Deals on Tours to Africa

While I'm a big fan of independent travel, taking a tour certainly has its advantages, especially when time is a key factor. This is often the case for those who live and work in the US, where a 10 day tour is about the limit of most people's vacation budget. Since there's so much to see and do in any given African country, having your accommodation and transportation organized for you, is certainly more efficient than going it alone. Below are some recommendations of tours that offer excellent value for money, security and adventure, all in a 7-10 day package.

The Kasbah to the Sahara - This is a 7 day (land-only) tour offered by TunisUSA that showcases some of Tunisia's most compelling sights. You'll get to enjoy bazaars (souqs), Carthage, troglodyte dwellings, old forts, desert oases, as well as the spectacular dunes of the Sahara Desert. Cost is $1995 (land only) and covers deluxe accommodation, most meals, transportation, and entrance fees to sights.

South Africa in Style -- is a remarkable luxury tour with 4 nights in Cape Town and 2 nights in Timbavati Game Reserve -- all for just $1999. This price includes the international flight (from NY or DC) as well as domestic flights in South Africa, luxurious accommodations, several meals, safari drives and a half-day tour in Cape Town.

Southern Charm Morocco Tour -- opt for the deluxe version of the tour with Journey Beyond Travel and get to stay at an intimate hotel in the middle of Marrakech's Medina, as well as a Kasbah in the Atlas Mountains and end up on the beach in Essaouira. This 6 day tour offers lots of free time to explore on your own, which is the perfect way to go in Morocco. Cost is around $1500 (land only), which includes all accommodation, tour guides, village stay, breakfast and transportation within Morocco (from Marrakech).

Aquarium Package in Egypt -- is a 10 day package that includes Cairo and the Pyramids, Luxor, a cruise down the Nile and a couple nights in Hurghada on the Red Sea Coast. This is not a luxurious package, but middle of the road, and best of all, it's a private tour. Best Way Travel offers this for around $1000 (excluding your international flights) and they're flexible about upgrades and changes.

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