If you are planning to take a trip to Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Zanzibar or Kenya (and other Muslim countries in Africa ) during Ramadan you should know that it will affect your vacation. Find out where in Africa Ramadan is celebrated and how it affects the cities you have chosen to visit.
Throughout the month, Muslims around the world refrain from food, drink and other physical needs during daylight hours. This serves to purify the soul, focus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. Ramadan is much more than not eating and not drinking. Fasting is strictly performed in countries where there is a large Islamic population.
Throughout North Africa the vast majority of the population is: Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Libya. In East and West Africa, the predominantly Islamic countries are: Djibouti, Sudan, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Somalia. Zanzibar (Tanzania), and the coastal cities of Kenya (Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu), also have a large Islamic population.
Life in many Islamic countries undergoes changes that have their pros and cons. Muslims, in general, are tolerant of the eating habits of tourists during Ramadan, but they must be very respectful. You must bear in mind that many restaurants, bars and places in general will close their doors, so you will not be able to make too many visits or taste exotic dishes. If you are going to visit cities that are not too touristy or some remote areas, you should bring enough food and drink since you will most likely not find anything.