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.
Should I plan an extra day in Luxor—is it worth it?
Yes!
For example, to visit Abydos and Dendera.
I went to Egypt in August (not by the sea), and it reached up to 48°C (dry heat) during the day around Lake Nasser.
You’ll need to adjust your schedule: visit very, very early in the morning, then from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it’s pool time before heading out again in the late afternoon.
By the sea, it’s more like 35–40°C with nights around 30°C. Air conditioning in your room is a must.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Hello everyone,
Yes, it’s a bit cooler by the water, and the air is drier, so it’s more bearable than back home when it’s sunny. But temperatures can still get really high at the coast—over 40, even 50—though the further south you go, the more wind there is (hot wind, but it helps a little). So for sunbathing, be *very* careful—don’t skimp on the sunscreen. In Egypt, the sun doesn’t forgive, and sunburn happens much faster, especially without precautions.
If I understood correctly, you’re leaving and coming back on the same day? If that’s the case, it’s not possible. The trip alone takes 4h30 each way, so the minimum is two days/one night in Luxor.
And don’t take a private car or rental—take the bus. It’s much cheaper, like Gobus (I always use them for this kind of trip). Their Gobus agency is on "El Nasr" Street, near Cleopatra Hospital. If you take the bus, book at least 24 hours in advance and get your return tickets at the same time. Pick your departure time, and for the return the next day, take the 5 PM bus—or later if possible.
The travel time is the same as by car, with a stop halfway. With the bus, you don’t need to arrange police authorization like you do for cars—unless you’re traveling alone.
If the buses still stop in front of their agency in Luxor, it’s not far from the ferry. Depending on how fast you walk, it’s about 30 minutes (I’m faster, though). Check a map.
Make sure to ask where you need to catch the return bus, as the location can change. For me, it’s the simplest and cheapest option—and it’s chill, you meet other people. With buses, you can travel after dark.
For sightseeing or anything else in Luxor, I’ve got tips to share. DM me if you’re interested.
No, in Luxor we’d like to stay for 3 days, so 2 nights there.
I was thinking of renting a car to have more freedom and move around Luxor easily, but if permits are required, that changes things. Price isn’t an issue—I’d rather pay a bit more and be comfortable. But I’ll also check out Gobus.
We planned to leave Hurghada in the morning to arrive in Luxor in the early afternoon.
Second day there.
Third day, leave Luxor in the late afternoon for Hurghada.
Is it easy to get around Luxor? Buses between the different historical sites? Taxis?
We were also thinking of doing a day trip to Cairo from Hurghada by plane—it’s not cheap, but I think it’s worth it. Leaving without seeing the Pyramids of Giza (especially since my name is Gizeh!) would be frustrating.
We’re still hesitating between Egypt and southern Morocco.
Hello everyone,
You can go for as many days as you want—it was just an example. In one day, it’s not worth it. For Cairo, even by plane, you’ll be rushing. You should arrange someone for your transportation and check which airport you’ll be at—there are now several in Cairo.
For Luxor, there aren’t any buses between the sites. Actually, there are minibuses, but they don’t go directly to the sites. There’s one that leaves from the bus station (west bank near the ferry, about 100 meters away), but you need to know the route. Otherwise, you’ll likely get overcharged for the ride. To get off, just press the bell or ask someone to let the driver know. Getting around between the sites isn’t complicated. If you’re up for it, biking is an option—we often do that. Otherwise, one of our taxi driver friends can help.
To get to the Karnak and Luxor temples, you can take the ferry, specifically the one that goes near the hospital past the Luxor Museum, then continue on foot if you want. Otherwise, a taxi or horse-drawn carriage works, but don’t ask them to wait. You can also cross with your bikes (you’ll have to pay as if it were an extra person), and don’t forget to ask for a chain with a lock—we usually do that.
For your round trips to Luxor, the bus is much cheaper, and there are frequent departures. Check Aladdin Tour ((https://www.ask-aladdin.com)) for all the bus schedules. Otherwise, as mentioned in the other post, go directly to the GoBus agency.
I wouldn’t recommend renting a car—it’s up to you, but we never do it to avoid problems. For travel permits, you don’t need them if you’re using buses. If you’re with your driver and staying in Luxor (so between the different sites, for example), you don’t need one. But for places like Abydos and Dendera, you *do* need a permit, and the driver should request it the day before your departure. So, make sure to bring copies of your ID, passport, or national ID card.
I’ve already experienced 51°C on the Nile in July—I can assure you, it fries your brain even under a cap! !
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I’ve experienced up to 47.5°C in Death Valley and Palm Springs too, but we were just passing through and didn’t do any major sightseeing or long walks.
But I guess it should still be doable before noon and after 5 PM.
Hat, sunscreen, vitamin C, and of course water—everything’s possible.
In 10 years, it might not seem so obvious 🙂
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Hello everyone,
Yes, even worse—and not just in July or August. In 2018 and 2020, in February, Aswan was 57°C and Abu Simbel 60°C 😎. This year in July, and already in June, Luxor hit 54°C.
As for me, I don’t mind, as long as I’m covered with my turban and have water. But for my wife, it’s a different story—such strong sun is really tough.
Thoutmosis
Hi Tom,
Yes, I hadn’t thought about that when I mentioned bikes—definitely avoid them in July. Even I don’t do it. If you’re not driving, it’s on foot, and the heat really hits hard. Be extra careful at the first sign of overheating: get into the shade fast and cool yourself down, inside and out. Don’t hesitate—it’s the quickest way to lower your temperature. And if you spot a public fountain along the way (they look like big metal boxes), don’t hesitate to pour water over yourself. That’s what I do at the first sign of trouble.
Just a little update after some thought.
We’re booking a multi-destination flight: Brussels -> Hurghada and return Cairo -> Brussels. That way, we avoid unnecessary round trips, and the price is more or less the same.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7: Hurghada
Day 8: Hurghada, then travel to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 9 and 10: Luxor
Day 11: Travel to Cairo in the late morning
Day 12 and 13: Cairo
Day 14: Return flight in the late afternoon
Hurghada -> Luxor by bus.
Luxor -> Cairo by private car or overnight train
Hello everyone,
I think I’ve seen this post on another site before???
But for your trip to Luxor, take the bus—it’s much cheaper, and the travel time is the same as by car (taxi). However, you *must* book your round-trip tickets at least 25 hours in advance because this route is super popular with both locals and tourists.
Go with Gobus; their office is on El Nasr Street, near Cleopatra Hospital.
Check the departure times at the office—I’m not listing them here since they might change.
For the weather, it’s more bearable by the coast, but inland, watch out for heatstroke. It’s *very* dry there, and this year in Luxor, it hit 54°C for a few days. Even hotter in Aswan and Abu Simbel, and that was in February!
For your return to Hurghada, take the 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM bus (ask the agency). Keep in mind the trip takes about 4 hours 30 minutes, with a stop roughly halfway.
It’s not *specifically* a period to avoid—I’ve spent over 7 weeks there in July-August—but you just need to be careful. Watch for any symptoms: headaches, blurry vision, noticing your skin turning red, or a sudden wave of heat. If that happens, get to shade *fast*, lie down, drink *lots* of water, and pour water over your head first to cool down. Monitor your heart rate, and once you feel better, head back to your hotel and rest until all symptoms are gone. No need to panic, but just know it *can* happen.
Thoutmosis
Oh no, I didn’t post this message on another site—I only come here.
I’ll only take a one-way trip to Luxor from Hurghada, since after Luxor we’re heading to Cairo for the end of the trip and we’ll fly back from Cairo.
I found a private transport for 220 € for 2-3 people, which will be much more comfortable. The bus would take too long. I also saw a night train between Luxor and Cairo, but it’s way more expensive than the private transport.
Yeah, the heat—we’ve dealt with it before elsewhere, so we’ll adapt! :-)
Hi everyone,
For transportation from Hurghada to Luxor at 220 €, that’s really expensive.
True, the bus is full of people, but everyone has their own seat, and you can also meet other nice travelers.
For the trip to Cairo, check out flights with EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or NileAir—we usually take NileAir because their planes are newer and the cabin crew is super friendly.
Depending on the time, this airline can also be cheaper.
Just don’t bike during this period, or only very early or very late in the day—and even then, be careful!
Thoutmosis
So, the flight tickets are finally bought—it’s really happening now!
Outbound flight to Hurghada on 3/7, arriving at 6:15 PM
Return flight at 4:20 PM from Cairo on 17/7.
From July 3 to 10 in Hurghada
July 10: bus transfer to Luxor (arriving around 2 PM)
July 11–12: Luxor
July 13: morning departure for Cairo (private car with stops along the way), arriving around 6 PM
July 14–15–16: Cairo
July 17: morning sightseeing, then to the airport by 1:30 PM
The 220 € is for a private transfer from Luxor to Cairo (not from Hurghada to Luxor).
The flight costs the same, and yeah, it’s just an hour.
I was thinking of taking a private transfer so we could stop at Dendera and Abydos along the way.
Just one last question: is it more interesting to have 3 full days in Luxor or Cairo?
The 3rd day in Luxor would be for going to Aswan
The 3rd day in Cairo would be for a day trip to Alexandria, for example
Hi everyone,
Yes, there was the train to Alexandria. Apparently, the line has reopened after being out of service for a long time. But for a day trip, leave as early as possible, buy your return tickets at the same time, and make sure to purchase them at least 24 hours in advance.
Thoutmosis
This year, we were leaving from Brussels (I hate departing from Brussels, but no choice since we’re going to a concert at Stade Roi Baudouin on July 2nd).
I’d booked with Brussels Airlines for an outbound flight to Hurghada with Discover Airlines (a Lufthansa low-cost airline) via Munich, and a return from Cairo with Lufthansa.
Only the outbound flights were canceled, but they weren’t offering anything decent—or else via Zurich with a departure on the 2nd (which wasn’t possible for me) and a 10-hour layover.
Hello everyone,
Okay, lots of middlemen, and I bet they’re all passing the buck?
Did they give you a reason for the cancellation?
Have you tried with TUI?? That’s always the airline we use for Egypt—way fewer issues—and we always arrive in Luxor (once we land, we pick up the passengers heading back home), then the plane continues to Hurghada to drop off those going there and pick up passengers from Hurghada who are also returning, before heading to Brussels.
Thoutmosis
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This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
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
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.
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!
