Original post
Je recherche des informations sur le sud de la Tunisie pour envisager un éventuel séjour. Comme je connais le sud marocain, je crains d'être un peu déçu en comparaison. Qu'en pensez-vous ?
Sud Tunisien
by Cycha
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Pourquoi toujours comparer le Maroc et la Tunisie ????
Allez-vous comparer des vacances dans le sud de la France et dans le sud de l'Italie ???? Vous allez voir des choses différentes, des cultures différentes, des sites différents ???
N'est-ce pas là le propre des voyages, découvrir et non comparer ????
Allez-vous comparer des vacances dans le sud de la France et dans le sud de l'Italie ???? Vous allez voir des choses différentes, des cultures différentes, des sites différents ???
N'est-ce pas là le propre des voyages, découvrir et non comparer ????
Bonjour Cycha,
Ton post risque de déchaîner les foudres des amoureux du sud tunisien (dont je fais partie) 😉. Et j'avoue être assez en accord avec Bédouin12. Pourquoi veux tu comparer la Tunisie et le Maroc ?
Ce sont effectivement deux pays très différents. Comme toi, j'ai d'abord visité le sud marocain. Les paysages sont magnifiques et je m'étais jurée d'y retourner le plus vite possible. Tout compte fait, j'ai décidé d'aller en Tunise à la place. Dans le Sud. Et là, grosse claque ! A tel point que trois jours après mon retour en France, j'ai acheté un billet d'avion pour y repartir. Re-belote en avril : je vais à Kairouan.....
J'ai trouvé en Tunisie une sérénité que je n'avais connue nulle part ailleurs. Après tout dépend de ce que tu attends d'un voyage. Si tu veux voir des paysages exceptionnels et une architecture magnifique, tu seras servi. Si tu veux manger des plats succulents, tu seras aussi servi (au sens propre comme au figuré). Tu aimes les dromadaires ? Tu en verras 😛. Enfin et SURTOUT, si tu veux rencontrer des gens généreux et souriants, tu seras comblé.
Yallah Cycha ! La Tunisie t'attend
Ton post risque de déchaîner les foudres des amoureux du sud tunisien (dont je fais partie) 😉. Et j'avoue être assez en accord avec Bédouin12. Pourquoi veux tu comparer la Tunisie et le Maroc ?
Ce sont effectivement deux pays très différents. Comme toi, j'ai d'abord visité le sud marocain. Les paysages sont magnifiques et je m'étais jurée d'y retourner le plus vite possible. Tout compte fait, j'ai décidé d'aller en Tunise à la place. Dans le Sud. Et là, grosse claque ! A tel point que trois jours après mon retour en France, j'ai acheté un billet d'avion pour y repartir. Re-belote en avril : je vais à Kairouan.....
J'ai trouvé en Tunisie une sérénité que je n'avais connue nulle part ailleurs. Après tout dépend de ce que tu attends d'un voyage. Si tu veux voir des paysages exceptionnels et une architecture magnifique, tu seras servi. Si tu veux manger des plats succulents, tu seras aussi servi (au sens propre comme au figuré). Tu aimes les dromadaires ? Tu en verras 😛. Enfin et SURTOUT, si tu veux rencontrer des gens généreux et souriants, tu seras comblé.
Yallah Cycha ! La Tunisie t'attend
ils ont partiellement raison
ne pas comparer
decouvrir
difference
mais en final j ai preferé le Maroc mais le sud Tunisien est bien d ailleurs j y serai peux etr dans 15 jours car moi j hesite entre le sud tunisien et le grand soleil du senegal
c est dur les vacances.....................................
ne pas comparer
decouvrir
difference
mais en final j ai preferé le Maroc mais le sud Tunisien est bien d ailleurs j y serai peux etr dans 15 jours car moi j hesite entre le sud tunisien et le grand soleil du senegal
c est dur les vacances.....................................
Effectivement, c'est vouloir comparer la Bretagne et le Pays basque.
Je crois bien connaître les deux, mon avis à moi et seulement le mien : la Tunisie n'a pas tous les paysages grandioses du Maroc. MAIS je retourne chaque fois que je le peux en ... Tunisie.
C'est tellement plus sympa, plus simple, plus riche en vrais contacts.
Est-tu déjà entré dans une maison au Maroc ? Y as-tu de vrais amis que tu retrouve à chaque voyage ? Moi je n'ai pas réussi. Dans le sud tunisien je donne un coup de fil et j'arrive, on m'y accueille avec simplicité et joie.
De plus il y a aussi beaucoup de choses a faire, à voir, dans tous les domaines.
Un seul conseil : éviter les zones de concentration touristiques
Je crois bien connaître les deux, mon avis à moi et seulement le mien : la Tunisie n'a pas tous les paysages grandioses du Maroc. MAIS je retourne chaque fois que je le peux en ... Tunisie.
C'est tellement plus sympa, plus simple, plus riche en vrais contacts.
Est-tu déjà entré dans une maison au Maroc ? Y as-tu de vrais amis que tu retrouve à chaque voyage ? Moi je n'ai pas réussi. Dans le sud tunisien je donne un coup de fil et j'arrive, on m'y accueille avec simplicité et joie.
De plus il y a aussi beaucoup de choses a faire, à voir, dans tous les domaines.
Un seul conseil : éviter les zones de concentration touristiques
Lors de mon séjour dans le sud marocain j'ai été particulièrement incommodé par les gluants, par ces individus dont le métier consiste à repérer les touristes et à les coller pendant des heures afin de les faire céder et les entrainer dans telle ou telle boutique. J'en avais perdu le sourire et étais devenu agressif!
La Tunisie réserve-t-elle le même type d'accueil aux touristes qui s'y aventurent ou bien s'agit-il d'un pays préservé de ce genre de nuisance?
Sans ces colle-touristes je retournerai bien dans un pays du Maghreb, mais si je dois supporter les gluants je préfère autant rester chez moi.
La Tunisie serait-il le pays qu'il me faut?
La Tunisie réserve-t-elle le même type d'accueil aux touristes qui s'y aventurent ou bien s'agit-il d'un pays préservé de ce genre de nuisance?
Sans ces colle-touristes je retournerai bien dans un pays du Maghreb, mais si je dois supporter les gluants je préfère autant rester chez moi.
La Tunisie serait-il le pays qu'il me faut?
Tu trouveras ce que tu appelles des super gluants dans toutes les grandes villes touristiques... c'est leur métier tout comme nos super commerciaux qui vendraient de la glace à un esquimaux ! Mais c'est à toi, dans ton comportement de visiteur de faire en sorte que tu ne sois pas importuné....
Quel que soit le pays que tu visites, tu auras des enfants qui te demanderont des stylos ou autres petit cadeau, des mendiants au coin de la rue.... tout comme chez nous et donc comportes toi comme d'habitude chez toi, tout en restant respectueux et tu n'auras aucun problème avec ces gens.
Je me ballade en Tunisie seule, dans toutes les villes, je me fais gentillement draguée, mais quand tu les respectes et que tu leur fais comprendre que tu n'es pas intéressée, ils arrêtent immédiatement. Autre chose, quand ils comprennent que tu es plus à la recherche du contact humain que d'un contact commercial, tu découvriras la vraie tunisie et les vrais tunisiens.
Nathalie
Quel que soit le pays que tu visites, tu auras des enfants qui te demanderont des stylos ou autres petit cadeau, des mendiants au coin de la rue.... tout comme chez nous et donc comportes toi comme d'habitude chez toi, tout en restant respectueux et tu n'auras aucun problème avec ces gens.
Je me ballade en Tunisie seule, dans toutes les villes, je me fais gentillement draguée, mais quand tu les respectes et que tu leur fais comprendre que tu n'es pas intéressée, ils arrêtent immédiatement. Autre chose, quand ils comprennent que tu es plus à la recherche du contact humain que d'un contact commercial, tu découvriras la vraie tunisie et les vrais tunisiens.
Nathalie
Bedouin12 a raison, tu trouveras des "gluants" partout où tu iras. Que tu le veuilles ou non, tu es d'abord considéré comme un acheteur potentiel. Ce n'est qu'avec le temps (une fois qu'on t'aura vu 4 ou 5 jours de suite ou que tu auras bu 3 litres de thé avec eux) qu'on te dira bonjour.... pour te dire bonjour, pas pour te vendre des babouches. Le problème est que les touristes ou voyageurs (apparemment il faut faire la distinction) ne restent jamais longtemps au même endroit. Ils sont souvent "de passage", et particulièrement au Maroc et en Tunisie où les gens ne viennent la plupart du temps qu'une semaine. Donc, pas le temps de faire connaissance.
J'ajouterai tout de même que j'ai rarement été importunée comme au Maroc. Jamais on ne m'avais autant envisagée comme un "portefeuille sur pattes". Et surtout, jamais on ne m'avait insultée parce que je refusais de donner de l'argent en échange d'un renseignement.
Petites mésaventures à Marrakech
Nous voulions voir la synagogue de Marrakech. Elle n'est pas évidente à trouver et nous l'avons cherchée un petit moment. Jusqu'à ce qu'un homme nous propose de nous emmener. Nous avons refusé trop certains de la scène qui allait s'ensuivre à savoir la demande d'un billet en échange de son service . Il nous a néanmoins devancés dans la rue jusqu'à l'entrée de la synagogue. L'endroit est "gardé" par un vieux monsieur, quasi aveugle. Bien évidemment, l'entrée est gratuite : il s'agit d'un lieu de culte pas d'un musée ! Alors que nous nous apprétions à sortir, ce vieux monsieur nous a demandé de l'argent. Très choqués, nous lui avons tout de même tendu un billet (et nous n'aurions pa dû). Et que ne nous a-t-il pas répondu (alors qu'il ne voit presque plus rien) ? Que ce n'était pas assez, qu'il en voulait le double. Nous sommes partis, furieux. Sans lui avoir donné quoi que ce soit de plus. Mais c'était sans compter le "guide autoproclamé" qui nous attendait à l'extérieur. Il nous a de nouveau précédés. Nous l'avons ignoré, on en avait vraiment marre ! Alors que "nos chemins" allaient se séparer, il nous a lui aussi demandé de l'argent. Devant notre refus, il s'est mis à nous incendier. C'en était trop ! Le lendemain, nous avons pris nos clics et nos clacs (nos cliques et nos claques ????) et nous sommes partis, ailleurs.
Je n'ai jamais vécu ça en Tunisie. Il est évident que tu t'y fais importuner. Le tourisme est l'une des principales ressources du pays après tout. Mais jamais ça n'a dégénéré ainsi. Tu dis non et tu t'en vas. Ton refus n'occasionnera nulle insulte.
Je tiens enfin à préciser que mon récit concernant Marrakech relate une aventure personnelle et n'a pas pour but de vouloir généraliser l'accueil qui peut vous être fait au Maroc. Il s'agit simplement d'une très mauvaise expérience que J'AI vécue (ça fait aussi partie des voyages).
J'ajouterai tout de même que j'ai rarement été importunée comme au Maroc. Jamais on ne m'avais autant envisagée comme un "portefeuille sur pattes". Et surtout, jamais on ne m'avait insultée parce que je refusais de donner de l'argent en échange d'un renseignement.
Petites mésaventures à Marrakech
Nous voulions voir la synagogue de Marrakech. Elle n'est pas évidente à trouver et nous l'avons cherchée un petit moment. Jusqu'à ce qu'un homme nous propose de nous emmener. Nous avons refusé trop certains de la scène qui allait s'ensuivre à savoir la demande d'un billet en échange de son service . Il nous a néanmoins devancés dans la rue jusqu'à l'entrée de la synagogue. L'endroit est "gardé" par un vieux monsieur, quasi aveugle. Bien évidemment, l'entrée est gratuite : il s'agit d'un lieu de culte pas d'un musée ! Alors que nous nous apprétions à sortir, ce vieux monsieur nous a demandé de l'argent. Très choqués, nous lui avons tout de même tendu un billet (et nous n'aurions pa dû). Et que ne nous a-t-il pas répondu (alors qu'il ne voit presque plus rien) ? Que ce n'était pas assez, qu'il en voulait le double. Nous sommes partis, furieux. Sans lui avoir donné quoi que ce soit de plus. Mais c'était sans compter le "guide autoproclamé" qui nous attendait à l'extérieur. Il nous a de nouveau précédés. Nous l'avons ignoré, on en avait vraiment marre ! Alors que "nos chemins" allaient se séparer, il nous a lui aussi demandé de l'argent. Devant notre refus, il s'est mis à nous incendier. C'en était trop ! Le lendemain, nous avons pris nos clics et nos clacs (nos cliques et nos claques ????) et nous sommes partis, ailleurs.
Je n'ai jamais vécu ça en Tunisie. Il est évident que tu t'y fais importuner. Le tourisme est l'une des principales ressources du pays après tout. Mais jamais ça n'a dégénéré ainsi. Tu dis non et tu t'en vas. Ton refus n'occasionnera nulle insulte.
Je tiens enfin à préciser que mon récit concernant Marrakech relate une aventure personnelle et n'a pas pour but de vouloir généraliser l'accueil qui peut vous être fait au Maroc. Il s'agit simplement d'une très mauvaise expérience que J'AI vécue (ça fait aussi partie des voyages).
Hum en remuant mes souvenirs j'ai quand même l'impression que j'ai essentiellement été victime des super-gluants à Marakech (malheureusement j'ai du y passer beaucoup plus de temps que prévu...).
Maintenant le message de Bedouin12 me rassure quant à la Tunisie.
quand tu les respectes et que tu leur fais comprendre que tu n'es pas intéressée, ils arrêtent immédiatement.
Je n'ai pas fait le tour du monde mais parmi la dizaine de pays que j'ai visités il n'y a qu'au Maroc où j'ai rencontré ce genre d'individus qui vous attendent à la sortie de l'hôtel et ne vous lachent plus de la journée (ils se relayaient...).
Bon j'ai été plutôt traumatisé par cette expérience marocaine et suis maintenant rassuré d'apprendre que la chose est différente en Tunisie.
Maintenant le message de Bedouin12 me rassure quant à la Tunisie.
quand tu les respectes et que tu leur fais comprendre que tu n'es pas intéressée, ils arrêtent immédiatement.
Je n'ai pas fait le tour du monde mais parmi la dizaine de pays que j'ai visités il n'y a qu'au Maroc où j'ai rencontré ce genre d'individus qui vous attendent à la sortie de l'hôtel et ne vous lachent plus de la journée (ils se relayaient...).
Bon j'ai été plutôt traumatisé par cette expérience marocaine et suis maintenant rassuré d'apprendre que la chose est différente en Tunisie.
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I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?
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Hi there,
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,
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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,
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Hi there,
Here’s a first draft for a 14-night itinerary during the Christmas break with two teens. We’re especially fond of hiking (nothing too extreme, though), which is why we’re drawn to the south.
- Marrakech (2 nights) - Aït Ben Haddou (1 night) - Dadès (3 nights, though we’re thinking of doing a day trip to the Todra Gorge on one of those days) - M'hamid (1 night) - Erg Chigaga (1 night) - 4 nights to slot in - Marrakech (2 nights)
Okay, I realize this involves a lot of driving, and we’re still debating the return route since we’d like to avoid the Tichka Pass in January, but going through Taroudant seems like it would add *a lot* of time. 😕
If you’ve got other suggestions for an itinerary with great hikes, I’m all ears!
Also, the 4 nights total in MRK isn’t really our preference, but since we’re arriving/departing super early from overseas, we’d like to be a bit rested before the long flight.
Another question: For hikes (aside from the desert one), is it better to have a guide with us, or are the trails well-marked?
Thanks for your help!
Here’s a first draft for a 14-night itinerary during the Christmas break with two teens. We’re especially fond of hiking (nothing too extreme, though), which is why we’re drawn to the south.
- Marrakech (2 nights) - Aït Ben Haddou (1 night) - Dadès (3 nights, though we’re thinking of doing a day trip to the Todra Gorge on one of those days) - M'hamid (1 night) - Erg Chigaga (1 night) - 4 nights to slot in - Marrakech (2 nights)
Okay, I realize this involves a lot of driving, and we’re still debating the return route since we’d like to avoid the Tichka Pass in January, but going through Taroudant seems like it would add *a lot* of time. 😕
If you’ve got other suggestions for an itinerary with great hikes, I’m all ears!
Also, the 4 nights total in MRK isn’t really our preference, but since we’re arriving/departing super early from overseas, we’d like to be a bit rested before the long flight.
Another question: For hikes (aside from the desert one), is it better to have a guide with us, or are the trails well-marked?
Thanks for your help!
Hi everyone,
Our trip to Morocco will be from November 3 to 17, in the High Atlas.
Basically, our route would be:
Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou
Skoura - Tinghir - Merzouga
Merzouga via the N12 to Zagora
Zagora - Draa Valley - Marrakech
It seems to be the low season, so I’d love to travel without having to book accommodations in advance. In other countries, pre-booking has restricted us and kept us from visiting unplanned sites. Freedom is important to us, but I’d also like to avoid arriving somewhere and finding nothing available. What do you recommend? Book ahead or not? Your advice is always helpful, and thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me. Roberto
It seems to be the low season, so I’d love to travel without having to book accommodations in advance. In other countries, pre-booking has restricted us and kept us from visiting unplanned sites. Freedom is important to us, but I’d also like to avoid arriving somewhere and finding nothing available. What do you recommend? Book ahead or not? Your advice is always helpful, and thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me. Roberto
Hello to all Morocco lovers,
First of all: a big thank you to everyone whose insightful, funny, lively, and exotic posts we’ve enjoyed. It’s a joy to find such lovely writers on this forum, who’ve given me tons of ideas and addresses to prepare our trip.
Our plan: to explore Morocco from November 2nd to December 4th. We’ll have our own vehicle (a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic, in great condition), shipped with us from Sète to Tanger Med. Returning from Nador.
Our profile: 75 and 62 years young, so old but happy to be, in very good health. Seasoned travelers—it’s practically our whole life. Lovers of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, fine craftsmanship, and road trips. This will be my 3rd trip to Morocco, but the first two were 20 and 17 years ago. I’ve never been north of the Essaouira-Marrakech line (though I’ve gone further south). As for my husband, a lifelong expat including in Muslim countries, it’s his first time in Morocco.
He’s the one driving. He’s very experienced, cautious, not necessarily fast, but used to driving in all conditions (and countries, including the most creative on the road). But I don’t want to tire him out, and he no longer drives at night (and we’ll be there in November).
I’ve decided to show him a bit of everything by taking a road trip along beautiful backroads, with daily distances averaging 180-200 km (except on highways, which will be rare), regularly broken up by rest days. I’m counting on a speed of 40-50 km/h, plus stops/visits along the way.
Since I’ve read so many posts, I’ve narrowed it down to some very specific questions.
1) Coming directly from Rabat via the highway, we’d prefer to skip Marrakech*. Still, we’ll need to sleep somewhere nearby. We’ll head toward Skoura the next day. Does anyone have a well-located address for this route, possibly east of Marrakech? Ideally, we’re looking for a small town, easy parking, clean accommodation (minimum) with average comfort (or better if available), a bit heated, and if possible, pretty and/or nice—but above all, a place to sleep well, wash with lukewarm (ideally hot) water, and have a decent dinner.
(*Explanation for the "no-go" in Marrakech: it’s a shame, because there are truly beautiful things in this city, but I think the vibe won’t suit us—it’s an understatement for "it’ll put us off" / "make us flee" / "traumatize us." Not because it’s too crowded and we want to stand out from tourists (we’re part of them), but because of forced henna on your hand, or spending 10 minutes every quarter-hour saying "no thank you" to a "guide" who’s as much a guide as I am a trapeze artist. Knowing us, it’ll wear us down. The country is vast and beautiful, and our time too short to waste our memories just days after arriving. And I don’t want to ruin things for my peaceful husband, or he’ll demand we turn back—and Sète in November isn’t exactly thrilling either.)
2) Which route to Skoura (in 2 days)? I see two options: either via the Tichka Pass, with a night in Telouet before reaching Skoura, or via the R307/N23 from Demnate, with a night near Megdaz before descending to Skoura. So: Tichka Pass or R307/N23? I have a slight (big) preference for the second option, even though I know the other route is very beautiful too. Of course, before deciding, we’ll check the weather and the current state of the R307/N23—does anyone know where to get info on the road conditions? But even assuming the road is "passable," is it a bit too tough in itself? In short, is it reasonable? If a kind soul could share their experience, a thousand thanks in advance.
That’s all I’ve written for now. I’ll save the other questions for later posts. Thanks again to those who had the patience to read this and to those who can respond. Happy Sunday to all!
Fran
First of all: a big thank you to everyone whose insightful, funny, lively, and exotic posts we’ve enjoyed. It’s a joy to find such lovely writers on this forum, who’ve given me tons of ideas and addresses to prepare our trip.
Our plan: to explore Morocco from November 2nd to December 4th. We’ll have our own vehicle (a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic, in great condition), shipped with us from Sète to Tanger Med. Returning from Nador.
Our profile: 75 and 62 years young, so old but happy to be, in very good health. Seasoned travelers—it’s practically our whole life. Lovers of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, fine craftsmanship, and road trips. This will be my 3rd trip to Morocco, but the first two were 20 and 17 years ago. I’ve never been north of the Essaouira-Marrakech line (though I’ve gone further south). As for my husband, a lifelong expat including in Muslim countries, it’s his first time in Morocco.
He’s the one driving. He’s very experienced, cautious, not necessarily fast, but used to driving in all conditions (and countries, including the most creative on the road). But I don’t want to tire him out, and he no longer drives at night (and we’ll be there in November).
I’ve decided to show him a bit of everything by taking a road trip along beautiful backroads, with daily distances averaging 180-200 km (except on highways, which will be rare), regularly broken up by rest days. I’m counting on a speed of 40-50 km/h, plus stops/visits along the way.
Since I’ve read so many posts, I’ve narrowed it down to some very specific questions.
1) Coming directly from Rabat via the highway, we’d prefer to skip Marrakech*. Still, we’ll need to sleep somewhere nearby. We’ll head toward Skoura the next day. Does anyone have a well-located address for this route, possibly east of Marrakech? Ideally, we’re looking for a small town, easy parking, clean accommodation (minimum) with average comfort (or better if available), a bit heated, and if possible, pretty and/or nice—but above all, a place to sleep well, wash with lukewarm (ideally hot) water, and have a decent dinner.
(*Explanation for the "no-go" in Marrakech: it’s a shame, because there are truly beautiful things in this city, but I think the vibe won’t suit us—it’s an understatement for "it’ll put us off" / "make us flee" / "traumatize us." Not because it’s too crowded and we want to stand out from tourists (we’re part of them), but because of forced henna on your hand, or spending 10 minutes every quarter-hour saying "no thank you" to a "guide" who’s as much a guide as I am a trapeze artist. Knowing us, it’ll wear us down. The country is vast and beautiful, and our time too short to waste our memories just days after arriving. And I don’t want to ruin things for my peaceful husband, or he’ll demand we turn back—and Sète in November isn’t exactly thrilling either.)
2) Which route to Skoura (in 2 days)? I see two options: either via the Tichka Pass, with a night in Telouet before reaching Skoura, or via the R307/N23 from Demnate, with a night near Megdaz before descending to Skoura. So: Tichka Pass or R307/N23? I have a slight (big) preference for the second option, even though I know the other route is very beautiful too. Of course, before deciding, we’ll check the weather and the current state of the R307/N23—does anyone know where to get info on the road conditions? But even assuming the road is "passable," is it a bit too tough in itself? In short, is it reasonable? If a kind soul could share their experience, a thousand thanks in advance.
That’s all I’ve written for now. I’ll save the other questions for later posts. Thanks again to those who had the patience to read this and to those who can respond. Happy Sunday to all!
Fran
hi there,
I’m just a few days away from my trip to Marrakech—I’m leaving from November 13th to 20th and bringing my parents along! I’d love to plan my stay as best as I can, and I’m sure the forum crew can help. So, here are my questions:
- Where’s the best place to exchange money without getting ripped off? The owner of the riad where we’re staying told us to avoid doing it at the airport because it’s really expensive and to do it in the medina instead, near Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Which traditional hammams do you recommend that are reasonably priced? How much should we budget for one? That’ll help me plan my expenses.
- What are some nice restaurants in the medina?
- I’d also like to know roughly how much to expect for a tea, a meal, a taxi, a djellaba, and babouches. I don’t want to get overcharged and would like to know what to expect.
- What are the must-do activities and places to visit?
Thanks in advance for your help....
I’m just a few days away from my trip to Marrakech—I’m leaving from November 13th to 20th and bringing my parents along! I’d love to plan my stay as best as I can, and I’m sure the forum crew can help. So, here are my questions:
- Where’s the best place to exchange money without getting ripped off? The owner of the riad where we’re staying told us to avoid doing it at the airport because it’s really expensive and to do it in the medina instead, near Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Which traditional hammams do you recommend that are reasonably priced? How much should we budget for one? That’ll help me plan my expenses.
- What are some nice restaurants in the medina?
- I’d also like to know roughly how much to expect for a tea, a meal, a taxi, a djellaba, and babouches. I don’t want to get overcharged and would like to know what to expect.
- What are the must-do activities and places to visit?
Thanks in advance for your help....
Hi
I’d like to know if the road between Msemrir and Tamttatouchte is doable with a standard car (Dacia Logan).
Thanks a lot
hi,
I’m looking for a country to visit for 10 days in February.
What do you recommend for a trip with some sunshine, hiking, and sightseeing?
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
Hi, I’d like to head to Morocco next week with my car. I’ve looked online at all the different info about the ferry crossing to Tangier, but I’m finding it really expensive. Is there a way to buy tickets in Spain? Or another way to get the Algeciras–Tangier crossing cheaper? Thanks for any tips or info!
Hi there,
We found a guide who offers the trip from M'hamid to a camp (departure at 3 PM, tea, meal, camel ride, overnight stay, breakfast, and return to M'Hamid by 11 AM the next day via the sacred oasis). He quoted us a price of 380 € for April. What do you think of this rate? This might sound like a silly question, but is it common to negotiate the price for this kind of thing (we're booking from France)? It’s still a big part of our travel budget.
Thanks
We found a guide who offers the trip from M'hamid to a camp (departure at 3 PM, tea, meal, camel ride, overnight stay, breakfast, and return to M'Hamid by 11 AM the next day via the sacred oasis). He quoted us a price of 380 € for April. What do you think of this rate? This might sound like a silly question, but is it common to negotiate the price for this kind of thing (we're booking from France)? It’s still a big part of our travel budget.
Thanks
Hi there,
We're planning to visit Egypt between January 25 and February 15, 2027. I looked up the Ramadan dates and found some sites saying it starts on February 8, while others say February 18... Where's the mistake?
Thanks,
Christian
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?
Marie
-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?
Marie
Hi there!
With our two teens, we’re heading to Morocco for two weeks at the end of December and beginning of January. It’ll be our first trip that’s more "off the beaten path," even though we’ve visited several countries before. Given the overwhelming amount of info, I’m feeling a bit swamped with the prep this trip requires, and I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to figuring out what’s realistic to visit in two weeks 😕 So, all your tips, personal experiences, and suggestions are more than welcome!
- Which places should we prioritize during this time of year? (I’ve read that some spots are less accessible in winter?) - What’s the best way to get around? (rental car, train, private transport, buses, etc.? — just a heads-up, we’ll have a few suitcases!) - In terms of "safety," are there any areas to avoid? - Any recommendations for reliable local tour companies (beyond the big names like "Get Your Guide") that offer excursions or private transport to help us explore the country? - A doable 2-week itinerary that lets us enjoy the country’s diversity without having to change accommodations every two days?
Thanks so much for your advice!
With our two teens, we’re heading to Morocco for two weeks at the end of December and beginning of January. It’ll be our first trip that’s more "off the beaten path," even though we’ve visited several countries before. Given the overwhelming amount of info, I’m feeling a bit swamped with the prep this trip requires, and I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to figuring out what’s realistic to visit in two weeks 😕 So, all your tips, personal experiences, and suggestions are more than welcome!
- Which places should we prioritize during this time of year? (I’ve read that some spots are less accessible in winter?) - What’s the best way to get around? (rental car, train, private transport, buses, etc.? — just a heads-up, we’ll have a few suitcases!) - In terms of "safety," are there any areas to avoid? - Any recommendations for reliable local tour companies (beyond the big names like "Get Your Guide") that offer excursions or private transport to help us explore the country? - A doable 2-week itinerary that lets us enjoy the country’s diversity without having to change accommodations every two days?
Thanks so much for your advice!
Hi everyone,
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
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, I just wanted to know the exchange rate for euros in Tunisia, thanks
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.
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
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!
Hi there, 🙂
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! !😉
Thanks
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! !😉
Thanks
Based on your experiences, do you have a professional to recommend?
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...
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 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 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.
Thanks in advance.
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.
Thanks in advance.
Hi, I'm looking for a taxi from Dakhla airport to downtown Dakhla.
If you know a contact ?????
Hi there,
I’m looking for info about driving a vehicle in Tunisia.
Is it complicated?
Do I need an international driver’s permit?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
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.
Any recommendations?
Have a great day
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.
Any recommendations?
Have a great day
It's all in the title.
Thanks in advance