8 min read

The Real Cost of a Morocco Family Tour: Let’s Talk Money (No BS)

The Real Cost of a Morocco Family Tour

Okay, let’s have a real conversation. No fancy marketing, no hiding numbers, just straight talk from someone who’s been organizing Morocco family tours for years.

You know what question I get asked the most? “How much will this ACTUALLY cost?” And I get it – you’re trying to plan a family vacation, you need to know the real numbers, not just the tour price. So let’s break it all down, yallah!

The Base Tour Price: What You’re Actually Paying For

Our 6-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech is $935 per person (originally $1,100, but we have a deal running now). So for a family of four, that’s $3,740. Sounds like bezzaf (a lot)? Let me show you what you’re getting:

Five nights in excellent riads and a luxury desert camp – if you booked these separately, you’d pay at least $100-150 per night, so that’s already $500-750 right there.
Private 4×4 or minivan with AC for 6 days – do you know how much it costs to rent a car in Morocco AND hire a driver who knows every route? Easily $800-1000.
Professional English-speaking guide/driver – not just someone who drives, but someone who explains the culture, keeps you safe, knows the best spots.
Fuel for 6 days driving across Morocco – with current prices, that’s another $200-300.
Local expert guides in Fes and Ait Benhaddou – specialized guides who live and breathe these historic sites.
Camel trek in the Sahara – because you can’t come to Morocco and not ride a camel, sahh? (right?)
Most breakfasts and 2 dinners included.

When you add it all up, you’re actually getting mzyaan (good) value. But I know you want to know about the OTHER costs, the ones that aren’t included. So let’s talk about those…

Lunches: Budget $10-20 Per Person Per Meal

We don’t include lunches because, honestly, families like flexibility. Some days you want a full traditional Moroccan meal, other days the kids just want a sandwich, you know?

Expect to spend around $10-20 per person for lunch. In smaller towns like Midelt or Boumalne Dades, it’s cheaper – maybe $8-12. In tourist spots like Chefchaouen or near Ait Benhaddou, it’s a bit more.

For a family of four over 6 days, budget around $400-500 for lunches. You can definitely do it for less if you go to local spots (which I always recommend anyway – the food is better!).

Drinks and Snacks: $5-10 Per Day

Morocco is HOT. You’ll be drinking ma (water) constantly, trust me. A bottle of water costs around 5-10 dirhams ($0.50-1). Fresh orange juice at the stands? About 10 dirhams. Moroccan mint tea at a café? 10-15 dirhams.

Budget maybe $5-10 per person per day for drinks and snacks. Kids always want ice cream when we stop ^_^ and that’s about 15-20 dirhams.

Site Entrance Fees: The Part Everyone Forgets

Here’s where people get surprised. Many historical sites charge entrance fees:

Hercules Caves in Tangier: 60 dirhams ($6)
Volubilis Roman Ruins: 70 dirhams ($7)
Bahia Palace in Marrakech (if you extend): 70 dirhams ($7)
Some kasbahs: 20-50 dirhams ($2-5)

For a family of four doing the full tour, budget around $100-150 for all entrance fees. Not huge, but you should know about it.

Tips: What’s Expected (Real Talk)

Okay, tipping in Morocco. Let me be honest with you because this confuses everyone.

Your driver/guide: This is the person spending 6 days with you, making sure everything runs smooth, teaching your kids Darija words, stopping for photo ops. Most families tip $50-100 total at the end of the tour. Some tip more if the experience was amazing (and it usually is, mashallah!).
Local guides in Fes and Ait Benhaddou: Around 50-100 dirhams ($5-10) per guide is normal.
Restaurant servers: 10-20 dirhams if service was good.
Camel handlers: 20-50 dirhams.
Hotel staff: Not required, but 20 dirhams for someone who carried your bags is nice.

Total for tips over 6 days? Budget around $150-200 for a family of four. You’re not required to tip anything, but it’s appreciated and these guys work hard.

Souvenirs: This is Where It Gets Dangerous

Listen, I’ve seen families plan to spend $100 on souvenirs and leave with $500 worth of carpets, leather bags, argan oil, spices, lanterns, and pottery. The souks are TEMPTING.

Moroccan leather bag: $30-100 depending on quality
Small carpet: $50-300
Argan oil products: $10-30
Spices: $5-20
Tagine pot: $15-40
Lanterns: $20-60

My advice? Budget $200-300 if you want some nice memories to take home, but set a limit or you’ll go crazy. The shops in Fes especially… bzzzaf bzzzaf tempting!

Optional Extras: The “Why Not?” Expenses

Hot air balloon in Marrakech (if you extend your trip): $200-300 per person – honestly? It’s AMAZING if you can afford it.
Hammam (traditional bath): $20-50 per person – great experience, very relaxing after days of traveling.
Cooking class: $40-80 per person – learn to make tagine!
Quad biking in Merzouga: $30-50 per person.

These aren’t necessary at all, but some families love adding them.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Airport transfers outside the tour: If you arrive in Morocco early or stay late, taxis from airports cost $10-30 depending on the city.
SIM card for your phone: Around 100 dirhams ($10) if you want local data. Hotels have WiFi, but it’s not always strong.
Bottled water for sensitive stomachs: Some families prefer buying large bottles. Budget an extra $20-30 for the whole trip.
Medications: Bring your own! Pharmacies exist but might not have your specific brand.

The Grand Total: What a Family of Four Actually Spends

Let’s add it all up for real, okay?

Tour price: $3,740 (for 4 people)
Lunches: $400-500
Drinks and snacks: $200-300
Entrance fees: $100-150
Tips: $150-200
Souvenirs: $200-300 (if you’re disciplined!)
Optional extras: $0-500 (depending on what you choose)

TOTAL: Around $4,800-5,700 for a family of four

So realistically, plan for about $5,000-6,000 total for an amazing 6-day Morocco experience with your family. That’s around $1,250-1,500 per person all-in.

Is It Worth It? (My Honest Opinion)

Look, I’m biased because this is my country and my job, but let me tell you what families tell me: “This was the best vacation we’ve ever had.”

Why? Because Morocco gives you EVERYTHING – history, adventure, culture, food, landscapes from mountains to desert to ancient cities. Your kids will remember riding camels at sunset for the rest of their lives. You’ll remember the silence of the Sahara under the stars.

Compare this to a week at a resort where you pay $4,000-5,000 and just sit by a pool? Mashi the same (not the same) at all.

How to Save Money (Without Ruining the Experience)

Eat where locals eat: Skip the tourist restaurants, ask your guide for recommendations. Better food, better prices.
Shop smart in souks: Always negotiate (it’s expected!), and don’t buy from the first shop you see.
Share dishes: Moroccan portions are HUGE. Order 2-3 dishes for the family to share.
Bring refillable water bottles: Many riads have filtered water. Save money and plastic!
Travel in low season: November to March (except Christmas/New Year) has better deals and fewer crowds.
Book directly: Going through multiple agents adds fees. Contact Morocco Travel Experts directly 😉

The Bottom Line

A Morocco family tour isn’t cheap, but it’s not crazy expensive either for what you get. You’re paying for private transportation, excellent accommodations, expert guides, and experiences your family will talk about forever.

Budget around $5,000-6,000 for a family of four, and you’ll have an incredible week without stress or surprises.

Want to know something funny? I’ve had families tell me they spent less on their week in Morocco than they would’ve spent on 4 days at Disney World. And their kids learned more, saw more, and experienced more than any theme park could offer.

Questions About Costs?

Seriously, if you’re wondering “but what about…” or “how much does…” just ask me. I’d rather you come to Morocco prepared and excited than worried about hidden costs.

We’re here to make this easy and transparent. No surprises, no hidden fees, just honest prices for an honest adventure.

Yallah, start planning! Your Moroccan adventure is waiting ^_^

Bslama,
Your friendly Moroccan guide who’s tired of seeing travel companies hide the real costs 😊

P.S. – The best investment you’ll make? Comfortable walking shoes. Trust me on this one. Your feet will thank you after walking through Fes medina!