Explore Africa & Middle East This September
Travel with curiosity in shoulder season
Seasoned travellers know that the shoulder seasons are the unsung heroes of travel. Temperatures are moderate and crowds are thinner, allowing you to explore more deeply and weave greater meaning into your itinerary.
As the seasons change, Africa in September invites a deeper, more introspective kind of travel, with Middle East travel taking on the same reflective pace. From joining wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa and learning centuries-old craft traditions in Morocco, to standing beneath the vast desert skies of Jordan, you’re invited to follow your curiosity and experience something meaningful.
Conserve wildlife on an Eastern Cape safari
A tourism region that’s flown under the radar, an Eastern Cape safari in South Africa is the travel trifecta: accessible, beautiful and malaria-free. Offering both safari and seaside options in close proximity, it’s a destination that seamlessly caters to travellers seeking variety and effortlessness.
While early morning game drives may still be crisp, spring brings mild temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing, with sparse vegetation making animals easier to spot and track. Along the coast, warmer days invite long beach walks and even the occasional ocean dip. It's also the perfect time to slow down and embrace the stillness of Africa's untamed landscapes with TrvlWell's guided meditation and breathwork sessions, designed to deepen your connection with nature and yourself.
Continue that sense of connection by joining hands-on conservation experiences that place you alongside wildlife experts in the field. From monitoring animal populations and restoring habitats to supporting anti-poaching efforts, these meaningful activities offer the chance to contribute to the protection of the bush while experiencing its unmatched beauty up close.
Explore TrvlWell's guided meditation sessions
Take a trip back in time in Fez, Morocco
Often referred to as Morocco’s spiritual capital, Fez draws its essence and authenticity from centuries of culture, architecture and traditions.
For curious minds, this place holds wonder and enrichment. From the world’s largest car-free medieval medina and oldest continuously operating university to traditional artisan tanneries, a visit to Fez is a mind-blowing peek into the past.
Medina tours are a great way to explore the city’s labyrinthine alleyways and winding layout. Wander far enough in and discover the honeycomb vats of the Chouara Tannery, staining the air with colour and history. Look up and take in the intricate stonework – a signature of Moroccan architecture – worn smooth by centuries of hands.
Fez is also a must for craft lovers. Zellij workshops offer hands-on experiences guided by master artisans to learn traditional geometric tile-cutting, upside-down mosaic assembly and pottery-wheel techniques.
Priority Pass tip: Extend your trip with a visit to Marrakech and use Destination Deals to uncover curated tours, activities and experiences to help make the most of your Morocco trip.
Uncover curated tours, activities and experiences
Explore life-changing scale in Wadi Rum, Jordan
A protected area in southern Jordan, Wadi Rum is a humbling and awe-inspiring site that brings perspective in spades and is sure to be the highlight of any Middle East travel itinerary.
Also known as The Valley of the Moon or Red Mountains, Wadi Rum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. With sandstone and granite massifs rising from the desert floor in shades of rust, amber and deep ochre, the landscape is so geologically ancient and cinematically vast that filmmakers have often used it as a stand-in for Mars.
September’s cooler conditions make this time of year ideal for desert guided tours, hiking and rock climbing, as well as 4x4 tours and camel rides. If you want to truly immerse yourself, multi-night camping in traditional Bedouin tents – located deep within the Wadi Rum Protected Area, well away from the village and its light – yield crystal-clear skies for stargazing.
As the gateway to Jordan’s many wonders – and a final stop on your return – the Crown Lounge at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman welcomes you with warm Middle Eastern-inspired interiors, rich wood finishes and tranquil spaces designed to help you pause, freshen up and continue your journey with renewed energy.
Visit the Crown Lounge