We’re heading to Ouarzazate and southern Morocco in 7 days.
Here’s our route (map). We’re a family of 2 adults and 3 kids (11, 9, and 5 years old).
Could you let me know if there are even more scenic roads to take, and any must-see spots, please? 😉
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dadès
Day 2: Dadès + Todra
Day 3: Tinegir – Djbel Saghro – N'Kob
Day 4: Tazzarine – M'Hamid (overnight in Erg Lihoudi)
Day 5: M'Hamid – Draa Valley – Agdz
Day 6: Agdz – Fint – Ben Haddou
Day 7: Telouet – Ouarzazate
Hey,
Makes sense. And not too many other options if you want paved roads...
Still, on your route between Dadès and Todgha, I see you’ll double back to take the main highway, which isn’t the prettiest stretch of the N10 between Boulmane and Tinghir...
I suggest you loop north via Agoudal instead. Not much dirt road left since they’re paving it... but what’s still there is super easy with any car... and it’ll be way prettier. You’ll take the upper Dadès route... You’ve got the Akhiam site along the way... Even though the new dam at the exit of the Todgha Gorge ruins the spot, the route is still much nicer than the N10....
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hi,
I’ve got a question about the connection between the Dadès and the Todra—is it a good idea to take the road (or rather the track that’s currently being paved, if I understood correctly) just north of M’semrir that runs from west to east toward Tamtattouchte?
For someone who doesn’t have time to go up to Agoudal, instead of taking the N10.
The road through the pass and Agoudal is smooth and way prettier...
If you're local, sure, it's better, but for a first trip, I really recommend the Agoudal route... The landscapes are on another level...
Anyway, in Morocco, it's risky to plan things down to the quarter-hour, even on paved roads—let alone in the mountains...
Just in case, you take the road after M'smerir, near a big recent factory.
But again, there's no comparison between the two options...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hi,
It works, thanks for the feedback!
This is actually my first trip to the area, and I’m currently putting together the itinerary. I thought the time difference would be more noticeable than that.
The original plan was to visit the Dades Gorges first, then find a scenic route to the entrance of the Todra Gorges, where we’d spend the night, with the idea of exploring Todra the next morning.
We’ll be coming from Skoura.
If we take the loop via Agoudal, do you have any recommendations for a spot where we could stop for the night?
Alternatively, do you think it’s feasible to do both the Dades and Todra Gorges in the same day with this Agoudal loop, or would that be too rushed and therefore not recommended? I’m not sure what to expect...
My last question: Is there a preferred direction for driving through both gorges, or does it not really matter?
I’ve already done the Valley of the Roses – Dades – Todgha route via Agoudal in one day.
Visited the Todgha Gorge the next morning before the tourist rush.
You *can* sleep in Agoudal, but I don’t really see the point.
With just a Dacia Logan
Got it.
Is it feasible to do the same day for Dades + Todra via Agoudal, or is that too ambitious / too rushed?
Since I’ve heard it’s best to visit the Todra Gorge early in the morning, I might consider doing the loop in the order Todra > Agoudal > Dades...
Thanks,
Both directions are lovely, but personally, I slightly prefer starting with the Todgha...
Make sure to take a little break here (1-hour round-trip walk).
I see on Google that the tourist trap has already started with a snack shack... hard to believe this place was almost unknown just a few years ago... Take advantage and go see the beautiful arch. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the cave—you can easily check out two chambers. That said, with all the rain we’ve had, it’s probably not possible now. I managed to go pretty far three years ago, but I was solo, and looking back, it wasn’t the smartest idea. At times, you have to crawl on your stomach with your back scraping the ceiling—it’s that narrow. There are some stunning chambers beyond the first siphon, but I don’t think it’s passable right now.
For lodging... Phew, I don’t even know where to start, lol. There are so many options!
From the luxurious and gourmet Chez Pierre (since it was taken over by Moroccan brothers, I love this place, but it’s super booked and pretty pricey—though I adore this hostel, even if it’s a bit flashy) to ultra-family-run kasbahs with no frills but delicious home-cooked meals (the beds are average, but it’s a very local spot—only the father speaks French well, and he knows the region like the back of his hand. You really get to share in the family’s daily life). Between these two extremes, I’ve got at least 50 addresses to share, so... ^^ Personally, if I had to choose, I’d stay on the Dadès side if you’re starting with Todgha. I don’t know your budget or comfort expectations... (the upper Dadès is largely ignored by tourists, who all flock to the lower Dadès before the famous hairpin turns. Even in Agoudal, there’s Ibrahim’s place—veteran travelers might remember it from back in the day. It’s not the same anymore, but it’s still a decent stop. For me, what I love about Agoudal is winter—all the older men lounging against the wall, soaking up the sun in the center... ^^)
Don’t forget to make a little stop for tea or a snack (you can even sleep here):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ckq5VkDmzNEo4dAa9
The owner is welcoming, and the little break is nice now that the construction equipment is gone (thanks to the new pavement).
A few spots like this for epic views:
* At the Tirherhouzine Pass (2,709 m),
Park here and head up to the right. The view over the valley is insane—just watch the drop!
You can see the trail clearly on Google, but it gets less obvious higher up—it’s a climb. When you reach a pass, a trail branches off to the right (6–8 hours to reach the Dadès). To the left, less marked, you’ll end up right above the gorges—absolutely stunning panorama. Watch out for falls and rockfalls...
For those staying at the foot of the gorges, you can do a day-long loop on foot: cross the gorges, hike up, and descend on the other side to return to the village of Ait Tizgui (Tizgui means "waterfall").
Ugh, I’ll stop now or I’ll end up writing another novel...
By the way, there’s a track in the upper Dadès near Tilmi that connects to the Cathedral, and even Bouzmou toward Imilchil...
Quick fuel tip: In the upper Dadès, you can find diesel in Tilmi here:
Awesome, thanks so much for your feedback! Just reading this makes me want to go. 😇
Our budget is around 50 or 60 € max per night for two. Comfort-wise, we’re happy with anything—from the most comfortable to the most basic—as long as there’s authenticity and great moments that make it all worthwhile :)
Not sure if this is the right place for this, but here’s our 10-day itinerary so far (we’d have loved more time to take it slower, but this trip, we don’t have a choice..):
1) Marrakech
2) Pick up the Logan; head toward Tizi n’Tichka pass via Telouet; overnight near Skoura
3) Skoura; Valley of the Roses (as far as Bou Tharar); then overnight at the start of the Dades Gorges
4) Dades Gorges, loop to Tamtetoucht via Agoudal. Overnight near Tamtetoucht.
5) Todgha Gorges; then Tinghir and its palm grove. Road to Nkob via Tizi n’Tazazert pass; overnight near Nkob or in the Draa Valley (?)
6) Draa Valley to Zagora + overnight
7) Draa Valley to M’Hamid, depart late afternoon for 2 nights in the Erg Chegaga desert (we’re looking for a "nomadic" bivouac, not a permanent camp)
8) Desert + overnight
9) Return to M’Hamid, overnight on the road in the Draa Valley (near Tamnougalt or Agdz)
10) Return to Marrakech
If you’ve got any comments or tips—no matter how big or small—I’m all ears! :)
Especially stops or detours worth taking, a great spot, a little walk or visit along the way… Or even if the whole route needs tweaking 😄
Basically, I’ll take anything!
So, day 1 in the city and day 2, we grab the rental...
Skoura (this is just my personal opinion) still has its old reputation, but this palm grove, which had charm some time ago, has nothing to do with the past anymore... I say this because I see in almost all travelers' itineraries that they discover Skoura as if it were THE star of the country... It's wildly overrated and isn't even close to being the most beautiful palm grove in Morocco... I wouldn't even rank it in the top 5... The palm grove is sick and scraggly, not to mention that for a good ten years, it's been the trend for Europeans to come and set up hostels... Soon, there'll be more hostels than palm trees...🤪
Maybe it's also the fault of some travel journals where most people here don’t venture off the beaten path. (Sorry for being so frank.) That said, you can still find some nice stops there... Personally, I only like Skoura in the winter when the peaks are snow-covered.
I can’t remember what time of year you're leaving, but the first week of May is the Rose Festival, so it’s hard to find accommodation... A full day for the Rose Valley seems long compared to the other days...
You’ll see that it goes by faster than expected, and like Skoura, the Rose Valley isn’t exactly... rose-colored... It’s very easy to drive through the valley and barely see a rose, except on shops selling products made with Chinese roses... (1 - it’s much cheaper to import made-in-China than to produce locally, 2 - the drought no longer allows for sufficient production)...
Bou Tharar, a quiet little village... Are you doubling back or taking the dirt track?
Just in case:
Start at Bou Tharar: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uz566t7tMpJexCdK6
Remember to turn left in the center—turning right takes you up to a stunning viewpoint over the valley and the M'Goun range, but that’s for 4x4s or daredevils like me... 1h30 on foot.
You’ll arrive at Ait Youl: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XS5MDFr3wxXG2P1N9
There’s another variant a bit further north via Tisguine, which is much nicer, but there’s a river crossing here to do, and I don’t know if you’re comfortable driving a Logan on dirt tracks (just so you know, insurance doesn’t cover off-road driving).
The rest is a classic route...
I might’ve pushed to sleep higher up in the Dadès Valley rather than at the start, especially if you’re staying in Skoura. I recommend this unique kasbah: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2AFGeCr7rzwBmFca7
Brahim is a truly great guy and super attentive... A family man like you’d want to see more of in Morocco... Contact him on WhatsApp by voice: +212 699 208 268... Tell him you’re coming from Zitouny (olive in Arabic), and he’ll take good care of you... I especially recommend him for those who might want a guide—he knows the region like the back of his hand... I’m leaving the info here for you or others, no pressure...
In the Dadès Valley, there are tons of great choices... But also tons of flops... For the past 2 or 3 years, it’s been a disaster—soulless, flashy hostels and hotels with tacky names are popping up one after another...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hey there!
Totally agree with you, dear Zitouni!
Never got the hype about Skoura!
I also tried spending a night at that famous hostel... never again.
Last year when I passed through, a lot of the palm trees had burned—it wasn’t great.
Hopefully, the autumn rains helped the landscape turn green again.
I came back after a month... it’s not the same feeling as before.
It’s still really beautiful, but my old friends, the *chibanis*, have passed away or are as old as I am now!
The bivouacs with young people, the quad bikes... not to mention the "Agafay Desert"—that’s not for me anymore.
I spend my winters in my place... in Senegal.
Greetings to all in Morocco.
Francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
Thanks for all the feedback!
We’re leaving in late May/early June.
We’re planning to stop in Skoura mainly because it’s on the way—it’s a "convenient" stop coming from Marrakech—but the palm grove visit wasn’t a must for us. We’ll skip it. On our loop, is there another palm grove that’s more worth it? The one in Tinghir, maybe?
About the track to Bou Tharar that leads east to Ait Youl—is it manageable in a Logan? Because I’m not sure how well I’d handle a Logan on dirt roads either 😅 But it sounds great—I’m guessing it’s way nicer than doing the round trip and taking the N10.
I get that it’d be better to sleep in the Upper Dades, but that’d mean visiting the gorges on day 3 after leaving Skoura. I don’t want us to feel like we’re "rushing" if we do the Amridil kasbah, the Rose Valley, *and* Bou Tharar first… Wouldn’t that be a bit much to add the gorges in the afternoon/late afternoon? Since we want to take little photo breaks—or even short walks if the scenery calls for it—
Thanks for the tip, by the way!
I’ve got a few more questions:
- I saw there’s a salt mine in "Agoulzi" north of Ait Hani. Is it worth a look?
- Any recommendations for the Draa Valley? (Good stops, places to stay, scenic detours…)
- Same for N’kob—is it worth stopping for a night on the way down from Tizi n’Tazazert, or should we push on to the Draa Valley? (Since we’ll already be spending two nights there later…)
Back in December 2013 or January 2024, I drove up the Dadès Valley all the way to Agoudal for the first time.
I had no idea the last few kilometers before the pass were so narrow—basically one lane.
I was unlucky enough to meet two vehicles, and each time it was really, really tricky.
How’s it now?
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Since you're passing through Telouet and the Ounila Valley, there’s also a salt mine at the beginning.
Dades Valley: I recommend Isabel Hostel—very simple and family-run, with 3 rooms. It’s inexpensive, the food is good, the rooms are spotless, and there’s a large terrace facing the Monkey Fingers.
Nkob: Kasbah Ennakb on the main street is beautiful and has excellent food. Next door, don’t miss visiting the cobbler to buy some nice sandals. The main street is nothing special, but behind the hotel, you can access the old village, known for its many well-preserved kasbahs—though they’re not open for visits.
Draa Valley: The ksar of Tamnougalt is worth the detour (films have been shot there), and you can stay overnight.
Further down the valley, Kasbah Ait Othman is an authentic and stunning kasbah turned into a hostel.
A hostel in Tamgroute. The area is known for its distinctive green pottery, a covered old village, and a library of ancient manuscripts—though you can easily skip that.
Tinghir, yes—the palm grove is way nicer than Skoura...
About the shortcut through Bou Tharar... "Tranquille" is a random word in Morocco—tracks depend on the weather. One day it’s an easy drive, the next it’s impassable...
But locals use this route regularly, and there’s no real difficulty. A Logan can handle it without any problem... That said, I’ve seen people in France blow a tire just parking at a supermarket curb, so... you can wreck your car anywhere. Technically, it’s a green-level track...^^ The only real challenge would be managing to get lost and take the wrong path lol
As for the salt mine, it’s not a big deal... First, the guy has to be there. These are often very basic operations, like the one in the Ounila Valley Fangui mentioned. You go into a dark cave and that’s it... Not worth the time if you’ve got a tight schedule.
On top of Fangui’s tips for Nkob, I’ll add that the tarmac is great between the pass and Nkob, and it’s also a nice spot to sleep up there...
There are two places—it’s a matter of vibe, but I prefer Tirza. Basic but clean and cheap.
Here Yassine, the son, replies on WhatsApp at +212 671 063 687...
Without staying overnight, a stop is nice for the view on the way down to see the Affezar canyon. Position yourself here: Viewpoint
The hostel just above also offers a stunning view of the Saghro and the Igly cirque, called the Camel...
Not to mention, at the bottom of the pass, there’s a really worthwhile walk to Bab N’Ali...
The hike starts here
Don’t hesitate to park all the way to the easy turnaround spot. The monolith is the landmark... You can climb to the base without difficulty—just watch out for loose gravel underfoot on the slope, but it’s not dangerous. At the base, you’ll see a small geological curiosity if you look closely—I won’t spoil it ^^...
The hostels on-site aren’t great... Both the welcome and the service leave a lot to be desired.
The Draa Valley is long, *really* long Fangui shared some great tips... When you’re coming from Nkob, you’ve got two route options—one to the left of the Draa and one to the right. The right-hand one going down is the main road; the other is less of a hassle. If you want, you can go down one way and come back the other to Zagora... For lighting, it’s much better to go down in the afternoon and come back up in the morning. The palm grove is struggling, and you won’t see much that’s appealing around midday when the light is so harsh. Anyway, you’ll be in this area at a rough time of year—late May, early June in M’Hamid. Personally, I’m not a fan... Last year, I had 46-47°C in mid-May at Chegaga. This part of your trip won’t be the highlight. The landscapes will be flattened by the heat and dust, and panoramic photos are tough to pull off.
Watch out when you get to Zagora—you’ll very likely run into some "friends"... In the Draa, I have a rule: I politely tell anyone in blue who bothers me about the Tuaregs to get lost. Quick reminder: Tuaregs in Morocco? THEY DON’T EXIST (anymore), and not a single person you meet is from that ethnic group—not even their father or great-grandfather. It annoys me how they sell nonsense instead of talking about their own culture... (they know as much about themselves as they do about the Tuaregs, to be honest). Anyway... Be careful, and even more so when you get to M’Hamid—you’ll be a walking target for kilometers ^^ But no real danger... Just don’t be naive.
After Tamegroute, you can also do a loop—go one way and come back the other starting from here
Don’t forget cold water and stay hydrated... You’ll need it. No need to stock up too much—it heats up fast, and on the tarmac, you’ll often find shops and cafés...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Hey Minou!
You always have such great tips!
In ZAGORA, I found a really nice little hostel called "La Petite Casbah"—it’s cheap and has a lovely small pool that’s perfect for the intense heat!
I won’t talk about the "Blue Men"—I married one 25 years ago. 😄
Wishing everyone a wonderful stay.
Francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
I always stop at the little kasbah whenever I pass through Zagora. The hostel is really nice, Brahim is super friendly, and the meals are always delicious. The TV room is a hit with soccer fans...
I stop at the little kasbah every time I pass through Zagora. The hostel is really nice, Brahim is super friendly, and the meals are always great. The TV room is a hit with soccer fans...
Hey, you can spot the regulars here ;)
Not me for the soccer!
I stayed there for 3 nights in October.
Maybe we crossed paths!
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
Is the track to Bou Tharar that leads east to Ait Youl manageable in a Logan?
No, it’s never really been "manageable" and right now it’s completely impassable.
I gave up trying to take it in a 4x4 last week.
The rains washed out the track, and I seriously doubt it’s been repaired.
Alternative: North of Aït Youl, a road heads toward Ighil n'Oumgoun and lets you reach Bou Taghrar.
More details here:
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10707248#10707248
I’ve got a question about the connection between the Dadès and the Todra—is it a good idea to take the road (or rather the track that’s currently being paved, if I understood correctly) just north of M’semrir that runs from west to east toward Tamtattouchte?
As of 2025, the entire route is paved.
It’s fast.
And it’s a real environmental disaster.
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10707454#10707454
Alternative: North of Aït Youl, a road leads to Ighil n'Oumgoun and allows you to reach Bou Taghrar.
We talk about it here:
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10707248#10707248
Thanks for your message—it’s really nice of you to update the info.
For the alternative mentioned above, is the paved section on the Aït Youl side or the Tisguine n'Aït M'Rao side?
Do you think the unpaved part is doable in a Logan?
Thanks in advance,
Thanks! However, we’ll be traveling it from west to east (from Bou Taghrar to Aït Youl).
So we’ll need to go all the way to Ighil n'Oumgoun via Alemdoun, right?
From Ighil n'Oumgoun, is the turn-off easy to spot?
Hi Fangui,
More than five years ago, I took the Mesmrir - Agoudal route and it was terribly rocky. I don’t know if it’s still like that or if it’s been paved now?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi there,
I’m planning almost the same route as you. The drive to Telouet is stunning. But why spend the night at Erg Lihoudi—why didn’t you head to Erg Chguaga instead?
Thanks
Je vois que tu connais bien le Maroc ses alentours et ses routes nous partons de Tanger pour aller à aessaouirail faut combien de temps en voiture pour arriver…
Nous partons 10 jours au sud marocain en mai (6°voyage)et pour la première fois nous louons un 4x4. nous ne sommes pas habitué à conduire ce type de véhicule…
J'ai l'intention de descendre en voiture à Agadir l'été prochain en partant de Biarritz. Est-ce que quelqu'un peut m'indiquer le temps nécessaire pour le…
Ca me fait drole de poser cette question car je suis d'origine marocaine et j'ai vécu au Maroc pendant mes premiers 20 ans. Mais je ne connais plus le Maroc…
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!
