What counts as North Africa
Definitions differ, but North Africa usually means the countries along the continent’s Mediterranean and Atlantic edge and the Sahara’s northern reach: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and sometimes Sudan and Mauritania. For most visitors the realistic choices are Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, which have well-established tourism. Entry and travel conditions in some other countries are more complicated, so read official advice carefully before considering them.
Country snapshots
Morocco. The easiest introduction for many European and North American travellers. Imperial cities (Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat), Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, the Atlas Mountains and desert dunes near Merzouga. Rail links connect several major cities. If you want a calmer capital, see our guide to things to do in Rabat.
Tunisia. A compact country with Mediterranean beaches, Roman ruins at sites such as Carthage and Dougga, the medina of Tunis and southern desert landscapes. Its small size makes it manageable for a one- or two-week trip.
Egypt. Home to the pyramids at Giza, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, Nile cruises and Red Sea diving. Distances are large, so many visitors use domestic flights or overnight trains between Cairo and Upper Egypt.
Algeria and Libya. These offer remarkable heritage, but tourism is less developed and official travel advice from many governments is more cautious. Check current advisories and visa rules before planning.
Which country is best to visit
There is no single answer; it depends on what you want.
- First time in Africa or the Arab world: Morocco is a common starting point because of its tourism infrastructure and variety.
- Ancient history: Egypt is the standout, with Tunisia a quieter option for Roman sites.
- Beach and short trips: Tunisia’s coast or Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.
- Mountains and desert: Morocco, where Atlas treks feature in our best travel destinations for hiking.
Safety and the safest countries
Safety varies by country, region and time, and no one source can promise a destination is safe. Questions such as “what is the safest country in North Africa?” or “which African country is safest for Americans?” are best answered with your own government’s current travel advisory, which gives a risk level per country and often per region. Generally, popular tourist areas in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt receive large numbers of visitors, but advisories may still urge caution in certain regions, such as border areas and parts of Sinai.
Common sense helps everywhere: use licensed guides and taxis, agree prices in advance, watch for pickpockets in crowded medinas and markets, keep copies of documents, and buy travel insurance. Solo and women travellers often report unwanted attention in some places; dressing modestly and researching your route can help. Our guide to the safest places for women to travel alone offers a checklist for judging any destination.
When to go
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) are commonly recommended in North Africa because summer can be extremely hot, especially inland and in Egypt’s south. Winter is mild on the coast, cooler in the Atlas and cold at night in the desert. Ramadan shifts each year and affects opening hours and meal availability in daytime, though it can also be a distinctive time to visit. Check dates for your travel year.
Costs for two weeks
Costs depend heavily on travel style and exchange rates, so treat any quoted figure with caution. In general, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt are considered good-value destinations compared with much of Western Europe, with large differences between budget guesthouses and luxury riads or Nile cruises. Flights are often the biggest single expense. Build a budget from current flight prices, accommodation ranges, internal transport and entry fees for the sights you want. Our Africa planning guide lists the main cost drivers.
Getting around
- Morocco: trains between larger cities, comfortable intercity buses, shared and private taxis, plus rental cars for the countryside.
- Tunisia: buses, shared taxis (louages) and some trains.
- Egypt: domestic flights, overnight sleeper trains and private drivers; ride-hailing apps operate in Cairo.
Etiquette and dress
All three countries are Muslim-majority. Modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, is respectful, especially away from beach resorts. Ask before photographing people, remove shoes where expected, use your right hand for eating and greeting, and expect haggling in markets. Public displays of affection are best kept low-key. Rules for visiting mosques differ, and many are closed to non-Muslims, so check locally.
Sample routes
- Morocco, 10 days: Casablanca or Rabat, Fez, the Sahara edge, Marrakech.
- Tunisia, 7 days: Tunis, Carthage, Dougga, Kairouan, the coast.
- Egypt, 10 days: Cairo and Giza, Luxor and Aswan, optional Red Sea.
Fitting it into a wider Africa plan
North Africa is often paired with Europe rather than with the rest of the continent, and Andalusia is a natural partner (see our south of Spain travel guide). If you are weighing it against safaris further south, see our overview of planning a trip to Africa.