Is it okay to travel during Ramadan?

Last updated June 16th, 2023.

This guide may contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, they allow me to provide these free and, even if I do say so myself, expert guides based on almost two years of travel in Africa. For a broader view, don’t miss my complete guide to travel in Africa.

Something that worried me in the past was whether it’s okay to travel during Ramadan to Muslim countries. I needn’t have worried, but there are certain things to keep in mind if you plan to do the same yourself.

What exactly is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It’s better known as the Muslim month of fasting. Adults are expected to hold back from consuming food and drink during daylight hours.

It is marked in North Africa, from Morocco across to Sudan, as well as in countries such as Sierra Leone, where 77% of the population is Muslim.

In most parts of Africa, it means a fast from sunrise to sunset of at least 12 hours. But in certain countries it can mean fasts of 16 hours plus.

Families wake before dawn for the suhur meal. This must see them through until iftar, the meal that breaks the fast come sundown. Travellers and non-Muslims are exempt from fasting, so there’s no problem there. That said, I think it’s wise to show respect and keep the open consumption of food and drink to times you’re in private.

Ramadan commemorates the Prophet Mohammed receiving the first words of the Qur’an from the Angel Gabriel (the same one who announced the coming of Christ to the Virgin Mary). It’s therefore a month of celebration and festivities, despite the fasting. This contrasts it to my childhood Lent and holy day fasts.

When is Ramadan?

Ramadan takes place 10 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar every year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the 28-day lunar cycle, rather than a solar one.

In 2024, Ramadan will last from 10 March until nightfall on 9 April. In 2025, it’s scheduled to last from 28 February until sunset on 30 March. The exact date and timing are dependent on sighting the new moon, so some nations can celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr while others have a further day of fasting.

Tips for travelling during Ramadan

There are both positives and negatives to travelling in Ramadan to predominantly Muslim countries like those of North Africa and the Sahel.

Anyone interested in immersing themselves in the culture of a destination will find it a fascinating time to visit.

Come nightfall, places take on a festive feel, with food stalls spilling out onto streets hung with lights and other decorations.

Special foods are often consumed, alongside vast continues of nougat and other sweet things. People are even known to put weight on during Ramadan.

If you can, avoid heading to restaurants at the time around the evening call to prayer and the end of the fast. This is usually about 6 pm. As you might imagine, people are hungry and eager to tuck in as quickly as possible. Anywhere serving food is extremely busy as a result.

I made this mistake in Egypt and ended among chaotic (but good natured) scenes in a local branch of KFC in Alexandria.

Changes to everyday life

In big cities like Alexandria, and major tourist sites, you’ll still be able to find somewhere to eat and drink during the day.

They may be adapted slightly, such as having their windows blocked to avoid people seeing inside. Others can close for the entire month. It’s respectful to avoid eating and drinking in public, as I’ve already mentioned.

Family gatherings are common. Dates are a traditional way to break the day’s fast. If you’re invited to iftar, they make a great gift for your hosts.

There are a couple more tips to note for travelling in Ramadan. The first is that taxi drivers tend to disappear towards sunset to spend the evening with their families. Offices might also have shorter working hours.

The second is that people can get a little hangry, particularly towards the end of the month. So please be understanding!

It’s okay to travel during Ramadan

Ramadan doesn’t stop everyday life – which makes the long hours of fasting all the more impressive. It is okay to travel during Ramadan, but you’ll need to decide if the positives outweigh the potential negatives for you.