Morocco Mall : Le prochain temple de shopping marocain offre un avant goût
Salwa Akhannouch, patronne du groupe Aksal, à l’origine du Morocco Mall avec Nesk Investment, a présenté en avant première cet immense projet à la presse mardi après-midi.
Après une projection d’une vidéo qui retrace les quatre années de construction du Mall, les journalistes ont eu droit à une visite de ce dernier
accompagné de l’équipe Aksal et de David Padoa, architecte de ce nouveau temple de shopping marocain.
Morocco Mall a créé 5000 emplois directs, dont 1500 ont requis une formation au sein de l’académie Aksal d’après la PDG du groupe. Il vise à offrir une nouvelle expérience aux marocains et aux touristes étrangers dans les domaines de la restauration, le shopping et les loisirs, 15 millions de visiteurs par an sont attendus. Pour ce faire, le groupe a mis en place toute une stratégie de partenariat avec 11 hôtels casablancais, qui concerne d’offrir des navettes aux clients de ces hôtels afin de leur faire découvrir le Mall.
L’enseigne sera ouverte au public dès le 5 décembre, avec plus de 350 points de vente d’équipement, de Hi-Tech, de grande distribution et de vêtements. Les dirigeants de ce projet affirment que tous les besoins seront satisfaits, avec des offres grand public et de luxe.
Une soirée d’inauguration de grande taille est programmée, avec Jennifer Lopez à l’affiche et aussi Sofia Essaidi.
Les fans de la restauration seront plus que gâtés, avec la présence de 70 enseignes locales et internationales du genre Rotana Café, Venezia Ice, StarBucks, Burger King, KFC, Second Cup, McDonald et d’autres, offrant plus de 1200 places assises, 8 restaurants ont une vue sur l’océan.
Les loisirs sont aussi un des points forts du Morocco Mall, proposant une expérience tout à fait nouvelle sur un quart de la superficie du Mall. Un Cinéma IMAX 3D, un parc d’attractions Adventure Land de 5000 m², une patinoire de 700 m2, un aquarium à la dimension éducative avec un ascenseur panoramique central (le 3e au monde de ce type après Washington et Berlin) et une fontaine musicale troisième de son genre après celle de Las Vegas du même auteur et celle de Dubaï.
L’artisanat marocain est aussi au rendez-vous avec un souk installé en deuxième étage du Mall, il regroupe une dizaine de boutiques où on pourra trouver des Caftans, babouches, djellabas et autres produits de l’artisanat. Une mosquée est présente également à coté de ces boutiques.
Les curieux du monde aquatiques trouveront aussi leur bonheur, puisqu’un aquarium est bien présent aussi au sein du Morocco Mall. Classé troisième au monde, il contient un million de litres d’eau de mer traversés par un ascenseur panoramique qui peur accueillir 12 personnes, permettant la découverte de 3.750 sortes de coraux et 37 espèces de poisson placées dans les bassins. Une équipe de 20 personnes veille au maintien de la température de l'eau et au respect des normes de protection des espèces marines.
La merveille de ce temple s’étend sur une surface de 6000 m², la fontaine musicale du Morocco Mall est l'une des attractions phare du plus grand Mall d'Afrique, troisième de ce type à l’échelle mondiale après celles de Las Vegas et de Dubaï.
Elle est dessinée par le même cabinet qui a fourni la fontaine du Bellagio à Las Vegas, offrant un véritable spectacle faits de lumières, de musiques, de mouvements et de jets d'eau. Entourée de 500 m de granit noir sur 5 cm d'épaisseur, cette fontaine dispose de 282 jets d'eau pouvant atteindre 60 m de haut.
Toutes les 20 minutes, un spectacle aquatique de 4 minutes sera programmé.
La merveille de ce temple s’étend sur une surface de 6000 m², la fontaine musicale du Morocco Mall est l'une des attractions phare du plus grand Mall d'Afrique, troisième de ce type à l’échelle mondiale après celles de Las Vegas et de Dubaï.
Et avec les dizaines de millions engloutis pour le plaisir des riches, combien de dispensaires médicaux, d'écoles, d'adductions d'eau , de voies de communication , etc etc.. aurait-on pu réaliser pour les pauvres , de plus en plus nombreux au pays ?
evidement parking assuré 😉 ca ira de la logan 🏴☠️ a credit de la secretaire smicarde habitant Bernoussi a la porsche cayenne 😎 payée cash et conduite par la dame habitant le val d'Anfa.
Que dire des temples de loisirs et consomations en europe a quelques encablures de barres hlm ou les gens se serrent la ceinture avec leurs enfants qui ne vont pas en vacances ou de ces boulevards aux vitrines superbes et juste devant des clochards transis de froid?
C'est de l'argent privé pas celui du contribuable donc libre aux gens d'en faire ce qu'ils veulent comme ici avec madame Salwa Akhenouch epouse de mr Aziz Akhenouch fils du magnat Oulhaj patron des stations Afriquia (entre autre) un self made man parti de rien du tout depuis Tafraout 😎
Que dire des temples de loisirs et consomations en europe a quelques encablures de barres hlm ou les gens se serrent la ceinture avec leurs enfants qui ne vont pas en vacances ou de ces boulevards aux vitrines superbes et juste devant des clochards transis de froid?
C'est vrai que ces différences de niveau de vie interpellent toujours et ça fait toujours mal de voir la pauvreté cotoyer cette société de consommation.
Mais c'est vrai dans tous les pays, même en France à l'approche de Noël on voit des sommes folles dépensées en denrées alimentaires pendant que d'autres se contentent des restos du coeur ...
Il faut cependant voir le côté positif ne serait ce qu'au niveau des emplois que cela crée, tant pour la construction que pour le fonctionnement.
Plus toutes les retombées indirectes par le monde que cela va attirer.
" Nous ne saurons jamais tout le bien qu'un simple sourire peut être capable de faire."
Mère Teresa
evidement parking assuré 😉 ca ira de la logan 🏴☠️ a credit de la secretaire smicarde habitant Bernoussi a la porsche cayenne 😎 payée cash et conduite par la dame habitant le val d'Anfa.
Et les CCaristes aussi ...😉
" Nous ne saurons jamais tout le bien qu'un simple sourire peut être capable de faire."
Mère Teresa
Je suis passé il y a 2 mois dans le nouveau centre commercial de Marrakech à Carrefour Agdal.
environ 1/4 des boutiques n'ont pas été occupées , et 1/4 a été occupé et abandonné.
certains coins ont un aspect dégradé et ruiné, et pourtant ça n'a que 2 ans.
La plupart des chalands ne paraissaient pas avoir le pouvoir d'achat correspondant à ces boutiques.
C'est un peu la même chose dans les galeries commerciales à Gueliz.
Qu'en sera t'il de cette réalisation pharaonnique de Casa, qui est peut etre une initiative privée , sans aide du contribuable, mais on ne nous dit rien sur l'attribution du terrain, chose rarement "claire", et surtout de l'indemnisation des expulsés, et ils étaient nombreux sur ce site.
La vraie question est plutôt celle de la rentabilité. Les projets de centres commerciaux de ce type se multiplient au Maroc en ce moment, et l'offre est déjà trop importante pour la zone de chalandise (y compris touristes, étrangers, etc.)
Avec une ouverture au mauvais moment, en plein coeur d'une crise qui frappe presque partout, le Mall va t il arriver à tenir ses objectifs, ou va t il se transformer, comme beaucoup d'espaces commerciaux, en une zone avec énormément de boutiques fermées, ou pire encore, avec un mélange de "niveaux" qui lui fera perdre encore plus de clientèle à long terme ? Et dans ce cas, la jolie plage aura été détruite pour rien....
J'ai la même réticence vis à vis de ces méga temples de la consommation partout dans le monde d'ailleurs :D
comme a la marina d'Agadir ou la moitié des commerces ne sont pas exploités mais achetes pour l'ensemble, les gens speculent quitte a payer des loyers pendant des années correspondant a la plus value qu'ils feront dessus, meme chose sur des terrains encore nus dans des lotissements qui ont 20 ans.
ce mall a eté lancé il y a 4 ans quand il n'y avait pas encore de crise nulle part, mais vu le fric ennorme a casa qu'on les riches familles soussies et fassies (qui l'affichent) ainsi que les jeunes cadres dynamiques aux salaires de 15 000 dh minimum (hemoragie de nos diplomés du sud qui fuient pour aller bosser sur casa) je pense qu'il sera plus rentable que ceux de marakech ville tournée que sur le tourisme et dont la population locale n'est pas si aisée que ca.
en ce qui concerne les expulsés, aucun echos a cet effet, j'ai lu que c'etait un terrain vague...
BRRRR on apelle ça de la restaurtion Les fans de la restauration seront plus que gâtés, avec la présence de 70 enseignes locales et internationales du genre Rotana Café, Venezia Ice, StarBucks, Burger King, KFC, Second Cup, McDonald
un marocain doit pas etre fiert de pareil chose
que de terain du domaine public on ete vole pour des projet de certaines bande de pilleurs de resources marocaine des projets quin enrichissent qu eux faut savoir que presque tout les soit disant emploie sont a bas salaire avec des contrats de 3 mois qui se renouvelles pour pas payer de charge sociale
et ça se targue on a le ppremier Mac do d Afrique on as le premier mega ecrand de cinema
on auras le premier TGV maintenant le premier MALL
mais on dis pas qu on as le systeme sante d education parmi les plus mauvais au monde
et le plus grand systeme de coruption et le plus mauvais clacement des developement humain et une pauvrete galopante
* *** ... en ce qui concerne les expulsés, aucun echos a cet effet, j'ai lu que c'etait un terrain vague... ***
un terrain vague, avec un important "habitat spontané", des petites gens, très dignes , travailleurs , parmi lesquels j'avais des amis, comme notre maréchal ferrant par exemple.
De l argent de prive dis plutot de l argent d ebnergumens proche du pouvoirou du pouvoir
Au Maroc jamais d appel d offre pour ceder un terrain qui appartiens a l etat
jamais d appel d offre pour des passation de grand marche de l etat
tout se passe par copinage au détriment du peuple marocain qui voie son patrimoine pille par le palais et ses proche
et on se demande comment se construise tres vite des fortune pour ceux qui gravite autour du palais
Je salus ton enthousiasme pour le marocco mail mais vois l'avis donné par les journalistes Marocains à ce sujet !!!! Le luxe est une chose le respect des gens en ai une autre !!!! Voir l'article ce jour dans la rubrique actualités de yabiladi.com......
La mauvaise météo nous a contraint à modifier les itinéraires initiaux (Road book) au grand bonheur de tous comme en témoigne la vidéo. La réussite de ce raid…
De la soupe de pois chiches du café Hafa aux cocktails de fruits du El Minzah (1) Tanger, ville des paradoxes, explose sous les projets pharaoniques de M6…
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!
Merci aux membres de voyageforum qui nous ont fait part de leurs expériences! Nous avons passé 3 jours formidables à "La Kasbah la Palmeraie" à Skoura. Arrivant de Marrakech (superbe route en décrochant après le col de Tichka via Telouet, Ait-Benhaddou), le séjour à la Palmeraie n'a été que du bonheur: accueil chaleureux de Mohammed et Ghizlane, délicieux petits déjeuners sur la terrasse dominant la palmeraie, (pain cuit au four en terre, crêpes au miel préparées par Ghizlane), repas du soir non moins délicieux et copieux, en famille, autour d'un bon feu. Nous nous sentions comme "chez soi" et avons beaucoup appris sur le mode de vie de la région. Les balades proposées étaient toujours intéressantes et hors des circuits touristiques de masse. De là, le vallée et les Gorges du Dades , la vallée des Amandiers (superbe!), la palmeraie. Il y a des Kasbahs magnifiques dans la région dont celle de nos hôtes. Une autre façon de "visiter" le Maroc!
