A vibration wave motor includes a vibrator including a piezoelectric element and a vibratory plate, a friction member configured to make a frictional contact with the vibrator, a pressurizer configured to press the vibrator and the friction member against each other, and a guide unit configured to guide a relative movement between the vibrator and the friction member. The guide unit includes a plurality of rollers configured to move relative to the pressurizer, and a guide member that includes a guide portion, the guide portion being configured to extend along a relative movement direction between the vibrator and the friction member and to guide the plurality of rollers. The guide member includes a reinforcer configured to extend along the relative movement direction near a roller closest to a center position of a pressing force by the pressurizer.