Middle East & Africa attractions

Situated in the heart of Addis Ababa, in the middle of a traffic circle, Menelik II Square has long been a popular gathering place for Addis residents, particularly on religious and national holidays and during protests. It's named for Menelik II, who was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until 1913, and an equestrian statue of the ruler sits at its center.

Learn about Accra’s past and its dark history at James Fort, located in the Jamestown district. The fort was originally established in the 1600s by the Royal African Company of England to serve as a trading post for gold and slaves. It then transitioned into a prison until its closure in 2008. Today, the building is a tourist attraction and a historical site.

The Temples of Wadi al-Sebua, moved from their original location when the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser, are part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site. The desert sands host three temples: the main Temple of Ramses II, with its avenue of sphinxes, and the much younger Temple of Dakka and Temple of Maharraqa.

Situated in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, a few hours' drive south of Addis Ababa, Abijatta-Shalla National Park is an expansive national park containing two lakes: Salla and Abijatta. It's a fantastic place for wildlife spotting—particularly if you're fond of birds—and provides a refuge to ostriches, pelicans, flamingos, storks, and the occasional monkey.

Set inside the 18th-century Ajman Fort—a former residence of Ajman’s rulers—Ajman Museum casts a spotlight on the history of the emirate. Distinct for its cannon-flanked gateway, sand-colored ramparts, and antique wooden doors, the museum chronicles Ajman’s ancient and recent past with everything from an early excavated cemetery to tribal weaponry, replica dhow boats, and dioramas of traditional Emirati domestic life.

The Rustar, a traditional wooden dhow vessel, offers dining, entertainment, and views of the city during its cruises along the Dubai Creek. Equally popular with couples looking for a romantic setting as it is with families, the Rustar Floating Restaurant has all the luxuries of a five-star establishment with an international buffet-style dinner featuring an array of dishes.

In the eastern part of Arusha National Park in Tanzania, the Momella Lakes are a set of alkaline lakes that were formed from Mount Meru's eruption thousands of years ago. They're a great place for wildlife watching, and you'll likely spot plenty of flamingos if you come to these shores.

Praia das Sete Ondas translates as “beach of the seven waves”, and this remote nature spot is the perfect place to escape the crowds. Here, you can stroll along the sandy strip, try out surfing—board rentals are available—or stop for a meal at the popular beachside restaurant. Surrounded by lush green landscapes and palm trees, it’s an idyllic location to relax and connect with nature.

Wild animals roam lush gardens surrounding this Lake Naivasha lodge, the former home of conservationists Joy and George Adamson. Flame trees bloom in brilliant colors, while troops of colobus monkeys can often be spotted on the lawn. Elsamere is also a popular stop on day trips from Nairobi, and overnight stays are an option.

Underneath Jerusalem, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s crowded alleys and ancient attractions, there is more than a mile (2 kilometers of pathways where some of the most exciting archaeological finds of the ancient world have been uncovered. Take a trip underground and discover 2,000 years of history.

Situated on Mount Entoto in the northern outskirts of Addis Ababa, the octagonal Entoto Maryam Church is one of the most important churches in Ethiopia. The colorful building was commissioned in the 19th century by Menelik II and is today the resting place of the monarch and his wife, Empress Taytu.

Porto Alegre—which translates as “happy port”—is a village in the south of São Tomé. With a small population and a secluded setting, people come here to discover rural life and see former plantations, such as Roça de Porto Alegre, which dates back to 1890. It’s also visited as a gateway to Ilhéu das Rolas, home to the equator monument.

Ashdod (Jerusalem Cruise Port) is Israel’s largest seaport and a popular stop for cruise ships from lines like Azamara, Celebrity, Silversea, and Oceania. Strategically located along the Mediterranean Sea coast, the Ashdod Cruise Terminal is the gateway to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land.

Set in the Zambezi River just above Victoria Falls, Livingstone Island is the place where 18th-century explorer David Livingstone first spotted what is now known as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. You can view the falls from this same unique vantage point on a guided tour that melds history, sightseeing, and adrenaline.

Gambia’s—and Banjul’s—biggest market, the Albert Market is a high-energy dive into West African life. An arts and crafts section caters to visiting travelers, whereas the colorful food zone serves up fresh produce to locals. Meanwhile, in the dry goods section, you’ll find everything from clothing to electronics.

During World War II, French-controlled Tunisia became a backdrop for military campaigns. Nazi Germany and Italy fought the Allied Powers, and it was feared that they would invade Tunisia. The Mareth Line refers to the fortifications constructed to protect the country in the 1930s. Today, the Military Museum of Mareth Line explains the historical background and displays bunkers, trenches, military uniforms, and artillery.

The Dead Sea Museum, nestled within the Panorama Dead Sea Complex, features informative displays covering the iconic salt lake’s archaeology, geology, and ecology. The lake is receding at a rate of almost 4 feet (more than 1 meter) every year, and the museum highlights attempts to conserve it.

Located in central Port Said, the Port Said Military Museum charts the 1956 Suez Crisis—known locally as the Tripartite Aggression—and the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli Wars. Featuring displays of weaponry, artifacts, sculptures, and artworks, the museum explores the stories of the Suez Canal and Port Said, widening its appeal beyond military buffs.

Photogenic spots among the wall-to-wall azure streets of Chefchaouen Medina aren’t hard to find, and yet Callejon El Asri remains one of the city’s most popular. Vibrant flower pots of every color—but blue—adorn this narrow stairway to create a vivid scene that’s only enhanced by the further layers of the dense medina visible up the hill.

Part of Aqua Park City, the Aqua Blu Water Park (also known as Aqua Blu Aqua Park is one of Sharm el Sheikh’s biggest water parks. More than 60 different slides and games offer something for everyone—from freefall, high-speed, and kamikaze slides through to a little kids’ zone and even rides for infants.

Ga-Mashie (also known as Old Accra) is the vibrant heartland of Ghana's Ga community, the original settlers of the city. Rich in cultural heritage, Ga-Mashie showcases colonial-era architecture and fishing villages along the Densu River and Chemmu Lagoon. You can learn about local culture and traditions by watching artisans practice net weaving and canoe hollowing.

The red stone crenellations of Duwisib Castle stand out against the brilliant blue sky of the Namibian desert, making for a dramatic scene. Despite the castle’s medieval appearance, it was only built in 1909 to serve as the residence of a German military officer. Today, it operates as a national monument and museum.

Tucked below the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Hafit, on the outskirts of Al Ain, Wadi Adventure—also called Al Ain Adventure—is the Middle East’s first purpose-built water adventure park. Near Jebel Hafit’s natural hot springs, it offers a host of outdoor aquatic sports and family-friendly fun, from white-water rafting to ziplining and aerial ropes.

Fun and learning come together at the Children’s City in Dubai. Designed for kids between 2 and 15 years old, this science-themed center is both educational and entertaining for youngsters. Here, they can unravel the mysteries of the universe at the planetarium, tackle interactive challenges at the Earth sciences and technology galleries, and learn about wildlife at the nature exhibitions. Hands-on workshops, a kids’ theater, and toddler play zones provide colorful finishing touches.

Spanning about 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of wetlands just beyond Accra city limits, the slum of Old Fadama—also known as Agbogbloshie—is home to some 40,000 Ghanaians living in extreme poverty. While living conditions are challenging in one of West Africa’s largest slums, members of this innovative community use discarded machinery, appliances, and old computers to forge a living through creativity, ingenuity, and a positive outlook toward improving their neighborhood.

At Exotic Animal World, zookeepers care for hundreds of rare and exotic animals that have been surrendered or seized by the authorities. Lemurs and colorful birds move freely through a pretty indoor tropical garden and the reptile house is home to plenty of tortoises and jewel-bright snakes.

The lush greenery of Victoria Falls is on full display in this private game reserve, where endangered black rhinos, sable antelope, and other members of the Big Five roam. Accompanied by your guide, you can follow the path of the Masuwe River and discover a diverse ecosystem teeming with life.

Built in 1991 and revamped twice since, the BurJuman is one of Dubai’s oldest shopping malls but still popular for its ultraconvenient location in Bur Dubai, just south of Dubai Creek. Extending across four levels, the mall offers luxury and speciality stores, restaurants, and entertainments for all tastes.

Kisenyi, located in the heart of Kampala adjacent to the capital’s central business district, is a huge neighborhood where some of Uganda’s poorest and most vulnerable residents live in extremely close quarters, many without access to running water. Despite these challenges, Kisenyi has a lively, vibrant atmosphere filled with informal businesses—everything from butcher shops and fresh produce vendors to furniture and metalworking shops. It’s been nicknamed Little Mogadishu in honor of the 18,000 Somali refugees who call Kisenyi home.

Located in the Emirati city of Sharjah, the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum features more than 100 vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles dating back to 1915. Explore the evolution of the automobile, learn about different types of designs and engines, and admire meticulously restored vehicles across makes and models.