Are you planning a trip to North Africa and can't decide between Egypt and Morocco? Both countries offer rich landscapes, including deserts, mountains, beaches, and rivers, along with vibrant cultures and historical sites. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Location of Morocco and Egypt in Africa
Overview of Morocco and Egypt
At first glance, Egypt and Morocco might seem like somewhat similar destinations. They're both in Africa (although Egypt is also considered part of the Middle East) and Arabic is the primary language. Each is known for its vast deserts, intriguing history, vibrant markets and delectable cuisine. However, there are plenty of differences to help you decide.
First of all, they're quite far apart: 3,695 kilometers, to be exact. Morocco is located on the northwest edge of Africa, while Egypt is in the northeast.
History and Culture
Ancient History
There are only several places on earth that have such a widely known history as Egypt. As such, you’ve probably known about Egypt since you first saw a picture of the pyramids in school. Ancient Egypt was one of the world’s most powerful civilisations and lasted for approximately 3000 years. It was so significant that the Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world that is still standing today.
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While it’s hard for any place to match up to the might of Ancient Egypt, Morocco definitely gives it a fair go. It’s also been the ancestral home of the Amazighs, a pre-Arab indigenous ethnic group who’ve been residents of North Africa since around 3000 BCE. With all this history, it now stands as a country of multicultural architecture, food and religion.
Religious and Social Culture
Both Egypt and Morocco are predominantly Islamic countries and as such, many people practise daily prayers, celebrate Ramadan and uphold traditional values. As with most Muslim countries, the majority of locals don’t consume alcohol and many will take Fridays off for worship.
Outside of the religious culture of the region, there’s a general sense of warmth and hospitality in both countries. Sharing and inviting guests in for drinks, namely tea, is an integral part of everyday life, especially in Morocco. Similarly, in Egypt, while they’re no strangers to travellers, you’ll find that many locals are very grateful to those who visit. Egyptians are known to be very proud of their culture and enjoy sharing it with others.
It’s worth mentioning that because of the Islamic prevalence in both countries, people act and dress discreetly in public. This means there’s no public affection between couples and people dress conservatively, wearing loose clothing that covers the shoulders, knees and chest specifically.
Please note that both Egypt and Morocco are not safe destinations for LGBTQIA+ travellers, especially those who are open about their sexuality and gender identity. In Morocco, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by prison time. In Egypt, although it is not officially outlawed, LGBTQIA+-identifying individuals have been prosecuted with other charges.
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Landscapes and Climate
Desert Regions
Both Morocco and Egypt contain part of the Sahara Desert. The Egyptian Sahara covers around 95% of the country; fortunately for travellers, there’s plenty to do in the desert. The Moroccan Sahara also offers lots of exciting activities, whether you want to go sandboarding down the dunes or gaze up at the stars.
In addition to natural wonders, these desert regions are also home to unique cultures. In Egypt you can meet the Bedouin people and learn about their traditionally nomadic lifestyle; in Morocco many desert tours are led by local Berber guides.
Morocco isn’t the desert landscape most people might think it is. But yes, the desert landscape you’re likely picturing for Egypt is correct. If not for the Nile River providing a water source across the country, the entire landscape would be just an arid desert. Aside from sandy dunes, the south of Egypt is home to mountains while the north has fertile valleys that sit aside the Mediterranean Sea.
Climate
Just warning you, it’ll be hot in Egypt. Being a desert country, Egypt gets very little rain and a whole lot of sun - so those temps can soar. It’s wetter along the northern coast, specifically the city of Alexandria where it can get over 200mm of rain each year, but mostly in the winter months (November to April). Aside from the mountains on the Sinai Peninsula, it’s hot with not much of a breeze most of the year, except for the yearly wind known as ‘khamsin’. The Egyptian summer months begin in May and last until October. The average maximum temperature sits around 30°C, although, in some desert regions, it can hit 50°C. Temperatures vary depending on where you are, however, the further you move into the country from the Mediterranean Coast, the hotter it’ll be.
While Morocco is also part desert, the weather is more Mediterranean with cool breezes off both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco also has a mountain range that can have very different weather to the rest of the country. Coastal weather is largely mild and pleasant. On the Atlantic coast, there can be flooding caused by intense winter rains while the Mediterranean coastline can get sudden temperature rises from desert winds. Marrakesh has a hot summer with an average high of 38°C in July but throughout the rest of the year, temps sit around 13-27°C.
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Coastlines
Although dusty deserts and dynamic cities may come to mind when you picture Morocco or Egypt, both countries also boast beautiful coastlines. In Egypt, the Red Sea promises some of the world’s best coral reefs.
Morocco has more than one coastal destination. There’s Ouladia, a tranquil seaside town where you can relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters or visit an oyster farm. Farther south, Essaouira is a historic port town known for its fishing culture, seafood and kitesurfing.
When deciding which country’s coast to visit, consider the activities you’re most interested in. For snorkelling and diving, Egypt is a clear choice; for surfing and seafood, Morocco wins out.
Red Sea Coastline in Egypt
Cuisine
The choice between Morocco or Egypt depends on your tastes… and in this case we mean that literally. If you prefer to get to know a destination through its cuisine, you’re in for a real treat in either of these countries. Moroccan cuisine is complex, diverse and hard not to love. If we were to describe the ideal traveller for Morocco, it would be someone with an adventurous palate and an endless appetite.
Culinary delights are also among our top reasons to visit Egypt. There’s koshary (a mix of rice, pasta, chickpeas and lentils), fava bean falafel, the scrumptious small plates known as mezze and a time-honoured coffee culture.
Moroccan cuisine has been influenced by many cultures, ranging from French and Andalusian Spain to Arabia. Morocco is famous for slow-cooked stews called tajines alongside its national dish, couscous (traditionally eaten on Fridays), hummus and mint tea.
Egyptian cuisine, on the other hand, favours breads, falafels and salads with popular flavours being saffron, dill, coriander, bay leaves and cumin spices.
As both nations are predominantly Muslim, there isn’t a huge amount of alcohol consumed or available. Instead, there’s a thriving tea culture that’s so well-loved that it’s both countries’ national drink! Morocco’s signature drink is mint tea while Egyptians enjoy hibiscus tea (karkade). Fresh and tasty fruit juices are also found everywhere, perfect for a refreshing sugar hit. Egyptians enjoy sugarcane juice, known as asab, while freshly squeezed orange juice is a favourite for Moroccans.
Cities
Marrakesh vs. Cairo
Whether you’re visiting Morocco or Egypt, the spirited cities of Marrakesh and Cairo (respectively) are mandatory stops. Although Marrakesh is Morocco’s most-visited metropolis, it’s neither the largest city nor the capital. Unlike Marrakesh, Cairo is both Egypt’s capital and largest city. It’s also among the essential places to visit in Egypt - and not just because it’s a gateway to Giza.
Once again, it’s hard to say which is better; each of these cities has its own distinct personality and attractions. Cairo is much larger and can feel a bit chaotic at times, but the same can be said of Marrakesh thanks to its immense popularity. Each of these one-of-a-kind destinations has so much to offer.
Other Cities
Morocco is full of life and color. You can visit beautiful cities like Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat to feel the imperial atmosphere. Apart from these, other colorful cities like the white city of Casablanca and the blue streets of Chefchaouen offer you a light mood with cultural perception - exploring amazing mosques like the Hassan II Mosque or relaxing in the Jardin Majorelle.
Attractions and Activities
It probably goes without saying that the pyramids are the marquee attraction of Egypt. No matter your age, nationality or interests, seeing the might of such famous landmarks for yourself is pretty epic. There’s also another few thousand years of culture to see throughout the country. If you’re not up for a journey into the heart of the Great Pyramid - don’t worry, not everyone is. An exterior tour of the pyramids and Sphinx is a great alternative.
Around the rest of the country, impressive sights include the Temple of Isis in Aswan, the four statues of Ramses at Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings (a great way to see it is via donkey ride) and the intricate Karnak Temple Complex. When you need a break from history, take a felucca (traditional boat) cruise down the Nile, duck into a souk to haggle and shop or stop by one of the many stunning beaches to cool off.
On the other side of Africa, Morocco draws people from far and wide looking for a glimpse of its one-of-a-kind charms. Morocco also boasts beautiful historical locations such as the part-excavated city of Volubilis, Fez’s old city and the sights of Ait Benhaddou, Essaouira and Ouarzazate, among countless others.
Top attractions in Egypt:
- Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
- Luxor Temple
- Karnak Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Nile River cruise
- Red Sea diving and snorkeling
Top attractions in Morocco:
- Marrakech's Medina
- Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Chefchaouen's blue streets
- Fez's old city
- Sahara Desert tours
- Surfing in Agadir and Essaouira
Markets
Both Morocco and Egypt are famous for their spellbinding souks. In Morocco, the markets of Marrakesh are especially alluring. Many are located within the city’s maze-like medina (walled historic centre). Egypt’s most famous market is Khan El-Khalili: a centre of trade for more than 600 years. Today you’ll find all kinds of artisanal crafts, authentic souvenirs and traditional cafés within this ancient market in Cairo.
If you’re excited to browse, shop and experience the energy of local markets, you’ll love either Morocco or Egypt.
Safety
Both Egypt and Morocco are generally safe for tourists. In Egypt, most popular places and attractions are in the green zone, which means they are safe to visit, including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Hurghada, and more. Meanwhile, Morocco has a low crime rate and good security in main cities and tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April. The weather is cool and perfect for exploring pyramids, temples, and the Nile River. From May to September, there are fewer tourists and lower prices with relatively hot weather.
The best time to visit Morocco is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October).
Tour Length
The Ideal tour length in Egypt is around 10 to 12 days. You can spend 3 days in Cairo to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Then, take a 3-day Nile cruise to visit ancient temples in Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan.
The best tour in Morocco is also about 10 to 12 days. You can visit imperial cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen, and see iconic places like Hassan II Mosque and Jardin Majorelle.
Transportation
In Egypt, Cairo is the main hub that connects many cities by air, road, and river. You can travel by train, bus, or car to most parts of the country. Trains and buses are usually on time and good for long trips. For a special travel experience, try a Nile cruise from Cairo to cities like Luxor and Aswan.
Morocco has easy and modern transport. You can travel by plane, train, or tram in most big cities. Tourist buses are great for visiting many sights in cities like Marrakech and Tangier.
Food
Egyptian food mixes Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African tastes. One of the popular dishes are Ful Medames, made with cooked fava beans, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Koshari is very filling, a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce. For meat lovers, Kebab and Kofta are grilled lamb or beef with spices.
Moroccan food is full of spices and blends Arab, Berber, and French flavors. A must-try is Couscous, small grains served with meat, vegetables, and broth, usually eaten on Fridays. Brochettes are meat skewers, great for street food. Don't miss Chebakia, a sweet cookie with honey and sesame, popular during Ramadan.
Tour Companies and Experiences
If you generally travel alone, but in these countries, you might want to go with a tour group. Guided tours are discussed almost daily, and you will find plenty of recommendations.
For Egypt, even Cairo, it's best to do it via organized tours. Cairo is very challenging to do it solo. The best trip we have ever done was with Gap Adventures and it was 17 days Egypt and Jordan Adventure which would still give to time to plan an extra trip through Morocco.
If you want a tour company that covers all 3 destinations, look at Adventures Abroad based out of Vancouver area. They do small groups, similar to Rick's tour style, but design their tours to be strung together. They have a Egypt + Jordan tour but Morroco would be separate, and timing it to coordinate with Egypt + Jordan may or may not work.
Gate 1 Travel includes these destinations on tours.
One thing to consider when you want to find companies offering Egypt and Morocco travel packages is that these two countries have very distinct cultures. Though both are situated in Northern Africa (and also the Middle East), they are unique and truly original. In order to fully enjoy both of these two fascinating destinations, you need to find the right balance.
In this modern era of online business, travelers can not always be certain that they are booking Egypt and Morocco tours with firms that are experienced or even familiar with their chosen destinations.
Tour Costs
Of course, these are general estimates. The actual costs can vary depending on your travel dates, group size, hotel preferences, dining choices, and the travel services you choose.
Conclusion
Both Egypt and Morocco are rich in culture, adventure, and beauty. If you dream of world-class beaches and learn about one of the oldest ancient civilizations in the world, Egypt is a perfect choice.
