Should I Visit Arusha or Zagora for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Arusha or Zagora?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Zagora can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Arusha or Zagora?

Arusha

Arusha is a city in East Africa's Tanzania, located at the base of volcanic Mt. Meru. It’s a gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometers northeast. To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to wildlife including lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and leopards. Annual migrations feature huge herds of wildebeests crossing its plains. Arusha is Tanzania’s gateway to the northern circuit of stellar national parks and the starting point of many a memorable safari. It’s also a large, sprawling city which offers a nice break from the rigors of life on the African road – it has excellent places to stay and eat and, for the most part, it’s lush and green and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Arusha is a great destination, and you're sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what your interests are.

Zagora

A small town in southern Morocco, Zagora is a popular base camp for excursions on foot, by camel, or four wheel drive vehicles into the surrounding desert. One of the most famous and historic treks is the ancient caravan route to Timbuktu, marked by a famous sign at the end of town - indicating a journey of "52 days" by camel.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Morocco, and The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco.

Which place is cheaper, Zagora or Arusha?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Arusha Prices
Tanzania Prices

Zagora Prices
Morocco Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Arusha $197

Zagora $59

The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $197, while the average daily cost in Zagora is $59. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arusha and Zagora in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Arusha $131

Zagora $35
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Arusha $262

Zagora $70

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Zagora

Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Zagora? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Arusha Hotel Prices and Zagora Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Arusha $13

Zagora $1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
Tanzanite Museum and Shopping Tour with Transfer: $40
Airport transfer: $45
Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
Airport Transfer from Arusha town: $90
Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer | Pick Up & Drop up | With BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD: $100
Private Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA): $142
Private Transfer from Arusha to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $260
4Days Mount Meru Climbing with free airport transfer: $1,480

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Zagora?

Prices for flights to both Zagora and Arusha change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Arusha $42

Zagora $22

Typical Food Prices in Arusha

For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

A Quick Lunch (for 2)

$2.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Arusha:Traditional Tanzania Cooking Class &Local Market Tour: $39
Guided walking city tour& traditional cooking lesson: $47
Local Tanzanian Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia: $50
Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Arusha $46

Zagora $2.83

Tours and Activities in Arusha

For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Arusha City: Children's Homes Visit & Donation Tour.: $20
City Discovery Guided Walking Tour & Local Lunch.: $22
Arusha; guided walking city tour small group in the city.: $22
City Sightseeing Walking Tour With Local Guides.: $25
Arusha City: Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Tanzania.: $25
Street Food and Community Walking Tour: $25
Arusha Guided Walking City Tour, Culture, Lifestyle & History : $27
Arusha Guided Walking City Tour Culture, lifestyle & history: $28
Charity Tour SATINO Daycare & Preschool (Half-Day): $29
Traditional Coffee Preparation(coffee tour): $30
City Walking Tour Historic and Modern Highlights: $30
Microfinance family farm tour - all proceeds to charity: $35

Tours and Activities in Zagora

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zagora are as follows:

2 Days Tour to Zagora Desert with sunset from Marrakech: $83
2 days tour from Zagora to Erg Chegaga: $131
3-day 2-nights desert adventure and Berber encounter: $293
From Agadir 4 Days 3 nights Sahara Tour to Marrakeche: $1,181
From Agadir or Taghazout: 2-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Zagora: $339
From 2-Day Desert Tour to Erg Chegaga: $266
Private Day Camel Trekking Tour in Draa Valley from Zagora: $206
Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 (All-inclusive) 2-Days: $157
Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 and camel ride : $166

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Arusha $11

Zagora -

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Zagora, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Zagora much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagora would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagora and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arusha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arusha than you might in Zagora.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arusha Expensive? and Is Zagora Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arusha or Zagora?

Arusha has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zagora. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and Zagora, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arusha vs. Zagora for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Arusha or Zagora?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Arusha or Zagora?

Arusha

Zagora

Which place is cheaper, Zagora or Arusha?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Zagora

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Zagora?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Arusha

Tours and Activities in Zagora

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Arusha or Zagora?

Related Articles for Arusha

Related Articles for Zagora

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arusha vs. Zagora for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Arusha or Zagora?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Arusha or Zagora?

Arusha

Zagora

Which place is cheaper, Zagora or Arusha?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Zagora

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Zagora?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Arusha

Tours and Activities in Zagora

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Arusha or Zagora?

Related Articles for Arusha

Related Articles for Zagora

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