Translating from Arabic as Field of Dunes, the rolling landscapes of Erg Chigaga are some of the Moroccan Sahara’s most beautiful. The camps nestled between the dunes feel particularly secluded, making Erg Chigaga a great place to enjoy the space and silence of the desert.
Once a busy market street during the Roman and Byzantine Empire, the Cardo is a picturesque cobbled lane in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Byzantine-era ruins of the Cardo were part of a 6th-century colonnade. Another section has been renovated as a shopping street and is now lined with jewelry boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
The Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II (Zaouia de Moulay Idriss II, sometimes spelled “zawiya,” is one of Fez’s most sacred places. A religious school and mausoleum, it houses the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who made the city great in the ninth century. His body, apparently uncorrupted, was discovered in 1308, when most of the structure dates from.
District Six Museum was founded in 1994 to honor those who were forcibly removed from their homes in the area. In the mid-1960s the South African government began relocating some 60,000 nonwhite residents to a slum-like township miles away and destroyed their homes in order to make the neighborhood whites-only.
Nourished by Nile canals, the lush farmland of Al-Fayoum (Faiyum nestles up against salty Lake Qarun. Head here for: Wadi El-Rayan, with its tumbling waterfalls; a welter of less-visited ancient Egyptian sites, including pyramids; and the fossil-dense UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan.
Set on the outskirts of the Old City of Jerusalem, the scenic Kidron Valley is an ancient burial ground renown for its religious significance and natural beauty. The valley divides the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives and is prominently featured in both the Old and New Testaments, making it an important stop on many religious pilgrimages.
While a robust wine culture and picturesque vineyards are now synonymous with the Western Cape of South Africa, it all started with Groot Constantia. The oldest wine estate in the country, Groot Constantia offers visitors opportunities to tour the winemaking facilities, historic manor house and museum, and surrounding grounds. Plus, you can enjoy tasting their famous dessert wines.
Built in 1541 and restored a couple of centuries later, the Agadir Kasbah Ruins (Agadir Oufella stand on a hill a little way out of town. Designed as a fortress, the kasbah once housed hundreds, although all that remains of the structure after the 1960 earthquake is the outer wall. Most travelers visit for the sweeping ocean views.
Near the Hassan Tower (Tour Hassan, the Moroccan king’s grandfather rests alongside two of his sons in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The building seems simple from the outside, with its restrained mosaic tiles and horseshoe arches. Inside, as you look down on the white onyx tombs from the gallery, it’s a riot of gold leaf and tilework.
Just minutes from the bustling medina of Marrakech, the Menara Gardens (Jardin de la Ménara) offer a tranquil oasis with olive groves, towering palms, and citrus trees. Arranged around a 12th-century pavilion, the botanical gardens feature a large lake and a stunning view of the distant Atlas Mountains.
Located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, Warner Bros. World is a massive indoor theme park dedicated to the shows and movies of the giant entertainment company. Inside, you’ll enter a parallel universe filled with characters fromBatman andThe Flintstones, explore their movie-set towns, and enjoy rides and interactive family attractions.
Independence Square in Accra, Ghana, is a powerful symbol of the nation's journey to freedom. Notable for its Black Star Gate and Memorial Arch, the site commemorates Ghana's liberation from colonial rule. A pilgrimage here offers a glimpse into history and the spirit of independence, making it a must-visit for anyone who seeks to understand Ghana's heritage.
Encompassing the Zambian side of mighty Victoria Falls—one of the seven wonders of the natural world—Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is best known for the thundering waterfall at its heart. Yet, views of falls are not all the park has to offer. Wildlife, scenery, and adventure opportunities fill the 41-square-mile (66-square-kilometer) park.
A northern satellite of Petra, Little Petra centers on a narrow canyon known as Siq al-Barid. With its water cisterns, carved houses, and rock-cut stairs, it has more of a lived-in feel than Petra proper. Its signature site, the Painted House, is home to one of the only surviving Nabatean painted interiors, which features jaw-dropping frescoes.
Part of Baku's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City (Icherisheher), Maiden Tower is a fantastic spot to take in views of the city and the Caspian Sea in the distance if you're willing to climb to the top. The tower also houses a museum that traces the history of the Old City over the centuries.
All too often overshadowed by the magnificence of the Hassan II Mosque, the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral is an important center of worship for Morocco’s Roman Catholic population and serves as a striking example of Casablanca’s modern architecture.
The museum rolls out the red carpet for its extensive collection of Azerbaijani carpets. They span centuries, materials, and weaving techniques, from the 17th century to the present day. Carpets saved from the Susha Museum of History and thousands of traditional (sometimes ancient) everyday items showcase local culture and history.
The former home and final resting place of W. E. B. Du Bois—the African-American civil rights advocate and father of Pan-Africanism—Accra’s W. E. B. Du Bois Centre is open to tourists and visiting academics. Home to Du Bois’ mausoleum, it contains a small museum and lecture theater. Its serene grounds are a verdant escape from the capital’s bustle.
Nestled in Cairo’s medieval El-Darb El-Ahmar district, the Al Azhar Mosque is the city’s first mosque—dating back to 972. Boasting five minarets and a white-marble courtyard, its biggest claim to fame is its sister Al Azhar university next door, reputedly the oldest Islamic university in the world.
Roughly the size of Belgium, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most historical game reserve. Home to more than 100 mammals—including one of the world’s largest herds of elephants, and 400 avian species—the national park is one of the most diverse game reserves found anywhere else on Earth.
A short drive from Arusha, this compact park is an exceptional place to see wildlife, such as giraffes and zebras, both on foot and from the comfort of a safari vehicle. The park is also home to Mount Meru, a popular hiking destination and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.
In Christian doctrine, the angel Gabriel came to Mary in Nazareth and told her she was going to give birth to Jesus. Built over the Grotto of the Annunciation, where some believe Gabriel appeared, the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation celebrates this miracle. Don’t confuse it with the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
According to the Christian faith, the night before his crucifixion Jesus prayed in anguish on a rock in the Garden of Gethsemane. Today, the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony enshrines the sacred stone. Completed in 1924, the basilica stands on the remains of two older churches, with Crusader ruins still visible as you enter.
Tanzania's oldest and most iconic reserve, Serengeti National Park is a bucket list stop for any wildlife lover. Its 12,000-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) savannah is home to the highest concentration of large mammals on earth. Residents include Africa's Big Five game (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos) and around 500 bird species.
Between April and July 1994, countless Rwandans were murdered by Hutu extremists, who terrorized the country in an attempt to wipe out the Tutsi population. More than 250,000 victims are buried at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which aims to provide a context for the slaughter and educate visitors about prevention of future genocide.
Tanzania's second-highest mountain (after Kilimanjaro), Mount Meru attracts hikers with its easy and moderate trails and its outstanding scenery. Its location in the heart of Arusha National Park makes it an easy-to-reach destination for travelers staying in the nearby city of Arusha. It gets fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro.
Qurum Beach, famous for its soft golden sand and water activities, is the go-to destination for families and active visitors in Oman. The low tide allows for a delightful walk along the coast, and you can also enjoy perusing the amenities—beachside hotels, snack bars, and cafés. For extra enticement, there are also top-notch restaurants facing the water.
Fringing the town of Hatta in the eastern United Arab Emirates’ Hajar Mountains, the Hatta Heritage Village is a restored mountain village that showcases life as it was before the country’s oil boom. Comprised of the reconstructed houses of what was once a working village, the village illustrates different aspects of traditional life, from customs and crafts to agriculture.
For those seeking an authentic kasbah experience, look no further than Amridil. This 17th-century destination is a well-preserved and expertly restored structure that provides beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the magnificent Skoura palm groves. It's a rare opportunity to step back in time and immerse oneself in a centuries-old way of life.
Manhyia Palace Museum offers a glimpse into Ashanti royal history and culture. Once home to Ashanti kings, the museum features an extensive collection of royal artifacts, including swords, jewelry, medals, and the revered Golden Stool. You can explore the palace's interiors and learn about the kingdom's past, making it an essential destination for understanding the Ashanti cultural legacy.
