Is Morocco in Africa? Yes. Morocco is a country in North Africa, in the northwest corner of the African continent. Many travelers get confused for three reasons. Morocco feels close to Europe, it has an Arab and Amazigh culture, and it sits only a short sea crossing from Spain. This guide explains where Morocco is on the map, why people ask the question, and what it means for your trip.
Is Morocco in Africa? The Short Answer
Morocco is in Africa, in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It has a coast on the Mediterranean Sea to the north and on the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It borders Algeria to the east, and to the south it reaches the Sahara.
Is Morocco in Africa? Where It Sits on the Map
Morocco lies at the northwestern tip of Africa. Its capital is Rabat, and its largest city is Casablanca. Two mountain ranges shape the country: the Rif Mountains in the north and the Atlas Mountains through the center and south. Between the coast and the desert, travelers who climb in the Atlas can read our guide to climbing Toubkal, and the blue city of Chefchaouen sits in the Rif, as described in our Chefchaouen guide.
Only 14 km From Europe
The Strait of Gibraltar separates Africa from Europe, and at its narrowest point it is about 14 km wide. That short distance is the main reason people ask whether Morocco is in Africa or Europe. The answer is Africa, even though Europe is so near. This closeness makes it easy to plan a trip that includes both countries. We cover that in our guide to combining Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Is Morocco in Africa? Morocco and the African Union
Morocco left the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 and rejoined its successor, the African Union, on 30 January 2017. The 1984 exit followed a dispute over Western Sahara, and the 2017 return was announced at a summit in Addis Ababa.
Culture: Arab, Amazigh and African
Moroccan culture blends several traditions. Moroccan Arabic, called Darija, is the everyday language, and our guide to Darija phrases will help you use it. The Amazigh (Berber) people are the indigenous people of North Africa. Berber nomad families still live in the Sahara, as we describe in a day in the life of a Berber nomad.
Is Morocco in Africa? Landscapes From the Rif to the Sahara
Few countries combine so many landscapes. In one trip you can see Mediterranean hills, Atlantic beaches, snowy mountains and the Sahara Desert. For the desert, compare Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, or read about the choice of the Sahara and the Atlantic coast.
Is Morocco in Africa? What It Means for Your Trip to North Africa
Knowing that Morocco is in Africa helps with planning. Check the entry rules before you travel, and our guide to the Morocco visa for Americans is a good start. Choose your time of year with our best time to visit Morocco and decide how long to stay with how many days you need in Morocco.
Why Travelers Ask: Is Morocco in Africa or Europe?
There are a few reasons for the confusion. First, Europe is very close, as the Strait of Gibraltar shows. Second, Spain holds the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the Moroccan coast. This means the Spanish border touches Morocco by land. Third, Moroccan cities such as Marrakech and Fes have an Arab and Amazigh character, with old medinas and markets, that people do not always connect with the word Africa. If you want to see those cities, start with our Fes vs Marrakech guide.
Planning a Trip Across North Africa
Morocco is large enough that the climate changes quickly as you travel. The coast is cooler, the mountains are fresh, and the desert is dry. For a first visit, our 7 days in Morocco itinerary shows how to cover the main places, and the desert tour cost guide helps with budgeting. If you want the Sahara, our Merzouga vs Zagora guide explains which town to choose.
If you are comparing destinations on the continent, see Morocco vs Egypt.
FAQ: Is Morocco in Africa?
Is Morocco in Africa or the Middle East?
Morocco is in North Africa, not in the Middle East. It is part of the Maghreb.
Is Morocco in Europe?
No. Morocco is in Africa, about 14 km from Europe at the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Which seas does Morocco border?
The Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
Is Morocco part of the African Union?
Yes. Morocco rejoined the African Union in January 2017.
What is the Maghreb?
The Maghreb is the western part of North Africa, and Morocco is one of its countries. Travelers often use the word when they talk about Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
Can I see the Sahara in Morocco?
Yes. The Moroccan Sahara has sand seas such as Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M’Hamid El Ghizlane. Our things to do in Merzouga guide shows what to do there.
Ready to see Africa’s northwest corner for yourself? Tell us your dates and we will plan it with you.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your trip to this corner of North Africa.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga, Morocco desert tour cost, 7 days in Morocco, 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech.
Curious about Morocco’s biggest city? Read about the largest city in Morocco.
Curious about northern Morocco? See Why is Chefchaouen blue.
