The Best African Countries to Visit in Summer

Egypt has stolen the hearts of travellers and archaeologists for centuries, and its ancient wonders continue to leave us breathless to this day. Visit in summer and you’ll avoid the dense crowds of peak tourist season – so long as you’re prepared to face the heat. Our nine-day trip offers the ultimate Egyptian adventure. You’ll gaze at the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza, explore the overlooked architectural wonders of Cairo’s historic centre, discover the Valley of the Kings and visit Luxor Temple at night, when the 3,400 year-old complex is illuminated by candlelight. You’ll watch the Egyptian countryside gently pass by on a luxurious four-day cruise down the Nile, as we explore Luxor, Aswan and even swap the boat for kayaks for a closer inspection of the Nile itself.

Morocco is a year-round destination but, if you’re not great in intense heat, we suggest avoiding the Sahara at this time of year. The country’s diverse array of cities, on the other hand, make for great summer destinations, not least because many of them come to life at nighttime, when the intensity of the sun is long gone. Our Madrid to Marrakech Rail Trip offers an incredible insight into the similarities and differences between the cities of Spain and North Africa. After five days tracing the culture and history of the Spanish heartlands – including strong remnants of Islamic architecture in Cordoba – we’ll cross over into Tangiers, the gateway to Africa. After a welcoming mint tea and a morning tour of the city we’ll continue on to Casablanca, where a visit to the remarkable Hassan II Mosque – the largest in Africa – awaits. Next up is Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco. It remains the most vivid distillation of this nation’s ancient history, with an old medina that has a transportive quality, as you stroll past donkeys and dye pits. Finally we end in Marrakech, the country’s most vibrant and lively city, where you’ll be treated to an incredible foodie trail, as well a guided walking tour of the city’s most incredible sights.