Voila je vais partir en algérie dans un mois en voiture é je vais prendre le bateau à Marseille. Et plusieurs questions et de doutes me hantent car c'est moi le conducteur et j'ai le permis depuis pas longtemps. Je sais que là bas c'est "la priorité à celui qui veut" et donc j'ai assez peur de faire un accident car il y aura ma famille avec moi. Et pour le bateau je ne sais vraiment pas comment ca se passe et ce qui m'inquiète aussi c'est de savoir s'il est facile de se garer dans le ferrie.
Est-ce que l'un d'entre vous est déja aller en algérie en voiture alors qu'il était jeune conducteur et revenu saint et sauf?
J'ai vraiment besoin que l'on m'éclaire parce que si je traîne ces inquiétudes avec moi en vacances je risque de ne pas faire long feu.
😎 Salut !! jeune conducteur !!
Pas de panique !! (j'ai 60 ans) mon 1er départ sur les routes à été aussi une angoisse, il y a bien longtemps !! et de franchir des frontieres aussi !!
Pour la conduite automobile !! une seule régle de conduite est a t'encrer dans ta tête " toutes les autos qui arrivent en façe de toi, vont chercher a te rentrer dedant !! A TOI DE LES EVITER ", c 'est comme dans un jeux vidéo !! ET CA MARCHE TRES BIEN
Pour le Ferry c'est encore plus simple !! tu n'as qu'a suivre les fléches sur le port et la fille de voitures qui monte a bord du Ferry, et sur le Ferry il y a un type qui te fait garrer ton auto comme il faut et sans manoeuvre !! certain Ferry, ont la possibilité d'entrer par l'arriere du bateau et de sortir par l'avant, donc pas de manoeuvre a faire, c'est du tout droit !!!
Je crois que tout les jeunes conducteurs ne sont pas tous morts le 1er jour en arrivant en Algerie, il y a eu des survivants !! Pas de panique !! il n'y a pas plus de fou du volant en Algerie qu'en France !!
Si tu démarre dans ta vie de conducteur avec cette panique au ventre ?? ce n'est pas comme ça que tu évolueras vite au volant !!
salut
pas de pbl de conduite meme chose q en france meme reglementation par contre je ne sais pas si ton permis a moins de deux il ne te faudra pas mettre un plaque 80sur la lunette arriere en algerie elle est oblgatoire mais je doute qu elle s applique a toi (permis francais ) tt facon elle ne coute environ 0.25E
En effet la conduite en algérie n'est pas très évidente ! (même pour les vieux permis !), sois juste très prudent !
Pour le ferry, tu n'aurras pas de problème, le seul conseil que je puisse te donner est de passer dans les derniers, laisse les gens préssés passer (pour les formalités) ainsi tu éviteras les cris et surtout d'âbimer ton véhicule (lors de mon dernier voyage, ma voiture a pris quelques coups !)....
la conduite est rock en roll, surtout dans les grandes villes. et sur l'auroroute de sortie d'Alger.
Ensuite, sur les routes, c'est pas pire qu'ailleurs.
Visites donc les villes à pied, taxi, ou bus et gardes ta voiture pour faire les circuits hors agglomérations.
salut comment va
bien venu en algerie !
il es vrai que notre façon de conduire en algerie es un peut differente un peut a l'italienne mais c pas comme ce qu'on vois dans les films il faire attention a tous et surtous un truc que les new conducteur oublie souvent c de regarder ce qui ce passe deriere .. la logique dit que on regarde sur les retroveseur a chaque fois qu'on veut soit change de fille ou tourne..... mais ici il faut le faire sans arret les gens on tandance a tournee de sans signale (cignetent) on plus on double sur autoroute a gauche et a droite aussi ... donc il faut faire attention a tous ....
mais je pense que si tu fait pas trop de vitesse sa peut aller comme sur des roulette hahahha ...je te dit sa pas dans le sense de te fair peur mais plutot dans le sens que c pas la meme chose que l'europe ... j'ai eu locasion de conduire on france et en suisse et il ya une differense entre les 2 ok
n'esite pas a me contacte pour info ou orientation pas uniquement la conduit bien sur car je suis pas un autoecole moi lol meme quand tu sera ici ya pas de probleme je ferai ce que je peut ok
amicalement mounir..
combaloi@hotmail.com
mounir_akam@yahoo.fr
salut, j'habite à alger et ça fait un peu plus de 2ans que j'ai eu mon permis de conduire, c vrai que les gens en algerie ne prennent pas trop le code de la route en consideration, donc je te conseille d'etre tres vigilent neanmoins il ne faut pas que tu ça te hante l'esprit.si ça peut t'aider j'ai deja conduis à paris alors que je venais d'avoir mon permis de conduire et je me suis tres bien debrouillée, j'ai pas trouvé grande differance sauf pour les feux (à paris tu t'arrete presque chaque 2mn à un feu alors qu'à alger il sont presque innexistant sauf peut etre au centre ville) pour le stationnement, tu peux generalement te garrer ou tu veux sauf bien sure dans des endroits ou tu juge toi meme qu'il est dangereux de stationner.tu trouveras toujours des petits jeunes qui viendront frapper à ta fenetre pour te dire que c un parking gardé (c faut) mais bon pour ne pas te créer de pbms tu peux leur glisser 20 ou 30 da (c le prix generalement) fais attention à verrouiller tes portes surtout quand la circulation n'est pas tres fluide ...autres conseilles à te donner profites bien du soleil et de la mere si tu as le temps😎
Merci à tous pour vos remarques et vos conseils, c'est vraiment très gentil. Mais je crois finalement que je vais annuler le voyage parce que je me sens incapable de conduire la bas. Je tiens trop à la vie pour la risquer en allant en Algérie. Je crois qu'il est trop tard pour annuler les billets mais il faut quand même que j'essaie. Mais je comprends pas, je fais 50km par jour en voiture à Lyon sans problême, et je me sens totalement incapable de conduire en algérie, ca me terrifie.
En tous cas je vous tiendrez au courant si je pars ou pas, normalement c'est le 19 Juillet, j'espere que non.
Bonjour,
Je remets les pieds en Algérie après 14 ans d'absence. Mais, par Alméria Ghazaouet.
Je dois totaliser plus de 100 voyages en Algérie... Aucun accident !!!
S'il est vrai que la conduite est différente de chez nous, il ne faut pas craindre du tout.
Je trouve même que c'est plus facile. Bien sur les gens on tendance à conduire en ne regardant que devant eux, mais comme tout le monde le fait, ça se passe bien. Si tu manoeuvres, ils te laisseront passer, ce qui n'est pas tjs le cas ici... La tolérance y est meilleure, le sens de l'aide aussi.
La conduite est assez cool en fait, il faut faire attention aux carefours, mais les autorités y sont souvent présentes. Et puis, vu le prix des voitures et de leur réparation les gens ne tiennent pas à les casser.
Je pense que tu peux le faire sans risque.
Se garer sur le ferry, c'est facile aussi. Il ne faut paniquer et s'énerver, mais suivre les instructions du placier.
@+
Dommage Mike que ce soit cela qui te freine (si j'ose dire) surtout si tu ne peux plus te faire rembourser tes billets! J'ai appris a conduire la bas du coup je ne crains plus rien😉. En etant vigilant je suis sure que tout ira bien, de la à dire que tu vas risquer ta vie!!!Ne stresse pas a cause de ça il y a d'autres pays ou c'est aussi folklo, en Asie ou Afrique tu ne vas pas rester en Europe, de peur d'avoir un accident quand meme? Sachant que meme à Lyon..... Fio
Franchement c'est trop dommage d' annuler un voyage en Algérie par peur de la conduite .
Il y a longtemps que je n' y suis pas allé, mais je n' ai jamais eu peur de conduire là bas.
La circulation était vraiment plus simple qu' en France, il faut être prudent c' est tout, ne pas rouler vite, mais personne ne roule très vite, il faut être prudent, comme partout, c' est tout. C' est pas plus difficile qu' ici.
Salut Mike.
Je suis d'Alger et je vais te raconter mon expérience avec le Ferry qui je l'espère va te tranquiliser. En 1990, j'ai acheté une bagnole à Paris et je devais faire Paris-Marseille-Alger alors que je n'avais JAMAIS conduit (mon permis avait 04 ans). Eh bien comme toi j'étais paniqué, mais je m'en suis sorti vivant sans une égratinure pour la voiture! Le plus simple, en fait, c'est le FERRY!. Tu suis les fléches et tu as garé la tire. Idem pour la descente.
Pour la conduite à Alger, il ne faut pas t'angoisser et être sur les nerfs, c'est tout, il vaut mieux être zen. Si tu sais faire un démarrage en côte sans problème, tu n'auras aucune difficulté à conduire à Alger. Tu verras, je l'espère, qu'au bout de 02 -03 jours, tu t'habitueras. Le meilleur conseil c'est d'abord de connaitre les itinéraires et de patienter aux carrefours quand il n'y a ni feux, ni policiers. Dernier conseil, éviter de faire un peu de vitesse en ville à cause de l'indiscipline des piétons.
Salut à tous
Bon je sais que ce topic date un peu, mais j'ai envie de vous faire partager mon experience aussi. J'espere juste que Mick69 n'a pas annulé son voyage, mais jpense pas vu qu'il n'a pas posté depuis un moment.
Je suis comme toi Mick nouveau permis depuis 1 an et demi, et debut Juillet 2006 je me rendais en Algerie avec ma voiture et ma famille avec moi comme seule conductrice. J'avais une seule peur : me garer dans le bateau ... Par ma grande surprise, ca a été très facile. Donc apres 24h de traversée ( et oui 24h, bateau louer par Algerie Ferries " Scotia Prince" qui n'est pas très rapide! ... ), j'arrive sur les rues d'Alger, mais bizarre sans peur même si la bas la conduite est vraiment le contraire de la France. En suivant les conseils de mes oncles, j'ai caché mon A par le 80 de la bas ( qui est la même chose que le A hein ). Je peux vous dire qu'être une fille, de voiture francaise et avoir un 80 a l'arriere de la voiture n'est pas amusant a Alger ... Combien de fois j'ai failli avoir un accident ? Surtout sur l'autoroute en direction de Tipaza et de Djelfa ... La misere. Enfin bon, le point positif pour les nouveaux permis de conduire en Algerie, c'est qu'on est obliger de faire attention, pas seulement a soi même, mais aux autres aussi, d'avoir de bon reflexe, de bien utiliser les retroviseurs, ce qui est un peu dur ici en France ... De plus sur les autoroutes, contrairement à la France, les poids lourds empreintent TOUTES les voies donc la vigilance s'agrandit surtout qu'ils ne se préoccupent pas des autres vehicules.
Enfin bref, je pense que c'est une très bonne experience pour les nouveaux, comme les anciens, permis !
N'empeche une fois arrivée a Marseille et l'A7 atteint, je trouvais l'autoroute 'très' calme ...😄
Mais l'avantage en Algerie, c'est qu'on est pas les seules dans cette situation, il y a beaucoup de nouveaux permis sur les autoroutes algeriennes, que ce soit francais ou algerien 😉
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
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! !😉
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.
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 😊
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 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!
