For most first trips, Morocco is the better choice: one 10 day loop gives you Roman ruins, imperial cities, living medinas, mountains, the Sahara and the coast. Egypt is the stronger pick only if the pyramids, temples and tombs of ancient Egypt are the one thing you came for.
Both countries are in North Africa, both have deserts and deep history, and both are excellent trips. They are very different trips, though. This guide compares them fairly so you can decide which fits what you want from your time away.
Morocco vs Egypt at a Glance
| Morocco | Egypt | |
|---|---|---|
| Main draw | Roman ruins, imperial cities, living medinas, Atlas Mountains, Sahara dunes, Atlantic coast | Pharaonic monuments, the Nile, temples and tombs |
| History | Amazigh (Berber), Roman, Arab and Islamic dynasties, with several UNESCO-listed sites | Ancient Egypt, plus Greek, Roman and Islamic eras |
| Landscapes | Mountains, desert, cedar forest, valleys and beaches | The Nile valley, desert and the Red Sea |
| Desert experience | Camel trek and nights in a desert camp at Merzouga | Desert landscapes and oases, mostly around the Nile and the western desert |
| How the trip works | A road loop between regions with a private driver and guide | Often built around sites along the Nile, sometimes with a river cruise |
| Best for | Travelers who want history plus variety, markets, food and scenery | Travelers drawn to pharaonic monuments above all |
History, Cities and Landscapes
History. Egypt is unmatched for pharaonic history, and its pyramids and temples are the reason many people go. Morocco is also rich in history, and much of it is still lived in:
- Volubilis: a UNESCO-listed Roman city near Meknes, with mosaics, columns and a triumphal arch
- Fes el-Bali: a UNESCO-listed medieval medina that includes Al Quaraouiyine, often described as one of the oldest universities in the world
- Meknes: an imperial city with grand gates and royal monuments
- Rabat: the Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th century minaret, and the Chellah, with Roman and medieval remains
- Marrakech: the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia and El Badi palaces and the Koutoubia minaret
- Ait Ben Haddou: a UNESCO-listed fortified village of earthen buildings in the south
For the full story, read our guide to the history of Morocco and to the imperial cities of Morocco.
Cities. Moroccan cities are made for wandering. You walk through souks, courtyards, workshops and riads, and the old medinas are part of everyday life. Egypt’s headline sights are more monumental, and many trips visit them one by one.
Landscapes. This is where Morocco pulls ahead for variety. In one loop you cross the Atlas Mountains, stay in the dunes at Merzouga, pass the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley and finish in Marrakech. Egypt’s landscape is the Nile valley and desert, with the Red Sea as the main coast.
The Sahara. Both countries have desert. In Morocco, the classic experience is a sunset camel trek into the dunes and two nights in a desert camp, which fits easily into a 10 day trip. Read what a Sahara tour is really like.
Food, Culture and Trip Style
Food. Moroccan cooking centers on slow-cooked tagines, couscous, fresh bread, salads and mint tea. Egypt has its own strong traditions, including street favorites such as koshari and ful. Both reward curious eaters. See our guide to Moroccan food.
Culture. Both are Muslim-majority countries where modest dress is appreciated and bargaining is part of market life. In Morocco, Arabic, Amazigh and French are widely spoken, and on a private tour your driver and guide speak English. Our Morocco dos and don’ts covers local etiquette.
How the trip works. A Morocco trip is usually an overland loop: you travel between regions by private vehicle with a driver and guide, with hotels and riads arranged along the way. Egypt trips often follow sites along the Nile and may include internal flights or a river cruise.
Planning. Check entry rules and current travel advice for each country on your government’s official site before booking. For the Morocco side, see Morocco visa requirements, the best time to visit Morocco and our honest take on whether Morocco is safe.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Morocco if you:
- Want history and variety: Roman ruins, imperial cities, mountains, desert and coast in one loop
- Enjoy markets, riads, food and wandering old towns
- Like the idea of a road trip with a private driver and guide
- Want nights in a Sahara camp as part of a 10 day trip
- Are planning a first trip to Africa and want an easy start
Choose Egypt if you:
- Dream of the pyramids, temples and tombs above everything else
- Want a Nile cruise or a trip built around ancient sites
- Are happy to build your trip around a single theme
If you are still undecided, Morocco is the easier trip to build around you, and Egypt will still be there for a second trip. Comparing other options too? Read honeymoon in Morocco vs safari and our guide to the best country to visit in Africa for the first time.
Morocco vs Egypt FAQ
Morocco is the easier first choice, because one loop covers history, cities, mountains and desert. Egypt is the better pick only if pharaonic monuments are the one thing you want.
They are far apart, so most travelers treat them as two separate trips.
Ten days covers the main route comfortably, including two nights in the Sahara. See how many days you need in Morocco.
Yes. The dunes at Merzouga offer a sunset camel trek and nights in a desert camp.
It depends on trip length and hotel level. Our guide to Morocco trip costs gives typical prices.
No. We specialize in tours of Morocco.
Plan Your Morocco Trip
Tell us your travel dates, the number of travelers, your hotel level (Standard, Affordable Lux or Deluxe) and the city you are flying in and out of. Fill in the form below and we will send you a day by day itinerary and a quote.
First trip? Start with first time in Morocco and the 10 day Morocco itinerary, or compare every route in our Morocco itinerary planner. Learn more about our private tours across Morocco, and follow Simply Morocco on Instagram and Facebook. To choose where to go, see the best cities to visit in Morocco.
