Generally speaking, when most people think of traveling through Africa they think of safaris. And don’t get me wrong - going on a safari is an incredible experience!
But what if you’ve already been on a safari? Or the thought alone of driving through rough terrain makes your lower back hurt? Well, don’t count Africa out! There are tons of countries in Africa known for their cultural, culinary, and educational experiences.
We’ve rounded up the best countries to visit in Africa for cultural travel:
1. Egypt
Take a cruise on one of the world’s longest rivers, the Nile. Luxury and traditional sightseeing boats travel along the North flowing river. The Nile is known for its ancient history and archaeological sites along the shores. In fact, a large majority of cultural and historical sites can be found along the river banks. While you’re there keep an eye out for hippopotamuses and crocodiles, which both make their homes in the Nile.
The Pyramids of Giza should be a stop on anyone's tour of Egypt. The Pyramids of Giza are one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and when you gaze in wonderment at them, you’ll see why. They consist of three main pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, in addition to three smaller pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The area also includes several ancient cemeteries and the ruins of a small village, so you’ll want to spend some time here exploring.
For a look at the ancient artifacts that have been removed from sites including the Valley of Kings, and the Pyramids of Giza, spend a day viewing the exhibits inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It holds large artifacts like statues, sarcophagi, and mummies, as well as smaller artifacts like busts, papyrus and coins. No matter where your interests lie in Ancient Egyptian history, you’re sure to find the extensive collection impressive.
Egypt Tours to Consider
1. Jewel of the Nile A 10 day tour of Egypt where you will spend four nights sailing along the Nile on a luxury cruise. The rest of your trip includes traveling to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Kom Ombo. You will see the Pyramids of Giza, King Tut’s treasures at the Egyptian museum, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, Agilika Island, colorful souqs, Elephantine Island and Kitchener Island.
2. Felucca Explorer to Luxor An 8 day tour of Egypt where you will spend two nights sailing along the Nile on a traditional felucca. The rest of your trip includes traveling to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Kom Ombo. You will see the Pyramids of Giza, King Tut’s treasures at the Egyptian museum, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Karnak.
3. Egypt Upgraded A 12 day tour of Egypt where you will experience floating down the Nile on a river boat – including a guided tour of the Kom Ombo Temple en route. You really get the best of both worlds – exploring Egypt from the Nile, taking in the historic scenery and gorgeous desert sands, while also relaxing with a nice glass of wine.
See all Cultural Tours in Egypt >>
2. Morocco
Moroccan cuisine is unlike anything else in Africa. It combines classic North African flavors with European influences. It is typical to eat with your hands, and use bread in place of utensils. Just be sure to always use your right hand, because eating with your left is considered bad luck!
Some must try Moroccan dishes include: Tagine, one of the most popular dishes in Morocco. It is a thick stew full of meat and vegetables, that is made in a clay pot. Couscous, the National Dish of Morocco. It is tiny pearls of wheat semolina, that are soft and fluffy. It is typically steamed and added to meat, vegetables, or fruit. Bastilla, a savory pie made with a flaky crust. Traditionally it is filled with pigeon, but it is now most commonly made with chicken.
Any self proclaimed foodie must make a trip to Morocco.
Most tours of Morocco will take you to Marrakech. It is an old fortified city filled with vendors, and it boasts the largest traditional market in Morocco. The city is packed with beautiful gardens, the most famous being the Menara Gardens which were built in 1130.
You won’t want to miss visiting the beautiful mosques during your trip. Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech and its original stone work can still be seen today. You should also make time for a trip to the Marrakech Museum. The architecture and intricate tilework are reason enough to visit, and inside the museum you will find exhibits featuring traditional and modern Moroccan art, pottery, and coins.
If you find yourself able to book a three or four day Sahara Desert excursion, you absolutely should. You’ll spend your days traveling through the endless orange sand dunes on the backs of camels, and you’ll spend your nights watching the sunset and sleeping under the stars. It is a once in a lifetime experience, and a classic Moroccan adventure.
Morocco Tours to Consider
Morocco Big Tour An 11 day tour of Morocco where you will enjoy the sites of Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech. As well as spend a night in the Sahara desert, and travel to the Atlas Mountains. You will see magnificent mosques, the Jewish Museum, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and bustling markets.
Morocco Wellness Journey A 14 day tour of Morocco where you will enjoy the sites of Fes, Casablanca, Skoura, Oualidia, and Marrakech. As well as spend a night in a luxury camp in the Sahara Desert, and travel to the Atlas Mountains. You will experience traditional Hamman spas, guided yoga and meditation, cooking lessons, and bustling markets.
Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara A 9 day tour of Morocco where you will journey through the mountains to visit Marrakech – known as the “red city” for its rouge aesthetic resulting from the red clay used to build many houses, mosques and walls within the city – and experience a henna workshop led by locals. This tour also offers travelers the chance to bond over creating the tasty traditional dish tagine in a hands-on cooking class in Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
See All Cultural Tours in Morocco >>
3. Ghana
A beach vacation might not come to mind when you think of Africa, but Ghana has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bojo Beach is small and secluded, great for a quiet and truly relaxing beach day. Travelers love Kokrobite for its classic rastafarian and reggae culture.
It is one of the more crowded beaches in Ghana but the party atmosphere is perfect for anyone wanting to meet outgoing people from around the world. Fete is a great beach for surfing, and it has smaller tourist crowds. No matter where you end up on the beach scene, you will see the incredible ocean views that Ghana has to offer.
Ghana will also meet your needs if you’re looking for a historical trip. Most tours will stop in Accra, Elmina, and Kumasi which are all full of their own unique history.
Accra is Ghana’s capital city and it holds the National Museum where you will see one of the best collections of African art in the world. In Elmina you will see the Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the first slave holding station in West Africa. Kumasi is the ancient capital of the Ashanti Empire. Here you can see the largest market in West Africa, Kejetia Market, and purchase genuine Ashanti crafts.
Ghana Tours to Consider
Benin, Togo and Ghana Expedition An 11 day tour of West Africa where you will enjoy the sites of Ouidah, Togoville, Accra, Kumasi, and Elmina. You will spend a day sailing along Lake Togo and another day relaxing on Anomabo Beach, while the rest of your tour will be filled with sightseeing. You will see a traditional voodoo dance, the National Museum in Accra, Ketejia Market, and a cocoa plantation.
Mystical West Africa - Traditions, Voodoo, and Craft A 13 day tour of West Africa where you will enjoy the sites of Benin, Togo, and Ghana. You will gain unique access to voodoo ceremonies, mask dances, and bead making. You will see the cosmopolitan capital of Lomé, the rural stilt village of Ganvie, the beautiful beaches of Accra, and Kakum National Park.
See All Cultural Tours in Ghana >>
4. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a popular destination for anyone interested in archaeology. The most famous early human ancestor, Lucy, was discovered at the site of Hadar in 1974.
Ethiopia also has a few biblical connections: it was home to the Queen of Sheba, and many people believe the Lost Tribe of Israel settled here. There are countless churches and monasteries that offer tours, and you can see many historical religious sites like the Church of Saint George in Lalibela.
The landscape in Ethiopia consists of mountains and the Ethiopian plateau. Take time to visit the Highlands where you will see the dramatic skyline across the flatlands.
Ethiopian food is probably one of the world’s best kept secrets. Eating in Ethiopia is a communal activity. Everyone gathers around a table and eats from a large tray. Most meals consist of a wide variety of stews, vegetables, and meat, which are served on top of an Ethiopian flatbread called injera. It is commonplace in Ethiopia to eat with your hands, and use the injera in place of utensils. One thing you can’t miss after a meal, is Ethiopian coffee, which is often thought of as the best coffee in the world.
Ethiopia Tours to Consider
Discover Ethiopia A 10 day tour of Ethiopia where you will visit the historical sites in Axum, spend a day in Simien Mountains National Park, take a boat trip on Lake Tana, and hike to Blue Nile Falls. You will also tour Debre Berhan Selassie Church, the churches of Lalibela, and the historic castles in Gondar.
Hidden Tribes of Ethiopia A 7 day tour of Ethiopia where you will witness the traditional lifestyles of the tribal groups in the Omo Valley and experience the cultures of the Mursi, Hamer, and Karo tribes. You will enjoy a boat trip along Lake Chomo, visit the Jinka Museum, and view the spectacular Rift Valley scenery.
Classic History and Religious Heritage Tour A 13 day tour of Ethiopia where you will journey from Debre Libanos to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis-Ababa, past Lake Tana’s beautiful monasteries, the Tigray Region, and Lalibela.
See All Cultural Tours in Ethiopia >>
5. South Africa
You’ll want to spend at least a week in South Africa, but two weeks or more gives you the time to see all that the large country has to offer. South Africa is a haven for adventure seekers, history buffs, naturalists, wine connoisseurs, and hikers. Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and there you can visit the Apartheid Museum, the Mandela House Museum, and plenty of markets. Just outside of Johannesburg you can visit 14 excavated fossil sites.
Cape Town is a stop on most tours since there is an abundance of activities you can take part in. You can hike Table Mountain, visit the Kirstenbosch Arboretum, see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held captive, and visit the Cape Winelands. In the Cape Winelands you can hop aboard the wine tram and visit multiple wineries in the area.
There are plenty of beaches to visit in South Africa as well, the most well known being the Cape of Good Hope and Boulder Beach, where you can see hundreds of penguins from close viewpoints.
South Africa Tours to Consider
Cape Town and Sanbona Beach and Bush Experience An 8 day tour of South Africa where you will split your time between Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. In Cape Town you can enjoy a scenic helicopter ride, hike Table Mountains, and visit the beautiful beaches in the area. In the Cape Winelands you will enjoy guided nature walks, and a Robertson Wine Tour.
Southern Africa Safari Experience An 18 day tour of Southern Africa that provides the unforgettable experience of connecting with nature and spotting wildlife, while also celebrating a rich history of culture and tradition. Travelers will visit a Zimbabwe village, shop for groceries in its bustling market and then sit down for a cultural experience like no other – preparing a traditional dish with a local family using the ingredients they just picked out. There’s nothing quite like sharing stories about local life and culture, all while connecting over some delicious food.
Wonders of the Garden Route An 8 day tour of South Africa where you will travel from Port Elizabeth to Cape town along the Garden Route. You will visit Addo Elephant National Park, the forests of Tsitsikamma, Cango Caves, and the Cape Winelands.
See All Cultural Tours in South Africa >>
Top Souvenirs
The souvenirs you can get while traveling in Africa are some of the most beautiful and unique works of art in the world. But you should keep in mind the ethics surrounding certain popular souvenirs. One popular souvenir that responsible travelers should stay away from is ivory. The ivory trade is banned in 19 African countries, but that doesn’t stop the illegal and brutal poaching of African Elephants. By not purchasing ivory souvenirs, the demand for ivory decreases and the poaching epidemic is reduced.
Responsible travelers should also try to purchase souvenirs that were made locally. Not only does this mean you’ll own authentic African souvenirs, but you are contributing to the local economy and ensuring that locals in the community remain employed.
Here are the top souvenirs you can get in Africa:
1. Papyrus
While you’re in Egypt you’ll be able to find lots of papyrus, which is made by drying banana leaves. You can purchase plain papyrus or papyrus that has ancient Egyptian tomb and temple paintings printed on it. This unique souvenir will serve as both a reminder of your trip and a very cool piece of art.
2. Ceramics
Morocco is known for its distinct pottery and ceramics, so finding locally made authentic Moroccan pottery won’t be hard. Fes is where you will find mostly traditional blue and white painted pottery, but other colors can be found throughout Morocco’s many shops and markets. Use the hand painted ceramics as dishes, decor, or gifts!
3. Beads
You can’t leave Ghana without purchasing hand made beads from local markets. You’ll be able to find beads made from glass, powdered glass, and sea shells. You can purchase unique strands of beads to make your own jewelry, or you can purchase the hand made bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and waist beads.
4. Coffee Beans
If you or anyone you know loves coffee, you have to purchase Ethiopian coffee beans to take home with you. You can find locally sourced coffee beans at any market in Ethiopia, and you’ll know for sure it’s authentic!
5. Leather
South African Leather is typically of great quality. It’s durable, timeless, and you won’t be breaking the bank by purchasing locally sourced leather in South Africa. At every market you’ll be able to find backpacks, purses, wallets, belts, and any other leather item your heart desires. Leather is a staple in every wardrobe and a locally crafted South African bag makes an amazing gift - especially for yourself!
Safety While Traveling In Africa
Many countries in Africa are well developed and safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take the extra step in ensuring your safety while in another country. Here are our recommendations:
- Keep money tucked away while you’re out. Pick pockets are more common in areas with high tourist traffic
- Don’t walk alone at night, it’s far safer to take a car service
- Try not to flaunt your wealth, it makes you more of a target. Leave your jewelry at home, dress modestly, and pay attention to your surroundings when taking pictures
- Dress according to the customs of the countries you are visiting. If you are touring a mosque, church, monastery, or other religious site, be respectful by covering your head and shoulders, and wearing long pants or skirts
- In South Africa it is perfectly safe to drink the water, but be aware that the further north you go the less developed it is, so it’s a good idea to avoid tap water in those areas
- Most African countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever, but you should get vaccinated for all the preventable illnesses your doctor recommends before traveling to Africa
- Scams are pretty prevalent across Africa. The most common ones include taxi drivers trying to overcharge, extra fees for bag storage on bus rides, fees for boarder crossing, fees for health assessments, and begging
- Most importantly, trust your gut! If a situation or area doesn’t feel right, leave and go somewhere you are comfortable
A great way to ensure your safety is through a group tour! Tour guides are extremely knowledgeable on the areas you’ll be visiting and they are trained to recognize suspicious behaviors and scams.
Top Africa Tour Operators Weigh In
1. G Adventures
“Something we’ve always been focused on at G Adventures is the importance of giving back to the local communities we travel to. Our travelers are connected to the places they visit through shared cultural experiences we provide with our local CEOs (chief experience officers) along the way.” - Peter Worthing, VP of Sales US & Latin America
2. Morocco Private Expert
“We at Morocco Private Expert plan private customized tours for travelers to Morocco. This is a Morocco Tour Agency that provides private tours focusing on culinary delights and food tours, in addition to educational, historical and cultural travel. Morocco is a country of the senses - different colours, different smells. When you do a big tour in Morocco, there is no monotony. Every area is different and has its own characteristics. Morocco is a mixture of nature, from the sea and the mountains to the amazing Sahara desert.” - Noura El kacimi, National Tour Guide
3. Ker & Downey Africa
“We believe that an expertly curated wellness journey has the power to transform travelers, not only while they travel but long after they return home. Our wellness itineraries give travelers a space to discover what wellness actually means in a space that helps them disconnect from their devices and reconnect with themselves and their natural surroundings.” - Jenieen van den Heever, Head of Sales
Here's What Some Top Travel Bloggers Have to Say...
1. Zuru Kenya
For a look into cultural travel in Kenya, take a look at travel blogger Zuru Kenya. She has several articles on the many Kenyan Tribes and their cultures. As well as local art and artists, food and restaurants, and the best shops and markets. On traveling in Kenya in she says:
“Kenya gives you insight into an interesting blend of unique cultures and an eclectic mix of superb cuisine. Cultures that might spark your interest if you considered a cultural tour of Kenya would undoubtedly be those with outlandish lifestyles; the Maasai and Samburu (the most familiarized cultures off of Kenya), Pokot, Turkana, Rendille as well as the coastal people. These communities will throw you deep into an authentic way of living captured through ceremonial passages, intricate dressing, architecture and food preparation techniques seemingly only preserved in a few places in this modern age. Cuisine wise, Kenya displays an avid appreciation of not only native but also international recipes. While in the country, Nairobi especially being a metropolitan, we can safely say that you will not miss a taste of home at all with international delicacies abound. As for a satisfying native culinary experience however, look forward to a mouthwatering Swahili breakfast delicacy at the coast, chew off some delicious “nyama choma” at Kikopey / Carnivore in Nairobi, sample some fresh fish in Kisumu or quench your thirst with some mursik at the rift. Oh, just in case I forget, there is of course winding down your day, with a cold hard tusker lager!”
Check out Faces of Kenya: A Glimpse Into the Culture And Beauty of Kenyan People Through the Lense
2. On The Luce
For all things travel take a look at travel blogger Lucy Dodsworth. She has travel guides, reviews, and captivating tales of her adventures in Morocco, Seychelles, and South Africa. On Moroccan cuisine she says:
“Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich fragrant flavours, and the key to that is its spices. A blend of spices called Ras el-hanout makes up the heart of Morocco’s famous tagines. The mixture can include up to 30 different spices, with each stallholder having their own recipe, with separate blends for chicken, red meat, fish and couscous dishes. Each has their own different vivid colour and fragrant aroma and they make for a great souvenir to take home so you can recreate dishes like the classic chicken with lemon and olives.”
Check out A Moroccan Cookery Class at L’Atelier Madada, Essaouira
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