bonjour
j'aimerais savoir comment fait on pour payer à Hurgada dans les boutiques si on fait des excursions, souvenirs ect...
Avec la Visa peut on retirer espèce dans les guichets?
Merci de repondre
Original post
Sandrine
comment faire pour payer à Hurgada
by Kalys
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Après deux séjours à Hurgada, hôtel golden five et hôtel Ali baba, j'ai payé mes achats, repas à l'extérieur, et le reste tout simplement avec des euros. Il suffit de connaître le taux de conversion (pour éviter de se faire rouler) et ne pas arriver avec des grosses coupures. Un Egyptien ne rend que très rarement la monnaie (pour ne pas dire jamais). Par contre je n'aime pas trop me servir de ma CB dans ces pays. Bon séjour.
J'ai décidé d'être heureux car c'est bon pour la santé.
Le plus simple, c'est d'échanger des euros contre des livres égyptiennes (LE) à l'aéroport dès l'arrivée, en demandant de nombreuses coupures de 1 et 5 livres pour l'appoint et les bakchichs.
Il y a de nombreux points de retraits avec cartes de crédits, carte bancaires munies de la fonction "Maestro" etc.
Se méfier des conseils des gens qui disent "dans ces pays là, je préfère ne pas me servir de ma carte de crédit". C'est vraiment porter la suspicion là où il n'y a pas plus de raisons de se méfier qu'ici. Je dirais même que l'expression "ces pays là" est injurieuse ! Evidemment, ils sont allés deux fois en Egypte (si on peut considérer Hurghada comme représentative de l'Egyptel) donc ils parlent en connaissance de cause. Moi, je n'y suis allé que 38 fois, dont 33 à Louxor...
Si les Egyptiens ont souvent des problèmes pour faire l'appoint, c'est tout simplement parce que, vu la différence de niveau de vie et prix de la vie courante, payer avec un billet de 100 LE, c'est comme payer ici avec un billet de 200 ou 500 euros !
D'où la nécessité des petites coupures.
Evidemment, il y a des endroits où payer en euros. Mais alors, en billets, jamais en pièces de monnaie, celles-ci ne sont pas acceptées par les banques locales et c'est, pour les Egyptiens, un vrai casse-tête pour échanger leurs pièces d'euros contre des livres ou des billets européens.
A part ça, comme excursions à Hurghada, ça craint, 6 heures de car par trajet pour aller à Louxor et près de 8 heures pour Le Caire...
Il y a de nombreux points de retraits avec cartes de crédits, carte bancaires munies de la fonction "Maestro" etc.
Se méfier des conseils des gens qui disent "dans ces pays là, je préfère ne pas me servir de ma carte de crédit". C'est vraiment porter la suspicion là où il n'y a pas plus de raisons de se méfier qu'ici. Je dirais même que l'expression "ces pays là" est injurieuse ! Evidemment, ils sont allés deux fois en Egypte (si on peut considérer Hurghada comme représentative de l'Egyptel) donc ils parlent en connaissance de cause. Moi, je n'y suis allé que 38 fois, dont 33 à Louxor...
Si les Egyptiens ont souvent des problèmes pour faire l'appoint, c'est tout simplement parce que, vu la différence de niveau de vie et prix de la vie courante, payer avec un billet de 100 LE, c'est comme payer ici avec un billet de 200 ou 500 euros !
D'où la nécessité des petites coupures.
Evidemment, il y a des endroits où payer en euros. Mais alors, en billets, jamais en pièces de monnaie, celles-ci ne sont pas acceptées par les banques locales et c'est, pour les Egyptiens, un vrai casse-tête pour échanger leurs pièces d'euros contre des livres ou des billets européens.
A part ça, comme excursions à Hurghada, ça craint, 6 heures de car par trajet pour aller à Louxor et près de 8 heures pour Le Caire...
Cher Louxor,
C'est bien d'avoir emprunté ce pseudo à une si jolie ville, ça signifie votre attachement à cet endroit que je connais aussi.
Oui j'ai aussi changé des francs, des dollars et maintenant des euros contre des LE. Le malheur c'est que parfois les commerçants n'acceptent pas leur propre monnaie, sous prétexte que les billets sont trop ceci ou trop cela. Ajoutons à celà que certains malins jouent sur l'ignorance des différences qui existent entre les sous multiples de la livre et rendent un dixième de la monnaie (expérience vécue). Quant à une carte bancaire subtilisée par un distributeur je n'ose même pas envisager le cas de figure et la perte encore moins. Vous qui êtes Belge, vous devez savoir qu'une carte Visa Internationale perdue en Belgique peut être utilisée sans composer le code. Une simple signature permet tout et comme elle figure au dos de la carte, un petit entrainement suffit. Alors libre à chacun. Pour aussi répondre au manque de monnaie, je n'ai jusque là, jamais donné plus de 2 euros à la personne qui se charge de mes bagages à l'aéroport. Je pense que c'est déjà un bon pourboire. Par contre, et comme vous le dites très justement, les banques n'acceptent pas de changer les pièces étrangères (la banque dans laquelle je travaille non plus d'ailleurs) et j'ai à plusieurs occasions échangé de la monnaie contre un billet de 100 FrF et dernièrement contre 10 euros ou 20 euros. Et si Charm, Hurgada ou Safaga ou le Caire ne sont pas représentatifs de l'Egypte, tant pis. J'ai quand même fait un magnifique voyage sur le Nil, mais très éprouvant du point de vue humain surtout avec le bakchich qui est une pratique outrageusement utilisée à cet endroit alors qu'ailleurs les gens sont plus respectueux des touristes et ne sont plus considérés que comme des "pompes à fric".
Passez une bonne soirée et évitez de trop en dire vous aussi car vous entrez dans le cadre de votre remarque.
Passez une bonne soirée et rendez vous à el Qseir cet été sous 20 ou 30 mètre d'eau.
C'est bien d'avoir emprunté ce pseudo à une si jolie ville, ça signifie votre attachement à cet endroit que je connais aussi.
Oui j'ai aussi changé des francs, des dollars et maintenant des euros contre des LE. Le malheur c'est que parfois les commerçants n'acceptent pas leur propre monnaie, sous prétexte que les billets sont trop ceci ou trop cela. Ajoutons à celà que certains malins jouent sur l'ignorance des différences qui existent entre les sous multiples de la livre et rendent un dixième de la monnaie (expérience vécue). Quant à une carte bancaire subtilisée par un distributeur je n'ose même pas envisager le cas de figure et la perte encore moins. Vous qui êtes Belge, vous devez savoir qu'une carte Visa Internationale perdue en Belgique peut être utilisée sans composer le code. Une simple signature permet tout et comme elle figure au dos de la carte, un petit entrainement suffit. Alors libre à chacun. Pour aussi répondre au manque de monnaie, je n'ai jusque là, jamais donné plus de 2 euros à la personne qui se charge de mes bagages à l'aéroport. Je pense que c'est déjà un bon pourboire. Par contre, et comme vous le dites très justement, les banques n'acceptent pas de changer les pièces étrangères (la banque dans laquelle je travaille non plus d'ailleurs) et j'ai à plusieurs occasions échangé de la monnaie contre un billet de 100 FrF et dernièrement contre 10 euros ou 20 euros. Et si Charm, Hurgada ou Safaga ou le Caire ne sont pas représentatifs de l'Egypte, tant pis. J'ai quand même fait un magnifique voyage sur le Nil, mais très éprouvant du point de vue humain surtout avec le bakchich qui est une pratique outrageusement utilisée à cet endroit alors qu'ailleurs les gens sont plus respectueux des touristes et ne sont plus considérés que comme des "pompes à fric".
Passez une bonne soirée et évitez de trop en dire vous aussi car vous entrez dans le cadre de votre remarque.
Passez une bonne soirée et rendez vous à el Qseir cet été sous 20 ou 30 mètre d'eau.
J'ai décidé d'être heureux car c'est bon pour la santé.
Cher Loufiat
Quelques remarques:
Le vol au "rendez-moi" est aussi fréquent dans nos pays. J'ai même eu droit un jour, par un commerçant parisien qui essayait de m'arnaquer, à un bien senti :" Vous savez, les touristes viennent pour se faire plumer".
Ensuite, l'utilisation de cartes de crédits perdues ou volées est aussi courante sous nos latitudes, vous le dites vous-même !
Dans l'exemple que vous citez d'une carte perdue en Belgique, c'est vrai qu'elle peut être utilisée avec une simple signature. Mais qui volera une carte en Belgique pour l'utiliser en Egypte ? Un "touriste", pas un Egyptien !
Donc, ce sont les Egyptiens qui doivent se méfier des touristes payant par cartes, pas l'inverse !
Donc, je maintiens, l'expression "dans ces pays là" sert vraiment porter la suspicion là où il n'y a pas plus de raisons de se méfier qu'ici.
De plus, vous êtes tombé plus que certainement sur LE commerçant qui n'acceptait des livres égyptiennes (il arrive qu'on vous propose de payer en euros, mais je n'ai jamais vu refuser la devise locale).
Vous trouvez "très éprouvant du point de vue humain surtout avec le bakchich qui est une pratique outrageusement utilisée à cet endroit alors qu'ailleurs les gens sont plus respectueux des touristes et ne sont plus considérés que comme des "pompes à fric".
Mais pourquoi ne parlez-vous pas des arnaques systématiques des T.O. européens qui, eux, considèrent toujours les touristes comme "des pompes à frics" ?
Quelques exemples: Les timbres du visa d'entrée, qui coûtent 15 euros aux agences bancaires situées dans les halls d'arrivée des aéroports, vous sont vendus, selon les T.O., entre 18 et 30 euros ! Votre excursion en calèche à Edfou, vous l'aurez payée le quadruple du prix que vous auriez payé en prenant vous-même une calèche et en payant vous-même votre billet d'entrée. Une excursion à Abou Simbel ? Jusque 10 fois le prix que vous payeriez via une agence de voyage locale. Le transfert direct aéroport-hôtel ? 10 fois le prix !
Et le tout à l'avenant.
Dernier exemple, relevé aux tableaux des T.O. du New Winter Palace à Louxor: L'excursion en montgolfière au lever du jour sur la rive gauche: Prix demandés par les T.O. : De 95 euros (Neckermann Belgique) à 190 livres sterlings (un T.O. anglais). Prix demandé à l'agence de voyage dans les arcades du Winter: 70 euros !
Donc, visiteur de l'Egypte, méfie-toi de ces gens-là ! Pas des Egyptiens, qui sollicitent un supplément de quelques livres ou centimes d'euros, mais des requins européens qui eux prennent vraiment leurs clients pour des pigeons.
Quelques remarques:
Le vol au "rendez-moi" est aussi fréquent dans nos pays. J'ai même eu droit un jour, par un commerçant parisien qui essayait de m'arnaquer, à un bien senti :" Vous savez, les touristes viennent pour se faire plumer".
Ensuite, l'utilisation de cartes de crédits perdues ou volées est aussi courante sous nos latitudes, vous le dites vous-même !
Dans l'exemple que vous citez d'une carte perdue en Belgique, c'est vrai qu'elle peut être utilisée avec une simple signature. Mais qui volera une carte en Belgique pour l'utiliser en Egypte ? Un "touriste", pas un Egyptien !
Donc, ce sont les Egyptiens qui doivent se méfier des touristes payant par cartes, pas l'inverse !
Donc, je maintiens, l'expression "dans ces pays là" sert vraiment porter la suspicion là où il n'y a pas plus de raisons de se méfier qu'ici.
De plus, vous êtes tombé plus que certainement sur LE commerçant qui n'acceptait des livres égyptiennes (il arrive qu'on vous propose de payer en euros, mais je n'ai jamais vu refuser la devise locale).
Vous trouvez "très éprouvant du point de vue humain surtout avec le bakchich qui est une pratique outrageusement utilisée à cet endroit alors qu'ailleurs les gens sont plus respectueux des touristes et ne sont plus considérés que comme des "pompes à fric".
Mais pourquoi ne parlez-vous pas des arnaques systématiques des T.O. européens qui, eux, considèrent toujours les touristes comme "des pompes à frics" ?
Quelques exemples: Les timbres du visa d'entrée, qui coûtent 15 euros aux agences bancaires situées dans les halls d'arrivée des aéroports, vous sont vendus, selon les T.O., entre 18 et 30 euros ! Votre excursion en calèche à Edfou, vous l'aurez payée le quadruple du prix que vous auriez payé en prenant vous-même une calèche et en payant vous-même votre billet d'entrée. Une excursion à Abou Simbel ? Jusque 10 fois le prix que vous payeriez via une agence de voyage locale. Le transfert direct aéroport-hôtel ? 10 fois le prix !
Et le tout à l'avenant.
Dernier exemple, relevé aux tableaux des T.O. du New Winter Palace à Louxor: L'excursion en montgolfière au lever du jour sur la rive gauche: Prix demandés par les T.O. : De 95 euros (Neckermann Belgique) à 190 livres sterlings (un T.O. anglais). Prix demandé à l'agence de voyage dans les arcades du Winter: 70 euros !
Donc, visiteur de l'Egypte, méfie-toi de ces gens-là ! Pas des Egyptiens, qui sollicitent un supplément de quelques livres ou centimes d'euros, mais des requins européens qui eux prennent vraiment leurs clients pour des pigeons.
Bonjour,
Voila qui est bien dit et tres juste...
Moi non plus je n'ai jamais vu un commercant egyptien refuse les Egp, les seuls qui font cela ce sont les TO et leurs qgences et hotels, qui parviennent meme parfois a faire passer cela pour une faveur aux yeux des naifs...
Si votre carte est capturee dans un distributeur, allez dans la banque si c'est ouvert - attention au vendredi - ou appelez votre banque sur le champ pour prevenir... De toutes facons c'est assez rare...
Michel
Voila qui est bien dit et tres juste...
Moi non plus je n'ai jamais vu un commercant egyptien refuse les Egp, les seuls qui font cela ce sont les TO et leurs qgences et hotels, qui parviennent meme parfois a faire passer cela pour une faveur aux yeux des naifs...
Si votre carte est capturee dans un distributeur, allez dans la banque si c'est ouvert - attention au vendredi - ou appelez votre banque sur le champ pour prevenir... De toutes facons c'est assez rare...
Michel
Evidemment, il y a des endroits où payer en euros. Mais alors, en billets, jamais en pièces de monnaie, celles-ci ne sont pas acceptées par les banques locales et c'est, pour les Egyptiens, un vrai casse-tête pour échanger leurs pièces d'euros contre des livres ou des billets européens.
Bjr Pas aussi affirmatif que toi, c'est vrai ds ts les pays les pieces ne s'echangent pas ( idem en France si tu te presente avec des cents de US$) par contre les egyptiens*, tunisiens*, senegalais*.... savent tres bien échanger leurs pieces contre un billet, ça se fait simplement et c'est un service bien facile a leur rendre. Bien sur c'est pratiqué ds les zones ou il y a des touristes * = experiences perso
Bjr Pas aussi affirmatif que toi, c'est vrai ds ts les pays les pieces ne s'echangent pas ( idem en France si tu te presente avec des cents de US$) par contre les egyptiens*, tunisiens*, senegalais*.... savent tres bien échanger leurs pieces contre un billet, ça se fait simplement et c'est un service bien facile a leur rendre. Bien sur c'est pratiqué ds les zones ou il y a des touristes * = experiences perso
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
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Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
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!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
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.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
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.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
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 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! 💖
As-salamu alaykum!
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! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
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! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
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!
hi there
we’re heading to Hammamet in a few months
what would you recommend visiting for a week?
best regards
Hi there,
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.
Thanks in advance.
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.
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
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.
Thanks for your replies
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.
Thanks for your replies
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
Bonjour,
Connaissez vous l'adresse d'une distillerie de fleurs de roses ds la vallée des roses / kelaa M Gouna. Une distillerie traditionnelle, pas uniquement la boutique à touristes.
Merci bp
Nicolas :-)
Connaissez vous l'adresse d'une distillerie de fleurs de roses ds la vallée des roses / kelaa M Gouna. Une distillerie traditionnelle, pas uniquement la boutique à touristes.
Merci bp
Nicolas :-)
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!
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!