North Africa Overland

26 days - from $4880

Our journey across the 'top' of Africa starts with a trip from Cairo to Alexandria - a buzzing town with many attractions. We continue west and cross into Libya, visiting the WWII site Tobruk before exploring the stunning ruins of the ancient Greek city, Cyrene. Apollonia is equally impressive, and Leptis Magna is simply jaw-dropping! Tripoli is an amazing city, with a fusion of African, Arabic and European influences, and after a couple of nights here, we visit Sabratha, then cross into Tunisia.

The desert scenery around Matamata was where parts of the first 'Star Wars' film was set, and is home to Berber people, famous for living in 'troglodyte' houses. We spend the night in such a house before heading into the Tunisian desert. On the way to Tunis, we visit the fascinating Islamic city Kairouan.

Flying to Casablanca, we begin our exploration of Morocco - very different from the three countries we've already 'ticked off'! We visit the fascinating cities of Meknes and Fes, before riding camels into the desert and camping out for the night in Erg Chebbi. The Atlas mountains, Kasbahs and beautiful palm groves keep our cameras clicking for a couple of days, before we arrive in one of the world's most exciting cities - Marrakech.

Highlights

• Alexandria
• Dancing in Cairo – try or see
• Egypt’s sweet treats. Alexandria
• Explore Egypt’s World War Two history
• Face to face with Egypt’s mummies, Cairo
• Give in to Cairo
• Cyrene/Apollonia
• Go to the theatre in Sabratha
• Leptis Magna
• Old Tripoli
• The Rats of Tobruk
• Ait Benhaddou
• Bathe in Fes
• Casablanca
• Medina, mosaics and Majorelle, Marrakech
• Meknes
• Sleep in the Sahara
• Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
• Travel the road of a thousand Kasbahs
• Matmata

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2-3: Alexandria4-6: Marsa Matruh - Tobruk - Apollonia7: Cyrene - Qasr Libya - Benghazi8-9: Sirt - Zliten - Leptis Magna10-11: Tripoli - Sabratha12-14: Matmata - Kairouan15: Tunis16-17: Casablanca - Meknes18-19: Fes20-21: Midelt - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi22-23: Todra Gorge - Dades Valley - Ait Benhaddou24-26: Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: Gecko's tour leader, local guides, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 25 breakfasts, 7 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 10 Jan 08
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Marrakech
Trip Reference: GEAO