Egypt or Morocco: Which is Best for Holiday

Planning a trip? Let us tell you Egypt or Morocco: which is best for holiday.

North Africa has two of the most beautiful destinations that attract many tourists every year. Egypt and Morocco are the two nations that people look forward to while planning to travel to Africa. Both countries are rich in history, culture, and beautiful landscapes.

We understand that choosing between either of them can be a dilemma. That is why we are here with this article to help you decide your next travel destination. We will explore various aspects of each country so that you are free from confusion when choosing your holiday destination.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

The essence of any nation is all because of its culture. Egypt and Morocco are rich in cultural history and hold a lot of significance. We all know about ancient Egyptian history. But no, it is not only related to the mummies. Egypt is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world. These include the great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak.

The Egyptian Museum in the capital city of Cairo has a huge variety of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. If you wish to visit the historical sites, take a ride on the Nile Cruise for a unique experience.

Morocco, on the other hand, offers a different type of historical experience. Morocco’s history is a blend of Berber, Arab, and European influences. All of this can be seen in its architecture, culture, and cuisine.

The ancient city of Fez in Morocco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is popular for its walled medina, medieval architecture and colorful souks. The mesmerizing Djemaa el-Fna Square is in Marrakech, another famous city. Koutoubia Mosque, palaces, and gardens are other places you must visit.

Nature Interaction

Natural landscapes often make us happy. Such landscapes in Egypt are very unique. The Sahara Desert has sand dunes and serene oases. You can explore the desert through camel treks or 4×4 safari adventures. Around Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada is the Red Sea Coast. It is popular for its crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs. It is best for those who want to try scuba diving or snorkeling.

Morocco has a varied landscape. It has rugged Atlas Mountains that offer excellent trekking opportunities, along with picturesque Berber villages. The Moroccan Sahara has towering sand dunes and traditional desert camps. You can experience a startling sky in Berber. Essaouira and Agadir are beautiful coastal areas popular for their sandy beaches and excellent surf conditions.

So, no matter what you choose, deserts and beaches will be common in both nations. It is just that you will come across different experiences.

Cuisine

Aren’t we all excited to try authentic delicacies from various places? Egyptian cuisine is a mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta, is a traditional dish of Egypt. A dish of stewed fava beans called ful medames and a green soup called molokhia are other staple dishes.

If you are keen on trying street food, try ta’amiya, which is an Egyptian falafel, and shawarma. For seafood lovers, the Red Sea Coast is the best place. You will get grilled fish and various other seafood dishes. When it comes to deserts, baklava and basbousa are delicious.

Aromatic spices and rich flavors make Moroccan cuisine a delicious one. Tagine is a slow-cooked stew. It has vegetables, meat, and spices. It is a traditional dish here. Couscous, another famous dish, is served with meat and vegetables.

Moroccan street food included harira, kebab, msemen, and a lot more. Moroccan almod-filled pastries and baklava are the bestsellers. Don’t forget to try the mint tea here.

Ease of Travel

Choosing a travel destination depends on how accessible it is. Cairo International Airport is a hub of international flights in Egypt. For domestic travel, you can use buses, trains, taxis, and domestic flights. But one thing to note here is that facilities may differ in standards depending on the areas you select.

Major airports in Morocco are Casablanca and Marrakech. The road network is well-connected in Morocco. It also has a range of accommodation options for luxury and budget travelers. Though roads and hotels will have various facilities if you choose remote areas.

Shopping

You must definitely buy souvenirs from Egypt and Morocco. From Egypt, you can buy papyrus paintings, alabaster statues, and traditional jewelry. Here, the markets are called souks. Khan Ek Khalili is the most famous market or souk in Cairo.

Morocco is no less than a paradise for shopping lovers. Artisanal crafts are the most famous here. You can buy exquisite rugs, leather goods, ceramics, and lanterns from the markets in Morocco. Markets or souks, in Fez and Marrakech are famous for the variety of goods.

Cost of Travel

Now let us also discuss the most essential aspect of any destination, the cost. Travel cost of Egypt is less expensive than that of Morocco. In Egypt, per day cost for a budget traveler can range between $30-$50 per day. If you wish to have a luxury stay, then the cost will be around $250 per day.

When it comes to Morocco, daily expenses are more expensive than those in Egypt. For a budget-friendly traveler, around $60 will be spent here for a single day. And for those looking ahead to luxury travel, keep $300 ready for your single day cost.

Make sure to calculate entry fees of monuments, costs of activities you want to try, and any other costs as well. ($= USD)

Conclusion

What do you think, Egypt or Morocco: which is best for holiday? For budget-friendly travel, we suggest you choose Egypt. If you want to experience the blend of various cultures, you can visit Morocco.

If you are excited about mummies and great monuments, Egypt will be your call. But for delicious street food, Morocco is the best destination. Now the choice depends on what you choose. No matter where you go, the desert and beach will be there.

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