Explore Africa & the Middle East

North African cuisine offers a delightful array of dishes that cater to a wide range of palates. In Egypt, popular dishes include koshari, a hearty mix of macaroni, lentils and rice, and moussaka, a savory eggplant casserole. A beloved street food is shawarma—thinly sliced, slow-roasted meat stacked on a vertical rotisserie and seasoned with a blend of spices, often served as a sandwich in pita bread. Together, these dishes showcase the rich culinary heritage of Egypt.

Moving west to Algeria, the bustling city of Algiers offers its own distinctive dishes. Chekhchoukha is a flavorful stew made from torn pieces of flatbread, lamb, tomatoes, chickpeas and a blend of spices. Couscous—a staple side dish—is prepared with steamed granules of rolled semolina and served with vegetables or meat. A favorite dessert is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and honey.

In Tunisia, the capital city of Tunis boasts a variety of unique dishes. Couscous is a national favorite, often served with lamb, chicken or fish. Shakshouka, a colorful dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, is popular for breakfast or lunch. A classic street food, brik, is a crispy, savory pastry filled with egg, tuna or meat.

The Arab population in Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia predominantly drinks tea. Egyptians typically serve the beverage black with milk, while tea served with mint and sugar is universally popular throughout Africa and the Middle East. While coffee is available in metropolitan cities in North Africa, tea remains the more popular choice. For something cold and refreshing, sugar cane juice is available from Egyptian street vendors, and rice milk can be found in various forms throughout the region.

With a wealth of appetizing food and beverage options, visitors can experience the rich, diverse flavors that North Africa has to offer.

To fully experience daily life in Egypt, visitors may wish to take forms of transportation designed for locals. Taking in the sights of the Nile River on a felucca or riding on a tuk-tuk scooter will add some true regional flair to your journey.

• Feluccas
  Feluccas are wooden boats with a simple sail made from locally grown cotton and other natural fibers, which have helped Egyptians navigate the waters of the Nile since the time of the pharaohs. These simple crafts rely on wind and the river’s current rather than a motor to propel them forward and allow visitors to travel these storied waters as the ancients did centuries ago. Modern-day feluccas can sometimes accommodate up to 12 people, providing the opportunity for a small group to experience the Nile from a different perspective. Cushions are often placed around the boat for those wishing to rest their feet, but in general, these authentic modes of transport offer relatively few modern amenities.
  
  
• Tuk-Tuk Scooters
  For a more exhilarating ride, try a tuk-tuk scooter. Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled, motorized rickshaws that are especially common in areas with narrow, unpaved roads where other types of vehicles would struggle. While tuk-tuks are prevalent in Egypt, be sure to always agree on a price before your ride. Unlike taxis, tuk-tuks do not have meters, so be mindful of overcharging.

The term “Big 5” was created by big-game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot—the African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, African lion and rhinoceros. Visitors to Tsavo East National Park—Kenya’s largest national park spanning more than 5,300 sq ft. (13,700 sq km)—can have a chance to observe the majestic beauty of Africa’s “Big 5” in their natural habitat. Here are some intriguing facts about these remarkable creatures:

• African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana)
  This pachyderm is the largest land animal, known for its impressive tusks and intelligent, social behavior. Elephants are often seen in large herds, using their trunks to communicate and forage for food.
  
  
• Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer)
  These formidable creatures are known for their unpredictable nature and strong herd instincts. Both males and females have horns, with males sporting a distinctive, solid bony plate called a boss.
  
  
• Leopard (Panthera pardus)
  Elusive and solitary, leopards are expert climbers, often dragging their prey into trees to avoid scavengers. Their distinctive rosette-patterned coats provide excellent camouflage.
  
  
• African lion (Panthera leo)
  The only social big cat, lions live in prides led by females. Males are known for their majestic manes and play a crucial role in protecting the pride’s territory.
  
  
• Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum)
  Both black and white rhinos can be found in Tsavo East National Park. These massive herbivores are known for their thick skin and impressive horns, which they use for defense and foraging.

With inspiring wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, a safari in Tsavo East National Park promises an adventure of a lifetime.