North Africa Overland

26 days - from $4022

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

• Cairo
• Alexandria
• Alexandria Museum
• Roman Catacombs
• El Alamein
• Cyrene/Apollonia
• Leptis Magna
• Tripoli
• Sabratha
• Matmata
• Douz
• Camel Ride
• Kairouan
• Tunis
• Casablanca
• Meknes
• Fes (Medieval City)
• Skoura
• Atlas Mountains
• Sand Dunes At Erg Chebbi
• Todra Gorge
• Dades Valley
• Ait Benhaddou
• Road of 1000 Kasbahs
• Marrakech

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cairo2-3 Alexandria4-6 Marsa Matruh - Tobruk - Cyrene7 Apollonia - Qasr Libya - Benghazi8-9 Sirt - Zliten - Leptis Magna10-11 Tripoli - Sabratha12-14 Tataouine - 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: Allow US$500 for additional meals. Although a number of meals are included, we also allow you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as what and where to eat. Your tour leader will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in some places, he will help organise a group meal that includes a variety of local specialities; all such meals are optional.
Valid From: 10 Jan 08
Notes: Money and Mobiles in Libya ATMs are VERY scarce in Libya. There are a few in Benghazi and Tripoli but that's about it. We strongly advise you to bring US Dollars cash. $200-$300 should be more than enough, as you can withdraw more in Tripoli if you need to. Mobile phones will NOT WORK in Libya. Getting a prepaid SIM card is possible but a bit of a hassle. Internet is widely available. This trip is classified as Adventurer style 'Adventurer' holidays are designed for those who really enjoy grassroots travel. They offer excellent value, with all the major sites included, and some have an element off going 'off the beaten track', while others have a real 'pioneering' style. Summertime Schedules As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (eg at 0500). Please be prepared for this: we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed. Along the coast in Libya, the heat is not quite as extreme. 'Baksheesh' and Tipping Throughout the Middle East, tipping is part of the fabric of life. The local word is 'baksheesh', which when translated into English falls somewhere in between 'tip' and 'bribe'. Everyone constantly tips everyone else and foreign travellers are expected to comply with this system. It is part of everyday life and is a form of remuneration for doing something, regardless of the standard of service. This is quite confusing for those used to the western concept of tipping as a way of showing appreciation. Over the years we have found that most of our customers find this constant need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if you don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a very successful tipping kitty system. At the beginning of the tour, your tour leader will suggest collecting a set amount from each tour member. He/she will then distribute all tips along the way, on behalf of the group, to the local guides, drivers, porters and anyone else who provides services along the way. We have surveyed thousands of our previous clients and the vast majority clearly prefer this procedure. We hope that this system will also work for you. The amount will vary from trip to trip, but it usually works out to be about the equivalent of US$3 per person per day. If you are out on your own, for example at a restaurant, you should also leave a tip for the waiter. Please note that the tipping kitty will NOT include a gratuity for your tour leader. They work hard for you and if you are happy with their service it is appropriate to tip them as well. The normal amount expected is US$3 (or equivalent) per day from each member of the group. Alcohol Alcohol is ILLEGAL in Libya so if you have any alcohol in your bags, please throw it away (or drink it) before you leave Egypt. In Morocco very few people drink, although alcohol can be found if you look hard enough. Most restaurants do not serve alcohol. Ramadan Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourists sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to visit the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2008 Ramadan starts on 1 September and ends with Eid el Fitr at the end of September. The feast of Eid el Fitr can last between three and seven days, depending on the region. In 2009, Ramadan starts on August 21st and finishes on September 19th, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on September 20th.
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Marrakech
Trip Reference: GEAO