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The 7 Best Budget Activities in Morocco

Sahara Desert
Camels in the Sahara Desert (photo: babeltravel)

It is a fact that almost everyone is interested in exploring new places, checking out various cuisines, and ticking off interesting places to visit from their bucket list.

However, not everyone is keen on spending a small fortune.

A budget trip need not stop you from exploring exotic cities, enjoying their culture, and living the life of a true traveler.

Similarly, a budget trip to Morocco does not necessarily mean skipping the important places to visit or compromising on the quality of service.

It doesn’t start and end with striking a bargain in one of the souks or refraining from enjoying the wonders of the Sahara Desert.

1. Explore the Sahara

Any worthwhile trip to Morocco should include a visit to the Sahara Desert.

Several tour companies like this head towards the desert from Marrakech, and usually, all these tour groups follow the same routes.

So sticking with these tour groups is a good idea.

If you want to stay the night in the Desert, choosing a tour group that offers accommodation in Berber tents is economical and interesting.

Spending the night at a Bedouin tent is so much cheaper than spending it in a luxury tent.

And try traveling by camel instead of a fancy vehicle. The camels are slower, but they certainly have the charm of the desert.

2. Afternoons in Djemma el Fna

Even if you were not on a budget, spending time at the Djemma el Fna is highly recommended, according to Christos from Cyplon Holidays.

This central square in the center of Marrakech transforms itself into an entertainment arena by afternoon.

Music, snake charmers, vendors, and snack stalls, everything that is uniquely Moroccan, is present here.

When traveling in the city of Morocco, try using the public transport system like the locals.

The public buses are cheaper, faster and convenient.

Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen (photo: YoTuT)

3. The Blue City of Chefchaouen

To explore the maze-like streets and understand the lifestyle of the locals, head to the Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains.

This place offers cheap and comfortable accommodation facilities; moreover, most streets and buildings are painted a brilliant blue color giving it a distinct appeal.

It will certainly save you a pretty penny compared to a long stay in Marrakech.

4. Enjoy a Hammam (Steam Bath)

When you can enjoy the same (not the same, but similar) treatment at a traditional Hammam that you get in a costly spa, which one would you choose?

A Hammam, a typically Moroccan affair, is a traditional steam bath. It is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and most importantly, it is very cheap.

5. Cheap Eats

It's possible to enjoy a typical Moroccan cuisine with nothing more than a few dollars in your pocket. You can eat in both restaurants and street-side food shops.

Harira – a cheap but tasty meal – is usually served in almost all the stores. You can also try several Berber dishes, which are tasty and cheap.

Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou (photo: ale)

6. Ait Benhaddou

Explore the wilder Moroccan town of Ait Benhaddou on a camel or a caravan. This is a must-visit place for any traveler.

It might look uncannily like a movie set, but for a good reason. Scenes from the movie Lawrence of Arabia were shot here!

You can easily get some of your best pictures here as well. You might also be welcomed into the houses of the locals.

7. Fes

A visit to Fes, a tannery destination of Morocco that has been in existence since medieval times, is both fascinating and affordable.

The best way to get into the tannery is by getting into any of the leather shops. Just carry lots of fresh mints; you’ll thank me for this tip later.

A budget trip can give you everything you have asked for and more as long as you plan your trip well in advance. 

Morocco is not the cheapest place to visit; however, it is possible to visit most of it without shelling big bucks.

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This post was brought to you by Tom at Backpackerboy.com.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Adam

Sunday 3rd of May 2015

So many great experiences for so little ... Morocco is a great travel value!

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