Should I Visit Lake Nakuru or Merzouga for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lake Nakuru and Merzouga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's 23 National Parks, also qualifying as one of the two Premium Parks in the country. Located in central Kenya, about 90 miles west of Nairobi, the area encompasses a large lake as well as the surrounding wooded grasslands. A naturalist's paradise, Lake Nakuru is home to wildlife like flamingos, other water birds, and the black and white rhinoceros.

Merzouga

Let's say you want to truly get away. I don't mean putting your ear buds in on some beach with a stronger on the next chair over. I mean really get away, and find yourself deserted. Merzouga, Morocco lets you do just that. This land of sand dune after sand dune is ideal for anyone yearning to ride a camel to the ends of civilization. And you'll find plenty of options to get here with a tour, or even on your own.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Kenya, The Best Camping Tours in Kenya, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco.

Which place is cheaper, Merzouga or Lake Nakuru?

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

Lake Nakuru Prices
Kenya Prices

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

Lake Nakuru $145

Merzouga $21

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Nakuru is $145, while the average daily cost in Merzouga is $21. 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 Lake Nakuru and Merzouga in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Lake Nakuru $45

Merzouga $10
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Lake Nakuru $90

Merzouga $20

Compare Hotels in Lake Nakuru and Merzouga

Looking for a hotel in Lake Nakuru or Merzouga? 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: Merzouga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Lake Nakuru $41

Merzouga -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merzouga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Merzouga:

1 way Errachidia airport transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Prices for flights to both Merzouga and Lake Nakuru 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

Lake Nakuru $70

Merzouga $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merzouga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Merzouga.

1-Night in Desert Camp With Dinner & camel ride: $44
Moroccan Berber Pizza Cooking Class in Khamelia: $67
1-Night in the luxury camp. camel ride & Dinner: $69
Overnight in Luxury camp with camels dinner: $71
Merzouga Orange Dunes ATV Sandsurf Camels with 5 Stars Dinner: $73
One Night in Private Camp in the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with Dinner: $84
Merzouga Desert Tour, Quad Sandboarding Camel Ride & Dinner: $130
Quad Biking, Sandboarding, Camel & Sunset Dinner: $145

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Lake Nakuru $36

Merzouga -

Tours and Activities in Merzouga

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

Overnight in Desert Camp Berber Experience in Merzouga Desert & Camel Ride: $50
Private Desert Tour and Visit to Nomadic Families: $94
1 Hour Merzouga Desert Buggy Experience: $135
1 Hour Merzouga Desert Quad Biking Tour & Sandboarding: $64
1 Night Camel Trekking Tour in Merzouga Desert Camp : $58
2 Hours Merzouga Desert Quad Bike Adventure: $129
2 hours Merzouga Dunes ATV Rental - Desert Quad Biking Tour: $108
2-Day Desert Tour with Return to Marrakech: $174
2-Days Merzouga tour from Errachidia: $200
3 Days Private Desert Tour in Merzouga with ATV and Sandboarding : $252
3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Sahara Desert Of Merzouga: $104
3-Day Best Desert Tour from Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga: $262

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Lake Nakuru $7.61

Merzouga -

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Nakuru vs. Merzouga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

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

Where Should I go: Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Lake Nakuru

Merzouga

Which place is cheaper, Merzouga or Lake Nakuru?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Lake Nakuru and Merzouga

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merzouga

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merzouga

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Merzouga

Alcohol

Related Articles for Lake Nakuru

Related Articles for Merzouga

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake Nakuru vs. Merzouga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

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

Where Should I go: Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Lake Nakuru

Merzouga

Which place is cheaper, Merzouga or Lake Nakuru?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Lake Nakuru and Merzouga

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merzouga

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Nakuru or Merzouga?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merzouga

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Merzouga

Alcohol

Related Articles for Lake Nakuru

Related Articles for Merzouga

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