Egypt vs Morocco: where to go for your North African journey

So, you’ve set your sights on North Africa, and are dreaming of desert landscapes, ancient civilizations, and spice-laden markets? Bursting with romance and adventure, both Egypt and Morocco will more than fit the bill, but which one should top your list? Despite having many cultural similarities and sharing a geographical region, these distinct countries aren’t near neighbors, with over 3,500km between them. There are also many strong distinctions between their cuisine, landscape, history and culture – all of which will shape your experience. In this article, we delve into the details, so if you’re finding it tricky to choose between a trip to Egypt vs Morocco, read on.

History and culture: timeless treasures and traditions

Ancient wonders of Egypt

No one can fail to be captivated, amazed and enthralled by the ancient history of Egypt. This is the stuff of legends; the riches of Tutankhamun and the legacy of the pharaohs of Egypt have been ingrained in our collective consciousness since they were first brought to the eyes of the world over 100 years ago. Visiting the Temples of Giza, seeing the Great Sphinx, and marveling at this millennia-old civilization is an unmatchable experience.

Morocco’s key historical sites and cultural riches

Morocco’s historical sites are quieter, in both senses of the word. They are less dramatic in size and grandeur, but also less visited. You’ll be booking in advance and queuing up to see Egypt’s top historical sights, whereas in Morocco, you can wander freely among them. From the Roman settlement at Volubilis, to the age-old medinas of Fez, Marrakech and Meknes, Morocco’s ancient places are enigmatic and, for the most part, wonderfully lived-in.

The Egypt vs Morocco verdict: When one country is home to one of the original wonders of the world, it’s difficult to compare the two. Morocco’s historical sites hold a different kind of charm, with layer upon layer of history and culture from over the centuries. Yet, nobody can deny the significance of Egypt’s ancient icons, and the mark these leave upon each and every one of their visitors – and so for this reason, we’re handing the win over to Egypt for great historical adventures.

Landscapes and natural beauty: from deserts to seas

Egypt’s iconic Red Sea beaches and Nile River cruises

In a desert country, water is of huge significance in Egypt, and people naturally gravitate to three distinct bodies of water. In the north, a long Mediterranean coast draws mostly vacationing Egyptians to its beach resorts. Travelers from further afield gravitate to the Red Sea resorts and the Sinai Peninsula, where the diving is out of this world and blissful beach resorts cater to all your sun, sea and sand vacation desires.

The third watery realm in Egypt is the mighty Nile River, flowing north to the Mediterranean and bringing life to parched lands. The waters feed agricultural land and settlements and offer a wonderful means to traverse the country.

Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, Med marvels and mountain trails

Morocco’s diverse geography has it all – desert, two ocean coasts, and a duo of mountain ranges, the Riff and the Atlas. The Atlas Mountains are home to North Africa’s highest peaks, where hikers can follow trails over lofty passes and into deep river gorges. Travelers cool off in waterfall pools and drop in for warm hospitality at remote Berber villages.

The Atlantic coast is a surfing paradise, with long stretches of deserted sandy beaches and laid-back towns. The less-visited Mediterranean coast is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Here, nature reserves meet sandy coves, and picturesque villages welcome the lucky few tourists who find their way there.

The Egypt vs Morocco verdict: for its sheer variety of habitats and landscapes, making it a dream for lovers of outdoor exploration and adventures off the beaten trail, Morocco pips it to the post.

Desert adventures: Sahara expeditions in Egypt vs Morocco

Egypt is very much a desert land with sandscapes and dunes covering over 90% of the country. In contrast, Morocco has a small slice of the Sahara Desert across its most southerly stretch, just below the Atlas Mountains.

In Egypt, desert life brings opportunities for adventure and tranquility in equal measure, and to partake in it is one of the best things you can do on your trip. Spend exhilarating days exploring timeless landscapes of shifting sands, rust-red rock formations, and shimmering oases. Blast across rough, off-road terrain on a quad bike, or surf the perfect line on a dune sandboard.

Alternatively, slow things down as you gaze up at star-filled skies at remote desert camps. Stay with the desert-dwelling Bedouin and learn about the life and culture of these nomadic people with their intimate knowledge of the desert.

Morocco will also satisfy your Saharan dreams, with the mesmerizing dunes at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. Here, great wavelike dunes stretch into the distance, contrasting their vibrant umber hues with piercing blue skies. Your guides in the desert will likely be the Berber people who have lived amongst the shifting sands for millennia.

The Egypt vs Morocco verdict: For desert thrills and spills, Egypt takes the lead, simply because of its sand-bound expanse and the variety of desert experiences on offer. Likewise, if you’re looking for family-friendly beach resorts and world-class diving, then Egypt rules supreme.

Culinary experiences: a taste of Egypt and Morocco

Morocco’s culinary delights: spices, tagines, and more

With a fusion of culinary influences colliding here, Morocco aces when it comes to flavor. Arabic, Berber, French and Mediterranean cooking styles and ingredients meet to create dish after dish of mouthwatering delights. Slow-cooked meats are served with succulent fruits, flaky pastry morsels sate the sweet-toothed and rich, spiced sauces abound.

Signature Egyptian dishes and dining experiences

Dating back to the time of the pharaohs, Egypt’s table offers the fresh flavors of herby salads alongside barbecued meats and falafel, all served with freshly made flatbreads. Flaky, buttery pancakes are another favorite, and can be served savory or sweet. Without doubt, this fascinating cuisine offers an in-depth, multisensory experience of the country’s storied history and culture; booking yourself in for a cooking class with a local is one great way to dive in headfirst.

The Egypt vs Morocco verdict: For a full-on feast of flavor, it has to be Morocco. Traditional tagines and contemporary cuisine both shine bright here.

City life and urban exploration

The vibrant streets of Cairo vs Marrakech

Almost all trips to Egypt and Morocco will begin and end with a few days in the urban hubs of Cairo and Marrakech, respectively. Chaotic and magnificent in equal measure, Cairo is a cultural powerhouse, home to the Pyramids of Giza, as well as around 10 million inhabitants. There is a frenetic pace to life here, which can feel overwhelming, but it is also an exotic and ancient capital that will fire up all your senses.

The imperial city of Marrakech is much smaller in comparison, with a population of around a million. Its maze of souks, grand palaces and plazas is the stuff of Arabian fairy tales, and it holds an abiding sense of history and exotic charm. There are shady gardens to roam, old-world riads to relax in, and an abundance of culture and cuisine to uncover.

Unique shopping: Egyptian bazaars vs Moroccan souks

The souks of Fez, Marrakech and beyond imbue Morocco’s towns and cities with vibrant character. All of life unfolds here, with skilled craftspeople creating and selling their wares, and everyday folk stocking up on food staples or catching up with neighbors over glasses of sweet mint tea. Cairo’s bazaars are also a blast, with 600-year-old Khan El-Khalili market the star of the show.

The Egypt vs Morocco verdict: The rich layers of history and culture in the atmospheric medinas of Morocco’s cities are joyous to discover and spend time in. What’s more, their size makes them considerably more manageable to explore than Cairo’s.

Weather considerations and best travel times

Seasonal climate differences: what to expect

For trips to Egypt, the cooler months from October to April are the best time to visit. It is still perfectly warm, but not blisteringly hot, making it ideal for sightseeing and beach days.

With its diverse landscapes and attractions, Morocco is more of a year-round destination. In summer, the coast and mountains call. Meanwhile, the pleasantly warm winters are a good time to head south to the Sahara or to stroll the city souks.

Make it happen

If you’ve made your choice for your North African journey, chat to our locally-based experts in Morocco or Egypt, who will be more than happy to help you plan a customized itinerary that’s entirely suited to your needs and budget.