Old Map of North & West Africa, 1967: Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Sahara, Senegal, Nigeria

'Africa - North' is an exquisite piece of cartographic artistry, originally published in 1967 by the Polish Army Topography Service. As a detailed political and physical map, it is an intricate representation of North and West Africa, providing a captivating snapshot of the region during the mid-20th century. This map goes beyond mere geographical details to encompass the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the region. It contains insets of significant cities such as Ed Dar El Beida (Casablanca), Dakar, El Qahira (Cairo), and Tounis (Tunis), each rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The map also covers every country in Africa north of the 5th parallel north, providing a comprehensive overview of the region.

The map's focus on Morocco is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the country's diverse landscapes and bustling cities. The Sahara Desert, one of the world's largest and hottest deserts, is also prominently featured. The map's detailed rendering of the desert, with its vast sand dunes and sparse oases, offers a fascinating glimpse into this harsh yet beautiful environment. The map also provides an intriguing perspective on Egypt, a country steeped in ancient history and home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Sudan and Nigeria, two of Africa's largest and most populous countries, are also prominently depicted on the map. The detailed portrayal of these countries provides valuable insights into their diverse topographies, from Sudan's arid plains and rugged mountains to Nigeria's lush rainforests and bustling cities. The map's depiction of these countries not only reflects their geographical features but also hints at their rich cultural and historical tapestries.

The mapmaker, the Polish Army Topography Service, is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and accuracy. This map is a testament to their expertise and dedication, with every city, landmark, and geographical feature rendered with remarkable precision. The map's style is both detailed and aesthetically pleasing, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of cartography, or simply someone who appreciates fine artistry, 'Africa - North' is sure to captivate and inspire.

The 'Africa - North' map covers a wide array of geographical, historical, and cultural elements. Here are some of the highlights:

Morocco - Major city: Casablanca (Ed Dar El Beida) - Major city: Marrakech - Historic landmark: Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech - Historic event: Independence from France (1956)

Sahara Desert - Natural feature: Erg Chebbi dunes - Natural feature: Tassili n'Ajjer National Park, Algeria - Historic event: Discovery of prehistoric rock art (prior to 1967)

Egypt - Major city: Cairo (El Qahira) - Historic landmark: The Great Pyramids of Giza - Historic landmark: The Sphinx - Historic event: Nationalization of the Suez Canal (1956)

Sudan - Major city: Khartoum - Natural feature: The Nile River - Historic landmark: Meroë Pyramids - Historic event: Independence from Egypt and the UK (1956)

Nigeria - Major city: Lagos - Natural feature: Niger River - Historic landmark: Aso Rock - Historic event: Independence from the UK (1960)

Tunisia - Major city: Tunis (Tounis) - Natural feature: Sahara Desert - Historic landmark: Ancient city of Carthage - Historic event: Independence from France (1956)

Senegal - Major city: Dakar - Natural feature: Lake Retba - Historic landmark: House of Slaves, Gorée Island - Historic event: Independence from France (1960)

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.