Ryanair’s new service from Manchester to Rabat, set for take-off at the end of this week, is the latest in a series of announcements on services connecting our region with Africa.
Earlier this month, Ethiopian Airlines announced they would be increasing the frequency of flights from Manchester to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa – with a daily link to one of Africa’s biggest hub airports.
And just last year, Royal Air Maroc returned to Manchester with a route to Casablanca, while Egyptair welcomed a new direct service from Manchester to Cairo in 2023.
With Brits looking further afield for the best value holiday hotspots, and trade links continuing to develop, Manchester Airport now boasts an expansive network of flights to the African continent – and here we look at what there is to see and do in each of these destinations.
Morocco
Manchester Airport now serves no fewer than five cities in Morocco – a country experiencing a tourism boom that has seen it labelled ‘the next Turkey’ thanks to its stunning beaches, outstanding cuisine and distinct North African culture – all at a very reasonable price.
Casablanca is served by flights from Royal Air Maroc. Sights to see include the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the most stunning pieces of architecture on the African continent, and Ain Diab beach, a two-mile stretch of golden sand.
Rabat gains flights from Manchester at the end of this month, with Ryanair. Visitors to the Moroccan capital can enjoy exploring the maze-like Medina, bustling with markets and street hawkers, try out local food and unwind on the beach at Plage des Nations.
Agadir is another popular Moroccan beach resort, with direct flights from Manchester offered by easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI. Away from the seafront, other popular activities for visitors include exploring the city’s themed gardens, taking in its Museum of Arts (which explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage), and shopping for handmade trinkets at the Souk El Had market.
Tangier is served by direct Ryanair flights from Manchester. It’s one of the oldest cities in Africa and taking a stroll through the Kasbah is like a trip back in time. Tangier is also well positioned for exploring the north of the country, and taking in sights like Chefchaouen, a village with striking blue and whitewashed buildings.
Marrakesh is arguably Morocco’s most famous city and its bustling medina houses markets, restaurants and hammams, the traditional Moroccan spas. It’s also a great base for an excursion into the Atlas Mountains where you’ll find sights like Ouarzazate, an other-worldly medieval fort in the desert that has been used as a movie set for films like Gladiator and The Mummy.
Egypt
You can fly directly to four destinations in Egypt from Manchester Airport – and take in everything from ancient culture and world wonders, to Red Sea beaches and colourful reefs that make for some of the planet’s best scuba diving.
Cairo is Egypt’s capital and Manchester boasts direct flights with national carrier Egyptair. On the city’s outskirts are the Pyramids and Sphynx of Giza, which are among the Wonders of the Ancient World and arguably the world’s most famous archaeological site.
Luxor is the site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, which was once the capital of the ancient civilisation and hosts the Valley of the Kings, where countless pharaohs were buried. It’s also a great starting point for a Nile river cruise and has direct flights from Manchester with TUI.
Hurghada is on Egypt’s Red Sea coast with direct flights from Manchester offered by easyJet and TUI. It’s a hugely popular spot for scuba diving due to its abundance of coral reefs, but the Hurghada Grand Aquarium gives you the chance to see the local wildlife from dry land if you wish. The city’s Old Town is a great place to grab a traditional Egyptian coffee.
Sharm-el-Sheikh also has direct Manchester flights with easyJet and TUI – and, like Hurghada, is also a major destination for fans of water sports. It’s a place that comes alive at night – the Soho Square lights up with a dazzling neon display, and the city’s 30 miles of seafront buzz with beach bars, restaurants and casinos.
Cape Verde
An island archipelago off the west coast of Africa with calm waters and white sand beaches, Cape Verde is in some ways reminiscent of the Caribbean. Its sheltered coves and reliable year-round sunshine make it a popular spot for bucket-and-spade breaks throughout the year.
Two of its 10 islands have become particularly popular with tourists – and both have direct flights from Manchester.
Boa Vista is known not only for its outstanding beaches but also its moon-like landscapes formed by millennia of volcanic activity, which you can tour in a 4×4. The Tartaruga Nature Reserve is a protected breeding ground for sea turtles, which frequent its shores in the late summer and early autumn. You can get here directly with TUI all year round.
Sal is a long, narrow island stretching from north to south. Most tourists are drawn to the town of Santa Maria at its southern tip, due to its incredible beach, luxurious, but reasonably priced resort hotels, bars, and restaurants – as well as its characterful Old Port. But the wild landscapes of the north are worth a visit, too, with sights like the Blue Eye cave and the Monte Leste dormant volcano. You can get to Sal with either easyJet or TUI from Manchester.
Tunisia
Tunisia combines stunning beaches with cultural highlights like the ruined ancient city of Carthage, the imposing ancient Roman amphitheatre at El Jem and the sprawling Medina of Tunis.
Enfidha airport is the gateway to the north of the country, including all of the above sights and the Hammamet-Sousse region, which is host to a plethora of coastal resorts. You can fly into Enfidha with easyJet or TUI.
Djerba is an island off the coast of Tunisia, which has long been popular with European holidaymakers but is only just being discovered by Brits. Activities for tourists include taking a camel ride on the beach at Djerba Lagoon, haggling in the bazaars of Houmt Souk and, of course, relaxing on its spectacular beaches. You can reach Djerba with easyJet direct from Manchester.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is the historic and cultural heart of East Africa. Its National Museum displays the very best of the country’s art and a range of historical and cultural artefacts, and the Addis Mercato, the continent’s largest open-air market, is a dazzling assault on the senses.
Addis Ababa’s airport is one of Africa’s largest hubs, and through daily flights here with Ethiopian Airlines, travellers from Manchester can connect onwards to every corner of the continent, including top tourist sights like the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Cape Town and the Seychelles.
The Gambia
Seasonal flights operate between Manchester and the Gambian capital Banjul, courtesy of TUI. This West African country has been growing in popularity as a winter sun escape in recent years and with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and unspoilt natural landscapes it’s easy to see why. The River Gambia National Park is inhabited by crocodiles, hippos and chimpanzees.
