Nous prévoyons partir pour la Tunisie pour 1 mois à compter du 15 février. Nous aimerions obtenir de l'information sur la température, les sites à ne pas manquer et autres infos dont vous pourriez nous faire part. C'est un premier voyage en Tunisie. Nous aimerions visiter Port El Kantaoui, Sousse, Djerba en autres. Que pensez-vous de l' "Excusion du lézard rouge" ? et de celle de 4 jours dans le désert ?
Je suis rentrée de Tunisie dimanche. J'y ai passé 2 semaines inoubliables... Enfin tellement inoubliables que je suis allée dans une agence de voyage cet après-midi : je repars 2 semaines en janvier.Dans le Sud, je vous conseille vivement le village de Chenini (si possible tôt le matin, avant l'afflux de touristes), la route des ksours (les greniers berbères) notamment ksar ouled soltane qui est le plus beau.Essayez de passer une nuit dans un ksar (le ksar hallouf est transformé en hôtel et ça coûte une misère) ainsi que dans un des hôtels troglodytes de Matmata.Ca vaut vraiment le coup.La formule la plus sympa est sans doute de louer une voiture pendant quelques jours : on va où l'on veut, quant on veut.Quant au désert, j'avoue avoir été horrifiée par les files de 4X4 que j'ai croisé sur la piste menant à ksar ghilane.Ces circuits sont TRES organisés.Mais là c'est une affaire de goût...J'espère que ces renseignements vous serons d'une quelconque utilité.Bon voyage.
Bonjour Sylvie, je te remercie de tes informations, j'en prends bien notes. Je te souhaite de joyeuses fêtes et un aussi beau voyage à ton prochain départ.
Port El Kantaoui n'a aucun intérêt, c'est une zone touristique. Kairouan est magnifique, c'est une ville sainte musulmane. Le désert bien sûr vaut le coup aussi, Tozeur, Douz.
Tunis aussi pour Sidi Bou Said, le musée du Bardo,
El Jem, Mahdia et son cimetière en bord de mer balayé par les vents.
La ville de Tataouine n'a aucun intérêt, mais c'est un bon point de départ pour les ksour. Attention, sans voiture certains sont assez difficiles à atteindre.
On peut marcher de Douiret à Chenini (7km), les paysages ne sont pas grandioses mais ça permet de varier les plaisirs, la Tunisie n'est pas un pays de randonnées.
Bon séjour là-bas, c'est un beau pays, très varié.
En un mois, je pense que vous avez le temps de faire un peu le tour de toute la tunisie si vous louez un véhicule, car c'est un tout petit pays et l'on peut facilement organiser un circuit sympa. Moi je vous conseil également d'aller du coté de Tozeur, Tamerza, Mides, c'est vraiment magnifique. Sinon il parait que le Nord Ouest, est très différent et très beau (Tabarka....)
Pour ce qui est d'aller dans le désert, je ne vous conseille effectivement pas trops d'aller sur la piste Ksar ghilane-Douz en 4x4, car en cette saison c'est une autoroute où alors il faut passer par un vrai guide saharien et non pas par une agence de voyage car la plupart ne connaisse pas le désert et prennent la piste la plus courante au lieu de passer par les dunes et les endroits magiques.
Vous avez aussi la possibilité d'aller passer deux jours au coeur du désert dans un campement, soit au sud de Douz ou de Sabria et de faire un circuit de deux ou trois jours avec les dromadaires... Si vous etes avec des vrais bédouins ce sont des soirées géniales, inoubliables avec les chats et les musiques traditionnelles et bien sur le thé noir et vert et le pain de sable.
Et qui sait peut-etre qu'on se croisera on tournant d'une dune !!!!!!
tu va te dire: voila enfin quelq'un de la Tunisie qui me répond!
Les infos données par lapluparts des interlocuteurs sont à majorité vrais.
Pour visiter la Tunisie, je vous conseille les régions du centre et du sud (Le nord est principalement pour se reposer dans un bon hôtel et admirer les plages de Hammamet et de sousse/monastir.
Par le centre, j'ai voulu citer le fameux colisée d'EL Jem (ancienne ville romaine connu par le nom Thysdrus), un colisée semblable à celui de Rome. Ensuite Kairouan la ville sainte avec son mosquée et ses tapis. Un peu plus au sud c'est la ville de Sbeitla (ancienne ville romaine aussi). Ensuite, il reste les régions du sud.
Pour tout cela il est recommandé de descendre à Djerba (aéroport international), d'y rester un peu pour visiter l'île (à ne pas manquer un tour de l'île passant par le village de poterie Guellala). Ensuite Tu peux louer une voiture pour passer au sud.
Il est intéressant de visiter Tataouine et ses environs avec les Ksars des régions berbères et des villages implantés sur les montagnes telles que Douiret et Chenini. ensuite tu peux monter via Béni Khedeche jusqu'à Matmata pour visiter les maisons troglodytes. Là, où Lucas avait tournée son premier film de Star Wars.
Enuiste, tu peux prendre la nouvelle route, en passant par le village de Tamezrat en direction de Douz à travers le désert de pierre. Tu descend vers Zafraane et Sabria. Là tu peux passer une nuit sous une tente dans le désert à proiximité des dunes. L'autre partie à savoir Ksar Ghilane n'est accessible par un 4x4 et il faut connaître les routes.
Après le désert, tu repasse par Douz vers Kébili. Ensuite tu traverse le Chott El Djerib (un lac sec). Pour arriver à Tozeur. Ces régions sont très célères par les dattes. D'ailleurs l'économie principale de cette région se base sur les palmiers. A tozeur, tu peux visiter le musée très célèbre de Dar Chrait le zoo du désert le apradis, passer une siorée en diner Galaa avec des danseurs et danseuses dans l'oasis et faire une balade en calèche dans les oasis soit à Tozeur soit à nefta, là où tu peux voir la corbeille des palmiers. Plus au nord, tu peux aller voir le fameux Ong Djemel (la queue du Dromadaire où juste à côté ils ont tournée le dernier Star wars village tatouane). Ensuite, sur la route du nord et en tournant à gauche, il ne faut pas rater les oasis de montagne avec les chutes d'eau ( ça n'a rien à voir le niaga falls mais de l'eau dans le presque déert est toujours étonnant). Donc à visiter Chebika, tamaghza et Mides. Le lézard rouge est à métlaoui pour une balade d'une demi-journée, je ne sais s'il est réouvert de nouveau, mais on l'a fermé récemment)! Au nord en passant par gafsa avec sa piscine romaine tu retrouve ton chemin vers Sbeitla, Kairaoun et El djem que j'avais cité auparavant. Enfin, tu rentres à Djerba par les côtes à savoir Sfax Gabès et le BAC de Djerba).
Si tu as d'autre questions ou tu veux des photos, tu peux m'écrire sur mongi2003@voila.fr
Merci Mongi pour toutes ces informations intéressantes. Je vais me procurer une carte routière pour être en mesure de suivre les endroits que tu m'as mentionné. Je prends note de ton email. Merci et bonne année.
pendat la période du 15 Fév-15 Mars, c'est la fin de l'hiver et le début de printemps. Les températures sont autour du 20°C. Ce n'est pas encore le temps des plage. Par contre, c'est le temps idéal pour effectuer des tournées jusqu'au désert.
Désolé, mais j'y suis allé cet été et dans le sud il faisait 50°.
Pour le sud, il est intéressant de faire les grandes villes comme NEFTA, DOUZ, GABES et MATMATA et puis remonté sur DJERBA. Le sud est très saisissant par ses traditions et son paysage entre désert et montagne.
Sur DJERBA, il faut faire les "souk" MIDOUN et HOUMT SOUK. tu peux y aller en taxi et c'est assez marrant car les jours de marchés il est très difficile d'en trouver, leur tarifs sont très raisonnables et les chauffeurs sympas. Surtout ne pas s'arrèter aux premiers vendeurs car ils onst assez agréssifs et essaient de vendre absolument. il faut entrer à l'intéreiur et là tu trouveras des gens à l'écoute et très commercant. Pour la peite histoire cet été pendant le prière, j'ai gardé un stand avec toute la confiance de la personne et j'en ai profité pour faire mes achats avec le thé à volonté de la part des autres commercants.
Lorsque tu montes vers le Nord, c'est l'europe... EL KANTAOUI est un port de plaisance magnifique ( j'ai craqué).. ensuite il faut aller à SISDI BOU SAHID et faire un pélérinage au "café des délices" ( chanson de patrick Bruel) ville blanche et bleus et avec une vue magnifique. A voir absolument ( j'envisage à la retraite de me retirer là bas). Il y a aussi CARTHAGE pour les historiens et pour ses vestiges et puis tu pourras apercevoir une partie du palais présidentiel de BEN ALI ( attention aux photos ). Il faut aussi voir le tombeau de BOURGIBA. Un conseil, achète un guide sur la TUNISIE, ils sont très bien détaillés.
En visite le 30 mars dernier, sur le site de la guerre des étoiles, en direction de ong jmel mon portefeuille a mystérieusement disparu, je vous invite donc à…
J'aimerais savoir si l'un (e) d'entre vous à réservé sur le site nouvelair car il ne présente pas de certificat de sécurité sur sa page, je reste dans le doute…
En vue d une transaction pour l achat d un appartement en tunisie je recherche un site de convertion du dinar. j en ai trouvé plusieur mais il n y en a pas un…
Je cherche 1 site réservés au franças désireux acquerire 1 bien immobilier en tunisie sans passer par 1 agence!! soit 1 maison, soit 1 terrain, soit 1 usine.…
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 😊
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 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.
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
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!
