Morocco on a Budget: A Backpacking Guide

Morocco is genuinely one of the better-value countries for independent travel — trains and shared taxis connect the main cities cheaply, and hostels and street food keep daily spending low. Here's roughly what to expect.

Daily budget

A realistic budget backpacking day runs about $30–$60: $10–$25 for a hostel bed or a shared room in a budget riad, $5–$15 on food from street stalls and local cafés, and $5–$20 on transport, depending on how far you're moving that day. Desert camping, including dinner and an evening of music, typically adds $15–$40.

Getting around

The ONCF train network links Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier comfortably and affordably. For shorter or less-connected routes, shared "grand taxis" cost a few dollars a seat. Renting a car gives more freedom for around $20–$35 a day; bike rental in a single city is cheaper still.

Food

Street food — a bowl of harira, a msemen flatbread, a plate of grilled skewers — rarely costs more than a few dollars, and self-catering or eating where locals eat keeps a day's food budget under $10.

Visas

Most travellers from Europe, North America and a number of Asian countries don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip — but always check current requirements for your own nationality before you book.

Where budget travel meets a guide

Backpacking suits the cities and the coast well. The one place we'd suggest budgeting for a guide rather than doing it entirely alone is the Sahara: getting to Merzouga independently is possible, but a local driver-guide knows the camps worth staying at, handles the logistics of the camel trek, and means the trip runs on your schedule rather than a shared minibus's. Our shortest desert tours start at three days and can slot into a longer backpacking route — get in touch if you'd like to add one to your plans.