Informations et photos sur Zemmouri en Algérie
by Mosaique
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour, j'aimerai avoir des renseignements et des photos sur la ville de zemmouri qui doit se trouver normalement dans le Nord de l'Algérie.
Mon père a vécu là-bàs 07 ans et j'aimerai comprendre son amour pour ce coin là, on me dit que c'est une ville bèrbère, j'aimerai avoir votre avis.
salut comment va ?
j'ai reçu sur ma boite dans hotmail un message qui dit que vous m'avais repondu mais je n'arrive pas trouve sa trace ici ..meme le message que je vous es envoye ?!! ok alors c moi le type qui habite a zemmouri je prefere que vous me contactee directement sur ma boite mail ok
combaloi@hotmail.com
mirage_de_la_nuit@yahoo.fr
alors a tres bien tot _
mirage d'algerie
Ce que mon père m'a dit sur cette ville remonte à ses souvenirs lointains, avant l'indépendance, que c'est beau tout simplement mais les hommes ne savent pas décrire, du moins mon père. En tous cas je remercie tous les intervenant qui se sont interréssés à mon sujet. Et un jour j'espère que j'aurais l'occasion de visiter Zemmouri en particulier, et l'Algérie en général car je trouve bête de mourir ignorant, sans connaître mes voisins.
merci d'avoir repondue à mon e-mail, j'ai compris que dans votre imaginaire que zemmouri d'antant n'est pas la meme que celle decrite par les intervenants .
et comme votre pere vous a decris zemmouri pendant l'algerie française n'est pas la meme que celle d'aujourd'hui.
si tu veux realiser votre reve et faire la difference entre zemmouri qui est dans votre tete et votre imaginaire et celle d'aujourd'hui il faut faire un deplacement pour exaucer votre reve.
et là on pourra discuter
soyez la bienvenue
mourad744@hotmail.com
moi je connais zemmouri c'est une ville qui est connu maintenant par son port de peche, sa plage et sa foret.sur le plan culturel notre pays a un grand vide culturel, il n'ya pas de creation artistique ce qu'il fait zemmouri n'est pas connu comme ville culturelle.zemmouri est connu par sa plage et son port de peche.
moi pendant l'ete je passe quotidiennement par cette ville mais surtout depuis le seisme de 2003 la ville est ruine .
mosaique qu'est ce qu'il t'interesse au juste.je suis là pour t'aider
sincerement votre
mourad
et bien jvien de voire ton message et aparamen ta dla chance parce ke jsui francai jabite a creil dan loise mai paren son originaire de zemourie et ji vai preske tou les été je croi a lépoke de la colonisation sasapeler courbet sinon ta vu demande ske tu ve savoire et jte repondrai
ps la ville a été reconstruite depui le trenblemen de terre c mieu kavan lol
Je ne sais pas si j'arrive a bien vous amenez en villégiature dans la région, Bof, je vais essayer Ok?
Zemmouri Ville : La coquette
Le Centre ville communale de type colonial est traversé par une avenue de part en part. La vie s’articule autour de ce principal axe qu’est le cœur et la veine jugulaire de la ville. L’esplanade et la place des Martyres avec sa fontaine « Fouara », les infrastructures des services publics (Mairie, poste, sureté, brigade, sapeur pompiers, contribution, station service, Hôpital, lycée et CEM) se trouvent sur cet axe.
De par son panorama, de son emplacement ainsi que de sa géographie, la commune de Zemmouri est considérée comme l’une des plus belles côtes à l’échelle de la région. A quelque encablure de la RN 24, distante d’une quinzaine de kms à l’Est de la wilaya de Boumerdes elle offre une destination de choix pour son charme et ses attraits.
Cette coquette ville est située au piedmont et en aval d’un maquis rocheux El bord, offre de beaux paysages accidentés, parsemé de hameaux, surplombant et dominant la ville et la mer. La nature est généreuse pour les randonnées et les sorties en plein air et de pique-niquer en ce haut lieu enchanteur. Ce palier jouit en effet d’un magnifique panorama sur la ville et la mer
Respirez l’air frais de la grande bleue est le coin le plus idéal, contemplé et apprécier à partir des crêtes la mer scintillante et la ville à nos pied est presque un tableau idyllique, digne des cartes postales, vous donne la sensation de flotter dans l’air.
Grâce à sa proximité (à l’est d’Alger), à ses belles plages, grâce à sa sardine et à son hippodrome, Zemmouri est un important centre touristique, elle est célèbre aussi pour ses installations est ses courses hippiques : chaque année, au mois de juin, s’y déroule le Prix du Président sur ce magnifique hippodrome côtier.
La ville à été fondée en 1872 (Coord. Géo. 3°33’54 ‘’E 36°48’10’’N, Alt. Niveau de la mer 28m) sous le nom de Courbet-Zaatra pour devenir plus tard Courbet suite au décret du 07 avril 1886 (elle doit son nom à l’amiral Courbet « Amédée Anatole), et Zemmouri bien après l’indépendance. Les récentes découvertes de vestiges d’une ancienne ville à l’entrée de Zemmouri El Bahri témoignent que son histoire remonte à plus loin, bien avant la colonisation (1830). Au cours de son histoire, la région d’Alger à subi plusieurs séismes destructeurs, les tremblements de terre de 1662 et celui de 1715 qui ont touché la région d’Alger et leurs raz-de- marée ne sont pas étranger à la disparition de cette ville et de ses habitants, il reste aux chercheurs de se pencher sur ce point de vue. Néanmoins, aucun séisme majeur n’avait été répertorié jusqu'alors dans la région de l’épicentre du séisme du 21 mai 2003 à cause de sa proximité d’Alger.
Zemmouri comprend quelques bourgades et 4 principales agglomérations : Zaatra (ville mère) à l’entrée sud du chef lieu communal, Benyounes-Safsaf Nabi sur la RN 24 entrée Ouest, Hadj Ahmed-El Kharoub également sur la RN 24 à l’Est et enfin Zemmouri El Bahri au Nord sur la côte
La grande évasion vers le grand bleu : Zemmouri El Bahri
Le carrefour « rond point du centre ville » délimite la partie ouest de la partie Est. Une fois passé cette intersection et pour arriver au port, en emprunte une charmante rampe appelé aussi boulevard « front de mer » avec ses restaurants spécialité poissons « fritures et grillades» et ses cafés surplombant une splendide et séduisante crique appelée « cab cab et cab cab Zaatra »,
S’accouder à la rambarde pour observer les baigneurs sous un magnifique coucher de soleil et le moment le plus attrayant et le plus fort de la journée, le matin on peut assister à l’horizon a un lever du soleil inique, avec une étendue de sable fin et doré, une plage qui s’étend à l’infini, une vue panoramique qui vous prend jusqu’à la baie de Cap Djinet.
A l’Est La grande plage qui avoisine les 06 kms sur 300 m de large, dépassant les rives de Chouicha et de Hadj Ahmed, est classée parmi les beaux rivages de la région, côtoyée par une route parallèle à la côte qui donne sur des complexes touristique et des camps de toile ouverts tout au long de l’année. Une lisière de végétation méditerranéenne borde une grande partie de cette plage. Elle est protégée par un cordon dunaire et une lisière de pins, de peuplier, de mélèze et de mimosa, une zone naturelle protégée.
S’aventurer plus à l’Est, c’est pénétrer dans une magnifique et somptueuse forêt (Sahel) de pins d’Alep, de peuplier, d’acacias, de genévriers et d’arbustes divers, avec de belles clairières et des aires de jeux. De cet emplacement on peut gagner, a une minute de vol d’oiseau, le célèbre hippodrome de zemmouri par ses courses hippiques. Les caractéristiques des plages de zemmouri comprennent : au sommet, la crête de plage, en double pente vers la terre et la mer, puis le plan incliné du bras de plage, qui subit le va-et-vient de la marée et des vagues. On peut distinguer un cordon dunaire protégeant la plage.
Plus à l’ouest, longeant le port, on y distingue les divers bâtiments, aujourd’hui en ruines, des conserveries de sardines et des ateliers de salaisons de l'anchois. La plage « Dzira », une petite baie de sable très fin bordée de bungalows et de cabanons, et des rochers qui forment la digue du port côté Ouest « brise lames » du port, vous offre une vision, un tableau digne de Claude Monet, de Paul Cézanne ou d’auguste Renoir, avec au loin, plus à l’ouest la plage du figuier « El Karma », ou il fait bon de déambuler et de se promener le long du rivage.
J'espère que j'ai réussi un tout p'tit chouia de vous vous faire une description sommaire de la ville de zemmouri et de son environnement.
Le Salu du Saint Fétiche en balade.
Zemmouri Ville : La coquette
Le Centre ville communale de type colonial est traversé par une avenue de part en part. La vie s’articule autour de ce principal axe qu’est le cœur et la veine jugulaire de la ville. L’esplanade et la place des Martyres avec sa fontaine « Fouara », les infrastructures des services publics (Mairie, poste, sureté, brigade, sapeur pompiers, contribution, station service, Hôpital, lycée et CEM) se trouvent sur cet axe.
De par son panorama, de son emplacement ainsi que de sa géographie, la commune de Zemmouri est considérée comme l’une des plus belles côtes à l’échelle de la région. A quelque encablure de la RN 24, distante d’une quinzaine de kms à l’Est de la wilaya de Boumerdes elle offre une destination de choix pour son charme et ses attraits.
Cette coquette ville est située au piedmont et en aval d’un maquis rocheux El bord, offre de beaux paysages accidentés, parsemé de hameaux, surplombant et dominant la ville et la mer. La nature est généreuse pour les randonnées et les sorties en plein air et de pique-niquer en ce haut lieu enchanteur. Ce palier jouit en effet d’un magnifique panorama sur la ville et la mer
Respirez l’air frais de la grande bleue est le coin le plus idéal, contemplé et apprécier à partir des crêtes la mer scintillante et la ville à nos pied est presque un tableau idyllique, digne des cartes postales, vous donne la sensation de flotter dans l’air.
Grâce à sa proximité (à l’est d’Alger), à ses belles plages, grâce à sa sardine et à son hippodrome, Zemmouri est un important centre touristique, elle est célèbre aussi pour ses installations est ses courses hippiques : chaque année, au mois de juin, s’y déroule le Prix du Président sur ce magnifique hippodrome côtier.
La ville à été fondée en 1872 (Coord. Géo. 3°33’54 ‘’E 36°48’10’’N, Alt. Niveau de la mer 28m) sous le nom de Courbet-Zaatra pour devenir plus tard Courbet suite au décret du 07 avril 1886 (elle doit son nom à l’amiral Courbet « Amédée Anatole), et Zemmouri bien après l’indépendance. Les récentes découvertes de vestiges d’une ancienne ville à l’entrée de Zemmouri El Bahri témoignent que son histoire remonte à plus loin, bien avant la colonisation (1830). Au cours de son histoire, la région d’Alger à subi plusieurs séismes destructeurs, les tremblements de terre de 1662 et celui de 1715 qui ont touché la région d’Alger et leurs raz-de- marée ne sont pas étranger à la disparition de cette ville et de ses habitants, il reste aux chercheurs de se pencher sur ce point de vue. Néanmoins, aucun séisme majeur n’avait été répertorié jusqu'alors dans la région de l’épicentre du séisme du 21 mai 2003 à cause de sa proximité d’Alger.
Zemmouri comprend quelques bourgades et 4 principales agglomérations : Zaatra (ville mère) à l’entrée sud du chef lieu communal, Benyounes-Safsaf Nabi sur la RN 24 entrée Ouest, Hadj Ahmed-El Kharoub également sur la RN 24 à l’Est et enfin Zemmouri El Bahri au Nord sur la côte
La grande évasion vers le grand bleu : Zemmouri El Bahri
Le carrefour « rond point du centre ville » délimite la partie ouest de la partie Est. Une fois passé cette intersection et pour arriver au port, en emprunte une charmante rampe appelé aussi boulevard « front de mer » avec ses restaurants spécialité poissons « fritures et grillades» et ses cafés surplombant une splendide et séduisante crique appelée « cab cab et cab cab Zaatra »,
S’accouder à la rambarde pour observer les baigneurs sous un magnifique coucher de soleil et le moment le plus attrayant et le plus fort de la journée, le matin on peut assister à l’horizon a un lever du soleil inique, avec une étendue de sable fin et doré, une plage qui s’étend à l’infini, une vue panoramique qui vous prend jusqu’à la baie de Cap Djinet.
A l’Est La grande plage qui avoisine les 06 kms sur 300 m de large, dépassant les rives de Chouicha et de Hadj Ahmed, est classée parmi les beaux rivages de la région, côtoyée par une route parallèle à la côte qui donne sur des complexes touristique et des camps de toile ouverts tout au long de l’année. Une lisière de végétation méditerranéenne borde une grande partie de cette plage. Elle est protégée par un cordon dunaire et une lisière de pins, de peuplier, de mélèze et de mimosa, une zone naturelle protégée.
S’aventurer plus à l’Est, c’est pénétrer dans une magnifique et somptueuse forêt (Sahel) de pins d’Alep, de peuplier, d’acacias, de genévriers et d’arbustes divers, avec de belles clairières et des aires de jeux. De cet emplacement on peut gagner, a une minute de vol d’oiseau, le célèbre hippodrome de zemmouri par ses courses hippiques. Les caractéristiques des plages de zemmouri comprennent : au sommet, la crête de plage, en double pente vers la terre et la mer, puis le plan incliné du bras de plage, qui subit le va-et-vient de la marée et des vagues. On peut distinguer un cordon dunaire protégeant la plage.
Plus à l’ouest, longeant le port, on y distingue les divers bâtiments, aujourd’hui en ruines, des conserveries de sardines et des ateliers de salaisons de l'anchois. La plage « Dzira », une petite baie de sable très fin bordée de bungalows et de cabanons, et des rochers qui forment la digue du port côté Ouest « brise lames » du port, vous offre une vision, un tableau digne de Claude Monet, de Paul Cézanne ou d’auguste Renoir, avec au loin, plus à l’ouest la plage du figuier « El Karma », ou il fait bon de déambuler et de se promener le long du rivage.
J'espère que j'ai réussi un tout p'tit chouia de vous vous faire une description sommaire de la ville de zemmouri et de son environnement.
Le Salu du Saint Fétiche en balade.
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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
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.
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!
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!




