Visiting the pyramids
by Masthibert
Translated into English.
Original post
Hi, how’s the visit to the pyramids going? Do we buy tickets on the spot? Is the distance to cover significant? How do you get around—on foot? Are there shuttles? Thanks
Hello everyone,
There are two ticket booth areas—I always go to the lower one, facing the Habou Shakra restaurant, where we often go with our tours. The ticket office is right across the street. There’s a line for foreigners, which moves pretty quickly. Just avoid going on Fridays—it’s a day off for Muslims, so it gets crowded. That doesn’t bother us, but we’ve learned the hard way. Though it made us laugh because it wasn’t the first time—we kept getting stopped by Muslim women who wanted to take photos with my wife, just because she’s blonde with blue eyes. They even noticed she has a birthmark in one eye! As for me, I have no idea why they wanted photos with me, especially with those women—it was pretty funny.
To start your visit, you usually go to the left, where the restroom building is.
For distances, the shortest route is to Khephren’s pyramid in the middle (before that, you’ll pass the lower temple of the same pyramid). Then, about 500 meters to the left or right, you’ll find the other two pyramids. We’re used to doing the full loop, including the tombs of nobles or close associates, so it usually takes us almost half a day—or even longer if there aren’t many people. We love "exploring" in detail. So, plan for around 3 to 4 km, including the walk back down after the visit and returning to the exit.
Finally, a great decision: no more camels or horses. Phew! We’ve witnessed some real cruelty from the owners toward these animals. Plus, being harassed by them, we’ve never given in. We also know what can happen with camels, so we pass. Our backs thank us for it.
Thoutmosis
To start your visit, you usually go to the left, where the restroom building is.
For distances, the shortest route is to Khephren’s pyramid in the middle (before that, you’ll pass the lower temple of the same pyramid). Then, about 500 meters to the left or right, you’ll find the other two pyramids. We’re used to doing the full loop, including the tombs of nobles or close associates, so it usually takes us almost half a day—or even longer if there aren’t many people. We love "exploring" in detail. So, plan for around 3 to 4 km, including the walk back down after the visit and returning to the exit.
Finally, a great decision: no more camels or horses. Phew! We’ve witnessed some real cruelty from the owners toward these animals. Plus, being harassed by them, we’ve never given in. We also know what can happen with camels, so we pass. Our backs thank us for it.
Thoutmosis
Hello, how does visiting the pyramids go? Do we buy tickets, is the distance to cover significant? How is it done? On foot? Are there shuttles? Thanks
Hey Camarguais 😄 I recommend visiting them first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, and especially to escape the scorching sun that’ll hit you right in the face 😅
Hey Camarguais 😄 I recommend visiting them first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, and especially to escape the scorching sun that’ll hit you right in the face 😅
Christine
Hello everyone,
It’s not necessarily the same for everyone. It really depends on when the big tour buses arrive, with their waves of tourists—usually after breakfast or lunch. For the rest, like solo travelers or Egyptians, it’s always very early. Egyptians are used to getting up early, and even on holidays, it’s the same. So, there’s no magic trick—it’s all about luck. As for the temperature, it depends on the time of year. The best period is from late October to late March, but it can still vary a lot. In January, February, and early March, it can be cool, even very cool, with a lot of wind. In fact, in February 2018, in Cairo, it was the only time my wife got very sick because of the weather. You end up breathing in all kinds of stuff—even worse in Cairo. The result? Bronchitis, fever, the whole package. She was in bed for two weeks. Luckily, we had a very good doctor in Luxor, our home base, and she was well taken care of. We have Egyptian friends who caught the flu in the middle of July, so there are no hard rules. You just have to go with the flow and not overthink it.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
I never comment on Belgians—they’re too weird. 😂 Still, at 6 AM it’s way cooler than at 1 PM when the scorching sun beats down on your head.
Christine
Hello everyone,
Those quirky Belgians , you must know at least a few. Maybe that’s why they’re so well-liked wherever they go.
Anyway, this is the first time I’ve noticed this—our French friends, and we’ve got a bunch of them, really appreciate them. We hear from them almost every week, like right now during their trip to Aveyron—nearly every day!
When I tell them Belgians are quirky, they’ll have a good laugh.
Have a great day,
Thoutmosis
Hello, how does visiting the pyramids go? Do we buy tickets, is the distance to cover significant? How is it done? On foot? Are there shuttles? Thanks
Hi. Yes, there’s a free shuttle that leaves from the parking lot next to the Sphinx entrance and stops at all the Pyramids, plus a stop for a panorama at the Panorama station. You can take it again, and it’s all very quick.
Hi. Yes, there’s a free shuttle that leaves from the parking lot next to the Sphinx entrance and stops at all the Pyramids, plus a stop for a panorama at the Panorama station. You can take it again, and it’s all very quick.
Photos du Laos et Angkor http://voyagelaosteo.over-blog.com/
Hello everyone,
I confirm, but I never use it—it’s way cooler on foot, and you meet other people more easily. Plus, you can take your time. That said, it’s definitely the best solution for people who have difficulty getting around.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
How long have these buses been around?
Hi, thanks for your reply. Have a great day
Hi, thanks for your reply. Have a great day
Hello everyone,
I’ve never really paid attention to this since I never use them—I’m always on foot at over 70 years old (this Thursday, I’m heading to the Han Caves domain, and as usual, I’ll be walking the whole way). But given the number of big buses or smaller ones entering the site, I assume it’s because camels, horses, and carriages have been banned? Not a bad thing, all things considered, given how most owners treated their animals.
Thoutmosis
Camels, horses, and carriages are still around on the Giza plateau.
It’s been quite a few years since you last traveled to Egypt—buses have been there for a while now, so you should come back sometime soon...
Camels, horses, and carriages are still present on the Giza plateau.
It must’ve been quite a few years since you last traveled to Egypt—buses have been around for a while now. You should come back sometime...
I can confirm because I was there in 2025, and yes, the carriages and camels are still there for tourists’ enjoyment. An animal that’s well-treated by its owner will do its "job" without any health issues, which would be detrimental to its career. What about those illegal cockfights that are still happening in Belgium?
I can confirm because I was there in 2025, and yes, the carriages and camels are still there for tourists’ enjoyment. An animal that’s well-treated by its owner will do its "job" without any health issues, which would be detrimental to its career. What about those illegal cockfights that are still happening in Belgium?
Christine
Cockfighting is a global thing, and there are competitions with champion fighting roosters. And so many other animal-related contests... Have a good afternoon!
Cockfighting is global, and there are competitions with champion fighting roosters.
And so many other competitions involving animals... Have a good afternoon.
Thanks, but nothing new for me—I’ve worked with animals and in my Latin culture, which I still practice. My post about cockfighting was aimed at the person concerned in Belgium.
Thanks, but nothing new for me—I’ve worked with animals and in my Latin culture, which I still practice. My post about cockfighting was aimed at the person concerned in Belgium.
Christine
Hello everyone,
Thanks for the clarification—like usual in Egypt, plans change as often as shirts! Last time in 2022, it was supposed to be banned, and when we were there in 2018 (I already noticed the buses and even thought it was absurd), so they must’ve caved to pressure and reversed the decision. Too bad for the animals.
Thoutmosis
In 2018, are you sure about that? 🤔
Too bad about the animals—you’re all over the place with what you write.
Don’t pay any attention to Ms. Manondugard—she’s kind of an unintentional troll.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Don’t pay any attention to Mme Manondugard—she’s kind of an unintentional troll.
The *cagole* (sassy southern French girl) is telling you a few things, like how one minute you agree with me and say so, and the next you think the opposite and call me a troll. 😤 Poor little cliché victim you are (you’re gonna hit me with all of them about myself). 😏 Back to the topic you’re *intentionally* trolling , yes, the camels are well treated because they’re their owners’ livelihood (just like my horses, who, before spending hours on trail rides, got a bucket of carrots, pellets, apples, and spent their nights roaming free for kilometers, munching on fatty reeds, salt marshes, a bit of alfalfa, and lots of affection and kisses). 😊
And to save you from pulling out another cliché about how late my reply is, the *cagole* is settling scores with her exes in South America, where there’s a 7-hour time difference. 😜
The *cagole* (sassy southern French girl) is telling you a few things, like how one minute you agree with me and say so, and the next you think the opposite and call me a troll. 😤 Poor little cliché victim you are (you’re gonna hit me with all of them about myself). 😏 Back to the topic you’re *intentionally* trolling , yes, the camels are well treated because they’re their owners’ livelihood (just like my horses, who, before spending hours on trail rides, got a bucket of carrots, pellets, apples, and spent their nights roaming free for kilometers, munching on fatty reeds, salt marshes, a bit of alfalfa, and lots of affection and kisses). 😊
And to save you from pulling out another cliché about how late my reply is, the *cagole* is settling scores with her exes in South America, where there’s a 7-hour time difference. 😜
Christine
You know the saying: love means teasing! 😛
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
You know the saying: spare the rod, spoil the traveler! 😛
You know that little morning treat that really relaxes you? 😂
You know that little morning treat that really relaxes you? 😂
Christine
Don't pay any attention to Mrs. Manondugard, she's a kind of unintentional troll.
😎
😎
Evita Bella !
https://www.flickr.com/photos/201886709@N02/albums/
Hello everyone,
I do know when we're going to Egypt, and yes, some are certain about the mistreatment of animals. I'm not saying it's all of them or the opposite—you have to read carefully. I didn’t say they all do it, but enough to notice it more than once when you're there. To convince you, go visit some hospitals in Cairo and Luxor, the most important ones, and you’ll see what some "owners" do to their animals—horses, donkeys, camels, and more. You won’t come back unshaken, or maybe it just doesn’t affect you. I’ve seen enough to know what humans are capable of. No offense to some, but I always say it like it is—both the good and the bad—but that seems to bother others. Here, it feels like it’s becoming more and more like *Le Routard*, doesn’t it?
Thoutmosis
Hello everyone,
I’ve noticed some changes on this site for a while now—it’s starting to feel more and more like *Le Routard*. But you’ll never see me attacking anyone here.
Have a great day!
Thoutmosis
Hello everyone,
I do know when we're going to Egypt, and yes, some are certain about the mistreatment of animals. I'm not saying it's all of them or the opposite—you have to read carefully. I didn’t say they all do it, but enough to notice it more than once when you're there. To convince you, go visit some hospitals in Cairo and Luxor, the most important ones, and you’ll see what some "owners" do to their animals—horses, donkeys, camels, and more. You won’t come back unscathed, or maybe it just doesn’t affect you. I’ve seen enough to know what humans are capable of. No offense to some, but I always say it like it is—good and bad—and that bothers others. Here, it seems like it’s becoming more and more like Routard?
Thoutmosis
That’s called exchanges—a bit of the opposite of groupthink (and forums are here for that too).
That’s called exchanges—a bit of the opposite of groupthink (and forums are here for that too).
Christine
I think it’s been a long time since you last traveled to Egypt.
The Rough Guide—oh my god, I just read a few posts and there’s so much redundant forum advertising.
Sorry for hijacking this thread—my apologies to everyone for the personal message.
Hi Thoutmosis, I got your message about "Transport from Aswan to Abu Simbel and back" but I can’t reply to you. I’ll try again in a few days using another method. Again, my apologies. Willy
Hi Thoutmosis, I got your message about "Transport from Aswan to Abu Simbel and back" but I can’t reply to you. I’ll try again in a few days using another method. Again, my apologies. Willy
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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I know there are experts on this forum.
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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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Hi everyone! :)
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:
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What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary: From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure) Arrival and departure: Essaouira Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering? Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight) Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
As-salamu alaykum!
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
hi there
we’re heading to Hammamet in a few months
what would you recommend visiting for a week?
best regards
Hi there,
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Hello,
We’d like to hire a French-speaking guide (agency, professional, or volunteer) to show us around Cairo over three days.
Trip planned for November 22, 23, and 24, 2026—four veteran French travelers.
We’re open to any leads, contact info, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Jacques
Hi there,
I have a layover in Algeria.
I won’t be leaving the airport.
The two tickets aren’t with the same airline.
Do I need a transit visa?
Thanks for any details and your help!
Hi there,
I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days.
We’ll be renting a car to get around.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy?
My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal!
Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!




