Africa · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best Historical Tours in Africa

114 tours  ·  from $3

Pharaonic, Roman, Swahili and colonial history sit on the same continent and often in the same city. These 15 cover Luxor and Carthage, Stone Town and the Cape, with entry fees, guide quality and the walking each involves.

Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip - Karnak Temple: start with ancient Egypt at full volume
Egypt Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Egypt, Historical Tours in Luxor, Luxor Tours, Tour Reviews, Valley of the Kings Tours

Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip

1.Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13,208 reviews · from $76Our pick

Travel from Hurghada to Luxor by air-conditioned van for a full day of temples, royal tombs, and ancient stories. Visit Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon with guides such as Nana, Doa, or Shaban. Lunch, water, snacks, and hotel transfers are included. Tutankhamun’s tomb and a Nile boat crossing cost extra.

“Doa was amazing! The whole experience would be better in smaller groups as waiting around for everyone to be done was slightly long and tiring :)”

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Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada Small Group & Tutankhamun Tomb - Hatshepsut’s temple and the story of a woman pharaoh
Day Trips, Day Trips in Egypt, Day Trips in Luxor, Egypt Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Egypt, Historical Tours in Luxor, Luxor Tours, Small Group Tours, Small Group Tours in Egypt, Small Group Tours in Luxor, Tour Reviews

Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada Small Group & Tutankhamun Tomb

2.Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada Small Group & Tutankhamun Tomb

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5,366 reviews · 14 hours · from $95

Travel from Hurghada or Safaga to Luxor in a small group of up to eight. Visit Karnak, Hatshepsut’s temple, the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamun’s tomb if booked, and the Colossi of Memnon. Guides such as Romany Hanna, Christine Isaac, Karam, and Smiley bring the sites to life, while the long minivan ride makes this a full but rewarding day.

“the full day was amazing, our guide Christine Isaac was great so nice and helpful. we learnt so much from her. all good organised went smooth”

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Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Souk and Medina Tour - Koutoubia Mosque and the city’s best landmark
Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Marrakech, Historical Tours in Morocco, Marrakech Tours, Medina & Souk Tours, Medina & Souk Tours in Marrakech, Medina & Souk Tours in Morocco, Morocco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Souk and Medina Tour

3.Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Souk and Medina Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,974 reviews · 4 hours · from $20

Walk Marrakech’s historic core with a French, English, Spanish, or Italian-speaking guide. See Koutoubia Mosque from outside, visit the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, pass through the Mellah and Kasbah, then finish among the souks and Medina lanes. The $20 price excludes 200 MAD in monument tickets.

“The tour was wonderful, our guide Yassin was very informative. We learned a lot about Marrakech on our first day. We even bonded with our group right away, thanks to Yassin. He was really funny, he kept the group laughing the whole time. He made getting into the sights fast as well which we really appreciated. I really recommend this tour! 10/10 would do it again!”

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From Marrakech: Casablanca Tour with Hassan II Mosque Visit - The Marrakech pickup and the long road north
Casablanca Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Casablanca, Historical Tours in Morocco, Morocco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Marrakech: Casablanca Tour with Hassan II Mosque Visit

4.Casablanca Tour with Hassan II Mosque Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,756 reviews · 13 hours · from $28

Spend 13 hours crossing Morocco from Marrakech to Casablanca by air-conditioned minibus. Visit the Habbous Quarter, Mohammed V Square, and Hassan II Mosque, then eat lunch and relax at Ain Diab Beach. Guides such as Aziz, Sadok, Fatima, and Rachid are praised for clear explanations and friendly care, though lunch and the mosque ticket cost extra.

“Our guide Khalid was fantastic. Si ce the moment he picked us up to the moment he dropped us off he was in constant communication, explaining everything step. We stopped for breakfast, in the old town and at the Mosque which was marvelous. The visit to the Mosque’s museum followed. We ate lunch at a nice little restaurant. Clean and the pizza was delicious. Ended ur day with a stroll at the beach where we enjoyed some sun and ate ice cream. Highly recommend the tour and Khalid was super!”

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Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket - The 45-minute visit inside the mosque
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Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket

5.Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,971 reviews · 45 min · from $16

See Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque on a 45-minute guided visit with entry included. Guides such as Ilyas, Abdel, and Youssuf explain the mosque’s architecture, faith, and place in Moroccan culture. Choose hotel pickup and drop-off, or meet near the mosque museum. Bring a scarf and wear modest clothing.

“Khiar went above and beyond to make sure everything went smooth and enjoyable.”

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From Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup - The early pickup and the road south
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From Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

6.Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,807 reviews · 10 hours · from $70

Travel from Aswan by air-conditioned group bus to Abu Simbel, where four huge statues guard the temple of Ramesses II. You get time to explore both temples, with optional entry tickets and guides in English, Arabic, French, German, or Spanish. Guides such as Waleed Adnan, Mido, and Ahmed Abdelwahab are praised for clear explanations, while the long road trip is the main tradeoff.

“I’m very happy with our guide Waleed Adnan,his comment of English is perfect. Being an Nubian, he has very good knowledge and insight into Nubian culture and the Ramesses II and his royal wife Nefertari Meritmut, the great buildings of Abu Simbel and their 4 significant events that has caused the damage of the second statue, the project to relocate to current position and more in depth explanations of the wall paintings inside the temples, the miracle design of the shrine to have the light shining through the ceiling during the special days of the year! The visit was fascinating and the experience was excellent. Thanks Waleed and his manager…”

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Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, & Koutoubia Mosque - Koutoubia Mosque: an important exterior stop
Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Marrakech, Historical Tours in Morocco, Marrakech Tours, Morocco Tours, Tour Reviews

Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, & Koutoubia Mosque

7.Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, & Koutoubia Mosque

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,529 reviews · 3 hours · from $19

Walk through Marrakech with a local guide such as Ahmed, Abdul, or Rachid, visiting Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Mellah, Koutoubia Mosque, Bab Agnaou, Kasba, and Jemaa el-Fna. Plan for three hours, comfortable shoes, and 200 MAD in cash for the two main entry fees. Koutoubia is viewed from outside.

“Amazing your. We had Ahmed and he was very informative and had a lot of knowledge about the city and attractions. I highly recommend Ahmed. This tour is definitely worth it. As a bonus, you get to see other parts of the city as well while walking to one attraction to another.”

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Casablanca City Tour with Hassan II mosque ticket - Arab League Park and Notre Dame de Lourdes
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Casablanca City Tour with Hassan II mosque ticket

8.Casablanca City Tour with Hassan II mosque ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,480 reviews · from $52Top rated

Explore Casablanca by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide and included Hassan II Mosque entry. You’ll visit the Old Medina, Rick’s Café, Arab League Park, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Habous, Mohammed V Square, Central Market, and local shops. Guides such as Majid, Youssef, Hamid, and Abdul are praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“Abdul was a great tour leader. Very informative, spoke clearly and loud so everyone could hear. Very friendly. Got to see much of the different areas.”

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Casablanca Day Tour from Marrakech and Big Mosque Visit - The road from Marrakech: useful, but not glamorous
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Casablanca Day Tour from Marrakech and Big Mosque Visit

9.Casablanca Day Tour from Marrakech and Big Mosque Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,394 reviews · 11 hours - 690 minutes · from $28

Travel from Marrakech to Casablanca in an air-conditioned minibus with hotel pickup, guided city stops, the Hassan II Mosque, lunch time, and a beach visit at La Corniche. Guides such as Yassine, Moha, Issam, Khalid, and Rachid are praised for clear explanations, good humor, and careful driving. Lunch and the €14 mosque entry are extra.

“Khalid was very kind and passionate. You can see he likes what he does. The best guide I could ask for. Good energy and positive attitude. More guides like him please 🙏🏻”

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Fes: Volubilis Roman Ruins, Mouly Idriss, & Meknes Day Trip - The road from Fes includes more than a transfer
Day Trips, Day Trips in Fez, Day Trips in Morocco, Fez Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Fez, Historical Tours in Morocco, Morocco Tours, Tour Reviews

Fes: Volubilis Roman Ruins, Mouly Idriss, & Meknes Day Trip

10.Volubilis Roman Ruins, Mouly Idriss, & Meknes Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,375 reviews · 8 hours · from $17

Spend eight hours visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, hilltop Moulay Idriss, and Meknes Medina from Fes. Your driver handles the roads, pickup, and drop-off, with free time at each stop. Drivers such as Momo, Imad, Ismail, Hamza, and Aziz often add useful history and local advice, though a formal guide and entry fees are not included.

“Ismael was a formidable guide, he drove safely, and made an unforgottable journey”

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Marrakech: Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace, Medina Guided Tour - Meeting at Jemaa el-Fnaa
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Marrakech: Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace, Medina Guided Tour

11.Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace, Medina Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,989 reviews · 4 hours · from $18

Walk Marrakech’s medina with a licensed guide such as Abdul, Ahmed, or Rashid, visiting Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Mellah, and the souks. The four-hour tour mixes history, Islamic art, local culture, and practical orientation. Choose a shared walk or private option, but budget separately for the two monument tickets.

“Abdul was amazing today. He looked after all his guest with pride. This tour was worth it. Money well spent. Abdul made sure we took enough rest in between the walk. This experience was amazing.. a must do when in Marrakech”

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Fes: Museum, Al Attarine Madrasa & Tannery and Medina Tour - Al Attarine Madrasa and the art of Fes
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Fes: Museum, Al Attarine Madrasa & Tannery and Medina Tour

12.Museum, Al Attarine Madrasa & Tannery and Medina Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,655 reviews · 3h 30m · from $13Best value

Walk Fes Medina with a local guide such as Abdoul, Khalid, or Mondir, visiting Al Attarine Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, souks, craft shops, and narrow lanes. The tour is a useful first look at Fes, with free time at key stops and optional monument entries for 20 to 40 MAD.

“They provide clear and responsible explanations of the history and locations on the itinerary. Highly recommended and trustworthy.”

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Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples - Hatshepsut Temple and the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari
Day Trips, Day Trips in Egypt, Day Trips in Luxor, Egypt Tours, Historical Tours, Historical Tours in Egypt, Historical Tours in Luxor, Luxor Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Valley of the Kings Tours

Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples

13.Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,496 reviews · from $89

Spend about eight hours touring Luxor’s West Bank in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed Egyptologist. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, Deir el-Medina, the Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Guides such as Abdo, Roshdy, and Mohamed Awad have earned strong praise for clear explanations and personal service.

“My guide, Mohamed Awad was extremely knowledgeable—he pointed out details I would have easily missed and explained the meaning behind many of the hieroglyphics. I truly appreciated his guidance and would definitely recommend him and book with him again.”

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Luxor: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour - Entering the Valley of the Kings
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Luxor: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour

14.Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,404 reviews · 5 hours · from $50

Spend five hours on Luxor’s West Bank with a guide such as Alaa Hassan, Asma, Mohamed Refaaie, or Fatma Anas. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon, then eat a local lunch. Hotel pickup, transport, entrance fees on selected options, and an English guide are included.

“Our guide Alaa Hassan was incredibly good. He guided us through the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut temple and he was very professional, friendly and helpful. Everything was clear from the very beginning and on time. We really appreciated his guidance and company!”

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Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Medina Tour - Starting at Koutoubia Mosque
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Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Medina Tour

15.Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Medina Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,347 reviews · 4 hours · from $19

Spend four hours walking through Marrakech with a French- or English-speaking guide such as Yassine, Mouhssine, or Achraf. See Koutoubia Mosque from outside, tour Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa, pass through the Mellah, and learn how to handle the souks. Monument tickets cost extra, but the guide helps you avoid the first ticket queues.

“our guide Ahmed was professional and interesting to listen to. A break along the route for a tea or cold drink would have been very welcome.”

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