern Africa and the Middle East, the pleasant spring weather is perfect for sightseeing and desert adventures.
Weather and Climate
Details
- Southern Africa:
- Temperature Range: Autumn temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with cooler evenings and warm, pleasant days.
- Precipitation: This period marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and the landscape beginning to dry out, especially from April onwards.
- Sunlight Hours: Days gradually shorten, with around 11-12 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
- Northern Africa & The Middle East:
- Temperature Range: Spring temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with some areas in the Middle East warming up to 30°C (86°F) by May.
- Precipitation: Rainfall decreases as spring progresses, particularly in the Mediterranean regions, while the Middle East remains mostly dry, with occasional showers.
- Sunlight Hours: Increasing daylight hours, with 12-14 hours of sunlight per day, creating bright, sunny days perfect for exploration.
Pros and Cons
Details
- Ideal Weather Conditions: Mild temperatures and lower humidity make this a comfortable time to visit both the northern and southern regions, whether you’re on a safari in South Africa or exploring ancient ruins in Jordan.
- Wildlife Viewing: In southern Africa, the drying landscapes lead animals to congregate around water sources, making this an excellent time for wildlife sightings, especially in May.
- Cultural and Religious Festivals: This season includes important cultural events, such as the beginning of Ramadan in many Middle Eastern countries, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Warming Temperatures in the Middle East: As May approaches, temperatures in the Middle East can become quite hot, particularly in desert regions, which may limit outdoor activities during midday.
- Variable Weather: While generally mild, the weather can still be unpredictable in some areas, with occasional late-season rains in southern Africa or sudden heatwaves in the Middle East.
- Transition Period in Tourism: As the high season approaches in some regions, there may be a slight increase in tourist numbers and prices, especially towards the end of May.
Winter & Summer in Africa & The Middle East
June to August brings contrasting seasons across Africa and the Middle East. It’s winter in the southern parts of Africa, with cooler temperatures and dry conditions, making it an excellent time for safaris and wildlife viewing. In contrast, it’s the peak of summer in Northern Africa and the Middle East, characterised by extremely hot temperatures, especially in desert regions. This period is ideal for beach holidays in coastal areas of the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, while cultural exploration may be more challenging due to the heat.
Weather and Climate
Details
- Southern Africa:
- Temperature Range: Winter temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), with chilly mornings and evenings but pleasant, warm afternoons.
- Precipitation: This is the dry season, particularly in countries like Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa, where clear skies dominate, and rain is rare.
- Sunlight Hours: Shorter days with about 10-11 hours of daylight, but plenty of sunshine during the day.
- Northern Africa & The Middle East:
- Temperature Range: Summer temperatures can soar from 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F), particularly in desert areas like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Coastal regions remain slightly cooler but still very warm.
- Precipitation: Rainfall is almost nonexistent in most of Northern Africa and the Middle East, with dry and arid conditions prevailing.
- Sunlight Hours: Long daylight hours, with up to 13-14 hours of sunlight, particularly in the northern parts, though the intense heat limits outdoor activities during the peak afternoon hours.
Pros and Cons
Details
- Prime Safari Season: In Southern Africa, the dry winter months are perfect for safaris, as animals congregate around waterholes, making for spectacular wildlife viewing. The lack of rain also means fewer insects and clearer visibility.
- Beach Escapes: Coastal areas along the Mediterranean in Northern Africa, like Tunisia and Morocco, and the Indian Ocean islands, like Mauritius and the Seychelles, offer beautiful beach weather, ideal for sunbathing and water sports.
- Cultural and Religious Events: Despite the heat, many Middle Eastern countries host significant cultural events during this period, offering a unique glimpse into local traditions and festivals.
- Extreme Heat in the Middle East: The intense summer heat in the Middle East and parts of Northern Africa can be oppressive, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable and even dangerous during the hottest parts of the day.
- Cooler Conditions in Southern Africa: While great for safaris, the winter chill in Southern Africa can be surprising for those expecting year-round warmth, particularly in higher elevations or desert areas where temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Crowds in Coastal Areas: Popular beach destinations in both Africa and the Middle East can become crowded during the summer, leading to higher prices and less tranquility in tourist hotspots.
Spring & Autumn in Africa & The Middle East
September to November marks a period of transition in Africa and the Middle East, with spring emerging in the southern parts of Africa and autumn settling in across the northern regions and the Middle East. This season offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for both wildlife adventures in southern Africa and cultural explorations in Northern Africa and the Middle East. The landscapes are vibrant, with blooming flowers in the south and the golden hues of autumn in the north.
Weather and Climate
Details
- Southern Africa:
- Temperature Range: Spring temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with gradually warming days and cool nights.
- Precipitation: Rainfall begins to increase towards November, particularly in the southern regions, but the early part of the season is mostly dry.
- Sunlight Hours: Increasing daylight hours, with around 12-14 hours of sunlight, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and safaris.
- Northern Africa & The Middle East:
- Temperature Range: Autumn temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with cooler nights, especially in desert regions and higher altitudes.
- Precipitation: Rainfall increases in the Mediterranean regions and some parts of the Middle East, particularly in November, but it remains dry in most desert areas.
- Sunlight Hours: Gradually decreasing daylight hours, with around 10-12 hours of sunlight per day, though still plenty of daylight for sightseeing and activities.
Pros and Cons
Details
- Comfortable Temperatures: The mild temperatures in both the north and south make this a very comfortable time to visit, whether you’re exploring the souks of Marrakech, the temples of Egypt, or the savannas of South Africa.
- Scenic Landscapes: Spring brings blooming wildflowers to Southern Africa, while autumn adds a golden hue to the landscapes of Northern Africa and the Middle East, creating picturesque settings for photography and exploration.
- Lower Tourist Crowds: As the high season winds down, popular destinations become less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience and often better rates on accommodations and tours.
- Variable Weather: The transitional nature of the season means that weather can be unpredictable, with potential for early rains in southern Africa or late-season heatwaves in the Middle East.
- Shortening Days in the North: As autumn progresses, daylight hours decrease in Northern Africa and the Middle East, which may limit the time available for outdoor activities, especially in November.
- Inconsistent Wildlife Viewing: In Southern Africa, the spring rains can disperse wildlife, making animals harder to spot compared to the dry season, though birdwatching is often excellent.
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