I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
Thanks in advance.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
I’ve decided to skip Djerba and head south instead, toward Tozeur and Tataouine.
From what I’ve read in travel guides, there are *louages* from Sfax to Gabès, then from Gabès to Douz and Tataouine. From Douz, you can take a *louage* to Tozeur. This fits exactly with what I want to see: Tataouine, Tozeur, and their surrounding areas.
My question is: what’s the best order for this loop to get back to Monastir (where I’ll be flying in and out) without wasting too much time, since I only have 15 full days?
I’m thinking of doing Gabès – Douz – Tozeur, then back to Douz to head down to Tataouine (Chenini, Douiret, etc.), and finally up through Matmata, Gabès, Sfax, and back to Monastir.
On my first trip a few days ago, I booked hotels almost day by day. I’m wondering if the hotel availability and tourist season in this region will let me do the same this time?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie,
I see you haven’t gotten many replies to your post—there aren’t a ton of people on the Tunisia forum...
I’ve been thinking about your trip, and my first thought is that it’s going to be tricky with public transport.
It’s more complicated on the circuit around Tozeur/Tataouine than in Djerba, where it’s easy to take a taxi from Houmt Souk to Guellala or Erriadh.
There are places you absolutely have to see in the Ksour, but I’m not sure if there’s public transport there.
Maybe hire a private taxi to take you on a day trip.
For hotels, aside from Tozeur or Douz where there are good mid-range options, in the villages it’s mostly budget hostels. In my opinion, booking a day in advance should be enough everywhere at this time of year.
Except in Tamerza, where you could stay several days at the Tamerza Palace and explore the area between Mides, Chebika, and Tamerza on foot in the canyon. You won’t regret it!
I’ll keep thinking about it and get back to you as soon as I have some time.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
I see you haven’t gotten many replies to your post—there aren’t a lot of people on the Tunisia forum here.
Hi Michèle,
No matter which travel forum you check, there isn’t much activity about Tunisia. On other forums, it’s mostly guides or drivers promoting their services.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
It's gonna be tricky with public transport.
More complicated on the circuit around Tozeur/Tataouine than Djerba
I don’t drive, so I don’t have a choice, and there are no direct flights to Tozeur. Plus, it’s still a good time to visit those areas.
You can go to Djerba any time of year.
I’ve read travel blogs by tourists who hitchhiked in those regions, but they were in pairs or groups, and they also mentioned there were taxis or agencies. I think I’ll be able to find a way to get to remote spots.
Otherwise, I’m thinking of sticking to either Tataouine and the surrounding area or Tozeur and its surroundings. I won’t be able to do everything, and I don’t like rushing. Anyway, I’ll be back in Tunisia—it’s not far.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Otherwise, I’m thinking of sticking to either Tataouine and the surrounding area or Tozeur and the surrounding area,
One place I really enjoyed: the mountain oasis of Chebika (it’s very close to Tozeur). That was ages ago!
From what I remember, there’s also Matmata and Zarzis, where I was invited to stay with a family.
Tataouine… meh.
Yeah, Tataouine is meh!
Apart from memories and the Foreign Legion that was once there, Tataouine doesn’t have much to offer.
You do need to pass through to get to Douiret, Chenini, and Ksar Ouled Soltane, but I’m not sure what transport options are available.
But it doesn’t seem impossible to hire a private taxi for the day to do a circuit. You could also check with an agency or book excursions through hotels.
Spending 4 or 5 days around Tozeur seems reasonable, 2 days in Douz is fine, and 2 or 3 days around Matmata and the ksours is plenty.
15 days for this circuit feels like too much.
Even if you’re not in a rush, there’s not much to do on the way from Monastir.
If you don’t want to go to Djerba—which really needs a full week—maybe consider a trip to Kerkennah or spend some time in Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir. But save that for the return trip from the south, depending on how much time you have left.
I don’t know if the desert interests you, but around Douz or Zafrane, you can spend a night in the desert.
Or head to Ksar Ghilane, though I’m not sure what’s become of the hotels there.
Check out Julien’s (faiyech) or Alain’s (calage) posts for inspiration—their itineraries are great.
You absolutely must go to Tamerza Palace. I loved that place and the hotel, which blends so seamlessly into the landscape. It was unfortunately closed for years but reopened in spring 2026.
Let us know how your itinerary is shaping up!
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
You absolutely must go to Tamerza Palace—I loved that place and how invisible the hotel is in the landscape.
Hello,
Out of the 15 days, you’ll need to subtract two or three for travel time, but from what I’ve seen, if you’re not doing any treks or long hikes, the visits go by pretty quickly (small villages, landscapes).
I was planning to stop in Sfax, and I think Monastir deserves a full day too.
Thanks for the tip about Tamerza Palace—it’s not in any travel guides or blogs, and they don’t have a website. I’ll call them before I leave.
So, I’ll head toward Tozeur first, then Tataouine, before making my way back up to Monastir, and I’m definitely skipping Djerba.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
You can find info about the Tamerza Palace on Booking.
You’ll actually have a bit of time for Monastir, Mahdia, and Sfax.
Julien mentioned Monastir and Mahdia.
He didn’t visit the museum in the former Habib Bourguiba palace just outside the city and a stone’s throw from the airport. Really nice.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Marie, if you're looking for a hotel very close to Monastir airport, there's the Kuriat Palace, right across the street.
No need for a taxi at all.
Depending on the day and time you arrive, you might be able to visit the palace/museum upon arrival.
I don’t know what itinerary you’re planning, but there aren’t many sights along the way except Monastir. Maybe Mahdia and Sfax on the way back as you head north.
If you pass through Sbeitla, it’s an interesting site.
Gafsa isn’t very exciting, but in Métlaoui, there’s the "Train du Bey," if it’s running. It’s a fun experience through the gorges of the Oued Selja. There’s usually only one departure around 9:30/10 AM—check ahead.
But whatever you do, don’t plan to sleep in Métlaoui—I have awful memories of it.
You should take the road from Tozeur to Métlaoui or Tamerza to Métlaoui in the morning before the excursion departs.
Then you’ll cross the Chott el Jerid and might even see some mirages.
Not much in Kébili, but Douz is really nice—being there on Thursday for the market is a plus. But it’s a very small town, so you’ll see it all quickly.
From Douz or Zaafrane, you can do a desert trek with an overnight stay organized by an agency or a hotel, which would let you join a group.
From Douz, you’ll head to Matmata—you might want to stay overnight there, as there are some decent hotels.
I’m not sure if there are still hotels in Tataouine.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
I arrive in Monastir on April 11th in the late afternoon and leave on April 27th.
The best plan is to head out on April 12th toward Douz. After that, I’ll go to Tozeur, and if I want to visit Matmata, Chenini, or Tataouine, I’ll have to go back through Douz.
On the way back to Monastir, I can stop in Sfax and Mahdia if I have time.
For Tataouine, travel guides mention a few hotels that organize excursions (Hôtel Dakyanus, Hôtel Tataouine Les Bains).
I’ll need to figure out my base points for exploring the region—at least Tozeur and Tataouine, since I should find guides and agencies there.
As for the Lézard Rouge train, Fayech said it wasn’t running when he was there in November.
Otherwise, is Gabès worth it? No palm grove or oasis?
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie,
I get that you prefer unstructured trips 😄, but to avoid unnecessary backtracking, the most direct way—and to not pass the same place twice—would be to head toward Tozeur, then go to Douz, Matmata, and Tataouine before looping back via Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir. A triangular route.
Tozeur and the mountain oases will be the most interesting part of your trip.
Then Douz and a desert hike.
Tataouine isn’t worth much, and the hotels are pretty meh unless they’ve been recently renovated...
But you’ll need to circle around Tataouine to visit the ksours.
After that, head back up the coast to Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir.
You can probably skip a stop in Tataouine by staying in a guesthouse in Douiret...
In Matmata, there are decent hotels.
Gabès used to be interesting when there was a palm grove, but I’ve heard there’s not much left now—I haven’t stopped there in quite a while.
For the Red Lizard train, it’s very possible it’s running—you’ll need to look up the info...
It’d be a shame to miss it.
But there’s nothing else in Métlaoui...
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
To avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips, the most direct route—so you don’t pass the same place twice—would be to head toward Tozeur. Do a triangular circuit.
Tozeur and the mountain oases will be the most interesting part of your trip.
Good evening Michèle,
Yes, if there’s a direct bus or *louage* from Monastir to Tozeur, that’s what I’ll do. Otherwise, I’ll go down to Sfax, where I saw there’s a direct *louage*. From Monastir to Tozeur, it should take me at least 6 hours.
So, I’ll book the night of April 11th in Monastir, and starting April 12th, I’ll book in Tozeur. Once I’m there, the locals (hotel staff, taxi drivers, etc.) will tell me the best way to get around—whether it’s the bus or the *louage*. But I think everyone agrees that *louages* are faster.
Thanks for clarifying which part of the circuit will be the most interesting—I wasn’t sure.
Now that I know which areas I’ll visit and the direction of my circuit, I’ll read travel guides, blogs, etc., in more detail. If I have any other questions, I’ll come back to you.
Thanks again for your help!
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
I just booked my hotel night for Saturday in Monastir and for Sunday in Tozeur. For now, I’ve planned three nights in Tozeur, but I’ll decide once I’m there. I made the reservation by phone without giving my credit card number. After those three nights in Tozeur, I’ve booked at Tamerza Palace (two nights for now).
The gentleman at the Tozeur hotel (Hôtel El Arich) was really nice and took the time to explain how to get to Tozeur. He recommended taking the bus instead of a *louage*. I’ll need to leave early because there aren’t many buses (or *louages* either). According to him, it’s easier to get to Tozeur from Tunis than from Monastir.
For visiting the mountain oases, he advised going with a tour agency or other people from the hotel—public transport seems complicated.
I asked if the *Lézard Rouge* is running, and he said no, but I’ll double-check once I’m there.
Tamerza Palace told me they can arrange a transfer from Tozeur—I’ll need to email them.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie, your departure is indeed approaching...
Maybe there’s more transport from Tunis to Tozeur, but it’s usually a bit fewer kilometers from Monastir.
And on the way back, it’ll save you unnecessary kilometers.
Oddly, I have the impression that the El Arish hotel has expanded—it used to be a small hotel. We often go to the palm grove, to the El Oued hotel.
In Tozeur, you absolutely must visit Souad’s little museum in the Ouled El Hadef district. This neighborhood is really nice, with some lovely shops, and Souad is charming.
It’s great to stroll around Tozeur, though you’ll see most of it pretty quickly.
Three nights will also give you time to take a trip to Nefta.
In the mountain oases, it’ll be different—the nature and its wild beauty. In ’69, torrential rains swept through and carried away the three villages.
From the Tamerza Palace hotel, you’ll have a view of the old village—it’s just an amazing spot. Don’t hesitate to explore everywhere, including all three oases.
I can recommend a guide in Chébika.
Looking forward to this new trip...
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
We often go to the palm grove, at the El Oued hotel.
I can give you the contact for a guide in Chebika.
Hello,
The El Oued Hotel was my first choice, but I called twice and got an English message saying the number (76 46 30 36) doesn’t exist, and I can’t access their website, so I don’t have an email address. If you have another phone number or an email, I can try contacting them again.
I also called the Ras El Ain Hotel, which is part of the same hotel group as La Kasbah in Kairouan, but they were fully booked. I think they host tour groups, like La Kasbah does.
I’d love the contact details for the Chebika guide.
Have a great day.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi there,
I’m joining the conversation here. I’m heading to Tunisia for 15 days in July with my husband and our two teens, and I’m struggling to decide on our route—I’d love your advice! We’ll be arriving at Monastir airport and departing from Tunis. We’ll mostly be using public transport, with maybe a short-term car rental if needed. We love culture, the sea, and sometimes just soaking up local life—not just ultra-touristy spots. I was thinking of Sousse/Mahdia/Kairouan/Bizerte/Tunis, but I’m wondering if I should swap Mahdia for Tabarka. Either way, it’d be 2 nights in each place and 3 in Tunis. Thanks for your tips! ☺️
Hi Carole,
Actually, Tabarka might be a bit cooler in the summer, but in that case, it would have been better to fly into Tunis airport and head north instead of arriving in Monastir.
Kairouan will be very hot—it's in a basin, so you'll have to stick to the shade, and it might feel like a slog.
In July, it might be wise to stay by the sea.
Will you be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse?
Do you already have bookings?
More of a backpacker?
Around Tunis, what do you want to do?
What are your arrival and departure dates and times?
Have you looked into car rentals?
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Hi Carole,
Actually, Tabarka might be a bit cooler in the summer, but in that case, it would have been better to fly into Tunis airport and head north instead of arriving in Monastir.
Kairouan will be very hot—it's in a basin, so you'll have to stick to the shade, and it might feel like a punishment.
In July, it might be wise to stay by the sea.
Will you be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse?
Do you already have bookings?
More of a backpacker?
Around Tunis, what do you plan to do?
What are your arrival and departure dates and times?
Have you looked into car rentals?
Thanks for your reply 😊, that’s really kind of you.
The flights were cheaper arriving in Monastir, and I thought it’d be a chance to visit Kairouan, among other things… but clearly not the best idea climate-wise (I might cut it down to 1 night in Kairouan). I’ll stay 2 nights in Sousse when I arrive since it’s near the airport, then head north after Kairouan.
I’ll finalize bookings on Booking.com and Airbnb once I’m sure of my route. I’d love to spend some time in Tunis—I’ve planned to go to Bizerte, but I’ll admit I’m not sure where to base myself for a spot that’s not *too* touristy, a bit authentic but still lively (Cap Bon? Cap Blanc? Tabarka?). For car rental, I’ll see if it’s even necessary (but as little as possible). Thanks so much!
Even if flights are cheaper via Monastir, I’m not sure how you plan to get around, but your trips will also cost money, especially for four people.
And besides the cost, the roads can be quite dangerous, especially in the summer when the population increases significantly.
Same goes for rental cars—you might not find any available if you haven’t booked in advance.
Plus, prices are high in the summer.
In the Sahel region, Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia are pretty well connected by the light metro.
Getting to Kairouan is trickier.
In Kairouan, like in Carthage, there’s a single ticket for all the sites to visit, but it’s only valid for one day.
How do you plan to get around?
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Even if flights are cheaper via Monastir, I don’t know how you plan to get around, but your trips will also cost a lot, especially for four people.
And besides the cost, the roads are quite dangerous, especially in summer when the population increases significantly.
Same goes for rental cars—I’m not sure you’ll find any available if you haven’t booked in advance.
And in summer, prices are high.
In the Sahel region, Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia are well served by the light metro.
It’s more complicated to get to Kairouan.
In Kairouan, like in Carthage, there’s a single ticket for all the sites to visit, but it’s only valid for one day.
How do you plan to get around?
I was thinking of doing Sousse-Kairouan and Kairouan-Tunisia by bus
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Hello,
In September, my wife and I, along with another couple, will be traveling to Tunisia and staying at the Sheherasade Hotel near Sousse.
We’d love to hear your recommendations or tips on places to visit, as well as advice on taxis or other transportation options.
Thanks in advance!
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 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!
