The August 2, 2027, total solar eclipse is being touted as a once-in-a-lifetime event, and for good reason. The duration of totality, the period when the moon completely blocks the sun, will last an astounding 6 minutes and 21 seconds at its maximum point. This makes it the longest total solar eclipse visible until 2114. Luxor, Egypt, is the prime location to witness this extended darkness, but the eclipse’s path stretches across Spain, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, offering numerous unique viewing opportunities.
Here are some incredible experiences you can incorporate into your 2027 total solar eclipse adventure:
1. Siwa Oasis Expedition, Egypt:
Escape the crowds of Luxor with a nine-day expedition to the remote Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert. Located near the Great Sand Sea and the Libyan border, Siwa Oasis will experience an impressive 5 minutes and 25 seconds of totality. This tour often includes visits to Cairo’s iconic landmarks (Giza pyramids, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum), Alexandria, and El Alamein, providing a comprehensive Egyptian experience.
2. Witness Totality in the “Lost Golden City” of Aten, Egypt:
For an exclusive and historically significant experience, consider viewing the eclipse from the “lost golden city” of Aten, a 3,000-year-old city built by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Discovered near Luxor in 2020, this ancient city dedicated to sun worship offers a unique vantage point. Some tours, led by renowned archaeologists, grant VIP access to this previously restricted site, allowing you to witness the eclipse amidst ancient wonders.
3. “Star Wars” Filming Locations in Tunisia:
Combine your eclipse viewing with a journey through cinematic history in Tunisia. Explore the medinas of Tunis and Kairouan before venturing into the Sahara Desert to visit iconic “Star Wars” filming locations like Mos Espa and the Sidi Idris Hotel (Lars’ homestead). Chaffar Beach offers a totality of approximately 5 minutes and 40 seconds, making this a truly unique and memorable experience. You can also visit the Kerkennah Islands and the largest colosseum in North Africa.
4. Gibraltar: A British Eclipse Experience:
Consider witnessing the eclipse from the Rock of Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Imagine watching the eclipsed sun alongside Barbary macaques, with the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop. Totality will last for about 4 minutes and 32 seconds on the eastern side. Be aware that cloud cover can be a risk in this location.
5. Birding and Wildlife in Saudi Arabia:
Combine eclipse viewing with a wildlife adventure in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah and Mecca lie within the path of totality, but tours through southwest Saudi Arabia focus on the region’s diverse birdlife and wildlife. Observe endemic and rare migrant species, including pelicans, flamingos, kingfishers, hamadryas baboons, and gazelles. Visit cultural sites like Thee Ain Heritage Village, the Hanging Village of Al Habala, and the Farasan Islands.
6. Red Sea Resort, Egypt:
While Hurghada experiences only a partial eclipse, the Red Sea coast further south offers totality. Several coastal resorts in this area, such as Marsa Shagra (5 minutes, 8 seconds), Marsa Nakari (5 minutes, 42 seconds), and Wadi Lahami (6 minutes, 14 seconds), provide ideal viewing locations. For a more secluded experience, consider booking a “liveaboard” – a floating accommodation – to view the eclipse from a remote dive site.
7. Sustainable Exploration in Egypt’s Western Desert:
Embark on a ten-day journey that combines ancient wonders, astronomy, and sustainability. This unique trip includes visits to Cairo’s pyramids, museums, and Coptic landmarks, as well as the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert. You’ll also spend time at the SEKEM initiative, a pioneering biodynamic farming and education project in Egypt. Totality, lasting 6 minutes and 16 seconds, will be experienced from a hotel in the area.
8. Tapas and Casbahs Across the Strait of Gibraltar:
Explore southern Spain and northern Morocco during your eclipse adventure. Journey through Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier and Chefchaouen. Enjoy a totality of approximately 4 minutes and 51 seconds near M’diq on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.
9. Astrophotography in Andalucía, Spain:
Focus on capturing stunning images of the eclipse and the beauty of Andalucía. This photography-focused trip explores Granada, Sevilla, and Córdoba, with opportunities for golden-hour shoots at iconic sites like La Alhambra and Plaza de España. The highlight is witnessing and photographing the total solar eclipse from a charming village in the Spanish countryside.
10. Moroccan Cultural Odyssey:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Morocco with a fourteen-day journey. Explore the spice-laden souks of Marrakech and the tiled courtyards of Fes. Begin your adventure in Tangier, with a pre-eclipse briefing from an expert, followed by totality near Tétouan. Continue through Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, with experiences like community visits, camel rides, glamping, and a visit to the Atlas Mountains.