Is Ouarzazate expensive to visit?
Ouarzazate is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Ouarzazate can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $24 (MAD240) per day, mid-range travelers spend $54 (MAD542) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $104 (MAD1,041) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ouarzazate.
Within Africa, Ouarzazate is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Africa for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Dahab, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Dar es Salaam.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ouarzazate Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ouarzazate?
The average Ouarzazate trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ouarzazate travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ouarzazate cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Ouarzazate without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $24 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Ouarzazate features plenty of hostels, including Cinema Riad, Dar Widad, and Afgo Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Ouarzazate, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $54 per person, per day.
Ouarzazate offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Rose Noire is an excellent choice, while Sultana Royal Golf is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Ouarzazate.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $104 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private half-day mountain biking excursion to discover the palm grove of Skoura - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ouarzazate
The cost of hotels in Ouarzazate can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $55, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $103. Budget hotels range from $35 to $200, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ouarzazate for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $43 (MAD427). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $21 (MAD214) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ouarzazate? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ouarzazate include:
- Sultana Royal Golf starting at $109
- Hotel Azoul starting at $30
- Rose Noire starting at $54
- Dar Chamaa starting at $76
- Les Tourmalines starting at $90
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $3.40 (MAD34) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ouarzazate. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ouarzazate is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.40
MAD34
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- "Ouarzazate to Marrakech: Your Comfortable Private Transfer" for $115 details
- Ouarzazate Airport Transfer for $23 details
- Private Ouarzazate Airport Transfer for $30 details
How much does it cost to go to Ouarzazate? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ouarzazate will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Ouarzazate are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Ouarzazate. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Ouarzazate
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ouarzazate can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ouarzazate is $28 (MAD278) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$28
MAD278
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ouarzazate is around $28 (MAD278) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $52. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ouarzazate are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $20
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
There are plenty of restaurants along the Mohammad V street and in the central square markets. There are plenty of options depending on what you want. After several weeks of desert food, you may want to taste something a little different. The French Bistro, Accord Majeur, across from Berbere Palace offers comfy corners dimly lit from brass wall lamps. Take samples from the menu of foie gras, smoked salmon, beef carpaccio, duck confit and homemade ice creams.
And while you're in the mood for French, visit Brigitta Babolat's Moorish fantasy palace, La Kasbah des Sables. This collection of lounges and cozy corners surrounds a centerpiece of a shallow pool lit up by jewel-colored lights. Once you've dined on barbot and saffron, you can enjoy the cushion-lined cubbyholes decorated with locally made objets d'art.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Ouarzazate, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Berber Cooking Class at Fint Oasis with Lunch for $43 details
- Oases Fint Tour With Dinner for $64 details
- Marrakech: Agafay Desert Quad & Camel Rides and Dinner Show for $41 details
Typical prices for food in Ouarzazate are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Ouarzazate. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ouarzazate
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ouarzazate typically cost an average of $11 (MAD106) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$11
MAD106
Unlike many other Kasbahs, the Taourirt Kasbah was saved by Hollywood to be used as the set on many movies. With the help of Hollywood and UNESCO, small sections of the inner sanctum have been restored.
For a relaxing evening stroll, walk along the central square behind the Muhammad V street. Children play football on the square, and people socialize. Walk around and immerse yourself in the Ouarzazate culture.
For a closer peek into the history of Hollywood in this area, take a tour of the Atlas Film Corporation Studios. Established by Mohammed Belghimi in 1983, this is known as the first "Ouallywood" studio. This is where display sets and props from movies like Jewel of the Nile and The Mummy Returns. Guided tours of the studio run every 20 to 40 minutes and take you through the stages, sets and workshops.
Another movie tour option is CLA Studios. Also known as the Dino de Laurentis Cinecitta Studios, this studio is along the same road as the Atlas Film Corporation. This is where you'll see the Jerusalem set from Kingdom of Heaven and a collection of other props.
If you can't get to the larger studios outside of Ouarzazate, there's always the Musee de Cinema. Located across from the Taourirt Kasbah, the Musee de Cinema is a small, old museum in a former studio. The exhibits include a collection of old sets, props and cinematic equipment.
If you do have the time to get a bit out of town, make a half-day trip to the Oasis de Fint. This small, lush region is in the midst of the dry hills that surround the city. Just past the river into Tabount is a paradise waiting to be explored.
Taking the trek into the Sahara is a unique, and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Try walking, driving an ATV, riding a horse, or even a camel to this beautiful landscape. Ask your hotel for tours you can arrange. There are walking tours, camel treks, sand boarding, hiking and even camping excursions available – long and short in duration.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Ouarzazate. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private One Day Tour AIT BENHADDOU and TELOUET via Ouarzazate for $107 details
- Private Quad Experience in the Ouarzazate Desert for $59 details
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou for $26 details
Ourzazate, Morocco
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.