Should I Visit Jinja or Essaouira for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Jinja or Essaouira?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jinja or Essaouira, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jinja or Essaouira?

Jinja

Jinja is a city located at the source of the Nile in Uganda, Africa. Many backpackers travel to Jinja, as it is known for its white water rafting. This city is the third largest economy in all of the East African Community. It has a population of about 72,000 people.

Essaouira

Essaouira is a beautiful beach town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The city has a pleasant medina that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and is interesting to explore. It's an 18th century fortified town with a lot of character and charm. The city is rich and culture and you'll find a handful of art galleries throughout the town. The city is also a gathering place for artists and musicians, particularly during the Gnaoua Festival of World Music, which takes place the last week of June. This event attracts about 450,000 visitors yearly.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Uganda, The Best Safaris in Uganda, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.

Which place is cheaper, Essaouira or Jinja?

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

Jinja Prices
Uganda Prices

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

Jinja $115

Essaouira $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Jinja is $115, while the average daily cost in Essaouira is $55. 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 Jinja and Essaouira in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Jinja $45

Essaouira $26
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Jinja $90

Essaouira $52

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Essaouira

Looking for a hotel in Jinja or Essaouira? 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: Jinja Hotel Prices and Essaouira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Jinja $22

Essaouira $1.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Essaouira

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

Airport transfer from Essaouira to Marrakesh : $241
Airport transfer, Departure : Essaouira, Arrival : Agadir: $116
Essaouira Airport Private Transfer : $30
Essaouira transfer to Marrakech : $125
1-Hour Quad Bike Tour with Transfer: $36
3 Hours Quad Ride with Transfer: $81
3-Hour Quad Ride (Free Transfer): $68
3-hour Quad ride (free transfer): $71
Guided Quad Biking Adventure with Transfer: $60
Private Transfer from or to Agafay Desert: $154
Private Transfer from or to Essaouira Airport: $22
Private Transfer from or to Essaouira Airport: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Essaouira?

Prices for flights to both Essaouira and Jinja 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

Jinja $50

Essaouira $23

Typical Food Prices in Essaouira

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Essaouira:

Baklava

$1.39
Breakfast Crepes

$0.50
Fish for Lunch

$15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Essaouira

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

Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class: $39
Traditional Moroccan and Berber Cooking Classes : $52
l'Atelier - Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Essaouira: $62
Traditional Family Style Moroccan Cooking Class: $66
Essaouirra cooking class: $67
Essaouira Walking Food Tour: $70
3 hours Camel Ride in Essaouira with Dinner and Overnight in Berber Camp: $191

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Jinja $29

Essaouira $12

Tours and Activities in Jinja

Here are a few actual costs in Jinja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

1 Day Jinja And Source Of The Nile River Tour(female Guided): $295
1-DAY BEST JINJA & SOURCE OF RIVER NILE TOUR: $220
2 days Jinja adventure with white water rafting and tubing: $200
David's Shared Walking Tour in Jinja with a Local Cultural Meal: $40
EPIC UGANDA SAFARI ADVENTURE | (2 Adults-1 Child Tier) 5-Day: $3,850
HIGH-OCTANE ADVENTURES—QUADBIKE, ZIPLINE, RIVER-RAFT & MORE: $2,750
Half-Day Jinja Walking Tour: Source of Nile & Boat Ride Options: $31
Jinja 2-Day Trip with boat cruise, Zip lining, Quad Bikes: $485
Full Day Tour with source of the Nile Boat Cruise: $175
Guided Walking Tour with Optional Source of the Nile: $31
UGANDA HORSEBACK — SCENIC LANDSCAPES & ADVENTURES | 8-Days: $3,200
Uganda : 3-Day Jinja Adventure Holiday: $1,100

Tours and Activities in Essaouira

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Essaouira.

Souk Had Draa: Private Tour and Traditional Moroccan Breakfast: $21
Friend-Guide Essaouira city tour: $26
Private City Tour: $26
KiteSurfing or Surfing Experience in Essaouira: $27
Explore Essaouira's Secrets: A Guided Tour with a Local!: $30
Historical & Cultural Sightseeing Tour - half day: $35
Essaouira 2-Hour Camel Adventure Ride: $36
Quad Adventure in 1 Hour: $36
3-Hour Camel Tour: $46
Guided Dromedary Riding Tour: $50
Essaouira Tour - Half day visit to berber market : $53
Big dunes and atlantic coast tour 2 HOURS: $54

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Jinja $13

Essaouira $9.10

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jinja and Essaouira, we can see that Jinja is more expensive. And not only is Essaouira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Essaouira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Essaouira 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 Jinja would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jinja than you might in Essaouira.

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

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Essaouira?

Jinja has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Essaouira. When comparing the sizes of Jinja and Essaouira, 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 Jinja vs. Essaouira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinja or Essaouira?

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

Where Should I go: Jinja or Essaouira?

Jinja

Essaouira

Which place is cheaper, Essaouira or Jinja?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Essaouira

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Essaouira

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Essaouira?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Essaouira

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Essaouira

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Jinja

Tours and Activities in Essaouira

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Essaouira?

Related Articles for Jinja

Related Articles for Essaouira

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jinja vs. Essaouira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jinja or Essaouira?

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

Where Should I go: Jinja or Essaouira?

Jinja

Essaouira

Which place is cheaper, Essaouira or Jinja?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Jinja and Essaouira

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Essaouira

Is it cheaper to fly into Jinja or Essaouira?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Essaouira

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Essaouira

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Jinja

Tours and Activities in Essaouira

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Jinja or Essaouira?

Related Articles for Jinja

Related Articles for Essaouira

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