Can’t decide between Morocco and Egypt? 🤔 Let us guide you through these captivating gems of North Africa destinations and help you choose!
Egypt and Morocco are predominantly Islamic countries and two of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Morocco is famous for its stunning desert landscape, cosmopolitan cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, Mediterranean beaches, and unique cultural attractions. Egypt lures travelers with its incredible ancient sites like the Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza, opportunities to cruise down the Nile River, and Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheikh.
So how do you decide between visiting Egypt or Morocco? Here is an overview of the key differences between these incredible North African countries to help you plan your trip.
Morocco and Egypt: Landscapes and Climate
Morocco offers incredibly diverse landscapes from the Atlas Mountains’ towering mountain peaks to endless Sahara sand dunes and beaches stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The interior cities can get extremely hot in the summer months but enjoy cool breezes the rest of the year.
Egypt also has extremes of arid desert, especially near the famed pyramids and sphinx. The fertile Nile valley contrasts sharply with desert expanses like the White Desert. Egypt enjoys sunshine and warm weather nearly year-round with peak tourism around March.
Sites and Cities: Ancient Nile Valley and Medieval Medina Mazes
Egypt’s ancient sites like the iconic Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple Complex, and Valley of the Kings capture imaginations with over 5,000 years of history. While less ancient, Morocco also dazzles visitors with well-preserved ancient cities like Fez, Chefchaouen, and Volubilis.
While Egypt offers more famous historical attractions, Morocco charms with the magic of places like the medieval medina mazes of Fez and Marrakech. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca stands out as the world’s seventh largest mosque combining intricate decoration with modern grandeur.
Egypt and Morocco: Food
Moroccan cuisine beautifully combines Berber, Andalusian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cooking traditions. Signature Moroccan dishes include couscous, tagines simmered with spices like cumin, ginger, saffron and bay leaves, and ful medames made of slow-cooked fava beans. Brace yourself for the minty surprise of Morocco’s signature mint tea, usually served with sugar cubes and fresh mint.
Egyptian cuisine centers around staples like ful medames, koshari, molokhia, and falafel sandwiches stuffed with veggies. Grilled meats, seafood, and stuffed vegetables are also popular. Like Moroccans, Egyptians almost always finish meals with mint tea or strong Arabic coffee.
People and Culture
Egypt has a Coptic Christian minority, but most locals are Sunni Muslims. Many Egyptians speak English in tourist areas but learning some key Arabic phrases vastly improves interactions. While Egypt is more conservative than some destinations, tourists won’t raise eyebrows with modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
Nearly all Moroccans are Sunni Muslims. Berber and French are the most common second languages after Morocco’s official Arabic dialect, Darija. Morocco generally has a relaxed atmosphere, but dressing modestly helps visitors blend in and show respect.
Budget and Luxury
Travel Both Egypt and Morocco offer budget accommodation in local hotels for under $50 per night. Riads transformed from mansions offer beautiful luxury stays across Morocco. Egypt features incredible luxury hotels on the Red Sea and Nile River with lavish amenities.
Egypt generally has better public transit like trains and buses while Morocco rewards independent travelers willing to rent cars or negotiate taxi rides. Egypt may ultimately give you more history and adventurous activities for your money while Morocco seduces with cultural immersion.
Itinerary and Key Destinations
When mapping out your Egypt or Morocco itinerary, it’s worth highlighting some of the most popular destinations and experiences to add to your travel bucket list.
In Egypt, no trip is complete without visiting the epic Pyramids of Giza and mysterious Sphinx, immortalized in photos all over the world. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo displays the treasures of King Tutankhamun and other pharaohs while Alexandria dazzles with markets and Mediterranean vibes. Cruising the Nile River offers a timeless glimpse into rural Egyptian life that contrasts beautifully with bustling Cairo.
Morocco entices travelers with bustling imperial cities like Fez, Marrakech and Chefchaouen. The winding alleys or “medinas” of these cities capture old world charm and architecture. Beach lovers flock to laidback towns like Essaouira and Agadir on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Morocco is also home to movie-famous destinations like the Ouarzazate film studios and sand dunes and Kasbahs of the Sahara Desert. For mountain scenery, the High Atlas offer excellent trekking and views.
Travelers’ Experiences: Hospitality
Both Egypt and Morocco are renowned for their lively cultures and hospitality that immediately immerses visitors. Many locals in Egypt proudly view themselves as inheritors of the pharaohs’ legacy. Witnessing their enthusiasm shows how Egypt’s culture still revolves around this influential ancient civilization.
Morocco dazzles visitors with its unique mixture of Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and African influences that blend beautifully in cities like Fez and Marrakech. People happily share their customs with visitors whether through a smile, gift of mint tea, or invitation to a couscous feast.
While some tourists report pushy vendors and scammers in bigger cities, most travelers experience remarkable friendliness and hospitality when visiting Egypt and Morocco. The best strategy is traveling with an open and respectful attitude. Learning some basic Arabic phrases also helps break down barriers faster.
So… Morocco or Egypt?
Ultimately both are incredible travel destinations that reward visitors with welcoming hospitality, fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Choose based on which attractions speak to you more or visit both to fully explore the beauty, heritage, and fantastical allure of North Africa!