Morocco vs Egypt: which north African country should you visit

10.08.2023 - 14:15 / lonelyplanet.com

North Africa calls – but to which of its legendary destinations’ siren songs should you answer?

We asked a pair of experienced correspondents to each sing in praise of two of the region’s most beguiling countries: Morocco and Egypt. Whichever place you pick for your next journey, you’re sure to strike the right note.

Travel journalist and UK native Sally Kirby moved to Morocco in 2018, realizing she would always have places (and waves) to feed her curious, surf-loving soul there.

Did you know that Morocco has nine Unesco World Heritage Sites? Egypt has seven. Sure, one of them is the Great Pyramid of Giza – yet archaeology enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the ancient sights (empty of crowds and mostly free of charge) all over Morocco. Think the exquisite Roman ruins at Volubilis, the ancient casbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the Medinas of Marrakesh, Fez and Essaouira, plus Igiliz, a long-forgotten acropolis now being excavated and opened to tourists. 

Alongside these ancient sites are Morocco’s trendsetting cities such as Rabat, Marrakech and Casablanca. They cater to a growing number of discerning inhabitants and travelers, with lively art scenes, contemporary museums, shopping malls, luxury hotels, buzzing nightlife and globe-reaching music festivals – all linked by modern tramways and high-speed trains.  

Morocco’s Sahara offers a glimpse into a nomadic way of life. The giant dunes of Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi feature an ocean of red sand that rises up to 500ft over the surrounding terrain. This is the real Sahara, and very easy to access – but don’t take my word for it. You can read up on the differences between the Moroccan and Egyptian desert experiences from a very reliable source here.

Now let’s talk about Morocco’s 1250 miles (2000km) of Atlantic coastline, home to some of the best surfing waves in the world. (Sorry, Egypt.) The country’s surf capital, Taghazout Bay has a three-mile (5km) sandy beach that blends luxury beach resorts with a surf-and-yoga, go-with-the-flow vibe that’s generating Reels all over Instagram. Anchor Point, the local showstopper wave, now hosts a leg of the WSL (World Surf League) international surfing championship. Oh, and in a counterpart to Egypt’s Med and Red Sea beaches, I should mention Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, home to striking emerald coves and stunning beaches for the 310-mile (500km) stretch between Tangier and Oujda. 

All that coastline makes Morocco well positioned to haul in plentiful fresh fish: the country is the world’s largest exporter of canned sardines. Moroccans traditionally serve their fish straight off the boat onto a grill, with seasoning, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon – as fresh as it comes, and utterly delicious. Food is a massive