Le sud du Maroc en février
by Stefa64
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour à tous !
Nous partons en famille, avec notre véhicule personnel, pendant les vaca, ces scolaires d'hiver. Circuit envisagé :
Marrakech / Tizi n tichka (ss réserve de non ennneigement)/ ait benhaddou/Ouarzazate/Vallée du Draa/Zagora/Mhamid puis retour Si qqn a des tuyaux (bonnes ou mauvaises adresses) des visites à nous conseiller en famille (enfants de 3 et 6 ans... Cet itinéraire se ferait en 10 jours environ : pas trop de route ? on ne va pas là bas pour "bouffer du gasoil"... Nous avons besoin aussi de conseils pour la traversée de la méditerrannée (algeciras ceuta? ou tanger?) En tant qu'enseignant, j'aimerais pouvoir rencontrer un enseignant sur place pour faire correspondre ma classe avec une classe marocaine. Quels sont les fournitures scolaires dont ils ont le plus besoin (manuels, cahiers, stylos?) Et enfin, pour des enfants habitués à la montagne pyrénéenne en hiver, il fait vraiment si froid que ça en février??
merci pour vos réponses !
Ton parcours est raisonnable.
L'enneigement du Tichka est exceptionnel, et en général est règlé rapidement, cette artère etant vitale. Ait benhaddou : Defat Kasbah est idéal avec des enfants, une visite éventuelle de Ouarzazate peut se faire depuis Ait benhaddou. vallée du Draa : s'arrèter absolument à Tamnougalt, hébergements traditionnels, initiation à la vie d'une palmeraie. Zagora, j'aime bien l'hotel fibule du draa, ou à Tamghroute, une auberge très sympa, visible de la route, j'ai plus le nom, ne pas s'arrèter à Tinfou, petit bac à sable peuplé de rabatteurs agressifs. Mahmid : de nombreuses agences proposent une nuit dans le désert, chameaux ou 4x4. pour la partie "humanitaire" prendre contact avec www.azekka.org une assoc qui accompagne un projet dans la palmeraie de Skoura à 30 km de ouarzazate, ne pas se charger de cahiers et de stylos, les acheter sur place, c'est moins cher et ca participe à l'économie marocaine. en février, dans la région de ouarzazate, tee shirt à midi, petite laine à 16 h polaire à 18h, une couche de plus à 20 h, dans la couette ensuite et inversement le matin.
merci raoulx pour ces tuyaux. Un collègue m'avait déjà parlé des dunes du Tinfou comme des "dunes FRAM", ca ne m'avait pas donné envie de m'y éterniser...
Defat Kasbah, c'est le nom d'un endroit où loger ou c'est à visiter?
Dc hébergement plutôt à Aït Benhaddou qu'à Ouarzazate...
Encore merci et à bientôt peut etre.
Defat kasbah est un bon hotel pas très cher, un peu à l'écart des hordes.
Pour moi il n'y a pas photo, on peut très bien se passer de loger à Ouarzazate.
Seule la kasbah mérite une visite, à la rigueur les studios de cinéma, cher pour ce que c'est. et on peut éventuellement faire un crochet par l'oasis de fint en allant vers la vallée du Draa.
Bonjour,
Pour le passage Algésiras/Maroc, nous préférons Ceuta : Nous n'avons jamais eu de problème à la douane (1/2 heure) et il est possible de faire le plein détaxé . Pour les billets, nous les prenons directement au port (attention aux rabatteurs, mais je ne connais pas leur marge). Il faut tourner à gauche avant l'embarcadère vers le parking (gratuit pendant 1/2 heure) puis il faut entrer dans le bâtiment à droite (c'est facile ). Sinon, on peut réserver sur EUROMER, mais nous avons arrêté car il nous faisait payer des suppléments inutiles . Attention à l'heure du retour. Souvent on prend le premier bateau en partance, mais au retour il faut prendre la même compagnie. Donc il faut bien regarder l'heure de départ de son bateau pour ne pas rester coincer sur le port (un feuillet des horaires est donné avec les billets). Par contre, en été, on peut prendre le premier bateau qui passe .
D'autres renseignements sont sur notre site (2 récits Maroc et un extrait de film).
Fabrice
Pour le passage Algésiras/Maroc, nous préférons Ceuta : Nous n'avons jamais eu de problème à la douane (1/2 heure) et il est possible de faire le plein détaxé . Pour les billets, nous les prenons directement au port (attention aux rabatteurs, mais je ne connais pas leur marge). Il faut tourner à gauche avant l'embarcadère vers le parking (gratuit pendant 1/2 heure) puis il faut entrer dans le bâtiment à droite (c'est facile ). Sinon, on peut réserver sur EUROMER, mais nous avons arrêté car il nous faisait payer des suppléments inutiles . Attention à l'heure du retour. Souvent on prend le premier bateau en partance, mais au retour il faut prendre la même compagnie. Donc il faut bien regarder l'heure de départ de son bateau pour ne pas rester coincer sur le port (un feuillet des horaires est donné avec les billets). Par contre, en été, on peut prendre le premier bateau qui passe .
D'autres renseignements sont sur notre site (2 récits Maroc et un extrait de film).
Fabrice
Projet Hélix : Une famille Autour du Monde Contre la Pollution Lumineuse. www.lesquatrevieux.com
Iran, Est Turquie, Maroc, Tunisie, Scandinavie, Pays de l'Est et actuellement : Amériques Nord, centre et Sud
pour l, hotel la meilleure a ait ben haddou est l, etoile filante a quelques kms de ouarzazate sur la route de marrakech tel 044 89 03 22 portable 061 65 70 03 tres bien pas cher sans bruit
Bonsoir,
1- pour les enseignants, je connais un instituteur du côté d'Agouim (30 kms avant Ouarzazate) qui se démènne avec une association, et j'ai aussi de la famille dans l'enseignement à Ouarzazate, contacter moi à makoiransky@yahoo.com si ça vous interesse d'avoir les coordonnées. Tout est bon à prendre, surtout des consommables, et des livres "para-scolaires" en français, ou pour les plus grands, des manuels.
2-10 jours à partir de Marrakech, ça va, c'est plutôt cool. Si vous prenez un 4*4, ne loupez surtout pas la visite de Telouet, entre Marrakech et Ouarzazate.
3- Pour la traversée, plutôt Tanger. J'ai fait une fois, j'ai aussi des amis qui ont fait... ce n'est plus l'horreur décrite par le routard, loin de là.
4- Non, il ne fait pas si froid que ça en février. Sauf à ouarzazate, qui caille effroyablement de temps en temps. En revanche, une grosse différence avec la montagne pyrénéenne : pas de chauffage central, ni dans les cafés, ni dans les restaus, et un chauffage parfois aléatoire dans les hôtels... donc ça peut fatiguer sur quelques jours. Mais dès que vous serez dans la vallée du Draa, vous n'aurez plus froid, un simple pull suffit la plupart du temps.
1- pour les enseignants, je connais un instituteur du côté d'Agouim (30 kms avant Ouarzazate) qui se démènne avec une association, et j'ai aussi de la famille dans l'enseignement à Ouarzazate, contacter moi à makoiransky@yahoo.com si ça vous interesse d'avoir les coordonnées. Tout est bon à prendre, surtout des consommables, et des livres "para-scolaires" en français, ou pour les plus grands, des manuels.
2-10 jours à partir de Marrakech, ça va, c'est plutôt cool. Si vous prenez un 4*4, ne loupez surtout pas la visite de Telouet, entre Marrakech et Ouarzazate.
3- Pour la traversée, plutôt Tanger. J'ai fait une fois, j'ai aussi des amis qui ont fait... ce n'est plus l'horreur décrite par le routard, loin de là.
4- Non, il ne fait pas si froid que ça en février. Sauf à ouarzazate, qui caille effroyablement de temps en temps. En revanche, une grosse différence avec la montagne pyrénéenne : pas de chauffage central, ni dans les cafés, ni dans les restaus, et un chauffage parfois aléatoire dans les hôtels... donc ça peut fatiguer sur quelques jours. Mais dès que vous serez dans la vallée du Draa, vous n'aurez plus froid, un simple pull suffit la plupart du temps.
Des infos pour vivre et travailler au Maroc : http://o-maroc.com
ma foi tout ceci a l'ait bien sympathique... En fait pour bien faire il faudrait rester un mois😉
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Good evening, everyone!
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?
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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! 😊
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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
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 :-)






