Get to grips with the heart of Africa and the Middle East following our recommended routes. Travel from Egypt to Jordan, seeing ancient sites, cultural wonders and lively cities; or discover Africa’s natural highlights, paddling rivers, surveying the sand dunes and visiting national parks.

Egypt and Jordan
Minimum duration: 3 weeks
Start: Amman, Jordan
End: Alexandria, Egypt

1. Amman, Jordan
Start in Jordan’s capital, Amman – take in the city’s ancient sites including the impressive Roman ruins of Jerash.

2. Petra, Jordan
Continue onto the famous stone city of Petra, carved from rose-coloured cliff faces.

3. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Explore the beautiful desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and camp out with the local Bedouin tribes for a taste of traditional desert life.

4. Red Sea, Egypt
Head to the coast and snorkel or scuba-dive through amazing underwater scenery, before feasting on fresh seafood from one of the many beach-side restaurants.

5. Mount Sinai, Egypt
Climb the 3,750 steps or ride a camel to the summit of Mount Sinai for spectacular panoramic views.

6. Cairo, Egypt
Plunge into Cairo’s lively Khan al-Khalili bazaar or explore the famous Sphinx and Pyramids of nearby Giza.

7. Aswan, Egypt
Sample the delicious Nubian food in Aswan, Egypt’s laidback gateway to Africa and visit the temples of Abu Simbel.

8. Luxor, Egypt
Travel by traditional felucca down the Nile to Luxor where the Valley of the Kings and ancient capital of Thebes are waiting to be explored.

9.  Dahkla Oasis, Egypt
Check-out Dahkla Oasis, one of the Nile Valley’s earliest settlements; set among the dunes, strange rock formations and picturesque villages of the Western desert.

10. Bawiti, Egypt
Pause at the ancient Roman ruins of Bawiti at the Bahariyya Oasis.

11. Siwa, Egypt
Hire a bike at Siwa and explore the Mountain of the Dead or take a dip in Cleopatra’s bath.

12. Alexandria, Egypt
Discover the historical delights of Alexandria – the catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa and Fort Qaitbey are just two of the city’s highlights.

Africa’s natural highlights
Minimum duration: 3 weeks
Start: Cape Town, South Africa
End: Victoria Falls, Zambia

1. Cape Town, South Africa
Start in South Africa’s cosmopolitan capital, Cape Town and take time to sample the many delights of this vibrant metropolis.

2. Cederberg, South Africa
Continue onto Cedarberg and paddle along Orange River by canoe past the impressive backdrop of the Richtersveld Mountains.

3. River Canyon, Namibia
Cross the border to Namibia and soak up the stark beauty of its mighty quiver trees. Then pause at Fish River Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon in size.

4. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Explore, Sossusvlei, a huge clay pan at heart of the Namib Desert surrounded by towering sand dunes.

5. Swakopmund, Namibia
Take in stunning views and experience uninterrupted silence atop the dunes en route to colonial Swakopmund.

6. Spitzkoppe, Namibia
Discover ancient paintings hidden amongst the rock formations of Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s dramatic granite outcrop.

7. Damaraland, Namibia
Head through Damaraland – spot seals at Cape Cross and pass red rock mesas along the Skeleton Coast.

8. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Explore the massive saline desert of Etosha National Park – a haven for black rhinos, hundreds of bird species and a host of other wildlife.

9. Waterberg Plateau Park, Namibia
Spot the elusive blue wilderbeest in the sandstone plateau of this unique conservation park.

10. Windhoek, Namibia
Check-out the European-style streets of Windhoek, Namibia’s German town.

11. Ghanzi, Botswana
Make a base in Ghanzi and visit the San Bushmen of the expansive Kalahari, whose tribal culture has lasted for more than a million years.

12. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Next, take a traditional canoe tour through the intricate waterways of the Okavango Delta. Look out for elephants, antelopes and the many other animals in this magnificent wetland.

13. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chill-out on a sunset game cruise down the river in Chobe National Park – a perfect opportunity for peaceful wildlife spotting.

14. Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia
End your trip marvelling at the natural wonder of Victoria Falls.