Est ce que quelqu'un connaît le site de Jbel Iroud ( entre Safi et Chichaoua ) où à été trouvé le plus vieux crâne d'Homo Sapiens ( homme moderne ) datant de 300 000 ans ainsi que des outils et des restes de faune . Est ce que ce site se visite ? Faut-il prendre rendez vous ?
Merci pour tous renseignements.
Catherine
" La lucidité est la blessure la plus proche du soleil" René Char
en dehors du site de fouilles proprement dit qui est, à ma connaissance, protégé et pas ouvert au public, djebel Irhoud est un petit douar en plein bled sans rien de particulier. J'imagine que des cafés et maisons d'hôtes sont déjà en train de se construire. Mais si on se réfère à ce qui s'est passé pour le dinosaure au sud, il faudra un long moment avant que le site soit transformé en quelque chose de visitable de façon intéressante.
Je relance le post, car il date de 2 ans et il s'est peut-être développé quelque chose depuis:
Nous allons au Maroc dans 10 jours et mon garçon s'intéresse beaucoup à l'archéologie, donc je me demande si on peut maintenant visiter ce site, voir le crane retrouvé, etc.
Ça nous fera un détour de 1h15 sur notre chemin donc je veux m'assurer qu'il y ait de quoi à voir!
Costa Rica, thailande, France, Espagne, États-unis: Floride, cote est, Yellowstone, Wyoming, Indiana, mexique (riviera maya), Tout le Québec, ouest canadien... Bientot: Tour des parcs ouest Américain, Maroc et Égypte...
Ce genre de site n'est en rien spectaculaire et ne présente pas de grand intérêt à la visite . Par contre, à Casablanca doit ouvrir l'archéodrome de Sidi Abderhamane ( célèbre grotte préhistorique ) . Il est construit depuis longtemps, mais pas encore ouvert à ma connaissance . C'est là que vous trouverez ( bientôt ? ) les trésors de l'archéologie préhistorique marocaine .
Si vous allez dans le sud, votre garçon peut tout simplement glaner, c'est-à dire rechercher en surface des artefacts de pierre taillé : j'en trouve sans difficultés, mais je suis habitué .
Je peux aussi vous indiquer où voir des magasins de ventes d'objets de la préhistoire ( contactez-moi en privé si vous voulez des précisions ) .
Quelques pièces de mon dernier séjour en octobre/début novembre :
un " chopping-tool " ou galet aménagé , trouvé dans la vallée du Draa ( paléolithique inférieur )
Une hache de pierre polie, négociée sur le trottoir d'un oasis ( néolithique ) .
Une herminette de pierre, ( ou piochon ), trouvée dans un oasis ( néolithique )
Et si vous êtes fin négociateur, peut-être trouverez vous au fond d'une boutique de belles armatures de flèches ...
Dites à votre fiston de regarder sur quoi il marche, et d'ouvrir les yeux tout simplement ., surtout si vous allez dans le sud . Le Maroc est le paradis des amateurs de préhistoire, car elle se lit " à ciel ouvert" : grottes, abris sous roches, habitats anciens, tumulus, outils de pierres, .... tout est sous les yeux
Amicalement
Le Maroc est le paradis des amateurs de préhistoire, car elle se lit " à ciel ouvert" : grottes, abris sous roches, habitats anciens, tumulus, outils de pierres, .... tout est sous les yeux
Beaucoup de ces objets (surtout les météorites) proviennent des pays voisins ( Algérie, Mauritanie) ou un trafic existe depuis de nombreuses années.
Le Maroc est la plaque tournante du trafic de ce genre de pièces archéologiques, les vendeurs vous diront que ça a été trouvé au Maroc, alors que beaucoup proviennent de pays vosins.
"When I saw the Hoggar Mountains, my jaw dropped. If you think of Bryce, or Canyonlands National Park, you're close, but the Hoggar Mountains are more spectacular." David Ball, Empire of sands
Il n'y a aucun " trafic" là dedans :
- Les météorites vendue au Maroc sont appelées des " NWA" . Lorsqu'elles sont enregistrées, elles se voient attribuer un numéro ( Ex : NWA 846 ) . NWA signifie North West Africa ou Afrique du Nord Ouest car , dans la quasi totalité des cas, quand une pierre est déplacée, on ignore, effectivement son origine précise . Les météorites dont l'origine est certaine portent le nom de leur point de chute ( ex : météorite de Tissint ) .... mais maintenant attention aux fausses météorites de Tissint ....
- Concernant les artefacts, ils se vendent un peu partout dans le pays, dans des magasins ayant pignon sur rue . La politique du Royaume à l'export est la suivante : l'exportation de pièces d'archéologie par les touristes est acceptée dans des quantités raisonnables . Je ramène des pièces de chaque voyage ( en bagage en soute ) et parfois j'utilise la Poste . Mes colis sont ouverts par la douane, je suis parfois contrôlé à l'embarquement . Il n'y a aucun problème , .... ni trafic .
Quant aux nomades qui les récoltent, ce ne sont pas des trafiquants, seulement des gens qui essayent de faire vivre leur famille .
Amicalement
Il n'y a aucun " trafic" là dedans :
- Les météorites vendue au Maroc sont appelées des " NWA" . Lorsqu'elles sont enregistrées, elles se voient attribuer un numéro ( Ex : NWA 846 ) . NWA signifie North West Africa ou Afrique du Nord Ouest car , dans la quasi totalité des cas, quand une pierre est déplacée, on ignore, effectivement son origine précise . Les météorites dont l'origine est certaine portent le nom de leur point de chute ( ex : météorite de Tissint ) .... mais maintenant attention aux fausses météorites de Tissint ....
- Concernant les artefacts, ils se vendent un peu partout dans le pays, dans des magasins ayant pignon sur rue . La politique du Royaume à l'export est la suivante : l'exportation de pièces d'archéologie par les touristes est acceptée dans des quantités raisonnables . Je ramène des pièces de chaque voyage ( en bagage en soute ) et parfois j'utilise la Poste . Mes colis sont ouverts par la douane, je suis parfois contrôlé à l'embarquement . Il n'y a aucun problème , .... ni trafic .
Quant aux nomades qui les récoltent, ce ne sont pas des trafiquants, seulement des gens qui essayent de faire vivre leur famille .
Amicalement
bonjour toutes et tous
entièrement d accord avec ça, le ministère des mines marocain a déjà établie une loi 33-13 qui régit l exportation des fossiles, minéraux et meteorites.
contrairement a des tas de stupidité qui fleurissent sur nos televisions et dans les médias, il n y a rien d illicite a chercher , vendre et exporter des fossiles , minéraux et autres meteorites.
peu de scientifiques peuvent se prévaloir d avoir trouver eux même des spécimens de vertébrés , toutes les publications scientifiques d importance sont le résultat de ce commerce , et il n existe pas encore de collection nationale ouverte au chercheurs étudiants et autre passionnes. la paléontologie mondiale a toujours été le fruit d une collaboration entre amateurs et scientifique. il faut arrêter de dire n importe quoi , ce sont de plus des milliers de familles qui vivent directement ou indirectement de ce commerce.
quand au sujet de ce post, que je ne veut pas déranger, je propose a timo le passionne, de passer nous voir a rabat ou de me contacter pour lui fournir toutes informations sur le sujet.
bonne journée
The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. Terry Pratchett ...
Quelqu'un connaît-il le site d'Amtoudi? Cet endroit me tente réellement, étant situé très près d'Ifrane, village avec lequel notre lycée avait un partenariat…
Voici une mise à jour de notre site "photo", après notre Trek de 14 jours dans le haut Atlas, au Maroc. Trois nouvelles rubriques dans Maroc 2009: une série de…
Bonjour,
Cet automne, nous prévoyons de partir découvrir l'Oriental et nous nous demandons où il serait le plus judicieux d'atterrir. Nous aurons 3 semaines devant nous et nous louerons une voiture.
Vos conseils seront les bienvenus. Merci.
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!
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
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.
