I remember sitting at my computer, hardly believing what I was seeing. Seven nights in Marrakech for me and my daughter for just €100 each (about £100)? Flights and accommodation included? It sounded impossible – the kind of deal that makes you think, "There must be a catch."
But I promise you, it's real. And while I did make some adjustments to our original plan (which I'll explain), this remains one of the best travel bargains I've ever found. Let me walk you through exactly how I did it, and how you can create your own affordable Moroccan adventure.
Finding Flight Deals That Make You Look Twice
The cornerstone of this incredible deal was the flights. Flying from London Gatwick to Marrakech in June, I secured round-trip tickets for two people for just €100 total (£100). Yes, you read that correctly – €50 per person for international flights!
I found this deal through Wizz Air, and I'll admit I had a slight advantage as a Wizz Air Club member, which brought the price down from about €120 (£120) to €100 (£100). But even at the non-member price, these flights were extraordinarily cheap.
Pro tip: If you're not already a Wizz Air Club member, it might be worth joining just for this trip. The membership fee is easily recouped with the savings from a single journey like this, especially if you might fly with them again within the year.
The Traditional Riad Experience – Luxury on a Budget
After securing the flights, my next step was finding accommodation that would give us an authentic Moroccan experience without breaking the bank. I discovered a beautiful riad in Marrakech that looked straight out of an interior design magazine – complete with stunning mosaic tiles, a traditional courtyard, and breakfast included.
Two nights in this riad cost just €58 (£58) total, or €29 (£29) per person. For less than the price of lunch and a drink at a London pub, we would be staying in a place with genuine Moroccan charm and character.
If I had booked the entire week in this riad, it would have cost about €200 (£200) for two people – still bringing our total to only €300 (£300) for the whole trip, or €150 (£150) each.
The Reality Check – When Budget Travel Meets Real Life
After booking the flights and getting excited about the riad, I had a moment of clarity. As someone who has traveled extensively in Morocco, I know that Marrakech can be:
- Intensely hot in summer months
- Crowded with persistent street sellers
- Overwhelming, especially in the hectic markets
- Potentially uncomfortable without reliable air conditioning
More importantly, I considered how my teenage daughter would experience it. While she would likely love the exotic atmosphere at first, I could foresee her enthusiasm waning after a few days of heat, crowds, and attention from local men (an unfortunate reality for female travelers in some areas).
This is when I decided to modify our plans – not to spend more money, but to create a more varied and enjoyable experience.
Creating the Ultimate Moroccan Adventure Package
Instead of spending all seven nights in Marrakech, I crafted an itinerary that would give us the best of multiple Moroccan experiences:
Stage 1: The Authentic Riad (2 Nights)
We would keep our two nights in the beautiful city-center riad for €29 (£29) each, giving us time to explore the medina, visit the souks, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech.
Stage 2: Sahara Desert Safari (3 Days/2 Nights)
For what I consider the ultimate upgrade to our trip, I booked a three-day, two-night Sahara desert safari for €79 (£79) each. This incredible package includes:
- Transportation to various traditional villages
- A night in a hotel (likely basic but comfortable)
- A camel ride into the Sahara Desert
- A night camping in a traditional tent under the stars
- Four meals included
- Traditional Berber entertainment
- Return transportation to Marrakech
I still can't believe the value – two nights' accommodation, transportation, activities, and four meals for less than €80 each! Plus, experiencing the Sahara Desert at sunset is something I've done before, and I can tell you it's absolutely magical.
Stage 3: Modern Comfort with a Pool (3 Nights)
After "roughing it" in the desert, I thought we deserved some comfort. For our final three nights, I booked us into the Ibis Center Gal, walking distance from the medina, for €147 (£147) total – that's just €24.50 (£24.50) per person per night.
This modern hotel features a beautiful swimming pool where we can cool off after exploring. It offers the perfect balance – close enough to visit the vibrant medina when we want but providing a peaceful retreat when we need a break from the hustle and bustle.
The Total Cost Breakdown
Let's look at what this complete 7-night adventure package costs:
- Flights from London: €100 (£100) total for two people
- Two nights in a traditional riad: €58 (£58) total
- Three-day Sahara Desert tour (including 2 nights accommodation and 4 meals): €158 (£158) total
- Three nights in a hotel with pool: €147 (£147) total
Grand total: €463 (£463) for two people, or €231.50 (£231.50) per person
For that price, we get:
- Return flights
- Seven nights of accommodation
- Four meals
- A camel ride
- Desert camping experience
- Traditional entertainment
- Transportation between destinations
- Swimming pool access
When you compare this to a week at a UK holiday park, which can easily cost the same or more but offers far less exotic experiences, the value becomes even more apparent.
Food Costs in Morocco – Another Pleasant Surprise
One aspect of Moroccan travel that continues to delight me is the affordability of the food. Based on my research, we can enjoy traditional tagines and other Moroccan specialties for about €6-10 (£6-7) per person per meal.
For instance, a traditional tagine with a couple of courses typically costs around €6-7 (£6-7) per person in a local restaurant. Even when we're not on the desert tour (where meals are included), our food costs will remain reasonable.
Timing Is Everything
I should emphasize that a key factor in securing these deals was our travel timing. We're going in June, just after my daughter finishes college for the year and before the peak summer holiday season begins.
This shoulder season offers several advantages:
- Flight prices are significantly lower
- Accommodation is more affordable and available
- The weather will be warm but not in the extreme heat of July/August
- Tourist sites will be less crowded
Beyond the Budget – The Experience That Matters
While I started planning this trip with cost-saving in mind, it evolved into something much more meaningful. This journey will give my daughter:
- Her first experience staying in a traditional Moroccan riad
- The chance to ride camels in the Sahara Desert
- An opportunity to sleep under the stars in the desert
- Exposure to traditional Berber culture and entertainment
- The adventure of sand surfing (which I've never tried myself!)
- A taste of independence after finishing her college year
This is as close as I dare take my "precious child" to a backpacking adventure, but I know she's going to love it. After all, which teenager would choose tidying their room over exploring Morocco?
How to Book Your Own Budget Moroccan Adventure
If you're inspired to create your own budget trip to Marrakech, here's my simple method:
- Start with Google Flights - Search flexible dates to find the cheapest time to fly. Set fare alerts if you're planning ahead.
- Consider Budget Airlines - Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet often have incredibly cheap fares to Morocco from various European cities.
- Look for Authentic Accommodation - Search for riads on Expedia, Booking.com, or Airbnb. The most authentic experiences are often surprisingly affordable.
- Consider a Desert Tour - Rather than staying in one place, look for multi-day tours that include accommodation. These packages often provide better value than arranging everything separately.
- Balance Authenticity with Comfort - Mix traditional experiences with modern comforts, especially if traveling with family members who might appreciate air conditioning and swimming pools after a few days in the heat.
- Travel in Shoulder Season - May, June, September, and October offer good weather without the peak prices of July and August.
What to Expect in Marrakech
For those who haven't visited Marrakech before, prepare yourself for a sensory adventure. The medina (old city) is a maze of narrow streets filled with shops selling everything from spices and leather goods to carpets and lamps.
Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, transforms throughout the day – from a relatively calm space in the morning to a bustling marketplace in the afternoon, and finally to an open-air food court with entertainers in the evening.
While it's an exciting place to explore, it can also be overwhelming. Street sellers can be persistent, and female travelers (like my daughter) often receive unwanted attention. That's why I balanced our itinerary with both immersive cultural experiences and quieter, more relaxing accommodation options.
Is This Trip Right for You?
This type of adventure isn't for everyone. If you prefer all-inclusive resorts with predictable amenities, this might push you too far out of your comfort zone. However, if you're:
- Open to new cultural experiences
- Comfortable with some unpredictability
- Willing to experience different types of accommodation
- Interested in stretching your travel budget
- Looking for authentic experiences rather than luxury
Then a DIY budget trip to Morocco might be perfect for you!
My Previous Budget Adventures
This isn't my first budget travel rodeo. Over the years, I've created affordable adventures to:
- Tokyo
- Toronto
- New York
- Athens (twice!)
- Sofia
- Paris
- Stockholm
Each trip taught me new ways to maximize experiences while minimizing costs. And the best part? I'm just an amateur at this – imagine what you could do with these techniques!
Your Turn to Share
Have you visited Morocco on a budget? Would you try a similar trip with a mix of riad, desert camping, and hotel stays? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
And if you have ideas for other budget destinations I should explore, please share them! After all, travel is better when we learn from each other's adventures.
Note: Prices mentioned in this article are based on my bookings made in May 2025 for travel in June 2025. Travel costs fluctuate, so your actual expenses may vary.