ma copine et moi partons dans 3 semaines à Marrakech au club palmariva et on aimerait avoir qq infos concernant cette destination.
On nous a conseillé 3 excursions : la ville de Marrakech bien-sûr !!
la vallée de l'Ourika
et Essaouira.
Qu'en pensez-vous ? Pour Essaouira, on nous a dit qu'il était préférable de prendre un taxi pour y aller vu le prix excessif des excursions organisées ?? Est-il possible d'y aller en train ?
On nous a par contre déconseillé les cascades d'Ouzoud et Ouarzazate pour les trajets trop longs !!
Devons nous partir avec de la monnaie locale ou est-il préférable d'échanger là-bas ? peut-on payer en euros, même dans les souks ?
Que conseillez-vous pour une période d'une semaine ? Pour notre part, on pense faire 3 excursions et 2 à 3 jours pénard au club...
Pour Essaouira, pas de train. Et bcp de choses ont déjà été dites dans des questions récentes sur le choix taxi / bus... faîtes une petite recherche de message à ce sujet...
C'est une ville qui mérite vraiment la visite... d'au moins une journée entière !
Pour Ouarzazate, je confirme, même si la traversée de l'Atlas est magnifique, se prendre la longue route sinueuse du Tizzi N'Tichka en aller-retour pour un court séjour sur Ouarzazate, cela n'en vaut pas la peine !
Pas de problème pour changer vos euros là-bas, dans tous les hôtels, donc sûrement au club aussi... et pour autant que je me souvienne, pas possible d'acheter des dirhams hors du Maroc de toute façon (mais je dis peut-être une bêtise...).
Cartes bancaires acceptées par certains commerçants, euros très souvent acceptés aussi... mais préférez la monnaie locale, ça vous évitera des déconvenues dans les calculs de change !
Déambuler et profiter de Marrakech vous occupera déjà quelques jours ! Alors ne visez pas trop d'exursions lointaines, ce serait vous fatiguer pour passer à côté de choses ou moments à vivre sur la ville elle-même.
Bon voyage. inch'Allah.
"Nous méritons toutes nos rencontres ; elles sont accordées à notre destin, et ont une signification qu'il nous appartient de déchiffrer." Mauriac
D'accord sur tout avec Wapiti74.
Pour les DH je confirme : impossible d'en acheter à l'étrange et d'en ramener : tout se fait sur place et il faut prévoir de tout dépenser. Change possible dès l'arrivée à l'aéroport, aux tarifs banque et pas hôtels qui arrondissent...)
Oubliez les excursions organisées, prenez les transports locaux bien organisés, plus souples, et c'est facile de se débrouiller seuls là bas et plus enrichissant 🙂. A Essaouira, dommage de louper le coucher de soleil...
Puisque "ON" vous a donné des conseils, et que "ON" vous a déconseillé,
"ON" aurait pu vous dire que le dirham ne s'échange qu'au Maroc, dès l'aéroport c'est possible, que l'euro est accepté, parceque les marocains l'acceptent, puisqu'il y a des sans gène qui leurs proposent (retour de baton, souvent à leur détriment!).
pour les excursions,
La visite de la ville n'en est pas une, une ville se vit, se flane, se fouille, se découvre. en bref, se mérite !
Ouarzazate se vend bien parce que ca rapporte, mais en dehors de la route superbe, il n'y a rien au bout.
Ouzoud, c'est route, cascades, faux guides, magasins et route, mais y'en a qui aiment.
Pour Essaouira, il y a des tonnes de bus pas cher qui partent tous les matins et qui reviennent le soir, la route, là, n'a aucun intéret, et rester 3 heures à Essaouira est un gachis!
Les excursions Ourika, Kik, Zat, villages berberes, plus proches, sont surement plus interessantes, avec moins de route.
Nous sommes rentrés Jeudi 27 avril de Marrakech.
Pour aller à Essaouira une journée, ça nous a coûté 120 dirhams par personne l'aller retour avec la compagnie locale SUPRATOUR située juste à côté de la gare des trains. Alors que l'excursion avec l'hôtel club était proposée à 300 dirhams par personne. Par contre il vaut mieux réserver 2 jour avant, et il est impossible de réserver le retour, du moins avec SUPRATOUR.
Nous sommes partis de Marrakech à 8h45 pour une arrivée à Essaouira vers 11h, nous avons tout de suite réservé le retour pour 18h30, arrivée à Marrakech vrs 21h15.
Cette jolie petite ville cotière vaut vraiment le détour. Il est intéressant aussi de sortir de la médina et d'aller vers le quartier des artisans qui travaillent le bois de tuya. Ceux-ci ont été très sympas avec nous, ils ont pris du temps pour nous expliquer, sans demander de contre partie contrairement à Marrakech où la moindre photo se paie.
L'ourika, ça vaut la peine aussi. Des bus de ville desservent la vallée quotidiènement, nous nous y sommes rendu en bus local jusqu'au village de Tnine l'ourika avec son souk du lundi. Mais comme il pleuvait nous n'avons poussé plus loin.
Et puis il ya tellement de choses à voir et à faire à Marrakech.😏
oui Essaouira est une jolie petite ville, je dirai même un gros village magnifique, à voir absolument, il faut se "perdre" dans la Médina, et se ballader le long de la baie....
De Marrakech, il y a des bus fréquents dans le centre ville qui partent pour Essaouira, donc pas compliqué pour se rendre..
Sinon, vous ne trouverez pas de monnaie en Belgique, il faut changer là-bas, mais aucun soucis pour le change. Surtout à Marrakech qui est devenu une ville quasiment européenne!
Donc pas compliqué pour voyager
voilà je pense avoir répondu à vos questions à peu près, je suis allée au Maroc en novembre 2005, j'ai passé un bon séjour...si vous voulez d'autres infos n'hésitez pas
MONIQUE
On vous a bien conseillé pour les endroits à visiter. Essaouira est sympa comme tout. Prévoyez quelques pulls car parfois surtout en soirée, il y fait frais (alizées). La vallée d'ourika est superbe. Quant à Marrakech, c'est une ville magique et incontournable.
Les excursions sont toujours très chères et de plus assez fatiguantes car souvent faites au pas de course. On n'a pas vraiment le temps de flaner et les achats sont faits en fonction du guide et de son business avec les commerçants. En outre, près de 180kms entre marrakech et essaouira et là on n'a pas le temps de respirer.
La vallée de l'ourika est plus accessible car une soixantaine de kms la sépare de marrakech.
Au maroc, il y a pas mal de transports possibles (bus, train, taxi individuel et collectif, c'est génial pour les rencontres, mais il faut accepter la promescuité et le manque de confort).
Il reste la location de voiture.
Accessible au niveau prix, elle permet de découvrir les sites à votre rythme.
Voilà, je vous souhaite un super séjour. Le maroc est un pays magnifique et les marocains sont très accueillants mais des commerçants dans l'âme et nous leur apparaissons comme riches.
C'est une ville sur la côte toute faite de façades blanches minimalistes et de châssis et volets bleus. Parfois en mauvais état
Certains sont parfois déçus à ce titre d 'Essaouira.
Pour moi j'en reviens encore ce weekend, c'est l'ambiance de concert avec cet architecture qui en fait son charme
Contrairement à Marrakech qui est speed et un petit peu moisie par le tourisme, à essaouira bien que fonctionnement principalement sur le tourisme, les gens sont très cool et détendus. Ambiance particulière Plusieurs artistes se sont d'ailleurs installés las-bas. On y trouve plusieurs galeries d'art marrantes et interessantes. Les gens a essaouira sont connus pour être des fainéants, ne pas travailler et prendre du bon temps. Moi j'adore cette ville. Le mieu est d'y passer une nuit. Je vais toujours dans un hôtel avec ma femme 25 euros la nuit avec dej, la deco est pas terrible, mais le tout très convenable.
S'y promener est très agréable que ce soit dans la medina sur la plage sur les remparts ou en aller manger quelques produits de la mer dans les echoppes-resto près de la place.
En voiture nous mettons +- 2 heures.
Oui cascade d'ouzoud et ouarzazate c'est loin au moins 6 heures de route. Mais bon c'est pas mal si on a le temps surtout vers ourzazate d'aller voir la vallée du Draa encore plus loin. Ouarzazate pour moi c'es juste la porte du desert ce qui intéressant est plus bas.
Pour la monnaie, c'est au choix, Marrakech c'est presque l'Europe mais on payent en dirhams.
Quelques drihams en poche pour son arrrivée est un plus.
Contrairement à l'idée commune, il est possible de changer au Maroc ses dirrhams contre des euros .
J'ai apporté des euros au Maroc, je les ai changés pour acheter une voiture puis j'ai revendu la voiture et j'ai changé les dirrhams en euros .
La banque du Maroc a noté sur mon passeport la somme changée et les euros remis . Il s'agissait bien sûr d'une somme conséquente .Un petit change reste anonyme .
Nous aimerions faire un treking de 3 jours dans la vallée de l'Ourika au départ de Marrakech. Connaissez-vous des guides à Marrakech qui proposent ce type d'excursion ?
Nous aimerions nous rendre à Agadir en Avril prochain, savez vous si des excursions dans le désert ou même aux portes du désert sont organisées depuis Agadir?…
Je cherche possibilités d'excursions 1, 2 ou 3 nuits dans le désert entre noël et premier de l'an au départ de ouarzazate, Zagora ou M'hamid vers Erg Chegaga??…
Nous sommes à marrackech à partir du 2 octobre nous recherchons 2 personnes pour partager les frais d une excursion privée de 3 jours dans le sud marocain avec…
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...
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
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada
Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 6: Luxor
Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada
Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van.
Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Hello,
We’d like to hire a French-speaking guide (agency, professional, or volunteer) to show us around Cairo over three days.
Trip planned for November 22, 23, and 24, 2026—four veteran French travelers.
We’re open to any leads, contact info, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Jacques
Hi there,
I have a layover in Algeria.
I won’t be leaving the airport.
The two tickets aren’t with the same airline.
Do I need a transit visa?
Thanks for any details and your help!
Hi there,
I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days.
We’ll be renting a car to get around.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy?
My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal!
Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!
Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!
Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair
- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.
- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).
- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges.
Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!
Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.
Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).
Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!
Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!
Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.
Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).
A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime.
If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving...
Happy to answer any questions!
