Hey,
Thanks for your reply, and no offense, but 40°C from 8 AM until sunset still seems like a lot, right? I get it when the sun’s at its peak, but still!!!!!! Otherwise, I can assure you that Mauritania in the middle of July and in the middle of the afternoon hits hard—way harder than in the south of France or the Moroccan coast.......... I also lived for 4 years on Réunion Island, and during the southern summer, I swear it’s brutal too, so I know heat—I handle it well, and so do my kids (my son was born there, by the way). But if the temperatures you mentioned hold up, well, like Raoulx said, I’ll just drive for a day and head to the coast!!!
Hey QSP,
Been in Morocco since yesterday.
I left my van at the body shop in Essaouira yesterday.
Normally, you should get away with a max of 400/450 € for yours.
Of course, more work than on my Multipla, given the size. Seems totally reasonable to me.
What do you think?
Here’s his Moroccan phone number: 0610182958
So from France, dial 0021261018 etc.
From Morocco, just 061018 etc. from a Moroccan phone, obviously.
I’ve already let him know.
Be careful, he doesn’t speak or understand French very well.
If you want to repaint your vehicle, the best thing will be to set up a meet-up with him, specifying the day and how much time you have.
I don’t remember his address, but it’s 200/300 m from the courthouse in Essaouira.
When you’re on the inner four-lane boulevard heading toward the center, the courthouse is on the left side of the boulevard—it’s under full reconstruction—and his place is on a sort of square, more like a vacant lot, just after on the right.
The address is a bit vague, but for Morocco, it’s more than enough—you’ll find it.
Never forget the magic words: "NO PROBLEM."
Still, another clue: his name is Sidi-Mohamed, but everyone knows him as Si-Mo.
If you have any concerns, let me know, and I’ll call him for more details.
As for your itinerary, I think it’s really perfect.
The road from Meknès to the south is gorgeous.
Like everywhere, toward the end (about a hundred km), it turns into just a bit more than a single paved lane.
In the mountainous regions, of course, there are curves—otherwise, we’d know about it!!!!!!!
Nothing too different from some small roads in the Alps or the Pyrenees!!!!
Otherwise, there are always the German autobahns, and there, no worries.
Okay, I’m joking a bit, but really, no problems at all.
On these roads, practice one of Morocco’s national sports: whoever swerves onto the dirt shoulder at the last second loses.
Yes, watch out for potholes and other imperfections in the pavement in these areas, and approach riverbed crossings (oueds) slowly.
Some are perfect, others might have been damaged by floods, but nothing serious—always passable at 20/30 km/h, not 200.
For the heat, I can’t give you an objective opinion since I’ve only been there in winter.
In summer, it’s probably hot.
Personally, I handle high temperatures in a DRY climate without any problem, but normal temperatures with high humidity, like in Essaouira, are tougher.
From my last trip and yesterday’s experience, I was in full accelerated self-sweating mode.
See you later,
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hey Lagardevicto,
Lucky you, already being there.................My turn won’t be long now. The body shop and price sound more than fair compared to the rates in France. Thanks again for all the info, and I’ll keep you posted on my trip and the van’s progress. I don’t remember if you gave me your phone number?? I’ll scroll back through the messages, but it’d be great if you could share it so I can call you if needed or just to keep in touch!!!!!
A few more personal details.
Merzouga or M'hamid after Tagounite, it's all the same!!!!
Tourists under every grain of sand, or so they say!!!
When I went there during the last Christmas holidays, so a very touristy time, but not St. Tropez, far from it.
To please my girlfriend, who thought this experience was essential to her travel culture, I endured a night in a tent at the foot of the dunes, watching the sunset and sunrise (very beautiful, I must admit), and a camel ride led by a Berber walking in front holding the reins.
It's worth doing if you want to, but it's not really my style of traveling or my cup of tea.
And it's not cheap.
I did it in M'hamid.
As I suggested in a previous message, after Midelt and Errachidia, turn left toward the start of the Todgha and Dadès gorges, then Ouarzazate, etc.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
No secrets
I’m heading back around 7/8.
Yeah, I was really lucky and I’ll be back!
My cell in France: 06 85 22 39 54
Landline: 05 53 58 16 58
Whenever you want
I’m here for you
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hi there,
I came across your thread while searching for bodywork shops in Morocco.
I have a 30-year-old VW LT28 with a lift (basically a big ol’ camper van, heh 😎) that I’d love to give a new look.
Basically, I’ve got several spots of perforating corrosion, rust points especially under the windshield and the paint.
I’d like to remove the rusted areas by cutting them out and replacing them with healthy sheet metal, then full sanding and a new paint job to make it last long—I really want to keep this vehicle for a while.
In France, the body shops I’ve "visited" are a bit of a mess, and I haven’t (yet) found someone who’d do this properly for me.
Do you think I could find what I’m looking for in Morocco?
Thanks
No worries at all about the skills of Moroccans.
You’d be amazed at how they patch up a rusted-out wreck—real magicians, and not just for cars: wood, mechanics, wrought iron… you name it.
The only real issue is the price.
Even when you’re well-prepared, you’re constantly up against the "tourist rip-off."
And somehow, they always manage to overcharge you.
I say this with affection, because it’s an incredible country, but scamming tourists has really become a national sport and a nuisance.
It’s got nothing to do with their kindness or hospitality… but their naturally ultra-welcoming nature has started shifting toward systematic business, and the idea of genuine service seems to be fading a bit.
Just so you know, when you ask for directions in Morocco, the person you’re talking to will say, "No problem, come with me—I know a great body shop, date seller, carpet dealer… and of course, they’ll get their commission."
Almost everything works like that.
Everywhere—in big villages, small towns—there’s a neighborhood where most of the body shops are clustered.
You’ll need to check out several.
For your van, I can’t give you a ballpark figure, but based on what I’ve said, you might get an idea.
Even with this shift, I’m still a huge fan of the country.
A budget of 1,000 €, maybe??????????????????? ,
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
In Morocco, there are big auto body workshops and paint shops, but it’s expensive. It’s better to find a cheap garage with good repairs, and you can buy car parts from the biggest market for used goods in Casablanca—but finding high-quality ones is tricky. My brother’s been a specialized auto mechanic for 14 years, and of course, he knows people who can do a great paint job.
Could anyone give me the price (including travel) for a one-way trip from Paris to Morocco?
Going either via the Spanish coast or crossing Spain? Best value for money!!!
In low season, of course!!
I was thinking of going mainly to get a van body repaired with a paint job (what are the most common colors?).
Do you have any good auto body shop addresses in Casablanca?
Better late than never—I’m adding my two cents, which might still help those who are running behind (like me!).
Sidi Ifni is a charming little town on the Atlantic coast, 160 km south of Agadir.
It’s one of the least expensive cities in Morocco—or at least that’s what you hear, right?
There are also some great craftsmen here!
If you’re interested, let me know—I can point you to the right address!
Best regards
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Hi,
(Unless it bothers you?)
I correctly replied to the original message, because yours can't be replied to!!!(the contest wasn't organized)
Best regards
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
hey petittailla
This isn't a competition or a race against time. Things are turning around and trotting through your argument like a thin proposition referring to another type of post. 😠 Your move—go ahead and make a post already.
And the battle seems lost from the start if you want to keep writing stories just for fun, just to be right. 😄😄😄
If you've got any info, tell us here what might fit the topic:
"Refaire une carrosserie au Maroc"😎
I’d like to redo the bodywork and paint on my 508. Did it go well for your truck like you wanted? I’d love to get some info on this… know a good place? And how much did you spend on it? Thanks, Alex.
Sorry for the late reply—I’m heading to Morocco next month in my 508 too, which, as you can guess, also needs a bit of a refresh!
How was your trip?
Where did you go to repaint your Merc? How much did it cost? Where exactly?
Mine’s 7 meters long, I’ve already dealt with the rust, so I just need a good paint job (and a little filler). Though I’ve got two crossmembers to replace...
I'm looking for a good and honest auto body painter in Morocco for various bodywork tasks, including chassis repair and a full paint job for a heavy-duty camper van. I’ve attached a few photos. Thanks in advance for your replies!
I’ll be heading to Morocco before the end of the year and I’m thinking of getting my car’s bodywork and paint done while I’m there.
So I’m looking for good places to combine with a two-week trip around the imperial cities, for example.
I’ll adjust my travel plans based on the body shop I choose—location, length of stay, renting another vehicle, etc.
If you’ve got any recent info or firsthand experience, please share! 😉
Hi Franck,
I’m planning to head to Morocco in a few months to get the bodywork and paint on my T3 redone. Are you happy with the results? If so, do you have a garage you’d recommend? Thanks
Hi, I’m new to the travel forum and I’m looking for bodywork shops in Morocco.
Could you share your experience with your VW T3?
I’d love to get mine done, even if the prices aren’t the same today.
Best regards,
Simon
Good evening, I’d be happy to share since I’ve had my VW T3 repainted twice in Morocco.
While it’s not a huge camper, it’s still a bit larger than a standard passenger vehicle.
I had the first paint job done in Essaouira in 2010—very clean work—but I don’t remember the name or address anymore.
Last time was in Tafraoute (2023) at the well-known body shop in the palm grove, which, by the way, is often used as a campsite by campervans.
I can’t recall his name, but he’s easy to find.
He has a fenced lot where you can keep living in your campervan during the repairs (with water, hot water, and toilets).
Good quality work.
I’ve seen mentions on this forum about a highly reputable body shop in Tiznit—apparently a true craftsman!
Maybe someone here has their contact info.
For reference, I paid 600 € last time for a full repaint and a few minor touch-ups.
Their prices are unbeatable.
It’s always wise to keep an eye on the progress, no matter where you go!!
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hi there, and thanks for your quick reply! I’d love to get my van repaired.
I’m in the process of organizing things and figuring out my budget.
If all goes well, I’ll post some photos.
Thanks! 🚐
Nous vivons 5 à 6 mois dans notre camping car et nous désirons découvrir le Maroc. Nous pensons y être au mois de mars et avril 2013. Les sièges avant de notre…
Je souhaite faire refaire un rayonnage de roues vélo en 700 (course) au Maroc, à condition que cette dimension soit courante bien sur, des infos seront…
En 2008 je descend au maroc en fourgon et j'envisage éventuellement au passage de refaire une peinture. j'aimerais savoir si c'est une bonne idée, des conseils…
J'ai le projet de refaire la carrosserie de ma 4L au Maroc, je ne suis pas un spécialiste, mais j'aimerais la refaire car elle n'a pas 50'000 km, la moteur est…
Je prépare un voyage au maroc pour refaire tte la carosserie de mon mercedes 508 ainsi que la peinture. en effet, il est bien attaqué sur plusieurs endrois et…
Avant toute chose: un grand merci à tous ceux dont on peut savourer les posts éclairés, marrants, vivants, dépaysants... Un bonheur de trouver de si jolies plumes sur ce forum, qui m'ont donné une foultitude d'idées et d'adresses pour préparer notre voyage.
Notre projet: sillonner le Maroc du 2 novembre au 4 déc. Nous aurons notre propre véhicule (Renault GrandScenic 2011, en très bon état), embarqué avec nous de Sète à TangerMed. Retour depuis Nador.
Notre profil: 75 et 62 étés, donc vieux mais contents de l'être, en très bonne santé. Habitués au voyage - c'est même toute notre vie. Amis des beaux paysages, des vieilles pierres, de l'artisanat soigné et des road trips. Ce sera mon 3e séjour au Maroc, mais le 1 et 2 remontent à 20 ans et 17 ans. Je ne suis jamais allée plus au nord que la ligne Essaouira-Marrakech (mais plus au sud, oui). Quant à mon mari, expat toute sa vie y.c. en pays musulmans, c'est sa première fois au Maroc.
C'est lui qui conduit. Il est très expérimenté, prudent, pas forcément rapide, mais habitué à la conduite dans tous les états (et Etats, yc les plus créatifs sur la route). Mais je ne veux pas le fatiguer et il ne conduit plus de nuit (et on sera en novembre).
J'ai pris le parti de lui faire voir un peu de tout en faisant un road-trip par de belles petites routes, avec des trajets en moyenne de 180-200 km/jour (sauf si autoroute, mais ce sera rare), régulièrement entrecoupés de jours de pause. Je compte une vitesse de 40 à 50 km/h, plus arrêts/visites sur le trajet.
Comme j'ai bien tout lu plein de posts, j'en arrive à des questions assez précises.
1) En provenance directe de Rabat par autoroute, nous préférons zapper Marrakech*. Néanmoins, il faudra bien dormir quelque part autour. On partira le lendemain direction Skoura. Quelqu'un aurait-il une adresse bien positionnée pour ce trajet, év. à l'est de Marrakech ? Nous recherchons idéalement dans une petite ville, facile à se garer, un hébergement propre (minimum) au confort moyen (ou plus si ça se trouve), un peu chauffé et si possible joli et/ou sympa - mais il s'agit avant tout de bien dormir, de se laver à l'eau tiède (idéalement chaude) et de dîner correctement.
(*Explication du "no-go" à Marrakech: certes c'est malheureux, parce qu'il y a de bien belles choses dans cette ville, mais je crois que l'ambiance ne va pas nous plaire - c'est un euphémisme pour "nous rebuter" / "nous faire fuir" / "nous traumatiser". Pas parce qu'il y a trop de monde et qu'on veut se distinguer des touristes, alors qu'on en fait partie, mais parce que le henné forcé sur votre main qu'on attrape, ou passer 10' tous les quarts d'heure à dire "non merci" à un guide, qui est autant guide que moi trapéziste, nous connaissant ça va nous faire du mal. Or, le pays est bien assez vaste et beau, et notre temps bien trop court, pour aller gâcher nos souvenirs quelques jours à peine après l'arrivée. Et je ne veux pas insulter l'avenir en braquant mon paisible époux, sinon il exigera de faire demi-tour et Sète en novembre, ça ne m'emballe pas plus que ça).
2) Quelle route direction Skoura (en 2 jours) ? Je vois 2 possibilités: soit par le col du Tichka, avec nuit à Telouet avant de rejoindre Skoura, soit par la R307/N23 depuis Demnate, avec nuit vers Megdaz avant descente à Skoura. Alors: col du Tichka ou R307/N23 ? J'ai un petit (grand) faible pour la 2e option, même si je sais que l'autre route est très belle aussi. Evidemment, avant de décider, on se renseignera sur la météo et l'état actuel de la R307/N23 - d'ailleurs, quelqu'un sait où obtenir l'info sur l'état de la route ? Mais même en admettant que la route "passe" bien, n'est-elle pas en soi un peu trop pénible ? Bref, est-ce bien raisonnable ? Si une bonne âme veut bien partager son expérience, mille merci d'avance.
Voilà, j'en ai assez écrit. Je laisse les autres questions pour d'autres posts. Encore merci à ceux qui ont eu la patience de me lire et à ceux qui pourront répondre. Joyeux dimanche à tous
bonjour,
je cherche un pays a visiter pour 10 jours en fevrier
que me conseillez vous pour un sejour avec un peu de soleil, randonnées et visite dde pays
Hi there,
We’re a family of 4 with two boys aged 12 and 10 traveling to Egypt in February.
We’re spending 3 days in Cairo to take our time exploring the city and the sites before heading south.
-Is it necessary to have a guide to visit the GEM? Are audio guides available?
-Do you have any contacts for drivers to organize a few transfers (Giza, Saqqara, Airport)?
-Do you know a French-speaking guide who’s friendly, family-friendly, and good at making things exciting, with reasonable prices?
Bonjour
Nous pensons nous rendre en Égypte durant la période 25 janvier/ 15 février 2027 . J'ai cherché les dates du Ramadan et trouvé des sites qui annoncent le 8 février et d'autres qui annoncent le 18 février... Ou est l'erreur?
Merci
Christian
Avec nos deux ados, nous allons passer deux semaines au Maroc à la fin décembre-début janvier. Ce sera notre premier voyage plus "dépaysant", bien que nous ayons visité plusieurs pays jusqu'à maintenant. Vu l'abondance d'infos, je suis plutôt overwhelmed avec la préparation que ce voyage exige et j'avoue être un peu perdue quant à évaluer ce qui est réaliste de visiter ou pas en 2 semaines 😕 Tous vos conseils, retour d'expériences et suggestions sont donc ici les bienvenus!
- Quels endroits seraient à privilégier à cette période de l'année (j'ai vu que certains endroits étaient moins accessibles en hiver?)
- Préférable de circuler de quelle façon ? (location d'auto, train, transport privé, autobus, etc.? -- à noter que nous aurons tout de même quelques valises!)
- Niveau "sécurité", des zones à éviter?
- Des suggestions de compagnies touristiques fiables (outre les grosses bannières de type "get your guide") qui offrent des excursions, ou encore des transports privés pour nous permettre de découvrir le pays?
- Un itinéraire jouable en 2 semaines sans devoir changer d'hébergement aux 2 jours et apprécier la diversité du pays?
I’m planning a trip to the High Atlas in Morocco and have a few questions for you:
- Why do so many people recommend avoiding international agencies for car rentals? Can anyone explain why?
- Is Booking.com reliable, and has anyone rented a vehicle through their service? There’s a pretty big price difference compared to local Moroccan agencies.
- Is there a detailed road map included in the rental car?
- Is Google Maps enough to get around the High Atlas? This will be my first trip there.
Thanks so much to anyone who can help with this destination I’ve been dreaming about for years.
Have a great evening,
Roberto
hi there, I’m heading to Tunisia 🙂 from April 27 to May 8 with my family. I’ve read through the various discussions about the country, but I’m still a bit unsure🤪: for currency exchange, I saw on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that withdrawing currency with a bank card from ATMs is limited to 200 TND per week. There are four of us traveling by car, so that might be a bit tight! And it’s a hassle to carry a lot of cash, even if I’m not being paranoid! What do you all recommend?
Cheers,
Laurent.
I was wondering if it’s possible to join a group as a solo traveler with local agencies in Djanet for circuits like Tadrart, Essendilene, Sefar, or Tassili?
If you have any agencies to recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
I didn’t find any info on the forum.
Best,
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi,
This autumn, we’re planning to explore the Oriental region and we’re wondering where the best place to land would be. We’ll have three weeks ahead of us and we’ll be renting a car.
Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're leaving in early October 2026 and planning to travel from the Aït Bougmez Valley ("Happy Valley") to Skoura/Ouarzazate via Demnate and the R307/N23 route.
Has anyone taken this road recently? Is it passable with a regular car (non-4x4), or is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? Are there any ongoing construction projects or degraded sections to be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello,
In September, my wife and I, along with another couple, will be traveling to Tunisia and staying at the Sheherasade Hotel near Sousse.
We’d love to hear your recommendations or tips on places to visit, as well as advice on taxis or other transportation options.
Thanks in advance!
This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!