A Travel Price Comparison for Morocco Zagora vs. Ouarzazate for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zagora or Ouarzazate?

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

Should I visit Zagora or Ouarzazate? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Zagora or Ouarzazate?

Zagora

A small town in southern Morocco, Zagora is a popular base camp for excursions on foot, by camel, or four wheel drive vehicles into the surrounding desert. One of the most famous and historic treks is the ancient caravan route to Timbuktu, marked by a famous sign at the end of town - indicating a journey of "52 days" by camel.

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 Adventure Tours to Morocco, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, and The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Ouarzazate or Zagora?

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 Zagora is $66, while the average daily cost in Ouarzazate is $60. 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 Zagora and Ouarzazate in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zagora $40
    Ouarzazate $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zagora $80
    Ouarzazate $48
Compare Hotels in Zagora and Ouarzazate

Looking for a hotel in Zagora 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 Zagora


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: Zagora Hotel Prices and Ouarzazate Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zagora $1.58
    Ouarzazate $3.76

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ouarzazate

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ouarzazate

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ouarzazate:

  • Ouarzazate Airport Transfer: $30
  • Private Ouarzazate Airport Transfer: $30
  • "Ouarzazate to Marrakech: Your Comfortable Private Transfer": $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Zagora or Ouarzazate?

Prices for flights to both Ouarzazate and Zagora 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
    Zagora $25
    Ouarzazate $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagora

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

  • Morocco Cooking Class Tour with local market visit : $40

Typical Food Prices in Ouarzazate

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ouarzazate

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

  • Private Berber Cooking Class at Fint Oasis with Lunch: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zagora $3.16
    Ouarzazate $12

Tours and Activities in Zagora

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

  • 2 days tour from Zagora to Erg Chegaga: $150
  • Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 (All-inclusive) 2-Days: $180
  • Zagora to Erg chigaga desert tour & 4x4 and camel ride : $192
  • Private Day Camel Trekking Tour in Draa Valley from Zagora: $236

Tours and Activities in Ouarzazate

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

  • Ait-Ben-Haddou - City Tour: $24
  • 1 Hour Horse Riding Adventure in Ait Ben Haddou: $26
  • Ouzoud Waterfall Day Tour from Marrakech: $32
  • Private half-day mountain bike tour discover Palmeraie Skoura: $33
  • Royal Private Tour of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou: $42
  • Guided tour of the Palmerie de Skoura by electric mountain bike : $54
  • Private Quad Experience in the Ouarzazate Desert: $54
  • Marrakech Palm Grove 2-Hour Quad Biking Adventure.: $54
  • Marrakech Half-Day Guided City Tour : $72
  • Private One Day Tour AIT BENHADDOU and TELOUET via Ouarzazate: $119
  • 3 Days Group Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert: $119
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Ouarzazate and Oasis Fint: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zagora -
    Ouarzazate -


When comparing the travel costs between Zagora and Ouarzazate, we can see that Zagora 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 Zagora Expensive? and Is Ouarzazate Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zagora or Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Zagora. When comparing the sizes of Zagora 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.