Morocco or Egypt: which North African gem should you explore?

North Africa beckons – but which of its iconic destinations should you choose?

We enlisted two seasoned travelers to each extol the virtues of Morocco and Egypt, two of the region’s most captivating countries. No matter where you decide to go next, you’re bound to find the perfect adventure.

Captivating Morocco

Travel journalist and UK native Sally Kirby made the move to Morocco in 2018, discovering a land rich with opportunities to satisfy her adventurous, surf-loving spirit.

Did you know that Morocco boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites? In comparison, Egypt has just seven. While the Great Pyramid of Giza is iconic, Morocco offers archaeology fans a treasure trove of ancient attractions (often devoid of crowds and mostly free). You can explore the stunning Roman ruins at Volubilis, the historic kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and the vibrant medinas of Marrakesh, Fez, and Essaouira, as well as Igiliz, a long-lost acropolis now being excavated for tourists.

Alongside these historical gems, Morocco's dynamic cities such as Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca are thriving, appealing to an increasing number of discerning locals and travelers. These cities boast vibrant art scenes, modern museums, shopping centers, luxury accommodations, lively nightlife, and world-renowned music festivals, all interconnected by efficient tram systems and high-speed trains.

Morocco’s Sahara provides insight into a nomadic lifestyle. The towering dunes of Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi present a sea of red sand, reaching heights of 500ft (150m) above the surrounding landscape. This is the authentic Sahara, easily accessible. But don’t just take my word for it; you can explore differences between the Moroccan and Egyptian desert experiences from various trusted sources.

Now, let's explore Morocco's 1,250 miles (2,000 km) of Atlantic coastline, renowned for some of the finest surfing waves worldwide. (Sorry, Egypt.) The surf capital, Taghazout Bay, boasts a 3-mile (5 km) sandy stretch where luxury resorts meet a laid-back surf-and-yoga culture, inspiring countless Instagram reels. Anchor Point, the area's standout wave, now hosts a leg of the WSL (World Surf League) international surfing championship. Additionally, in contrast to Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea beaches, Morocco’s Mediterranean coast features breathtaking emerald coves and gorgeous beaches along its 310-mile (500 km) route from Tangier to Oujda.

This expansive coastline allows Morocco to harvest a bounty of fresh fish, making it the world's largest exporter of canned sardines. Traditionally, Moroccans grill their catch straight off the boat, seasoned with olive oil and a splash of lemon—truly fresh and delicious. Food is integral to Moroccan culture, typically prepared at home with seasonal recipes passed down through generations. Delightful tagines, couscous, soups, and salads are always on the menu.

Perhaps Morocco’s greatest asset is its abundant sunshine year-round, making it a prime destination for beach or pool vacations, particularly in the southern region around Agadir. With such plentiful sun, Morocco hosts the world’s largest concentrated solar farm and is poised to become a leader in renewable energy. The heat here is milder than that on Egypt’s Red Sea beaches, thanks to the refreshing breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, even during summer months.

Hiking enthusiasts flock to the Atlas Mountains, featuring accessible day hikes and longer treks. At 13,670ft (4,167m), Mt Toubkal stands as the highest point in North Africa, providing an exciting challenge for aspiring mountaineers. Nature and wildlife lovers can also embark on safari adventures in the national park near Ifrane, home to Barbary apes, or explore Souss Massa National Park, which hosts oryx and other unique species.

If you’re still on the fence, consider this: the essence of Morocco will resonate with you. This tranquil country thrives on community values, where people prioritize relationships and what truly matters. Experiencing this, even briefly on a holiday, can transform your travels. I highly recommend it.

Magical Egypt

Dr. Jenny Walker has dedicated 25 years to working in the Middle East and has authored multiple Dinogo Planet guidebooks covering Egypt and other regional highlights. She recently journeyed 8,500 km (5,300 miles) from Oman back to her home in northern Spain.

“It’s breathtaking,” remarked a friend who just returned from Morocco. “It has peaks rivaling the Alps, souks more intricate than the Hampton Court Palace Maze, and ancient castles that overshadow the pyramids.” After a moment to gather her thoughts, she added, “And there’s a garden in Marrakesh that’s simply a wonder of the world.”

Well…I’ll concede that the Atlas Mountains are stunning, especially when capped with winter snow. And yes, getting lost in the souks of Fez and Marrakesh is a given (and I acknowledge that Yves Saint Laurent’s garden is strikingly blue), but can the desert fortifications, which only hint at the vast Sahara beyond, truly eclipse the great achievements of ancient civilizations?

Let’s be honest: when it comes to world wonders, Egypt stands alone. No other nation offers the opportunity to see one of the original seven. Towering over the desert near Cairo, the Great Pyramid was constructed to hold the remains of Khufu, a formidable pharaoh from the 26th century BC. It is the sole survivor of the ancient wonders.

You can read about it, envision its enormity, and grasp its antiquity, but it’s only when you sit on a camel traversing the arid Giza Plateau that you truly comprehend its astonishing scale and beauty. The pyramids have given rise to myths (including “alien conspiracy theories”), spurred a dedicated field of archaeology, and inspired countless films, so much so that “Indiana Jones” is now an adjective in Egyptian culture. They remain a staple on the bucket lists of travelers worldwide, casting no shadow over other landmarks.

And if we’re discussing other “bests,” let’s mention additional world wonders. Consider Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, where, just over a century ago, the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered, intact with all the young pharaoh’s burial treasures. Encased in a lavish three-part sarcophagus, Tutankhamun’s mummy lay surrounded by incredible artifacts totaling over 2,600 lbs (1,200 kg) of gold—more brilliance than all the polished brass in a Meknes market combined.

Let’s agree that when it comes to ancient civilizations, Egypt reigns supreme. But what about adventure? While Morocco has its towering mountains, Egypt offers its own wealth of natural wonders. For starters, there’s the Nile, stretching 4,130 miles (6,650 km) and rivaling the Amazon as the world’s longest river. It has nurtured life along its banks for millennia, providing today’s travelers with a lush route to explore key attractions.

Then we have the desert: the western region is a study in geological formations and secluded oasis towns, while the eastern part is home to ascetics. Following the tradition of monastic solitude rooted in their mountain havens, the monks of St Anthony’s and St Paul’s, along with St Catherine’s in the Sinai, carry forward a rich heritage of Coptic treasures and the art of simple living.

As for gardens, while I’ll acknowledge that Jardin Majorelle is a contemporary Marrakech gem, calling it a world wonder is a stretch. For now, I’m placing my bets on the underwater gardens found offshore in the pristine waters of Egypt’s Red Sea. These vibrant ecosystems are home to dugongs, whale sharks, and a thousand species of fish, adorned with 150 types of coral—every bit as exotic as any terrestrial garden.