Which place is cheaper, Hermanus or Merzouga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Merzouga or Hermanus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merzouga or Hermanus, 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: Merzouga or Hermanus?
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.
Hermanus
Hermanus is located on the southern coast of the Western Cape region of South Africa, situated right on the Atlantic Ocean. The area is famous for being the summer home to the Southern Right Whales who migrate there from the Antarctic every September. Hermanus offers incredible natural scenery and great opportunities for adventure seekers. The best time to visit is during their winter and spring, which runs from April through October. This is the driest time of year, meaning wildlife is easier to spot and the heat is much more bearable!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco, The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa.
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Merzouga Prices
Morocco PricesHermanus Prices
South Africa Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerzouga $24Hermanus $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Merzouga is $24, while the average daily cost in Hermanus is $103. 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 Merzouga and Hermanus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerzouga $11Hermanus $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerzouga $22Hermanus $54
Compare Hotels in Merzouga and Hermanus
Looking for a hotel in Merzouga or Hermanus? 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 and Hermanus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merzouga -Hermanus $8.72
Is it cheaper to fly into Merzouga or Hermanus?
Prices for flights to both Hermanus and Merzouga 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
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Food Meals for one dayMerzouga $11Hermanus $72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merzouga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Merzouga.
- Exclusive Merzouga Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Sandsurf & Dinner: $47
- From 1 Night in the luxury camp. Camel ride and dinner: $60
- Cooking class in Merzouga Make Berber Madfouna in Sand: $60
- Merzouga Luxury AC Camp: Camel Ride, Dinner & breakfast: $66
- Sunset With Dinner And Berber Music in Merzouga Desert With 4WD : $66
- Private Trip By Jeep In Merzouga Desert, Lunch with Berber Pizza: $90
- Magical Dinner and Camel Trek with 1 Night In Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp: $105
- 2 Nights Private Camp in Merzouga with Dinner and Camel Ride: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merzouga -Hermanus -
Tours and Activities in Merzouga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Merzouga are as follows:
- Merzouga Quad and Buggy Desert Tour: $40
- ATV Quad bikes experience & sandboarding : $41
- Merzouga Jeep Tour with or without local lunch: $42
- Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion - Sahara 4WD Adventure: $45
- 4WD Desert tour Adventure Experience: $45
- Merzouga 4x4 Tour Excursion Around Erg Chebbi Dunes: $47
- Ultimate Desert Adventure – Quads, Buggies, Motorcycles & Camels!: $47
- Merzouga Explorer Tour: Desert Life, Nomads and Gnawa Music: $48
- Merzouga Desert Excursion - Sahara 4x4 Adventure: $48
- Merzouga Desert Quad bike Adventure with Sand boarding: $48
- Sahara Desert Quad & Buggy Adventure in Merzouga: $48
- Sanding Ball in Experience the sand dunes on a zorbing activity: $54
Tours and Activities in Hermanus
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hermanus are as follows:
- Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) - from JUNE 2025: $71
- Morning Fatbike Dune Tour: $74
- Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer: $82
- Sunset Fatbike Dune Experience : $83
- Boat Based Whale Watching Experience: $88
- Hermanus Food and Culture Tour: $127
- Shark Cage Diving - Adventure Meets Conservation!: $149
- Half-Day Private Tour to Cape Peninsula with Local Guide: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerzouga -Hermanus -
Sample the Local Flavors in Hermanus
Also in Hermanus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting in Hermanus with Guide : $27
- Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Tour: $130
- Private Family Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting: $161
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merzouga and Hermanus, we can see that Hermanus 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 Hermanus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hermanus 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 Merzouga Expensive? and Is Hermanus Expensive?.
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.