Plenty of African destinations are seeing a rise in tourism. However, there are three countries located north of the huge continent that are really making a mark. While hotspots such as Egypt and Morocco remain some of the most popular destinations for travellers across the globe, countries such as Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania are also making waves in the travel and tourism world.
Adventure travel company, Untamed Borders has revealed that all three countries have introduced e-visa systems in order to welcome tourists more easily. Algeria has already seen progress with the new system, as the country’s number of visitors saw a 10% increase of around 3.5 million tourists compared to 2023. It’s likely that Mauritania and Libya will experience a similar boost as a result of the system. However, as of right now, there are several travel warnings in place for the three countries.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which provides travel advice for Brits, currently advises against all travel to parts of Algeria, against all travel to parts of Libya, as well as against all but essential to other areas within the country, and also against all travel to parts of Mauritania. It means that while UK holidaymakers are able to visit certain regions in the three countries, it is absolutely cruical that you check GOV.UK and read all the travel information provided beforehand.
However, it seems that the three African countries are set on welcoming travellers and providing special experiences. The founder of Untamed Borders, James Willcox, said: “The people and places that sit in the great sand sea of the Sahara are as timeless as the dunes themselves – shaped by wind, trading history, and endurance.
“North Africa contains many rarely visited landscapes and communities, who have fascinating stories and histories, with their lives tracing ancient trade routes, mountain paths, and desert horizons.”
Algeria is home to a number of historical sites including the Ancient Roman Ruins of Djemila, Timgad, and Tipaza. Basilica Notre Dame d’Afrique is also well worth visiting with TripAdvisor marking it as the number 1 thing to do in the country.
Over in Libya, the country boasts also boasts a variety of historical attractions, as well as cultural ones. The Leptis Magna, a UNSECO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved Roman cities is a must-visit, or why not take a trip through the Sahara Desert, with a local guide.
For nature lovers, Mauritania’s Banc D’Arguin National Park, also a World Heritage Site, is noted as “one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds”. The site which has an abudance of diverse species of wildlife is the perfect destination to embrace Africa’s biodiversity.
With the surge in tourists being drawn to North Africa as a whole, the chance to experience a “truly unique ” holiday away from the large crowds is becoming more challenging.
Plenty of North African countries in the region have received a record number of visitors over the past year, which has indeed opened doors to “harder-to-reach nations” for travellers.
Yet, the three countries are just a few examples of places in Africa waiting to be explored. While they boast many things in common that make them incredible holiday options, one thing that is extremely important to note is that they all offer the chance for holidaymakers to “truly enjoy authentic Saharan experiences, without a large number of other people.”
