We just got back from a trip to Egypt: 2 days in Cairo, then a week on the Nile with a cruise through a tour operator.
An incredible discovery of the Pyramids of Cairo—such an emotional moment! Then a wonderful stroll along the Nile, where we leisurely soaked in the "life" along this river.
An exceptional guide who transported us back less than 4,000–5,000 years BC...
But here’s the thing—because there’s often a "BUT"—the flip side is discovering a *very* polluted country! Even on the Nile, the number of boats is staggering (I went barefoot on the boat one day, and by the end of the day, my feet were black with soot?).
In Cairo, with nearly 20 million inhabitants, there’s trash everywhere (except around the airport and villa areas). We even saw a dead cow with stray dogs eating its "innards"—but no one seemed bothered! By the way, there are *tons* of wild dogs in Egypt and very few... cats!
One day after our arrival, we had to pay our entry visa to the guide on the bus—and *only* in cash? 95 EUROS???? A disgrace, since the visa price is $25 (as stated on the visa stamp)... Someone needs to explain where that money goes???
The excursions (optional ones) are *five times* more expensive than the posted rates for tourists. There are two prices: one for Egyptians (which makes sense, given an average salary of 360 euros/month). On top of that, the cruise manager asked us to pay half in cash and half by card (we refused and paid everything in cash). First time I’ve ever seen that payment method for excursions—where *does* the money go?...
During a stop in Aswan, we wanted to visit the Nubian Museum (amazing!). We took a carriage, and before leaving, we agreed on a round-trip price of 20 euros for 4 people to take us to the museum. It was all good with the driver—who called himself "Michel" and his poor horse, Rambo. On the way back, of course, he caused a scene, demanding *much* more... We refused and gave him the 20 euros we’d agreed on. But then, as if by chance, this same carriage driver stopped for a man who asked us to exchange two 20-euro bills and 10 one-euro coins for a 50-euro bill. I pulled out my 50-euro note while talking to Michel, and the other guy claimed I’d given him a 10-euro bill?? He handed me the bill—so you get the scam!
So, be *very* careful with carriage drivers and their "colleagues"!
Drinks on board are outrageously priced—a simple beer (Stella) costs 5 euros, and the wine is undrinkable...
Tips are expected in euros—they won’t accept Egyptian pounds... and of course, you’re constantly harassed to exchange 5-euro or 10-euro bills, or even more! They end up with tons of coins, so we did it at first, but after a while, it’s just not possible—they insist way too much!
I’ll stop here—it’s already quite long. So, a mixed-feelings trip overall...
Hello everyone,
Hope you had a great trip .
Now, regarding the number of boats (the big ones), more than half of them have disappeared since the revolution. Did you notice the wrecks of some along the Nile? As for the soot, diesel engines, so🙁, and the pool—never go in, it's a bacteria nest. Just look at the water's surface to understand, plus all the sunscreen oil from tourists.
In Cairo, the trash lying around everywhere—it's like back home: some people put their garbage in bins, others in illegal dumps. It's the same there. Though, if you noticed, there are huge containers in some places and much smaller ones in others, but everything ends up beside them. It's not just there—look at India, Southeast Asia, or South American countries! As for cats, you must not have looked closely—there are just as many as dogs.
Did you arrive in Cairo? Then take a flight transfer for your cruise, Luxor-Aswan-Luxor? Was it an organized trip: Cairo + cruise?
If the guide was waiting for you in Cairo (at the airport) and took you by bus to your hotel, the 95 € makes sense—yes, it's expensive, but they’ll tell you it’s for transfer fees.
For visits, it’s new that you have to pay by card. The price difference between locals and tourists has always existed. Paying everything in cash was the right move!
As for scams with tickets and coins, I’ve never experienced any. If I have to pay someone like a driver or carriage driver, I always show them the money (always in L.E or Pounds) before paying.
Oh, and don’t forget—Stella is a 500 ml bottle. For wine, when we’re there, we only drink Cleopatra—it’s a decent little wine and drinkable. As for tips, I always pay in L.E (pounds). If someone doesn’t like it, they get nothing.
Since the government made it so tourists have to pay for visits in € by card, everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon—even hotels want to be paid in €. I always refuse, and all these little issues wear you down over time.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
Hello, thanks for your comments.
Yes, it was a truly beautiful cultural trip, with an honestly exceptional guide.
I’ve traveled a lot around the world, especially in Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia), and I’ve been to Africa, notably Senegal, etc. Sure, there’s pollution, but not to this extent! I’ve NEVER seen so much waste in the streets, in the fields, and let’s not even talk about the canals adjacent to the Nile (Cairo/Luxor). They’re hyper-polluted—just seeing a "rainbow" in the water, we all know it’s hydrocarbons! Not a single fish in sight!
As for the visa, I don’t understand such a huge difference between $25 and 95 € per person. I’d really like to know what these so-called taxes are for.... (When we left, the tour operator quoted 70 €, which was already high! We even asked the operator for concrete answers and transparency—if that’s possible, which I doubt.)
The boats are very, very numerous, and no, I didn’t see any wrecks along the Nile...
The Stella (50 cl) at 5 € is prohibitive (as expensive as in France, and I’m not even sure about that!). In Cairo, at a big hotel, it cost us 2.50 €, which was reasonable given the prestige of the place.
In short, we’re treated like "cash cows," and the prices are whatever they want... sad to say. We’ve never felt this kind of pressure before, especially not in Asia, where people are lovely and there’s no aggression. For example, I left my phone in a bar in Hanoi and found it an hour later—it hadn’t "moved."
We’re not fans of organized trips like this (it was the first and last), but for the Nile, there aren’t many other options unless you follow the banks...
Best regards to you all... and happy travels if you hit the "road" again.
Hello everyone,
It’s true that when you stay as long as we did, you almost stop noticing the pollution, and yes, I wouldn’t dip a toe in those canals 🙁.
About the visa price—I don’t know if they picked you up by bus, because ?? Anyway, they’ll tell you it’s for transfer fees. But if the agency quoted you one price and it went up on the spot, that’s not right. And everything you buy on the boat is always way more expensive. We used to bring our own bottles from ashore.
When you say the boats are very crowded, it’s just an impression. The first time we did a cruise in 2004, there were a lot of boats—around 350—all doing the same route. Back then, there was only one lock, so for at least three months every year, it was closed. Travelers had to transfer from Luxor to Esna past the lock to board their boat. We didn’t have that problem.
Now there are two locks, so each year one is closed for maintenance, then the other.
As for phones, in 2004 my wife got a scare with her handbag—wallet, ID, everything—gone. Then we heard someone shouting. We turned around, and it was the taxi driver running after us to return the bag.
Aside from the cruise, yes, traveling along the banks by train or car is great. Most of the time, we go by car with our driver friends because train prices have become ridiculous. The only thing that hasn’t changed much is bus fares.
Plus, now you have to pay by card for train tickets and visits, though we still manage to get around that for the train.
We haven’t decided when to go yet. We also need to renew our ID cards, and my wife can’t go now with the extreme temperatures starting. I don’t mind the heat—as long as I keep drinking.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
There’s still so much beauty left in this world, so we’d better hurry (66 years old and then there’s overtourism)... seeing other places is a privilege, and when we get back “home,” it helps keep us humble!
Wishing you all wonderful discoveries... best regards, Philippe.
Hello everyone,
66, still young 😉 — yes, there’s so much beauty and kindness everywhere.
Egypt, my heart’s country, I’d love to stay, but since I’m not alone ???
Even though she loves it, we have a lot of friends all over Egypt, from north to south, but the kids and grandkids — I get it, it’s not my case. I did my job with my wife to raise our two kids well, and since I don’t have that family fiber, I let it go and bite my tongue.
You went on a package tour, so you only scratched the surface. To really understand the country, you need to make connections — then it becomes much easier.
Have a great day,
Thoutmosis
Yes, you're right—a package tour is superficial, and contact with the locals is more than limited, as we say back home 😅. I remember the colectivos in Mexico—nothing but smiles and kindness... same in Laos, staying with locals—amazing!
We have 4 kids and 5 grandkids, and we’ve always traveled, especially in a camper van with the kids. Now, being parked side by side with no real connection holds no interest for us. We only ever did "wild" camping. We’re pretty busy, but as soon as we can, we escape—we take a flight (not eco-friendly, I know) and off we go! If you look hard enough, there are affordable trips... Being just the two of us means sharing emotions and discoveries—beyond a mountain path, there’s always something to see 😊. Have a great day!
Hello everyone,
Actually, it’s always better to go somewhere without a package tour.
Well, apart from France, Italy, and especially Egypt, we don’t go anywhere else—by choice.
And our friends in Burgundy have never left France, but it’s true there are wonderful landscapes there, and in the small villages, if you say hello, people respond, unlike in our big cities. Though in Belgium it’s the same, and I know way more about Egypt than my own country😉 . Where we often go in France is Menton—gorgeous—and despite being a city, the people are friendly. Plus, we explore the hinterland and visit the villages.
Have a great day,
Thoutmosis
We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful country with diverse landscapes—and don’t even get me started on the food, our wines, and our local specialties!
Burgundy is part of this heritage... absolutely stunning!
As for Belgium, we love it—the vibes in the bars (Belgian estaminets) and the city of Ghent are gorgeous... just like Bruges, Bouillon, Bastogne, and so many others. So, in the end, we make the most of what we’ve got and live life to the fullest!!!! goodbye and maybe see you another day!
"Ever since the government made it so tourists have to pay for visits in € by card, everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon—even hotels now want to be paid in €. I still refuse...
Why? What’s the issue? Is there a downside to paying by card?
Hi everyone,
Yes, like you said, everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon 🙁.
Since we’ve been going there since 2004, we’ve always paid in L.E. (Egyptian pounds).
And we still do now—when we walk into a place to drink or eat, we ask if we can pay in L.E. They can’t force you to pay in €. If I can’t, I just walk away; it doesn’t bother me.
Of course, for online sites, you’re forced to use foreign currency—no choice there. The reason? Foreign exchange, same for all other currencies, but especially € and $ (all kinds of $).
That’s why everyone’s doing it. You have to stay a while to see it: they stockpile foreign currency, and when the exchange rate is favorable, they exchange it all at once (a few thousand of each currency can bring in a lot when the rate works in their favor).
Another crazy thing in Egypt over the past few years: if you want to exchange money, with a passport, you can go to exchange agencies. With just an ID card (like us), you have to go to the bank—or I borrow an Egyptian friend’s ID and go to the exchange agency.
Why? Still a mystery. It’s something you only see in Egypt.
Thoutmosis
Hi there, Egypt has really changed… Our first trip was back in 2002—Sinai, Ras Mohamed, Dahab, St. Catherine’s Monastery, etc. We rented a car in Egyptian pounds with no issues, and everything was paid in pounds. Lots of checkpoints, but no real "security" problems, and the Egyptians were incredibly kind.
We went back in 2005, and there weren’t any major noticeable changes, except in Sharm, where a lot of signs and restaurants were in Russian (there was a big Russian clientele at the time).
We returned in April 2025, and honestly, we didn’t recognize this "side" of Egypt. Plus, we didn’t have a choice—we wanted to do the "Nile cruise," so we had to go with a "tour operator." It was the first and last time we’ll ever do a "package tour"—not our thing at all—but what can you do?
First off, how did you pay for your visa? And how much? Because the prices are never the same! The stamp itself says 25 dollars, but we paid 95 €??? That’s a huge markup!!! Who’s profiting from that?
On the boat, all the prices were in euros!! And it was *really* expensive, especially the "drinks"—a Stella (50 cl) cost 5 €, as much as in France! Meanwhile, in Cairo, we paid 2.50 € for one in a big hotel…
For the excursions, we were the only ones paying by card (the other guests, at the guides’ request, paid half in euros and half by card???). Do the math: 120 people on a single excursion, the cheapest one being 50 € per person.
So it’s *really* hard to pay for *everything* in pounds… but you shouldn’t give in. We told the guide we didn’t have enough cash, so we paid everything by card.
It’s obvious that the big cities that host tourist boats are just waiting to make easy money off visitors. They’re on the lookout, which is *so* unpleasant—sometimes you have to get angry and say NO, and even then, some keep pushing. I’ve never experienced such pressure (and we’ve dealt with similar situations in Morocco and Tunisia, but this was on another level!)
Anyway, those are our impressions. When was your last trip to Egypt? Because it’s clear the country has changed—massive pollution, and Egyptians pushing their luck way too far. What a shame!
Yeah, things have changed a lot over the past few years. Back in 2020, it was still like when we first started in 2004, but since COVID and the devaluation of the Egyptian currency, everything’s gone a bit haywire. They need foreign currency, so they’ve got to pay for that new museum that cost a fortune, as well as the new capital 60 km east of Cairo. Meanwhile, there are plenty of neighborhoods in Cairo with empty buildings because they’re too expensive. So, they’re relying on tourists—after all, it’s Egypt’s top industry.
For the visa, never use the e-visa as long as it’s still accepted. Since we always travel without a tour operator or agency, we pay the exact visa price, which is around 25 €. As I mentioned before, we pay in € by card (mandatory) for visits, but for everything else, we use L.E. (pounds).
Hi there, yeah, the world "changes"—we see it every day, and not always the way we’d like... that’s just how it is!!!!!!
Wishing you all happy Easter too! Thanks! !
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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.
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...
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 😊
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 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
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!
