Introduction

Trips that involve cultural and historical tourism in Africa hold a wealth of learning in cultural heritage and historical timelessness. Ranging from stunning pyramids in Egypt to colorful souks in Morocco, astonishing rock churches in Ethiopia and roaming tribes in Kenya and Namibia, Africa’s cultural heritage is colorful and peculiar. This guide focuses on information for the cultural and historical safari in Africa, what to carry, and when to travel. Itineraries by Africa Exodus Safaris provide a worthy and engaging discovery of African cultures.

Things to Do

Egypt

· Pyramids of Giza: Visit the world-renowned pyramids of Giza and meet the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. Tour the Solar Boat Museum and experience the sound and light show at night.

· Egyptian Museum: Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and learn about Egyptian civilization and history, and see the relics of Tutankhamun. To see burial practices visit the Royal Mummy Room that houses preserved mummies.

· Karnak and Luxor Temples: Explore Karnak Temple, an open-air museum and Luxor Temple which are both situated on the eastern shore of the Nile in Luxor. Cross to the west bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Ethiopia

· Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela: Witness the beautiful rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, the ‘New Jerusalem’ listed with the UNESCO World Heritage site.

· Axum: Visit the old town of Axum which was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Axum. Travel to Stelae Park, Axum Obelisks, and the palace of the queen of Sheba ruins.

· Gondar: Visit the Royal Enclosure in Gondar, a world heritage site that was established to host different castles and churches dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Morocco

· Marrakech: Discover the vibrant souks and visit one of the most famous and lively places in Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna Square. Visit Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and Saadian Tombs.

· Fes: Visit the city of Fes el-Bali, a part of the Medina which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest known university in the world, as well as the Bou Inania Madrasa.

· Chefchaouen: Explore the blue-walled boulevards of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountain range. Go shopping, experience scenic points, and tour Kasbah.

Kenya

· Maasai Mara: Learn more by the help of a tour operator in Kenya, about Maasai people by visiting the Maasai villages. Explore cultural marriage customs, rituals, and dances.

· Nairobi: Explore the Karen Blixen Museum, the home where the author of “Out of Africa” was born. Visit the Nairobi National Museum, and the Bomas of Kenya for cultural episodes.

Namibia

· Himba Villages: A visit to the Himba villages in the northern region of Namibia offers an insight into the Himba people, their cultures, and their lifestyle. · Swakopmund: Discover the old German colonial buildings of Swakopmund. Try visiting the Swakopmund Museum, and tour around the city.

Things to Carry

· Clothing: Semi-formal casual wear that is ideal for warm weather in the daytime as well as cooler in the evening. Visitors are advised to dress somewhat conservatively when visiting holy places.

· Comfortable Footwear: Pack walking shoes for the city tour whilst packing sandals for a relaxed stroll.

· Sun Protection: Sunblock/ sunscreen (having high SPF), Sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat for protection against the sun.

· Insect Repellent: Useful especially against mosquitoes and other insects.

· Medications: Any required prescription drugs, including anti-malarial if required.

· Travel Documents: These include passport-sized photos, valid passport which should be valid for at least six months, visas (if necessary), insurance, and photostatic of other relevant documents which the travel Agency in Africa may require.

· Camera and Binoculars: Take pictures of key events and the various animals and birds. Cameras help capture cultural structures or exotic animals in the neighboring cultural site.

· Reusable Water Bottle: For proper hydration. Certain places may not be easily accessible to bottled water hence the need to carry a refillable water bottle that has a filter.

Best Time to Visit

· Egypt: Tour Egypt from October up to April since these are the cooler months in the region. The best periods to visit archaeological areas are Spring, from March to May, and Autumn from September to November.

· Ethiopia: The dry season from October through May is the best time to visit historical sites mainly in Lalibela and Axum. From June to September, the country experiences a rainy season which can cause changes to the roads.

· Morocco: The ideal time to travel to Morocco is during spring, which is from March to May, or autumn from September to November, these are the months that are neither very hot nor too cold.

· Kenya and Namibia: These countries have different weather conditions; however, the dry periods of June to October as well as December to March are ideal for cultural tourism and wildlife.

Cultural and Historical Safaris in Africa Itinerary

Day 1-3: Cairo, Egypt

· Day 1: Arrive at the Cairo airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, head to the Egyptian Museum to discover Egyptian relics and antiques.

· Day 2: Full-day trip to Giza. Tour the Great Pyramid, sphinx and other pyramids in Egypt including the three Pyramids at Giza. Visit the Solar Boat Museum and go for a Sound and Light Show at night.

· Day 3: Islamic Cairo tour. Tour the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque or Muhammad Ali Mosque. Stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar to purchase souvenirs and local arts and crafts.

Day 4-6: Addis Ababa and Lalibela, Ethiopia

· Day 4: Visit Addis Ababa. Here, meet Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) at the National Museum and stop by Ethnological Museum. Visit the Merkato, the biggest outdoor market Africa.

· Day 5: Take a plane to Lalibela. Visit churches that were hewn out of the ground in the 12th century. Go to St. George’s Church and Bet Medhane Alem.

· Day 6: Optional morning visit to Asheton Maryam Monastery to have an eye view of the surrounding area.

Day 7-9: Marrakech and Fes, Morocco

· Day 7: Travel by flight to Marrakesh. Visit Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the famous Djemaa el-Fna square. Eat at the local shops or the souks if interested in shopping.

· Day 8: Hike up to Fes. Visit the old town known as the Medina which is a world heritage city. Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Bou Inania Madrasa, and the tanneries are some of the places one can visit.

· Day 9: Visits to the Royal Palace and Jewish Quarter. Possible stop at Volubilis, the ancient Roman city in the vicinity of Fes. Go back to Marrakech for an evening flight.

Day 10-12: Maasai Mara and Nairobi, Kenya

· Day 10: Transfer to Nairobi by flight. Head to the Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre for free roaming and a chance to feed the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe.

· Day 11: Journey to Maasai Mara. Tour the Maasai cultural village to feel the village's values. Voluntary game drives solely to view wildlife.

· Day 12: Early morning game drive in Maasai Mara. Head back to Nairobi for a farewell dinner followed by cultural dances at Bomas of Kenya.

Day 13-14: Windhoek & Swakopmund, Namibia

· Day 13: Fly to Windhoek. Visit the colonial buildings and the Independence Memorial Museum. Head to the craft markets if you want to get souvenirs from the region.

· Day 14: Travel the distance through the road to Swakopmund. Visit the German colonial buildings, learn more at Swakopmund Museum, and go on the historical city tour.

Conclusion

Ethnic and historical tours in Africa provide an inspiring glimpse into the cultural and historical background of Africa, early African cultures, and customs. All these areas, the pyramids in Egypt, the Church carved from rocks in Ethiopia, or the souk in Morocco, are packed with treasures waiting to be unveiled. To this end, individuals traveling to Africa should ensure they pack clothing that is appropriate to the climate, sun cream, and a passion to discover Africa’s wonder. Cultural and historical tours offer an exciting voyage and a new level of understanding of the continent’s splendid heritage and ageless customs.