Nous (2 adultes + 2 enfants de 12 et 10 ans) envisageons de partir 8 jours (malheureusement pas plus) à la Toussaint 2007 en Egypte. Nous ne connaissons absolument pas le pays et sommes donc ouverts. Nous préférons les vacances itinérantes et "actives" (visites de sites, musées, ...) plutôt que "farniente". Pour une première découverte, que conseillez-vous de privilégier ? Est-il possible de gérer les visites et déplacements soi-même plutôt que par un tour operator ? Merci d'avance pour vos suggestions.
Huit jours pour visiter l'Égypte en novembre/décembre
by Steph74
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour à tous,
Nous (2 adultes + 2 enfants de 12 et 10 ans) envisageons de partir 8 jours (malheureusement pas plus) à la Toussaint 2007 en Egypte. Nous ne connaissons absolument pas le pays et sommes donc ouverts. Nous préférons les vacances itinérantes et "actives" (visites de sites, musées, ...) plutôt que "farniente". Pour une première découverte, que conseillez-vous de privilégier ? Est-il possible de gérer les visites et déplacements soi-même plutôt que par un tour operator ? Merci d'avance pour vos suggestions.
Nous (2 adultes + 2 enfants de 12 et 10 ans) envisageons de partir 8 jours (malheureusement pas plus) à la Toussaint 2007 en Egypte. Nous ne connaissons absolument pas le pays et sommes donc ouverts. Nous préférons les vacances itinérantes et "actives" (visites de sites, musées, ...) plutôt que "farniente". Pour une première découverte, que conseillez-vous de privilégier ? Est-il possible de gérer les visites et déplacements soi-même plutôt que par un tour operator ? Merci d'avance pour vos suggestions.
Bonjour, 🙂
Pour une première découverte, avec des enfants de 10 et 12 ans, je vous conseille un petit séjour dans le désert. J'ai passé une semaine en mars dernier en Egypte, partageant mon séjour entre des visites au Caire et un circuit dand le désert, et c'est vraiment une expérience unique ! Tes enfants apprecierons surement de dormir 2 nuits à la belles étoile ! Et le désert est tellement beau, magique...
Le sable du désert, parfois doré, comme à Agabet, parfois blanc, recouvert de calcaire, parfois noir, comme si un géant l'avait saupoudré de poussière venue des étoiles… Tous les vingt kilomètres, le paysage change, surprenant le voyageur. Derrière chaque dune nous attend une surprise plus grande encore que la précédente. Le désert blanc, étincelant sous le soleil, Agabet, mystérieux et magique éclairé par la douce lumière de la pleine lune, Crystal Moutain, et ses dégradés de couleurs, le Western Desert, majestueuse immensité de roches et de sable… Chaque parcelle du désert est à couper le souffle, chaque palmier, chaque plante arrivant à s'épanouir en ces lieux apporte une bouffée d'air frais, un sentiment d'optimisme…
Comme tu peux le voir, ce séjour m'a vraiment enchantée ! Et l'un nos nos projets est de retourner en Egypte pour faire le même voyage quand nos enfants auront 8 - 12 ans...
Enfin voila, si cela t'interresse, j'ai tout raconté ici : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=794949;
Bonne lecture ! Et n'hésite pas si tu as des questions...
Pour une première découverte, avec des enfants de 10 et 12 ans, je vous conseille un petit séjour dans le désert. J'ai passé une semaine en mars dernier en Egypte, partageant mon séjour entre des visites au Caire et un circuit dand le désert, et c'est vraiment une expérience unique ! Tes enfants apprecierons surement de dormir 2 nuits à la belles étoile ! Et le désert est tellement beau, magique...
Le sable du désert, parfois doré, comme à Agabet, parfois blanc, recouvert de calcaire, parfois noir, comme si un géant l'avait saupoudré de poussière venue des étoiles… Tous les vingt kilomètres, le paysage change, surprenant le voyageur. Derrière chaque dune nous attend une surprise plus grande encore que la précédente. Le désert blanc, étincelant sous le soleil, Agabet, mystérieux et magique éclairé par la douce lumière de la pleine lune, Crystal Moutain, et ses dégradés de couleurs, le Western Desert, majestueuse immensité de roches et de sable… Chaque parcelle du désert est à couper le souffle, chaque palmier, chaque plante arrivant à s'épanouir en ces lieux apporte une bouffée d'air frais, un sentiment d'optimisme…
Comme tu peux le voir, ce séjour m'a vraiment enchantée ! Et l'un nos nos projets est de retourner en Egypte pour faire le même voyage quand nos enfants auront 8 - 12 ans...
Enfin voila, si cela t'interresse, j'ai tout raconté ici : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=794949;
Bonne lecture ! Et n'hésite pas si tu as des questions...
Tous mes voyages en images : sur mon blog
Bonjour Step,
Franchement, en 8 jours, tu ne feras pas grand chose. Pourquoi ne pas faire une croisière sur le Nil? Debout à 6 heures du mat et visites des sites, le long du Nil. Philae est un coin à ne pas manquer, Aswan et ses felouques, Abou Simbel. Pour une première approche je pense que c'est mieux que de se plonger dans la vie infernale du Caire.
Bon voyage et profitez bien ! kris
Franchement, en 8 jours, tu ne feras pas grand chose. Pourquoi ne pas faire une croisière sur le Nil? Debout à 6 heures du mat et visites des sites, le long du Nil. Philae est un coin à ne pas manquer, Aswan et ses felouques, Abou Simbel. Pour une première approche je pense que c'est mieux que de se plonger dans la vie infernale du Caire.
Bon voyage et profitez bien ! kris
"Si tu tues le coq au village, et la perdrix dans la forêt,
qui est-ce qui t'indiquera le lever du jour ?
Merci à tous pour vous réponses.
Je n'ai pas encore arrêté de décision quant au profil exact de ce séjour. J'ai encore un peu de temps.
Avec 2 enfants, il est certain que je ne partirai pas le nez au vent.
L'idée de passer quelques jours dans le désert est séduisante et, de prime abord, ça me motive plus que de rester le même temps au Caire.
De la même façon, descendre le Nil peut être l'occasion de voir des choses différentes chaque jour ou presque.
Ce que je recherche.
Et encore une fois, comme il s'agirait d'un premier contact avec le pays, cela ne me gênerait pas de faire des choses "touristiques".
Je vais continuer mes investigations...
Je vais continuer mes investigations...
Que ce soit au Caire ou à Louxor, il y a largement de quoi occuper 8 jours. Personnellement, je ne suis pas partisan des croisières (trop coupées du pays, rythme infernal...) Le plus simple me semble être de réserver un hotel dans une de ces deux villes et d'aller visiter les sites en louant un taxi à la journée. C'est assez facile, pas trop cher, et on peut visiter à son rythme, s'attarder sur les sites ou passer plus vite selon l'humeur du moment, et ne pas perdre de temps en passages obligés chez de pseudo artisans. A toi de voir si tu préfères voir les sites du Caire, le musée et la ville elle-même, ou les temples et les tombes de Louxor. Pour choisir, le mieux est de regarder dans un guide les différents sites accessibles de ces deux villes.
l'Egypte est fabuleuse et je n'ai qu'une envie, y retourner et vite. Pour une première approche, tout dépendra de vos goûts et surtout des jeunes. Il faut prévoir beaucoup de temps pour ce pays et en une semaine c'est juste pour en avoir l'odeur.
Prendre un guide sur place est conseillé pour les visites, il ne manque pas d'organisme sur place qui peuvent répondre à la demande. Un guide est bien utile pour avoir les infos sur les lieux visités.
Le Caire est déroutante mais il y a de telles merveilles dans cette ville qu'il faudrait y passer plusieurs mois avant d'en avoir fait le tour. Rien que le musée demanderait un bon mois pour en cerner les trésors.
On ne présente plus les pyramides et c'est magique que de visiter ces monstres de l'architecture égyptienne. Les sons et lumières valent le déplacement.
Croisière ou pas, la est la question. Pour ma part j'en ai fait une dans de très bonnes conditions de confort et avec un guide pour mon épouse et moi même, une aubaine. Remonter le Nil est un souvenir mémorable. dès 5h45 du matin j'étais tout en haut du bateau pour faire des photos au lever du soleil. Le Nil est riche de beautés que l'on ne peut imaginer, un grand moment parmi tous mes voyages.
Si tu veux avoir une idée, va voir ces images sur mon site, clic sur le bouton Egypte : http://perso.orange.fr/vilcanota
http://www.aventuren4x4.com
Carnet Namibie : https://voyageforum.com/discussion/namibie-amie-d9300813/
Carnet Grizzlys : Carnet Grizzlys : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9308751;page=last;#last
Bonjour,
Si vous voulez avoir un aperçu "culturel" du pays, vous pouvez atterrir au Caire. Y rester un jour ou deux. Sites à voir : les pyramides de Ghizeh, Saqqara, le Musée égyptien, les souks... Prendre ensuite le train-couchettes vers Assouan (plus de 10 heures de trajet). Y rester une journée, visiter le temple de Philae par exemple. Reprendre le train vers Louxor (environ 4 heures de trajet il me semble). Y rester deux ou 3 jours pour visiter : Karnak, la Rive ouest (Vallée des Rois, Vallée des Reines, Medinet Habou, Deir el Medinah, Deir el Bahari, etc... Et ensuite reprendre le train de nuit vers Le Caire si vous devez reprendre l'avion dans la ville d'arrivée. Pour les logements, au Caire, je vous conseillerais l'Hotel Osiris. Je ne le connais pas personnellement, mais il est souvent vivement recommandé sur les forums de voyage. Bon rapport qualité-prix. A Assouan, là malheureusement je ne connais pas suffisamment bien pour vous conceiller. A Louxor, vous avez le choix entre chambres d'hôtes et hotels en tous genres...Personnellement, je vous conseillerais la chambre d'hôtes : vous découvrirai le pays autrement. Voici un site sur lequel vous trouverez beaucoup d'infos utiles : http://www.louxoregypte.be/ Gérard (le concepteur de ce site) pourra vous aider... Bon voyage!
Si vous voulez avoir un aperçu "culturel" du pays, vous pouvez atterrir au Caire. Y rester un jour ou deux. Sites à voir : les pyramides de Ghizeh, Saqqara, le Musée égyptien, les souks... Prendre ensuite le train-couchettes vers Assouan (plus de 10 heures de trajet). Y rester une journée, visiter le temple de Philae par exemple. Reprendre le train vers Louxor (environ 4 heures de trajet il me semble). Y rester deux ou 3 jours pour visiter : Karnak, la Rive ouest (Vallée des Rois, Vallée des Reines, Medinet Habou, Deir el Medinah, Deir el Bahari, etc... Et ensuite reprendre le train de nuit vers Le Caire si vous devez reprendre l'avion dans la ville d'arrivée. Pour les logements, au Caire, je vous conseillerais l'Hotel Osiris. Je ne le connais pas personnellement, mais il est souvent vivement recommandé sur les forums de voyage. Bon rapport qualité-prix. A Assouan, là malheureusement je ne connais pas suffisamment bien pour vous conceiller. A Louxor, vous avez le choix entre chambres d'hôtes et hotels en tous genres...Personnellement, je vous conseillerais la chambre d'hôtes : vous découvrirai le pays autrement. Voici un site sur lequel vous trouverez beaucoup d'infos utiles : http://www.louxoregypte.be/ Gérard (le concepteur de ce site) pourra vous aider... Bon voyage!
Sandra
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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! :)
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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 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
Hi,
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
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!




