Africa Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trip Packages

Africa Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trips

3,061 Africa trips. Tours from 748 tour companies. 5,843 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

398 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Local Immersion & Homestays
Spotlight on Morocco
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Casablanca, Fez, Luxor, Marrakech

Highlights

  • Discover Rabat, the political capital of Morocco
  • Dig into Fez, the spiritual capital of the country
  • Visit the ruined Berber-Roman City of Volubilis
  • Explore the historical part of Marrakech

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

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South Morocco Adventure: Marrakech to Essaouira - 15 Days
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Small locally based company with unparalleled knowledge and passion for Morocco.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ait Benhaddou, Erg Chebbi, Essaouira, Marrakech, Merzouga, Ouarzazate

Highlights

  • Explore Marrakech, the "Red City
  • Adventure through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert
  • Explore its gardens and spice markets
  • Experience and food tourin Marrakech

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography

What travelers are saying

"An Unforgettable Journey - From Start to Finish I can't express enough how amazing our experience was with DesertBrise Travel, especially with Khalil. Right from our initial conversation, he was consistently available, responsive, and focused on planning every aspect of our trip. While we had some ideas for stops, we didn't have a complete picture, and Khalil took the time to craft a detailed trip plan. She involved us in the decision-making process, addressing all our questions and even providing a comprehensive packing list before our departure, ensuring we were well-prepared. Khalil's meticulous planning and support gave us confidence in the trip's success even before we set off. The journey itself exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was perfectly timed, taking us beyond the cities into rural areas, diverse landscapes, and providing a glimpse of Morocco we wouldn't have discovered on our own. Our accommodations were stunning, and the tour guides at each location were exceptional – well-versed in their areas of expertise and excellent communicators. Special mention goes to our overall guide, Omar, who not only drove us across the entire country but also ensured our comfort, enjoyment, and shared valuable insights, including introducing us to Moroccan and Amazigh music. A resounding 10/10 recommendation for DesertBrise Travel, Khalil, and the entire team. They truly deliver an unforgettable experience!"

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Explore Egypt
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sphinx

Highlights

  • Cairo is a place like no other – a rambling metropolis of sand-beaten colours and ancient wonders. You'll have plenty of time to explore the acclaimed sites and lose yourself in this fascinating city.
  • Bask in the unique atmosphere of Aswan and experience not only the warmth and charm of Nubian hospitality but also some delicious traditional cuisine at a local homestay.
  • Set sail on one of the world’s most iconic rivers with an included felucca trip down the Nile. Relax and soak up the landscapes as scenes of everyday Egyptian life pass you by.
  • Explore the balmy Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada – sharing a tasty lunch aboard the yacht and looking out for clownfish, turtles and manta rays among the kaleidoscopic coral.
  • Uncover one of the greatest cities in antiquity, Alexandria, reborn as Egypt’s alternative capital, and pay your respects at El Alamein – an important World War II battle site.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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South Morocco Discovery
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ait Benhaddou, Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Marrakech, Medina, Sahara Desert

Highlights

  • Take a guided hike through the High Atlas Mountains and spend a night with an Amazigh family in the traditional village of Aroumd.
  • Travel in a camel convoy and a 4WD to Erg Chigaga in the Sahara Desert – the most majestic place to watch the sunset – and spend a night in a Bedouin camp under the North African stars.
  • Recharge with two days in seaside Essaouira where Jimi Hendrix spent time in the 60s, and explore the whitewashed houses, lively port and tiny picturesque alleyways.
  • Explore Ait Benhaddou, a World Heritage site with a grand history and a long list of film and TV credits, on a walking tour with a local guide who knows all the local insights.
  • Visit an Argan oil women’s coop and duck in and out of souqs to haggle with traders as your local leader helps you to navigate the 16th-century walled city of Taroudant.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Madrid to Marrakech
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Algarve, Chefchaouen, Coimbra, Fes, Lisbon, Madrid, Marrakech, Medina, Pena Palace, Plaza Mayor , Salamanca, Seville, Sintra

Highlights

  • Wander around Salamanca's Plaza Mayor at night, lit up to reveal its intricate architecture and explore the cobblestone streets of Seville by day, Andalusia's largest city.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra. Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
  • Make the most of your time in Lisbon. This city has so many sights on offer; beautiful museums, monuments and parks, as well as its famous trams, bars and restaurants.
  • The Algarve in Portugal is the perfect middle point of the trip. Buy some fresh local produce in the morning market to enjoy while soaking up the sun on gorgeous beaches. In the evening enjoy a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from our accommodations' rooftop terrace.
  • Explore the twisting, colourful labyrinthine streets of the Fes and Marrakech medinas with a local guide to lead you to all of the best spots, and ensure you don't get lost!
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Morocco
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ait Benhaddou, Atlas Mountains, Bali, Casablanca, Erg Chebbi, Essaouira, Fes, Marrakech, Medina, Merzouga, Midelt, Rabat

Highlights

  • Learn about history and culture from a local tour guide and feel like you've travelled back to the Middle Ages in the labyrinthine medina of bustling Fes.
  • Stay in a traditional Amazigh homestay high in the Atlas Mountains and enjoy a homecooked meal of Moroccan favourites, learning about the culture and traditions of an Indigenous population who stand the test of time.
  • Trek through the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert on a camel’s back, experiencing an unforgettable sunset – then stay under a blanket of North African stars in a desert camp.
  • Kick back in the coastal town of Essaouira and discover the winding laneways at your own pace. Then, meet a local fisherman by the seaside and learn about his life and this traditional practice.
  • Explore the old medina of Marrakech with a knowledgeable local guide, discovering the myriad of sights, smells and sounds along zigzagging lanes. Then, discover the colourful chaos of Djemaa el-Fna Square.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Egypt Adventure
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Abu Simbel, Aswan, Cairo, Luxor, Sphinx, Valley of the Kings

Highlights

  • Get an on-site ancient history lesson when visiting some of the world's premier historic sites – the Pyramids, Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings – with an expert local guide.
  • There are so many chances to interact with the locals and experience their culture. Lose yourself in Cairo's colourful Khan al-Khalili bazaar and dine with village folk along your way.
  • Your felucca sailing trip not only lets you experience some excellent Nubian hospitality, but is perhaps the perfect way to see the Nile and its gorgeous surrounds at any time of day.
  • Admire Karnak Temple – the Cult temple dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khonsu with your small group, and feel the ancient royalty when discovering the mighty Valley of the Kings.
  • With plenty of free time to choose your own Egyptian adventure, you’ll have the power to possibly fit in an Abu Simbel escapade, or just chill out at a local teahouse.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Morocco Uncovered
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ait Benhaddou, Atlas Mountains, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Erg Chebbi, Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, Sahara Desert

Highlights

  • Travel by camel across the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert and spend the night camping under North African stars.
  • Spend time in two of Morocco’s most picturesque towns – the 11th century kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and Chefchaouen with its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways.
  • Tuck into a memorable dinner in Fes and dine on one of the city’s signature dishes, the salty and sweet pastilla, one of the best pies you’ve ever tasted!
  • Join expert local guides to explore medinas, Roman ruins and rural areas and gain a deeper understanding of significant sites in Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, M’Goun and Marrakech.
  • Take part in the traditional Berber activity of henna tattooing, where a naquasha will adorn your hands and feet with beautiful designs, supporting local women, their families and community with an income.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Africa Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
5,843  Reviews
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Excellent
2,489
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779
Average
96
Disappointing
18
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A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

History in the Heat

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

postscript

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Nile Cruise

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Egypt - Truly a Wonder of the Wordl

I have always dreamt of visiting Egypt and seeing for my self the many ancient wonders going back to the dawn of history. This trip was a dream come true. Having b...

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Africa Tour Selection Trips

  • Africa is the second-largest continent, so whittle your list down to the main sites you want to see. You could never take in all of Africa’s key sites on one trip.
  • Wildlife safari packages have itineraries in East and southern Africa because that’s where the animals roam. Wildlife tours rarely combine safaris with trips to North or West Africa.
  • Many tour operators work closely with locals, which keeps money in the local economy, vital to Third World nations.
  • Keep in mind the time of year when you travel. Wildlife viewing can be better during certain seasons, which Stride experts can advise you on.
  • Travel to Africa can be taxing, so pick a tour that offers sufficient down time and doesn’t try to squeeze too many attractions into too few days.
  • Some African vacation packages include all lodging, meals, park fees and even visa costs, while others may just include some of these. Calculate your full tour price by finding out what’s included in the price quoted – and what isn’t.
  • Tour group sizes can vary greatly and are often reflected in the price: the smaller the group, the more expensive it may be. It may be worth spending more to have a lower traveler-to-guide ratio.

Additional details

Popular Africa Travel Packages 

There are about as many Africa guided tour options as the continent is large. How does one narrow down where and how to travel?

Your choice of ways to explore Africa are endless. Whether you’re looking for a multigenerational safari in East Africa, a honeymoon highlighting the winelands of South Africa or the exotic sights and cuisine of Morocco and Egypt, there are guided tours of Africa for all tastes and interests.

Whether you’re looking for ultra-luxurious private lodges or camping, mountain biking and hiking or jeep safari, the perfect trip to Africa awaits.

Think about what you most want out of your tour of Africa - is it culture? nature and wildlife? food and wine? The choices are many, so the more you can pinpoint your interests, the easier it will be to find the perfect Africa vacation for you. 

Here’s a look at the most popular types Africa tours: 

1. Safari & Wildlife 

Topping the charts for reasons to visit Africa on a guided tour, going on a wildlife safari is perennially popular. Head off at dawn or dusk - or even after dark - with an expert bush guide to track the Big Five: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

Witness the annual Great Migration through Serengeti National Park. Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Search for elephants in Hwange National Park and marvel at the wildlife of the Okavango Delta. Explore world-famous national parks and game reserves, including Chobe, Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater. The romance of an African safari is real - your guided African safari will have you enchanted beyond your wildest dreams.

2. Cultural Tours of Africa 

Africa tours that include cultural experiences run the gamut from strolling through busy markets with local residents to meeting with tribes who live far from civilization.

Travel to KwaZulu-Natal, home to the Zulu tribe for nearly 200 years, where you can immerse yourself in Zulu culture and history. Learn about the ceremonies and traditions of West Africa, its fascinating voodoo ceremonies and mask dances.

Sing your heart out in Ghana at Afrochella, an incredible cultural experience in Accra showcasing Africa fashion, art and music. Visit with Botswana’s San Bushmen for an up-close peek at their village life. Get to know Maasai men and women. And visit the flourishing capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, with its incredible historical museums and authentic dining experiences. 

3. Food & Wine

All those long days on the savannah may leave you with a hearty appetite. Add on to your African safari, or focus entirely on a food and wine guided tour. South Africa shines with culinary experiences, including haute cuisine restaurants and expert-led trips to the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek and the Garden Route.

If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ll love exploring South Africa’s burgeoning craft brewery scene, particularly strong in Cape Town. The sights, smells and sounds of Morocco entice, from the country’s excellent wine to its flavorful cuisine and specialty teas. Coffee enthusiasts visiting Kenya can take a guided tour of a local fair-trade coffee plantation and explore, and taste, the coffee varietals. 

Best Time to See the Great Migration

  • The dry season, between July and early October

The perennial question for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Africa: When is the best time to witness the Great Migration in East Africa? This surreal movement of nearly two million animals across the savannah is an incredible spectacle of our animal planet and a top attraction for those visiting East Africa.

Wildebeest, gazelle and zebra by the hundreds of thousands move from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, into Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve and then back to the southern Serengeti. Known mainly for its millions of wildebeest, the Great Migration is a living cycle through which the wildebeest find food, water and a suitable environment for their young throughout the seasons. 

Africa tours that coincide with the Great Migration operate in the dry season, between July and early October. The weather is more stable at this time of year and due to the dried-up landscape, the animals start their movement to find sustenance. If you can’t visit until November or December, you’ll likely still see wildebeest and zebra, though with less movement.

Do not visit East Africa during April and May if you want to see the Great Migration - it’s still the wet season in the Serengeti and the animals won’t have left yet. 

For the best views of the Great Migration, look for guided Africa safaris that visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. In particular, the Serengeti’s Grumeti River is an impressive place to view wildebeest crashing through the water.

If you’re traveling on a guided tour in East Africa during the Great Migration, your guides will undoubtedly have planned to take advantage of the best viewpoints. Relying on their past experience and an understanding of the climate, landscape and animal behavior, your tour operator will help you witness one of the greatest spectacles of nature on Earth.

Safety in Africa 

Among the many perks of guided Africa safaris and overland tours is the safety and security you will feel as part of a group. While the mere thought of traveling so far and to a destination quite different than you’re used to can be disconcerting, it’s also undeniably exciting and rich with adventure and learning. Plus, the vast majority of travelers on Africa guided tours do not encounter any problems during their trip.

That being said, whenever you travel to an unfamiliar destination, like Africa, whether in a guided group or private tour, consider the following safety tips

  • Consider leaving the flashy jewelry and watches at home, so as not to call attention to yourself.
  • Carry a light load - pickpocketing is quite common. Keep your cash and passport close to your body with a money belt. 
  • Read up on your destination and any current safety concerns, whether political or physical. Request information from your Africa overland tour operator and/or look online at your destination’s government website for up to date travel advisories
  • Use taxi service after dark. 
  • Exude confidence, even if you are lost. Act like you know right where you’re going. 
  • Consider extra safety precautions and awareness in the following cities: Nairobi, Kenya; Lago, Nigeria; Johannesburg, South Africa; Dakar, Senegal
  • Watch out for scams. And don’t give out your home phone number or address, which could then be used for a ransom call, collect call or other scam. 
  • If you have a medical emergency in Africa and you are away from your tour group, ask how to get to the nearest embassy or upscale hotel. 
  • Get or update the vaccines necessary for traveling to Africa - these typically include typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and Hepatitis A and B. Start taking anti-malarial medication before leaving for your Africa overland tour to ensure that you are protected. 
  • Throughout your guided tour of Africa, choose foods that have been thoroughly cooked, drink only bottled water (South Africa being the exception) and don’t take ice in your drinks (typically the ice cubes are made from local water, not distilled or bottled water). 
  • On an African safari, be absolutely certain to follow the safety rules as outlined by your safari guide, whether it’s staying away from large animals, being aware of snakes, wearing tick-repellent clothing or avoiding parasitic lakes and rivers. 
  • When visiting Muslim countries like Somalia and Egypt, women should wear long sleeves and long pants, as well as cover their head if visiting a mosque or religious site.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 3061 trips to Africa and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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