Sur ce forum nous avons tous échangés nos bonnes adresses , aujourd’hui je me pose la question de savoir ce qu’il advient de ces petites auberges , comment vivent ils cette crise .
Je pense notamment à Hussein le patron du gîte d’Ijoukak , à Majhid de l’Arganier à Tafraout ,
A la famille qui tient Escale Rando a Taliouine et a bien d’autres encore .
A force de travail ils avaient mis sur pied des auberges agréables où ils faisaient bon s’arrêter quelques jours .
Qui parmi vous a eu des nouvelles ?
Merci d’avance pour vos réponses , la liste n’est pas exhaustive il y en a bien d’autres .
Qui parmi vous a eu des nouvelles ?
Merci d’avance pour vos réponses , la liste n’est pas exhaustive il y en a bien d’autres.
Bonjour,
Vu de mon bled, et ses 4 maisons d'hôtes.
A part l'une d'entre elles qui aurait (j'insiste sur le conditionnel) été fermée pour 2 ans par décision administrative (pour hébergement clandestin de touristes pendant le confinement), les autres sont des structures familiales aux charges réduites qui attendent patiemment la fin de l'orage et essaient de bénéficier des aides publiques.
La "maison d'hôtes", phénomène récent et contagieux, n'est qu'un appoint dans l'économie familiale.
Moi aussi je pense à toutes ces adresses sympa , j en connais un paquet. Bien sûr peut-être qu ils n ont plus ou pas de crédit sur ces maisons familiales, mais ce sont des revenus en.moins et des emplois supprimés et la fragilisation de tout l environnement économique autour.
J avoue que le sort des investissements français m importe peu, sauf pour les emplois et la vie économique autour.
J avoue que le sort des investissements français m importe peu, sauf pour les emplois et la vie économique autour.
Les Européens (il n'y a pas que des Français) ne sont pas tous des nantis. Tu as beaucoup de gens qui ont mis toutes leurs économies dans leur projet marocain. Ce n'est pas parce qu'ils ne sont pas Marocains qu'ils ont moins d'emmerdes que les autres.
Oui je me doute.
Mais j ai moins d empathie...
C est un peu c... sûrement. Comme j aurais moins d empathie pour un chef américain et son resto a Paris.
Mon cœur ira au resto de quartier.
Comme toi je plains en premier les familles Marocaines qui vont se retrouver avec des aides hypothétiques , et qui n’ont même pas idée de ce qu’ils vont pouvoir mettre en place après , s’il y a un après .
Les étrangers qui ont investis ont au moins une bonne protection sociale en France et ce n’est pas rien .
Pas le temps de développer et connexion merdique en Creuse .
Oui mais , repas ce soir dans un village de plus ou moins 200 habitants , une table à côté composée de personnes très âgées échangeaient avec vigueur sur Spinoza et Heidegger en se régalant de vache limousine , quatre nationalités des échanges en toutes les langues et même en latin 😉 c’est aussi ça la Creuse .
C’est sûr que je n’ai jamais eu les mêmes problèmes au Maroc qu’en Lozère , en Ardèche ou maintenant en Creuse .
Pour SFR je suis en zone blanche et la wifi du gîte rame allègrement mais bon .
Oui mais , repas ce soir dans un village de plus ou moins 200 habitants , une table à côté composée de personnes très âgées échangeaient avec vigueur sur Spinoza et Heidegger en se régalant de vache limousine , quatre nationalités des échanges en toutes les langues et même en latin 😉 c’est aussi ça la Creuse .
Ca, c'est sûr que ce ne sont pas p'tits djeunzs qui vont causer Spinoza. C'est qui c'mec ?
Avez-vous aussi échangé vos covid ?
Avec des échanges en anglais , en allemand , en français et même latin .
Passionnant les vieux messieurs .
Quand on creuse l’histoire de la Creuse on découvre des pépites .
Spinoza et heidegger, t en a de la chance. En 13 ans de Saône et Loire ça ne m est jamais arrivé 😉
C'est assez normal. Je ne pense pas qu'ils soient, l'un ou l'autre, passés dans ce département.
Quoique... Heidegger, peut-être... Où était-il entre 34 et 45 ?
Oui je me doute.
Mais j ai moins d empathie...
C est un peu c... sûrement. Comme j aurais moins d empathie pour un chef américain et son resto a Paris.
Mon cœur ira au resto de quartier.
Oui, excuses moi c'est effectivement un peu, non très c... c'est plein de préjugé sur les gens, sur leur niveau de richesse à cause de leur nationalité, sur ce qui les pousse à changer de pays, etc. Donc en gros "restez chez vous et surtout n'allez pas vivre ailleurs, parce que si vous subissez la même merde que les gens du pays, c'est tant pis pour vous".
Sinon, aux Etats-Unis aussi il y a plein de gens qui perdent tout, et je les plains plus que les marocains, parce qu'il n'y a pas les mêmes mécanismes de solidarité.
Les étrangers qui ont investis ont au moins une bonne protection sociale en France et ce n’est pas rien
Ah bon ? C'est super ça, j'ai une bonne protection sociale en France et je ne le savais même pas... 😎😎 j'aimerais bien que, malgré ta connexion merdique, tu m'expliques comment je peux en bénéficier au Maroc. J'ai quitté la France depuis 20 ans, je suis passée par un autre pays avant d'arriver au Maroc donc je n'ai pas racheté ma franchise CFE, et je ne suis pas retraitée... donc à moins de rentrer en France me mettre au RMI, je ne vois pas. Ma vie est ici, elle n'est pas en France.
Tiens j'ai une copine qui vient de se faire licencier, donc dans six mois elle perd sa protection sociale et la prise en charge en ALD de son cancer. Elle ferme tout, elle quitte tous les amis qu'elle a ici (elle est arrivée il y a 17 ans) et elle repart s'installer dans un hébergement d'urgence en France pour bénéficier de sa "bonne" protection sociale avec une franchise de plusieurs mois ?
"Investir au Maroc", ce n'est pas toujours être résident en France et faire l'aller retour tous les trois mois.
Oui sûrement, ce sont des a priori. Je.ne devrais pas mettre tout le monde à la même enseigne.
Je me dis, comme pas mal de gens, que venant de France et pouvant y retourner rapidement, avec le bénéfice de sa nationalité et de sa protection sociale, on
est moins vulnerable que les marocains que nous rencontrons dans les structures hotelieres.
Meme si certains ont tout misé sur le Maroc. Il s agit la d un choix, entre-deux vies bien sur, mais aussi deux protections sociales différentes qui, jusque à présent, ne peuvent se comparer. La balance avantages/risques leur semblait pencher du bon côté. Ils ont choisi.
Les marocains eux n ont pas choisi.
C est le sens de mon ressenti.
Maintenant je ne souhaite de mal à personne, entendons nous bien.
Tu sais bien que je parlais de ceux qui vivent en France et on investit au Maroc .
Je suis étonnée que tu puisse en douter .
Pour ta copine prise en charge en France de son ALD à travers le RSA sans problème .
C’est un cas particulier .
Tu sais bien que je parlais de ceux qui vivent en France et on investit au Maroc
Je suis étonnée que tu puisse en douter .
Moi je parlais des gens qui vivent au Maroc, malentendu donc renforcé par la remarque de Cambrousse sur les Américains ouvrant un resto en France :D
Pour ta copine prise en charge en France de son ALD à travers le RSA sans problème .
C’est un cas particulier .
Ce qui impliquerait qu'elle quitte une vie qu'elle a construite depuis très longtemps au Maroc pour redevenir résidente en France. Je ne pense pas qu'elle en ait envie.
Certes, c'est un cas particulier parmi des centaines d'autres... je tenais juste à souligner que le fait d'être un européen expatrié au Maroc ne faisait pas obligatoirement des gens des nantis. et même paradoxalement comme ils ne bénéficient pas des solidarités familiales, ils peuvent se retrouver dans des situations assez catastrophiques.
Je me dis, comme pas mal de gens, que venant de France et pouvant y retourner rapidement, avec le bénéfice de sa nationalité et de sa protection sociale, on
est moins vulnerable que les marocains que nous rencontrons dans les structures hotelieres.
Pour un certain nombre de gens que je connais ici, qui ont bâti des vies depuis longtemps, ce ne serait pas si rapide que cela, et, surtout, ce serait un véritable déracinement, comparable à l'exil.
Il est évident qu’il y avait un malentendu de taille Marie Aude , je comprends mieux .
Perso a part d’avoir de bons revenus je n’envisagerais pas de m’installer au Maroc cet je sais qu’en cas de pépin de santé il faut avoir une couverture sociale qui coûte cher plus le reste .
Pas beaucoup de temps mais j’ai maintenant mieux compris ta réponse .
Bise
On s'est arrêté à Amln pour deux jours à l'auberge de même nom. Elle était géré par un certain Mjid. Le service y était impeccable. Moi aussi je voudrais bien savoir ce qu'ils sont devenu ces gens. Refaire le voyage en passant par Ait Baha, c'est une merveille!
Je pars au maroc sur un coup de tete, je cherche une auberge de jeunesse sur marrakech puis rejoindre la vallée du draa par ouarzazat quelqu un connait des…
Grand merci à Cambrousse pour m'avoir conseillé cette auberge... c'est vraiment sympa meme si il n'y ni clim ni piscine... je souffre un peut de la chaleur…
Nous avons connu cette auberge il y a trente ans déjà. Inutile de dire qu’entre-temps, elle est dix fois plus grande. Mais c'est elle qui est le mieux placé…
Nous avons passé notre première nuit en arrivant par avion dans cette Auberge de Jeunesse géniale! Nous avons même changé notre plan de voyage à la fin pour…
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!
