Is Morocco an Expensive Place to Visit? Photos 2023

Are you dreaming of embarking on an unforgettable adventure to Morocco but concerned about the impact it might have on your wallet? Look no further as we delve into the question: Is Morocco an expensive place to visit?

With its vibrant culture, mesmerizing landscapes and rich history, Morocco has long been a desirable destination for travelers worldwide.

However, the perceived cost of a trip can often be a determining factor when considering travel options.

In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of visiting Morocco, from accommodation to food and activities, to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s affordability and help you plan your Moroccan getaway with confidence.

Table of Contents

Is Morocco an expensive place to visit for accomodations?

hotel room

During my 16-day stay in Morocco, I stayed in various levels of accommodations, from rustic trekking lodges in the High Atlas to luxury boutique hotels in Marrakesh. If you are wondering is Morocco an expensive place to visit for accommodations, then check out the prices for your dates at each of the places I stayed:

1.) Affordable, Colorful Casablanca Hotel 

I loved the architectural details at Morocco House, where we stayed for our first two nights in Morocco. The tiled nooks and crannies and horseshoe arches of the doorways made dramatic Instagram backdrops.

The inexpensive hotel could use a refresh, some in our group of eight did not like its rustic feel. However, the history in the walls and the artwork of this affordable Casablanca hotel make this a good value for budget travelers like me.

We walked to Rick’s Cafe as alcohol was not available at this hotel, where we ate breakfast and dinner.

If you’re like me and like funky, affordable historic hotels, then this place is for you:

balcony with ruby slats under gold toned ceiling looks down at lobby in Andalusian style
Balcony at Moroccan House, Casablanca
Morocco House
04 Boulevard Mohamed Smiha
Casablanca

2.) Comfortable and Clean Meknès Hotel

The Hotel Swani is modern, comfortable and clean accommodations in Meknès, Morocco. We stayed the day after Ramadan and took part in the local fair and family activities for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Breakfast and dinner here was made of fresh, local ingredients and served by friendly staffers.

We had to go out for a drink, but as you can tell by the photo of me on the Meknes rooftop bar, it was worth the trip. I recommend Hotel Swani for your Moroccan journey, so check your dates now:

author Stacey Wittig who answers the question, is-Morocco-an-expensive-place-to-visit?, looks into camera with glass of red wine in hand and the nightlights of Meknes below
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey at Meknes, Morocco
Hotel Swani
6 rue numéro 1 Quartier Belair
Meknes

3.) Is Morocco an Expensive Place to Visit for Accommodations? Not at this Fès Boutique Hotel

In the heart of Fez, Morocco, the Fez Inn stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and enchanting charm. We stayed at this boutique inn that offers a captivating blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern comforts.

The buffet breakfast and dinner were tasty, fresh and perfect for groups. We enjoyed the full bar after dinner.

Fès Inn is on a shady boulevard near small grocery stores so we were able to stock up on bottled water before we left. The only inconvenience was their split level layout which caused confusion on the numbering of the floors and moving luggage.

Is Morocco an expensive place to visit? Not when you stay at charming inns like this one:

vaultes sky light decorated in Moroccan motifs of stained glass is in the ceiling of the Fez Inn lobby
Detail of Fez Inn lobby | Photo by Mary Schulte
Fès Inn
47 Rue Boujdour
Fès

4.) Midelt Lodge is an Oasis in the High Desert 

Hotel Taddart was one of my favorites of the places we stayed in Morocco. We were in the middle of nowhere when this lodge popped up on the horizon.

In the old days, this area was a fondouk, a stop for the camel caravans. Today it is a waypoint for Overland rallies, cross-country motorcycle racers and other adventurers.

 

Queen bed dressed in traditional Berber bedding is in cozy room with rafter ceiling, wool rugs on the floors, adobe walls in earthy tones
Traditional wool rugs and earthy designs at Hotel Taddart
Hotel Taddart
Route De Meknès, N13
Midelt

5.) Mohayut Desert Camp

The sunset camel caravan to Mohayut Desert Camp was my favorite Morocco experience. Spending the night in an authentic Berber camp deep in the desert dunes was thrilling.

As a resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, the first International Dark Skies City, I really appreciate dark skies when I travel. 

After a traditional Berber dinner, we went out of the dining tent to “jam” with the camel tenders on Moroccan musical instruments.

The next morning we got up before sunrise to ride the camels to a strategic dune to watch the sun rise over the Sahara Desert. Incredible! You can book the camel camp experience at this hotel:

(I recommend that you book a night at the hotel after your camel camp. They let us take showers in the rooms, and they we 4-star rooms!)

Inside a dark tent with peaked ceiling lit by traditional lighting-dining tables and chairs set up for dinner
Our Mohayut Desert Camp dining tent
Mohayut Desert Camp 
04 Boulevard Mohamed Smiha
Casablanca

6.) Stay in a Fortified House with Crenellated Towers 

Kasbah Tizzarouine has seen better days, but it is definitely a remote spot where you can “rock the kasbah.” A kasbah, by the way, is a fortified house with crenellated towers.

The crenellated towers in a Moroccan kasbah are captivating structures that combine both defense and architectural beauty.

These towering marvels, adorned with intricate carvings and geometric patterns, stand as proud sentinels, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Their dramatic silhouettes and imposing presence serve as a testament to Morocco’s rich history and architectural heritage, inviting you to explore and appreciate the kasbah’s mystique and grandeur.

Crenellated towers at Kasbah Tizzarouine
Kasbah Tizzarouine
9266+R5W
Boumalne Dades

7.) Club Hanane -Ouarzazate

This hotel was on our schedule, but I didn’t get any photos of it. I can’t really remember staying there. 

They get a “good” rating on Booking.com. I asked some of the folks I traveled with if they could send a picture of Club Hanane.

As many of you know, I have a brain injury, so it doesn’t surprise me that I don’t remember this hotel. I’ll let you know what I find out from my travel buddies!

[Later] Now I remember: hoteliers moved us to another hotel because a film crew and long-distance running event took up all the rooms. We did eat dinner here, however, and everyone liked the food. Check it out for yourself:

Aerial view of hotle with palm trees, 2 swimming pools and terra cotta tiled decks
We ate at Club Hanane
Club Hanane
227 Av. Erraha
Ouarzazate

8.) Hotel Racine- Marrakesh

When you ask ‘is Morocco and expensive place to visit,’ the answer could depend on what kind of accommodations to reserve in Marrakesh. 

The vibrant city has a wide range of accommodations. My first night there we were in a modest, but modern room in a well-rated, affordable hotel. 

After my first day in Marrakesh, four of our party went home, and four of us continued to the High Atlas Mountains for trekking.

When we returned from our six-day trekking adventure, we spent one last night in Marrakesh. We stayed in an upscale Riad right in the Marrakesh medina. Not many of the luxury hotels in which I’ve stayed have been nicer than Riyad El Cadi. You will read about that boutique riad in my next blog post about out hiking expedition.

In the meantime, here’s a link to Riyad El Cadi so you can check out the price.

Hotel room with Juliette balcony in a fun and safe part of Marrakesh with small couch
My room at Hotel Racine in downtown Marrakesh
Hotel Racine
Angle Rue Oum Errabia et Rue Ibn Atya
Marrakesh

So in conclusion of this section, “Is Morocco an expensive place to visit for accomodations?​” I think you can see that you don’t have to break the bank to visit Morocco.

There are clean, culture-inspired accommodations in all price ranges. My single rooms were all covered in my Active World Journeys tour. After we cover activities and food in the following sections, I’ll let you in on how much it all cost.

Is Morocco an expensive place to visit for activities?

4 happy young men dressed in colorful robes and turbans stretch hands in the air while blogger UNSTOPPABLE Stacey reaches to the sky amongst them in the Sahara Desert
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey with the camel tenders during the Sahara Desert camel caravan

When you ask me, “Is Morocco an expensive place to visit for activities?” you must remember that most of my activities were included in my Active World Journeys tour that my good friend Jack Witt organized for me. So my Moroccan activities were not expensive. 

But go ahead and read on to learn more about how you can make Morocco fit your pocketbook:

RELATED: Traveling to Morocco Tips and Advice 2023

1.) Camel Caravan Through the Sahara Desert

The camel caravan through the immense dunes of the Sahara Desert was by far, one of my most favorite activities.

I was very observant of the treatment and condition of the animals since I am concerned about ethical approaches to wildlife tourism. And although camels are domesticated, it important to know that your tourist dollars are being spent on activities that treat animals kindly.

I noted that our camels were fed rich, green hay during our overnight at the Berber Camp. Prods were not used. Instead voice commands directed the camels to sit down, stand or move slower.

The camel that carried me to the camp was well-behaved and loving to humans. That told me that he had not been abused by human beings.

I highly recommend the overnight in a Berber camp and camel caravan to and from for your Moroccan adventure. It will be worth the spurge to watch the sunset and then rise over the Sahara Desert. And then that blanket of stars during the night!

Author Unstoppable Stacey kisses her camel, a blonde white beast with warm brown eyes and long eyelashes
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey kisses her camel in the Sahara Desert

2.) Roaming the Ruins of Volubilis, a Roman City

I channeled my inner Indiana Jones as I roamed the fascinating Roman town of Volubilis. The huge archaeological site is only practically excavated but you can see a triumphal arch and many homes decorated in symbolic mosaics.

I was blown away when our guide mentioned that the arch had been rebuilt by the French after it had fallen in the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake.

That horrific earthquake affected so many of the places that I’ve visited around the Mediterranean and I have a keen interest in that natural disaster that turned the course of history for the Portuguese.

RELATED: Peruvian Harvest: Cuzco Serves up More than Machu Picchu
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey stands in front of Volubilis, a partially excavated roman city in Morocco

3.) Exploring the largest mosque outside Saudi Arabia

I truly enjoyed exploring Hassan II Mosque perched on the water’s edge in Casablanca. The largest mosque outside of Saudi Arabia has a retractable ceiling and is quite modern in many aspects.

The decor is breathtaking and listening to the Muslim guide helped me more appreciate her religion. The tour is not expensive and is worth the time for sure.

people garbed in long colorful robes and head covering stream for the humongous building with tall minaret
Worshippers head for Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca | UNSTOPPABLE Stacey photo

Is Morocco an expensive place to visit for food?

table filled with plates of colorful food including cut beets, sliced carrots, olives, rice and beans
Food in Morocco is plentiful and fresh for most people | UNSTOPPABLE Stacey photo

Morocco produces much of its own food in its abundant agricultural lands. Apples, tomatoes, potatoes, beef, wheat and barley are all grown here.

That means that the food costs are not high compared to the United States or Western Europe. You can get very fresh food at most restaurants. And the prices are affordable.

In Conclusion: Is Morocco an Expensive Place to Visit?

From accommodation to food and activities, Morocco is not an expensive place to travel with some planning and foresight.

My friend Jack Witt helped me prepare with his Active World Journeys tour, Classic Morocco: 11-Day Active Tour. The cost is $2700 per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: $550. Prices are subject to change.

Guide and transportation around Morocco are included, but airfare is not.

Find the details at Active World Journeys.

I hope I have provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the country’s affordability and helped you confidently plan your Moroccan getaway.

If you have questions, please reach out. I’ll be happy to help.

Now go to Traveling to Morocco Travel Tips for more help planning an unforgettable trip.50

two people in yellow and orange turbans sit in sand with 3 camels laying down-dunes in the background in Morocco tips
Berber people at the dunes of Sahara Desert, Merzouga, Morocco | Photo by Tatiana Zanon on Unsplash
woman stands on rooftop with Med sea in background

Hi, I’m Stacey

UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. I also occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. I hope you enjoy what I post here. Feel free to leave comments! Read more…

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Is Morocco an Expensive Place to Visit? Photos 2023

Are you dreaming of embarking on an unforgettable adventure to Morocco but concerned about the impact it might have on your wallet? Look no further as we delve into the question: Is Morocco an expensive place to visit? With its vibrant culture, mesmerizing landscapes and rich history, Morocco has long been a desirable destination for

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2 thoughts on “Is Morocco an Expensive Place to Visit? Photos 2023”

  1. I love how your articles take the reader along on the journey. I also enjoy the thoughtfulness you put into each article.

    Reply

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