Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
Jerash
In ancient times, the Roman town of Gerasa grew rich from iron ore as well as agricultural products which flourished in this comparatively lush temperate region. This wealth in turn endowed the town with architectural treasures: the unique oval Forum, Hippodrome, Amphitheater, Agora, and the proud columns of the Temple to Artemis. The majestic Hadrian’s Arch dates from the eponymous Roman Emperor’s visit, an event which signaled the town’s importance.
Not long after the spread of Islam into the area, Gerasa was devastated by an earthquake and for centuries lay buried in sand. This accounts for the remarkable state of preservation in this, one of Jordan’s most important Roman sites. Significant sections of all the above-named sites can still be seen next to the modern town of Jerash, as well as colonnaded streets and city walls which precisely delineate the town’s contours, giving a vivid sense of life in an ancient Roman town.
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The remains of Gerasa are adjacent to the modern town of Jerash, 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Amman and accessible by bus or taxi.
Madaba
The must-see site in town is the Church of St. George, now a Greek Orthodox basilica, home of the enormous Madaba Mosaic Map. The map, with its richly-detailed rendering of Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and other holy sites, was only rediscovered in 1894 and has since been brilliantly restored.
Madaba is within easy reach of Amman; approximately half an hour by taxi or minibus. While there be sure to visit nearby Mount Nebo.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest peak, and at around 10,000 feet (or 3,000 meters) it makes a cool contrast to the baking coast. The regular road runs out about two-thirds the way up, so from there on in it’s 4-wheel-drive or, for the adventurous, hiking. Either way you’ll have stunning views of Wadi Nakhr, a dramatic canyon whose sheer walls drop down to a valley floor of tiny villages and date palm plantations.
Colorful rugs made using goat hair and natural dyes are a specialty of the region. There are also a number of eerie village ruins which testify to the difficulty of living in this fascinating yet challenging area.
Practical Info
Jebel Shams can be accessed on a long day trip from Muscat, but a well-equipped campsite makes it a great place to stay over and enjoy the serenity of this remote area.
Jeita Grotto
- A complete cave tour takes two hours, and the entrance fee covers all attractions.
- The cave complex has a restaurant, gift shops, gardens, a video presentation about the caves, and even a small zoo.
- Photography is not allowed within the caves.
- The caves are not wheelchair accessible.
Nairobi National Museum
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Paul Kruger House Museum
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Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
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Muttrah Souk
Jordan Archaeological Museum
A stand out attraction is the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of 972 texts from the Hebrew Bible that were discovered in the 1940s. You can also see ancient sculpture, preserved skulls and rhinoceros teeth that date back 200,000 years.
Also housed here are several jewelry and coin collections and ancient items of daily life such as pottery, glass, flint and metal tools. Inscriptions and statuaries are also on display.
Jordan Winery
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Jebel Hafeet
The views, once you reach the top of the sandstone mountain, are well worth the journey. You’ll have unobstructed views of Al Ain below and Oman in the distance. The caves winding through the mountain have yielded abundant fossil discoveries and the foothills have served as a burial ground dating back more than 5,000 years—some of which you can still see.
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, known as one of the most scenic roads in the world, is also a popular training site for road cyclists working on their ascents. The Green Mubazzarah park at the base of the mountain houses a complex of natural hot spring pools for both men and women where you can relax after conquering the mountain.
Nairobi National Park
- Nairobi National Park is a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Kenya’s capital.
- A guided day tour of Nairobi National Park can last anywhere from five to nine hours.
- Bring plenty of drinking water and a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park.
- Don’t forget to bring binoculars, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Jebel Akhdar
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Johannesburg Zoo
You don’t have to head for the big game reserves to see the amazing variety of South African wildlife – it’s all on display at Johannesburg Zoo. On a sprawling 54 hectare (133 acre) site you’ll see evidence of an enlightened zoological program, with majestic lions, playful monkeys and distinctive horned oryxes all given room to roam.
Additionally, you’ll find non-native animals including polar bears, Siberian Tigers and camels. While enjoying the green expanse of one of Jo’burg’s great outdoor spaces you can watch crocodiles being fed, handle (non-venomous) snakes and visit a real farmyard.
Practical Info
Johannesburg Zoo is north of the city center in the Parktown district. Take the M1 South motorway and follow the signs.
Madaba Map
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Muttrah
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Na'ama Bay
The focus of the Sharm el Sheikh resort action is Na’ama Bay, a collection of glittering seaside resorts fronting the water.
Stroll the beachfront promenade lined with restaurants and hotels, or organize a camel or horse ride to the desert Bedouin villages.
Na’ama Bay’s clubs party hard from midnight to dawn, and cafes overlooking the water are an atmospheric setting to try a sheesha water pipe.
Of course, Na’ama Bay’s other raison d’être is as a jumping-off point to hit that crystal-clear water, filled with fluttering fish, lying offshore in Ras Mohamed National Park.
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Na’ama Bay joins with Sharm el Maya Bay to form the resort of Sharm el Sheikh. The bay is around 6 kilometers (4 miles) east of Sharm el Maya Bay.
Mac Mac Falls
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Jerusalem Jewish Quarter
Ancient ruins uncovered by archaeologists from Hebrew University are in a handful of museums and parks in the Jewish Quarter, including a 2,200-year-old image of a Temple menorah and portions of the Israelite Tower. A stunning pool built by the Romans was discovered in 2010. Travelers will find this homage to another lifetime filled with terracotta roof tiles, mosaic floors and regal steps.