Circuit au départ de Marrakech (avril)
by Frimouss42
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
j'ai besoin de qqs conseils dans la préparation de notre circuit. Voilà: nous partons au Maroc le 1er avril. Nous avons 6 jours pour faire un circuit nous permettant de découvrir la région de Ouarzazate, la vallée du Dades, éventuellement la vallée du Draa et dormir une nuit dans le désert à Merzouga. Nous louons une voiture à Marrakech en arrivant le 1er jour.
A votre avis, plutôt que de changer d'hébergement tous les soirs, est que séjourner 2 jours à Skoura est un bon plan? Je pensais faire Marrakech Skoura le 1er jour et ensuite dormir 2 nuits à Skoura et rayonner à partir de là pour visiter. Ensuite repartir pour aller sur Merzouga.
Je vous remercie par avance pour vos conseils car c'est la 1ère fois que je vais au Maroc.
Mon circuit si j'étais avec toi:
Jour 1 col du Tizzy N'Tichka passage parc Télouet, attention petite route sur 40 km en trés mauvais état mais bien carossable, splendides vues sur des kasbah de la vallée de l'Oulina, et visite de la Kasbah d'Ait Ben Haddou a la fin du parcours. Nuit a Ouarzazate, pour le premier jour ce sera déjà pas mal.
Jour 2 direction Agdz par le jebel Sagrho, avant d'arriver sur Agdz des coups d'oeil sur des canyons majestueux, puis descente sur Zagora en flanant le long de la magnifique palmeraie du Draa. Nuit a Zagora.
Jour 3 direction Merzouga par Tazzarine, nuit a Merzouga
Jour 4 visite des dunes en chameau ou quad ou a pied pourquoi pas, renuit a Mezzouga.
Jour 5 Merzouga Skoura ou plutot vallée du Daddés, petite incursion dans les gorges du Todra et arret sur la palmeraie de Tinghri. Donc a mon avis nuit dans la vallée des gorges du Daddés plutot qu'a Skoura (moche)
Jour 6 retour sur Ouarzazate et chemin sur Marrakech pour profiter de cette ville au moins 24 heures, ne pas oublier de passer par la place Jemma El Fna le soir.
Jour 7 avion et souvenirs plein les yeux.
😛
Voilà un circuit que j'ai déjà eu l'occasion de faire :
Jour 1 : Départ de Marrakech direction Ouarzazate en passant par Télouet et Ait ben haddou. C'est une très belle route, paysages magnifiques ! La kasbah d'Ait ben haddou est un site exceptionnel à ne pas rater. Nuit à l'oasis de Fint, à l'auberge la roche noire. L'oasis de fint se situe à 13 kms de Ouarzazate et un lieu magnifique. Dormir à fint vous évite de prendre un logement en centre ville de Ouarzazate et d'être au calme et loin de l'animation citadine ! L'auberge la roche noire nous avait bien plu ! Une auberge familiale bien tenue, où vous y serez très bien accueillis par une famille berbère qui vous fera découvrir l'oasis et ces coins cachés. Si vous ne partez pas trop tard de Marrakech, vous arriverez juste au coucher de soleil sur l'oasis ! MAGNIFIQUE !
Jour 2 : Direction skoura avec découverte de la palmeraie et puis direction les gorges de Dadès. Nous avions dormi à Dadès. Si ca vous intéresse je peux vous retrouver le nom de l'auberge.
Jour 3 : Direction les gorges de todgha, balade dans les gorges... Et nuit à Todga. Là encore je n'ai plus le nom de l'auberge en tête, mais si vous les voulez dites le moi.
Jour 4 : Direction Merzouga. Balade dans les dunes en dromadaire ou à pied. Nuit dans un bivouac à la belle étoile. Une nuit magique à contempler les étoiles... !
Jour 5 : retour à Ouarzazate en passant par Tazzarine et Agdz. Retour à l'oasis de fint, et Nouvelle nuit à l'auberge (nous avions tellement aimé l'oasis!!!)
Jour 6 : direction Marrakech.
Un conseil : vous y serez pendant la haute saison, pensez à réserver vos logements! Vous risquez sinon de perdre du temps à chercher tous les soirs un logement! ;)
Jour 2 : Direction skoura avec découverte de la palmeraie et puis direction les gorges de Dadès. Nous avions dormi à Dadès. Si ca vous intéresse je peux vous retrouver le nom de l'auberge.
Jour 3 : Direction les gorges de todgha, balade dans les gorges... Et nuit à Todga. Là encore je n'ai plus le nom de l'auberge en tête, mais si vous les voulez dites le moi.
Jour 4 : Direction Merzouga. Balade dans les dunes en dromadaire ou à pied. Nuit dans un bivouac à la belle étoile. Une nuit magique à contempler les étoiles... !
Jour 5 : retour à Ouarzazate en passant par Tazzarine et Agdz. Retour à l'oasis de fint, et Nouvelle nuit à l'auberge (nous avions tellement aimé l'oasis!!!)
Jour 6 : direction Marrakech.
Un conseil : vous y serez pendant la haute saison, pensez à réserver vos logements! Vous risquez sinon de perdre du temps à chercher tous les soirs un logement! ;)
hors de haute saisons de tourisme , le faite de ne pas réserver d'avance ne crie pas de problèmes..mais dans le moi comme le moi d'avril il faut bien réserver d'avance ..
Je vous remercie tous pour vos réponses et vos bons conseils. Cela va m'aider dans la préparation de mon voyage.
Je ne pensais qu'il y avait besoin de réserver. Merci de m'avoir prévenue.
Amel, je veux bien des adresses pour des hébergements.
Si après ce circuit, nous voulons aller jusqu'à Essaouira, faut il remonter à Marrakech?
Nous avons prévu la visite de Marrakech ou nous dormons 2 nuits avant de reprendre l'avion.Là nous avons déjà réservé notre hotel.
Pour la nuit dans le désert, je crois que l'on a le choix entre le dromadaire et le 4x4. Si l'on opte pour le dromadaire, cela dure combien de temps?
Que me conseillez vous?
bonjour,
vous avez bien choisi votre destination, le circuit Marrakech -> ourzazate est un parmi plusieurs bons circuits au maroc,
je vous conseille de prendre une voiture 4x4 pour ca car avec vous pouvez monter sur les pistes montagneuses de tinghir et la meilleure agence conseillée pour cela est la plaza car qui situe a marrakech - guéliz ( centre de marrakech) vous n'avez qu'aller sur le site ou voir les recommandations des anciens clients de cette agence .. pour cela vous pouvez consultez leur parc voiture ainsi que leurs tarifs attractifs sur le site ici : Location voiture et 4x4 à Marrakech ... je suis sure que vous allez bien faire ce choix 😉
Bonjour
Nous ( mon amie et moi méme )partons le 2 avril au Maroc a Marrakech et desirons faire un circuit dans le sud du Maroc ( Ouarzazate , vallée du Dades , gorges du Todra , Merzouga , vallée du Draa , M'hamid , dunes de Chegga, Foum zguid ).Nous hesitons soit prendre un guide avec 4x4 ou louer un vehicule , cette derniere solution nous faisant un peu peur , partir a deux est ce raisonnable ? prendre un guide est interressant en se regroupant ( prix degressif ) . Puis je me permettre de vous demander ou vous en étes ? Notre souhait serait de se joindre a d'autres personnes pour faire le circuit .pouvez vous s'il vous plait me dire ou vous en étes dans votre organisation , souhaitez vous un contact avec nous et eventuellement partager des conseils voire faire le circuit en commun
C'est la 1ére fois que nous allons au Maroc , tous renseignements ou conseils est bon a prendre
je vous remercie par avance pour vos conseils
Nous sommes parties à 2 femmes pour une 1è re fois au Maroc à la TToussaint, nous avons loué notre voiture et nous avons fait notre circuit à notre rythme et au gré de nos envies, que du bonheur!Nvous avons vu de superbes paysages et fait de belles rencontres.Nvous avons rencontré des vacanciers qui avaient fait le choix du 4x4 avec guide et qui le regrettaient amèrement , ils se sentaient frustrés de ne pas pouvoir décider eux-mêmes de leurs étapes....
Je pars au Maroc pour la 1ère fois mais je partage votre avis. Personnellement je n'ai aucune envie de prendre un guide.
Nous serons 4 femmes mais nous préférons visiter à notre rythme et tout le monde me dit qu'il n'y a aucun danger à partir comme ça.
La seule question que je me pose c'est pour les hébergement car les avis sont partagés. A priori au mois d'avril il y a pas mal de touristes au Maroc
et je n'ai pas envie de perdre du temps à chercher les soirs pour se poser....
Je pars au Maroc pour la 1ère fois mais je partage votre avis. Personnellement je n'ai aucune envie de prendre un guide.
Nous serons 4 femmes mais nous préférons visiter à notre rythme et tout le monde me dit qu'il n'y a aucun danger à partir comme ça.
La seule question que je me pose c'est pour les hébergement car les avis sont partagés. A priori au mois d'avril il y a pas mal de touristes au Maroc
et je n'ai pas envie de perdre du temps à chercher les soirs pour se poser....
Eeffectivement, pendant les vacances scolaires de TOussaint, certains hébergements affichaient complets.Nvous, on avait réservé à notre arrivée à Ma ra kech pour notre arrivée et à Skoura , ainsi qu'à Tinghir.
Eeffectivement, pendant les vacances scolaires de TOussaint, certains hébergements affichaient complets.Nvous, on avait réservé à notre arrivée à Ma ra kech pour notre arrivée et à Skoura , ainsi qu'à Tinghir.
je vous conseille de louer une voiture vous meme sans guide, prcq avec le guide vous serez obliger a respecter un programme qui sera ennuyeux par la suite, je vous conseiller de louer un 4x4 et prendre une carte géographique de chez l'agence qui vous louera la voiture et utiliser un gps ( si vous avez un smartphone suffira) , de plus vous n'avez rien a craindre dans ce trajet car les gens la bas sont très gentils.
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It's all in the title.
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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! 😊
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Hi everyone! :)
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).
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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!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
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!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
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.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
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.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
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 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! 💖
As-salamu alaykum!
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! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
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! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
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!
hi there
we’re heading to Hammamet in a few months
what would you recommend visiting for a week?
best regards
Hi there,
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.
Thanks for your replies
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.
Thanks for your replies
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,
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
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.