A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Ouarzazate for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Ouarzazate?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Ouarzazate 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: Zanzibar or Ouarzazate?

Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

Ouarzazate

Morocco can be quite an energetic country, but if you're looking for more of a quiet getaway, consider Ouarzazate. Small by Moroccan standards, this town is built up mostly around a main street – the Avenue Mohammad V. Ouarzazate. The name "Ouarzazate" comes from the Berber language meaning "without noise" or "without confusion." It was once a crossroad for a African traders traveling to northern cities in Morocco and Europe. Today, Ouarzazate is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara, and its central location serves as a good home base touring the rest of Morocco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Morocco, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Zanzibar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Ouarzazate 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 Zanzibar and Ouarzazate in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Ouarzazate $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Ouarzazate $44
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Ouarzazate

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Ouarzazate? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Ouarzazate


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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Ouarzazate Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Ouarzazate $3.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
  • Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar: $30
  • Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar (24/7): $29
  • Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
  • Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
  • Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
  • Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
  • Airport/port Transfer: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
  • Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
  • Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ouarzazate are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ouarzazate:

  • Ouarzazate Airport: Private Transfer: $46
  • Ouarzazate to Marrakech Private Transfer: $116
  • Private Ouarzazate Airport Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Marrakech to Dades Gorges: $189
  • Private Transfert Between Marrakech & Ouarzazate: $187
  • Private taxi Transfer to or from Ouarzazate Airport: $23
  • Private transfer from Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou (round Trip): $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Ouarzazate?

Prices for flights to both Ouarzazate and Zanzibar 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
    Zanzibar $28
    Ouarzazate $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

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

  • Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
  • Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
  • Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
  • Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Cooking Class Tour: $75
  • Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
  • Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
  • A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ouarzazate:


  • Dinner for Two
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

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

  • Private Moroccan Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Ouarzazate $11

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

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

  • Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
  • Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
  • Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
  • Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
  • Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
  • Stone Town tour: $18
  • Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
  • Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
  • Stone Town Tour: $20
  • City tours zanzibar: $20
  • Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $20

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

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

  • Merzouga 1 hour Quad bikes experience: $2.75
  • 14 Days Morocco tour from Casablanca, by visiting Morocco imperial cities tour: $3.44
  • 3-Day Group Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Luxury Camp: $5.73
  • Ait-Ben-Haddou - City Tour: $23
  • Half Day Private Tour in Sidiflah Gorge: $24
  • 1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou: $26
  • Private tour in the oasis of Skoura with pottery workshop: $29
  • Private tour of Skoura by electric ATV Half-day with guide: $33
  • guided tour of the Skoura palm grove by mountain bike: $34
  • Desert Adventure in Skoura: $34
  • Private Skoura Oasis Walking Tour and Homemade Meal with Locals: $35
  • Private half-day mountain bike tour discover Palmeraie Skoura: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.76
    Ouarzazate -


When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Ouarzazate, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Ouarzazate?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ouarzazate. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Ouarzazate, 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.