As mentioned in a previous post, we're heading to Morocco in April for 9 days instead of the originally planned 7.
Here's the itinerary I've mapped out to ideally have a complete trip, but I think it might be too ambitious. What do you think?
Here's the itinerary (click)
For those who can't open the link:
Marrakech (the afternoon of our arrival + 1 day, we’ve already been there without the kids, the goal is not to stay too long) – night
Aït Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate
Skoura – night
Oasis de Fint
Dadès Gorges
Tinghir – night
Merzouga – night
Zagora – night
M’hamid – ideally a night in the desert
Agdz
Marrakech – night (itinerary via Telouet)
What do you think of this plan? Will it feel too rushed, or is it manageable?
Since we don’t know the places, it’s hard to tell if we’ll want to stop everywhere along the way or if there’s enough time to spend at each spot.
I’ve included some night-stop assumptions (1 or 2 nights).
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
We’re traveling with my wife, a 13-year-old teen, and a 10-year-old.
We’ll have our own rental car.
Hi there...
As I mentioned before, this itinerary is completely crazy given the time you have!
You clearly want to see some dunes—no problem—but maybe avoid Morocco’s Disneyland... Merzouga is a nightmare: chaotic, disorganized, and just a mess!!!!
Travel times in Morocco are totally unpredictable, so with just 9 days for a round trip, if you want to spend a night in the sand, go for Mhamid and find a local contact to organize it for you.
From Marrakech, head to Aït Ben Haddou, then spend the night in Zagora (Ouarzazate isn’t worth it). The "Fibule du Draa" is a well-known spot among 4x4 travelers—great vibe, friendly welcome, reasonable prices, and no pretentiousness...
After that, as suggested in the other post, contact the "Esprit Désert" campsite—they’ll set you up for a night in the Chegaga dunes. But if that contact doesn’t seem reliable, the "Fibule du Draa" hotel in Zagora offers the same experience, just farther away and pricier.
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
For 9 days, I’d pick either Merzouga or Mhamid, but I wouldn’t do both.
Another thing—the visit to the Finit oasis, coming from Skoura to then head to the Dadès Gorge, doesn’t make sense. Check the map.
From Tinghir, you can go see the Todra Gorge.
So, taking your comments into account, here’s what it looks like: Google Maps link
I’ve removed Merzouga, so is the itinerary more realistic now?
Marrakech (the afternoon of our arrival + 1 day—we’ve already been there without the kids, so the goal is not to stay too long) – night
Aït Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate – night (we just want to visit the film studios)
Skoura
Oasis de Fint
Gorges du Dadès
Tinghir – night
Zagora – night
M’hamid – ideally a night in the desert
Agdz
Marrakech – night (route via Telouet)
Not all nights are accounted for, so if you have any recommendations, we’re all ears!
Agdz is just mentioned to say we’ll pass through there.
My last visit was 12 years ago. It felt like an amusement park! An hour later, we were back on the road... So I can only imagine what it's like these days. But my tastes aren’t universal—lots of people seem to love it, given how crowded it is. Personally, it was the constant roar of quads and other engines that drove me nuts!
Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, etc.—it wasn’t so polluted or overrun with quads and 4x4s back then. The vibe was much more peaceful, but that might have changed.
We’d need some recent feedback from people who’ve been there lately...
Personally, my favorite (if I can call it that, since compared to the Algerian desert, the Moroccan one feels pretty "degraded" and like a "sandbox") was Figuig. I’m sure most people wouldn’t agree, since I didn’t see a single tourist there.
In Figuig, no dunes, but a beautiful, calm oasis—just as peaceful as Mhamid was 50 years ago.
I think Djalma was referring to the great ergs of Mauritania or Algeria—compared to those, Erg Chegaga really does look like a sandbox.
However, it covers a much larger area than the one in Merzouga and is significantly less polluted by motorized or camelback attractions.
There are, like at Erg Chebbi, a few "camps" run by hotels in Mhamid or Zagora, but it’s nothing like the same scale.
That said, I really recommend getting in touch with the owner of the campsite I mentioned earlier—it’s nothing like the other places in the area. It’s authentic, and he’ll organize a top-notch circuit and evening based on your preferences.
It doesn’t cost much to contact him and see what he offers. You can mention you’re coming on the recommendation of members from this forum or forum4x4 (a site he’s active on).
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Hi there! Having been there, don’t hesitate to go to M’Hamid. We went by camelback and camped—we were all alone, which was a shame, but what bliss! We did it through the Hôtel Sirroco in Zagora. Really lovely hotel and a great desert escape. The camel ride was a bit tough... not used to it... and it’s true that for the same price, we got a "mild" sandstorm instead.
Happy travels!
Okay, I get it... But we’re planning to go to Morocco this time, not anywhere else.
And if we like this introduction, we’ll go somewhere else next time.
Algeria doesn’t offer the same peace of mind for a tourist
OK, I get it... But we’re planning to go to Morocco this time, not anywhere else.
And if we like this introduction, we’ll go somewhere else next time.
Algeria doesn’t offer the same peace of mind for a tourist.
Of course, but I wasn’t recommending that destination—I was just explaining Djalma’s comment about the "sandbox" feeling.
The Erg Chegaga is already a good introduction to the dune massifs.
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
From Ouarzazate, as already mentioned by a previous member, going to Skoura and then back to the Flint oasis by retracing your steps through Ouarzazate—"round trip"—just to pass through Skoura again and head toward the Draa or Todra, etc. ... so many kilometers and hours on the road wasted.
Ouarzazate, then Flint, and then Skoura, etc. ... with overnight stays adjusted would make much more sense!!!
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
I spent a month in Algeria, straddling November and December in 2013, with my trusty VW (Almería-Telhouet ferry).
What struck me the most, aside from the landscapes, was the extreme kindness and willingness of Algerians to help (just like in Morocco), but the absolute best part? The scams and constant (commercial) harassment that are so common in Morocco were practically nonexistent.
Only once during my entire stay.
If you're with Algerians you've just met, at a café, restaurant, or barber, it’s very common that when you leave, you’ll realize they’ve already "super discreetly" paid the bill!!!!!!
One example among many: In Tipaza, I met an Algerian who took the same ferry as me.
He waved at me, and we chatted for a bit. Then he left.
When I finished at the barber and tried to pay for my haircut, I found out he’d already taken care of it.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
If you're with Algerians you've just met, whether at a café, restaurant, or barber shop, it's very common that when you leave, you'll realize they've already "super discreetly" paid the bill!!!!!!
One example among many: In Tipaza, I met an Algerian who took the same ferry as me.
He obviously waved at me, and we chatted for a bit. Then he left.
When I finished at the barber and tried to pay for my haircut, he had already taken care of it.
This is true for Algeria but also for many countries where tourism hasn't been well developed. In the Middle East, Syria used to be like that, for example.
These days, it might not be a country to recommend :/
Question
After the night in Skoura, do you go back down to Fint and then back up toward the Dades Gorges?
That doesn’t make much sense. The Fint Oasis is really close to Ouarzazate.
I’ve experienced this several times in Benin. It’s really nice. Once, it was breakfast at the Dantokpa market, another time a full meal at a beachside thatch-roof restaurant in Cotonou. It belonged to Romuald Hazoumé, whom I didn’t know but had chatted with at an accommodation a few days earlier. Recognizing me, he offered me and my daughter a free meal. And once, it was breakfast at a maquis along the Ouémé River.
🙂
Hi there,
Same remarks... This is a "throw a stone and see where it lands" kind of plan... ... Skip Skoura and Fint to return to Dadès—it’s not great either...
Since you clearly don’t want to settle down and want to see as much as possible (which is your choice, after all)... I need a month, even rushing, to do your loop—and that’s only if I don’t run into too many friends along the way... 😛
I’ll just suggest an alternative that’s as crazy as yours but much prettier and way less "cutesy" than some of the horrors out there, like visiting the Zazate studios—a total scam for tourists... If you *really* want to see something film-related, check out the cinema museum in the center, across from the Taourirt kasbah... The guy who created it doesn’t manage it anymore and couldn’t care less (though he did study at Sciences Po, and I love the guy ^^). The idea is more "cultural" than the nonsense you’re about to put your kids through... Ouarzazate is my turf—I’ve been hanging out there for over 20 years, for work, but Perju’s right: move along, there’s nothing to see...
Fint, the oasis hyped up by all the YouTubers, Facebookers, and—worse—TikTokers who spend 5 days in Morocco and then write million-page guides telling you everything you *need* to know about the country... Really not a priority for an ultra-short road trip...
So, if I understood correctly, you’ve got 9 days, meaning 8 nights on the ground...
Night 1: MRK...
Night 2: AGOUTI OR TABANT (I figured it’s not great to tackle the Tichka twice), so I’d head to Ait Bouli, then the Ait Bougemez Valley... Anne, a Swiss woman, runs a really nice hostel, *Auberge Flilou* ("poppies" in English), on Google Maps—check it out near Agouti... There are others in Tabant for all budgets... Expect about 6 hours of driving from MRK via Demnate. After Demnate, you’ll get some stunning scenery (a few *Jurassic Park*-style spots and a cute little village with an old granary on your left near Ighir n’Tissen, and a bit later, a small village on a ridge to your right: Iguelouan, pretty spectacular from the road...
Night 3: Bou Tharar... A bit of high-altitude driving to prove those *Guide du Routard* clowns wrong about Morocco’s highest paved passes—there are two here that put the Tichka to shame... After Tabant, a nice climb up the *Tizi Ait Imi* (the "mouth pass") to descend into the M’Goun Valley and then back up the *Tizi Ait Hamed* at 3,050 m... Gorgeous *and* paved... (Hurry up and visit the area before influencers claim they discovered America.) On the way down, some beautiful hairpin turns, then head to Bou Tharar. There are several nice spots if you insist, but don’t always follow the pavement... If you’re not afraid of dirt roads, a small, easy detour will take you through the Amejgag Gorges (you won’t be bothered by tourists there). I can give you the GPS points if you want... There are also some great, remote spots before Bou Tharar—authentic, local, and cheap. FYI, Bou Tharar is kind of the end of the Valley of Roses...
Night 4: Tinghir... From Bou Tharar, there’s an 8 km dirt road (not difficult) that cuts through the massif and connects to the Dadès Valley (near Ait Youl) and its stunning succession of new hostels that have pretty much ruined the valley (though it calms down near Tilmi... for now). From there, you’ll climb the *Tizi Ouanno* pass (everything’s paved or easy on dirt roads—yeah, those days of roughing it on this pass are long gone ^^). On the other side, you’ll pass through Agoudal and descend to Tinghir via the Todgha Gorges... (A few nice spots near Agoudal, but no time.)
Night 5: Zagora... From Tinghir, head back toward Boulmane (sorry about Skoura, but you should’ve come 10–15 years ago—or longer. Now it’s a sick, overhyped palm grove, just like Fint, sold by hordes of *toubabs* who’ve invested in fancy hostels. Of course, the YouTubers and TikTokers who "discovered" Morocco three years ago know how to sell it in their blogs...). From Boulmane, head toward Inkioun and cross the Saghro via easy pavement on the *Tizi Tazazert*—last I heard, it’s been suffering from severe depression since little Logans started crossing it innocently... On the descent (oops, quick stop for orange juice or tea at *Auberge Tirza* and a viewpoint over the Azzefar Canyon), you’ll hit Bab n’Ali... How to put this... Well, it’s a tough climb, but the area’s worth it for some great hikes... Then continue to N’Kob... Still paved... Then turn right toward Zagora via Tanskhite. My heart aches not being able to tell you about the insane dirt roads in the Saghro or the few amazing little surprises on the way to Zagora, but I hope the scenery will blow your mind enough to make you want to come back for another trip—with at least five times more time... or five trips... Zagora: I approve of the hostel Perju recommended. The name’s terrible, but otherwise, I like *Auberge Soleil du Monde*—great with kids and far from the city... Take a relaxed evening or morning walk in the old town of Amzrou; the owner’s really nice...
Night 6: Chegaga. You’ll have time to go to M’Hamid, but stop just before at Bounou, at *Camping Esprit Désert* (also recommended by Perju, and I agree). Run by Phil, who knows his stuff and can organize an amazing night in the desert at Chegaga. Otherwise, try M’Hamid—though *Au Petit Prince* is full of charming scammers who’ll offer you some real duds (if you haven’t been hassled already—these smooth talkers are on top of their game here).
Night 7: Well, do as you like, but enjoy the desert with your kids without rushing—especially since you won’t have your rental car unless it’s a 4x4... Head back at a relaxed pace, and why not sleep at the *Ksabah de Timidarte*? Or even head to Ait Ben Haddou if time’s tight...
Night 8: MRK. On the way back, you’ll have time to stop at Ait Ben Haddou—even though the place has been ruined lately, it’s still fun for the kids, especially since Kurt Russell peed against the palm tree that... (nope, I’m keeping that secret to myself). Obviously, head back via the Ounila Valley, Telouet, and the Tichka...
It’s doable, but it’s a race... Unless your car breaks down, it’s less packed than your first plan...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
If I have time—it’s been tough for me lately—but I can also post a bunch of Google Maps links for places you shouldn’t miss for the views, etc., if I remember how to do it...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hope there's more tarmac than when I passed through some sections of this route—otherwise, they’ll wreck their Logan!
Isn’t it a bit too many kilometers? 😉
Otherwise, this seems way more interesting than what was initially planned...
I don’t think you can delete the message.
But you can edit it. You could replace your original text with something like 'message deleted by its author'.
When you send a message, you can edit it only for a certain amount of time—after that, it stays in its original form.
By clicking on "options," you’ll see the choices available to you... but as mentioned, this is only possible for a limited time (I don’t remember exactly how long). If "options" is no longer available, it means the time has run out.
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Hi, you can delete it.
I’ve already had posts I made removed through this site. They were really cool about it and deleted them.
Write to them and explain.
It only took a few days.
Cheers.
That would be great, but only "report or reply", no "option". I’ve always been terrible with the internet.
Thanks to you both
The "report" feature is active with no time limit. Use it (click the link) to report your own post and explain the reason. Moderation is usually pretty quick to respond...
It’s faster than sending an email.
Yep, almost the entire route I suggested is paved... And the rest can be done easily in a rental sedan. As for kilometers, I won’t argue with you—slower travel suits me just fine. It’s just a suggestion... If you’re gonna eat up asphalt, might as well see beautiful things. Doing tons of kilometers just to cover half the route twice doesn’t seem great to me...
Otherwise, since COVID, they’ve built quite a few new tracks. Not enough to feel the thrill of vast, solitary spaces, but honestly, it’s better than nothing, and you can really explore areas that were inaccessible before. There’s definitely a way to still enjoy yourself without running into the crowds you find in Marrakech or Agadir... Who knows how long it’ll last. Not sure the folks who explored the country in the 1930s would’ve liked seeing solo adventurers in 4x4s in the Atlas... We live in our time because we don’t have a choice...🙂
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
My memories are a bit fuzzy... I remember (1975! The year of the Green March) some pretty rough tracks for my R4TL when leaving the Todra Gorge. Around Tamtatoucht? Agoudal? On the way to Imilchil during the moussem. And also in the Ait Bouguemez Valley, etc.
All this tarmac makes me want to go back for a more relaxed road trip...
You’ve also got some amazing hikes in the area. If the season’s right and the river level is low, you can start from this valley—still in its natural state—along the M'Goun river and follow it all the way to Bou Tharar, passing through the stunning and dramatic Achabou gorge. (You’ll have water up to your feet, maybe even your knees; it’s narrow, so it’s best not to set off just anytime.)
At the bottom of Tizi Ait Imi, there’s a pretty basic gîte-camping spot that does the job—Gîte Vallée M'Goun, 3 km before the village of Ouzirimt. You leave your car there and follow the river through all the little villages until Bou Tharar...
A super nice hike that can be done in 3 or 4 days. The gîte is functional, but it’s not the Mamounia. Once in Bou Tharar, you can catch a 308 or 208 (shared taxi) heading to Tabant and get dropped off at the gîte. In Bou Tharar, at Auberge Tamalout (eating there is better because the owner’s getting a bit stingy in his old age ^^), he’ll call to book the number of seats from Kelaa M'gouna where they leave...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
I’ll just suggest an alternative that’s as wild as yours but way prettier and far less touristy than some of the tacky stuff—like visiting the Zazate studios, which is a total scam for suckers... If you *really* want to see something film-related, check out the cinema museum downtown, right across from the Taourirt Kasbah. The guy who started it doesn’t manage it anymore and couldn’t care less (though he did go to Sciences Po, so he’s cool in my book ^^). It’s at least a bit more "cultural" than the nonsense you’re about to put your kids through... Ouarzazate is my turf—I’ve been hanging around there for over 20 years, mostly for work, but Perju’s right: move along, there’s nothing to see...
Hi,
Same remarks... This is a "throw a stone and see what happens" kind of program... 😇... Go to Skoura and Fint to head back to Dadès, not great either...
Since you clearly don’t want to stop and want to see as much as possible—which is your choice after all—I’d need a month, even rushing, to do your loop... and that’s if I don’t run into too many friends along the way...😛
I’d just suggest a variant that’s as crazy as yours but much prettier and way less "cutesy" than some of the tourist traps, like visiting the Zazate studios, which is a total scam for gullible tourists... If you *really* want to see something film-related, check out the cinema museum in the center, across from the Taourirt kasbah... The guy who created it doesn’t manage it anymore and couldn’t care less (he went to Sciences Po, though, and I love the guy ^^). The idea is more "cultural" than the nonsense you’re about to put your kids through... Ouarzazate is my turf—I’ve been hanging out there for over 20 years, for work, but Perju’s right: move along, there’s nothing to see...
Fint, the oasis hyped up by all the YouTubers, Facebookers, and—worse—TikTokers who spend 5 days in Morocco and then write million-page guides about everything you *need* to know about the country... Really not a priority for an ultra-short road trip...
So if I understood correctly, you’ve got 9 days, meaning 8 nights there...
Night 1: MRK...
Night 2: AGOUTI OR TABANT (I figured it’s not great to do the Tichka twice), so I’d head to Ait Bouli, then the Ait Bougemez valley... Anne, a Swiss woman, runs a really nice hostel, Auberge Flilou ("poppies" in English), on Google Maps—check it out near Agouti... There are others in Tabant for all budgets... Count about 6 hours of driving from MRK via Demnate. After Demnate, you’ll get some stunning scenery (a few spots with *Jurassic Park* vibes and a cute little village with an old granary on your left near Ighir n’Tissent, and a bit later, a small village on a ridge to your right: Iguelouan, pretty spectacular from the road...
Night 3: Bou Tharar... A bit of very high mountain action to prove those *Guide du Routard* clowns wrong about the highest paved passes in Morocco—there are two around here that put the Tichka to shame... After Tabant, a nice climb up the Tizi Ait Imi (the "mouth pass") to descend into the M’Goun valley and then back up the Tizi Ait Hamed at 3,050 m... Gorgeous AND paved... (Hurry up and visit the area before influencers claim they discovered America.) On the way down, some beautiful hairpin turns, then head to Bou Tharar. There are several nice places if you insist, but don’t always follow the pavement... If you’re not afraid of dirt roads, a small, easy detour will take you through the Amejgag gorges (you won’t be bothered by tourists there). I can give you the GPS tracks and points... There are also a few really nice, remote spots before Bou Tharar that are cheap and authentic—real local vibes. FYI, Bou Tharar is kind of the end of the Valley of the Roses...
Night 4: Tinghir... From Bou Tharar, there’s an easy 8 km dirt road that cuts through the massif and connects to the Dadès valley (near Ait Youl) and its beautiful—but sadly overdeveloped—succession of new hostels (though it calms down near Tilmi... for now). From there, you’ll climb the Tizi Ouanno pass (everything’s paved or easy on dirt roads—yeah, those days of roughing it are long gone ^^). On the other side, you’ll pass through Agoudal and descend to Tinghir via the Todgha gorges... (A few nice spots near Agoudal, but no time.)
Night 5: Zagora... From Tinghir, head back toward Boulmane (sorry about Skoura, but you should’ve come 10–15 years ago or more—now it’s a sick, overhyped palm grove, just like Fint, sold by hordes of tourists who’ve invested in fancy hostels. Of course, the YouTubers and TikTokers who "discovered" Morocco three years ago know how to sell it in their blogs...). From Boulmane, head toward Inkioun and cross the Saghro via easy paved roads through the Tizi Tazazert, which, last I heard, has been suffering from severe depression ever since little Logans started crossing it innocently... On the way down (oops, quick stop for orange juice or tea at Auberge Tirza and a viewpoint over the Azzefar canyon), you’ll hit Bab n’Ali... How to put it... Well, it’s basically a big, hard zigzag, but the area’s worth remembering for some great hikes... Then continue to N’Kob... Still paved... After that, turn right toward Zagora via Tanskhite. My heart aches that I can’t tell you about the insane dirt roads in the Saghro or the few beautiful little surprises on the way to Zagora, but I hope the landscape will blow your mind enough to make you want to come back for another trip with *at least* five times more time... or five trips... Zagora: I approve of the hostel Perju recommended. The name’s terrible, but otherwise, I like going to Auberge Soleil du Monde—it’s nice with kids and far from the city... Take a relaxed walk in the evening or morning through the old town of Amzrou; the owner’s really friendly...
Night 6: Chegaga. You’ll have time to go to M’Hamid, but stop just before at Bounou at Camping Esprit Désert (also recommended by Perju, which I approve of), run by Phil, who knows his stuff and can organize a great night in the desert at Chegaga. Otherwise, try M’Hamid—though at Petit Prince, you’ll mostly find charming scammers offering you overpriced junk (if you haven’t been hassled already, because the smooth talkers here are on top form).
Night 7: Do what you want, but enjoy the desert with your kids without rushing, especially since you won’t have your rental car (unless it’s a 4x4)... Head back slowly and why not sleep at the Ksar of Timidarte... Or even head to Ait Ben Haddou if you’re short on time...
Night 8: MRK. On the way back, you’ll have time to stop at Ait Ben Haddou, but even though the place has been ruined lately, it’s still fun for the kids—especially since Kurt Russell peed against the palm tree there (no, I’m keeping that secret to myself)... Obviously, head back via the Ounila, Telouet, and the Tichka...
It’s doable, but it’s a race... Unless your car breaks down, it’s less packed than your first proposal...
Sorry we didn’t see this message—it got buried under the replies about forum features, etc. Sorry because you took the time, so thank you at the same time!
You know now that no, we weren’t just doing our own thing—we simply didn’t see the message. I got an alert about a reply and saw discussions about deleting posts, etc. (see the thread)
Ma femme est moi partons au Maroc 12 jours, en comptant l'aller et le retour en avion. Nous souhaiterions arriver à Marrakech, rester 2 jours sur place puis…
Dans 10 jours, mon conjoint et moi partons pour un road trip de 2 semaines depuis Marrakech. On est plutôt baroudeurs et on aime surtout les beaux paysages,…
Nous partons avec mon ami au maroc du 24 juillet au 1 aout et dur dur de faire un itinéraire... Nous avons déjà nos billets d'avion, nous arrivons à Marrakesch…
Nous sommes 4 et nous partons à la découverte du Maroc la deuxième moitié de septembre pendant 11/12 jours. Nous aurons une voiture de location. J'aimerai…
Je voudrais vos avis sur cet itinéraire. Hôtels, resto sympa à conseiller Nous sommes 2 couples avec 2 enfants (5 ans et 2 ans et demi) Nous avons un VL J…
This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada
Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 6: Luxor
Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada
Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van.
Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Hello,
We’d like to hire a French-speaking guide (agency, professional, or volunteer) to show us around Cairo over three days.
Trip planned for November 22, 23, and 24, 2026—four veteran French travelers.
We’re open to any leads, contact info, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Jacques
Hi there,
I have a layover in Algeria.
I won’t be leaving the airport.
The two tickets aren’t with the same airline.
Do I need a transit visa?
Thanks for any details and your help!
Hi there,
I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days.
We’ll be renting a car to get around.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy?
My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal!
Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!
Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!
Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair
- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.
- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).
- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges.
Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!
Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.
Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).
Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!
Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!
Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.
Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).
A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime.
If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving...
Happy to answer any questions!
Hi there,
I’m traveling solo to Egypt. Could you give me a rough idea of the budget for:
meals
hotels
taxis including tips
visits...
Just an estimate, of course.
For 15 days, what would the price range be, considering there’s an overnight train and a Nile cruise?
I’d like to compare with a travel agency. Is it more worthwhile to go through an agency despite the downsides of group travel?
Otherwise, if a travel buddy is interested in this country, why not?
Thanks a lot!
When you send a message, you can edit it only for a certain amount of time—after that, it stays in its original form.
By clicking on "options," you’ll see the choices available to you... but as mentioned, this is only possible for a limited time (I don’t remember exactly how long). If "options" is no longer available, it means the time has run out.
