North Africa

Hi there,

We’re heading to Ouarzazate and southern Morocco in 7 days. Here’s our route (map). We’re a family of 2 adults and 3 kids (11, 9, and 5 years old). Could you let me know if there are even more scenic roads to take, and any must-see spots, please? 😉

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dadès Day 2: Dadès + Todra Day 3: Tinegir – Djbel Saghro – N'Kob Day 4: Tazzarine – M'Hamid (overnight in Erg Lihoudi) Day 5: M'Hamid – Draa Valley – Agdz Day 6: Agdz – Fint – Ben Haddou Day 7: Telouet – Ouarzazate

Hi everyone, I know there are some *reaaaal* Morocco experts here, so I’m giving it a shot. Early June, we’re heading back to the country for the third time for a little week-long trip. We’ll arrive and depart from Essaouira, where we’ll rent a car to drive south down to roughly Sidi Ifni. The plan is to make short stops of 2-3 hours max, a mix of coastal spots and a bit inland. We’re looking for natural, quiet places that feel untouched. We loved Taghazout years ago and Larache two years back—just to give you an idea of our vibe. What spots would you recommend along this route? I’m tempted by Paradise Valley but worried it’ll be as crowded as Agadir. What do you think? Any other valleys in the area worth the detour? Thanks, and have a great weekend! 😊

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Egypt in July with my 14-year-old daughter. We’ll spend a week in Cairo visiting different sites, and then we’d like to take a cruise for several days (4 to 6 days) from Luxor to Aswan. Should I take the train or a flight from Cairo to Luxor? Thanks for your advice!

Best, F

Hi there, I’m looking for recent info on buses or shared taxis between Dakhla and Nouadhibou. Schedules, fares, great tips... Thanks

Hello, We’d like to spend a week in Luxor and Aswan in February. I’d asked a tour operator to organize the trip for us, but I think it’s way too expensive for what’s included. So I’m going to try to plan it myself, and with your help if you don’t mind. We’re 76 and 77 years old and in good shape, but I doubt we’ll be getting up at 6 a.m. every day. I bought a paper guidebook, but I haven’t read it all yet. We arrive on a Saturday at 5 p.m. and leave the following Saturday at 6 p.m. Here’s what I’d like to do: The first three days in Luxor: - Valley of the Kings: 3 tombs + Seti I and Ramses VI, and Hatshepsut; see the Colossi of Memnon along the way. Ramesseum??? First question: How much time do we need for this? I can’t figure it out. Can we see anything else the same day without feeling overwhelmed or too tired?

- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?

- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?

No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?

What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.

- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.

- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.

- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck

Are we allowed to take photos inside the tombs and mastabas in Egypt? Thanks

Hi there,

I’m planning a road trip to Morocco in about a month. I’ve read quite a few discussions, posts, comments, and travel journals that have helped me prepare, but I still need your valuable input. The north seems easier to plan. It’s the south that’s got me wondering.

The plan: - 20 days in the south solo, going off the beaten path (looking for simplicity, encounters, discovery, and breathtaking views) - 10 days in the north with my wife and her 8-year-old daughter (so more coastal, some sightseeing—more "classic") When: August (I know it’s not the best time, but no choice) Duration: 20 days in the south + 10 days in the north (might seem short) Distance: 3,000 km in the south over 20 days. Rental vehicle to be decided (4x4?) (I’ve done a Portugal road trip from Lille—5,000 km in 3 weeks—and Italy several times, usually around 4,000–5,000 km in 3 weeks).

Route (I need to plot this on a map like Maps.me or Google...): Start in Marrakech -> Tinmelt -> Icht -> M’hamid El Ghizlane -> Agdz -> Khamlia -> Errachidia -> Tinghir -> Imilchil -> Boulmane Dadès -> Ouarzazate -> Telouet -> Demnate -> Arousse -> Ahansal Gorges -> Tilouguite -> Bin El Ouidane -> Oued El Abid Gorges -> Ouzoud Waterfalls -> Marrakech

On paper, this all seems "doable"... I’ve never been to Morocco before. It’s my first time. I’ve heard that Morocco is best experienced "slowly and peacefully," taking your time. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these points—that’s the whole point!

I’ve got a few questions and could really use your help with your on-the-ground knowledge and experiences: Is this really doable? Are the roads on this route passable? Any tips? Thanks so much for your help and for any time you can spare.

Have a great day. Yoann

Hi Need info on Tunisia Booking Is it a reliable booking agency if we reserve from France? Thanks for your feedback

Where to go in 2025?

How about Algeria and a return to the Tassili n’Ajjer? This part of the Sahara is arguably one of the most beautiful deserts on the planet for its diversity and is accessible to everyone.

The vastness of the black rock forests and ochre dunes is complemented by the intimacy of the Djanet oasis, the heart of the Tuareg country, and the mineral memory of the Erg Admer, which bears traces of prehistoric human activity. Camping under the Milky Way, suspended in a sky of forgotten purity, adds another dimension to this rare journey.

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a bit of a dilemma about our return trip from Abu Simbel to Cairo.

On November 24th, we want to travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel during the day, arriving between 2 and 4 PM to check into our hotel and see the Sound and Light show at the temples. This transfer isn’t booked yet—I still need to find ground transportation for two. We also want to visit the two temples early on November 25th, before the minibuses arrive.

That’s when things get tricky for the return to Cairo!

- **PLANE from Abu Simbel**: There’s an EgyptAir flight at 1:30 PM, but it stops in Aswan at 2:10 PM and doesn’t leave again until 8:20 PM, arriving in Cairo at 9:50 PM. Since it’s a combined flight, I assume our luggage will follow. We *could* wander around the airport area, but that doesn’t thrill me—plus, we’ll have already seen the Kalabsha Temple.

- **GROUND TRANSPORT back to Aswan** (with prior authorization, like on the way there).

- **PLANE from Aswan**: Take the same flight mentioned above, but from Aswan at 8:20 PM. But what do we do with our luggage while waiting for the flight?

- **TRAIN from Aswan at 9:05 PM**, arriving in Cairo—or even Alexandria—at 6:05 AM, since we need to go there too! This could be a fun experience if the conditions are decent. The only catch: we’d need to book the train 17 days in advance, meaning by November 8th, when we’ll be in Kharga (the last leg of our 5-day desert trip). Our French-speaking guide might be able to help reserve the tickets, though???

Which option seems the most enjoyable 😉, the least hassle 😕...

Thanks so much for your help! Sylvie.

I’m heading out solo on September 14, 2025, for a month-long road trip in Algeria. Taking the ferry from Almería to Ghazaouet on September 17. Planning to visit Tlemcen, Oran, Tipaza, Algiers, Ghardaïa, Constantine, M’Chouneche, Ouargla, and the Tadrart Desert toward Djanet.

How do I go about booking accommodations? What’s the best way to exchange currency under good conditions? What are the restrictions for traveling alone by car, and is it possible to drive solo all the way to Ghardaïa? I still have a spot available if anyone’s interested.

Hi, the question is actually in the title. I’m heading to Marrakech in July and would like to know where to buy a SIM card when I arrive—at the airport or in the city? Where’s the best quality/price? Thanks in advance for your tips. Didier

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are planning to visit Egypt in September for a week.

We’d most likely start in Hurghada first, and then explore other nearby places to see some legendary spots.

My first question—and probably the most important—is whether it’s safe to travel there in 2025 or if we should be concerned about security?

My second question: if we do go to Hurghada, could you recommend some standout spots not too far away with breathtaking views to make our romantic trip unforgettable?

Thanks in advance for all your tips! 😉

Hi there, I’m about to take my nephews to Morocco for a week to celebrate their 18th birthdays during the first week of September. I’ve already planned most of it, but I’d love any advice or tips on my itinerary! Thanks in advance to anyone who replies :)

Day 1: Agadir → Essaouira Morning: Crocoparc/cable car/kasbah (I’d considered Paradise Valley, but it seems less great now? Dirty, drought, etc.?) Depart for Essaouira, lunch in Taghazout around 1 PM. Mid-afternoon to evening in Essaouira, overnight there. Visit the medina, walk along the ramparts and fishing port. Sunset from the Skala du Port or the beach. Dinner at one of the seafood restaurants near the port.

Day 2: Essaouira → Marrakech → Agafay Desert Morning: 🔹 Early departure from Essaouira to Marrakech (~2.5 hours). Afternoon: Explore Marrakech: 🔹 Jemaa el-Fna Square 🔹 Majorelle Garden Late afternoon: 🔹 At 3 PM, depart for the Agafay Desert (~1 hour) for a camel ride + quad excursion. Evening: 🔹 Dinner and overnight in the desert.

Day 3: Agafay → Marrakech → Ouzoud Morning: 🔹 Return to Marrakech from Agafay at 11 AM. Late morning & early afternoon: Last spots in Marrakech: 🔹 Bahia Palace 🔹 Ben Youssef Madrasa Mid/late afternoon: 🔹 Depart for Ouzoud (~2.5 hours). Evening: 🔹 Overnight in Ouzoud. Day 4: Ouzoud → Marrakech Morning: 🔹 Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls. Early afternoon: 🔹 Return to Marrakech (~2.5 hours). Late afternoon/evening: 🔹 Free time in Marrakech to wander the souks and experience Jemaa el-Fna Square at night with its evening atmosphere. Evening: 🔹 Overnight in Marrakech. Day 5: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate Early morning: 🔹 Depart for Aït Ben Haddou via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (~3 hours 45 minutes). Midday: 🔹 Visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. Afternoon: 🔹 Drive to Ouarzazate (~30 minutes), visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Evening: 🔹 Overnight in Ouarzazate. Day 6: Ouarzazate → Agadir Very early departure in the morning. Morning: Visit Agadir’s souk. Afternoon: 🔹 Relax at the hotel pool, jet ski, and overnight stay. Day 7: Agadir Morning off. 🔹 Beach and pool time. Return flight.

Thanks so much!

Hi, I need to buy about ten pairs of babouches. Do you know if there are any shops around Ouarzazate or Agdz where I could find them? Maybe even cheaper than in Marrakech?

Thanks.

I'm looking for a driver/guide for a day trip from Marrakech/Col Tizni-n-Tichka to Ait Benhaddou and back via Telouet. We're 3 adults, maybe 4. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Hello, My husband and I (retired) are planning to spend a few days in Algeria around Christmas. I know a visa is required and that the application must be made in person (hotel reservation, travel insurance certificate, proof of sufficient funds), and the collection too. A few questions: -Is getting the visa easy or "problematic"? -Any hotel, guide, or points of interest recommendations for Algiers, Oran, Constantine? Thanks in advance for all your answers, and long live Voyage-Forum! Laurence

Hi, we’re a couple looking for a local trek in MOROCCO from January 18–19 to the 29th. We’ll already be in MOROCCO. Thanks for any info and quotes. Sophie Totue Géante

Hi there, new to this awesome forum—what a gem! I’m heading solo to Tunisia for 8 days in mid-September. I land in the late afternoon with Tunisair at Tunis-Carthage Airport. A few questions: what’s the cheapest way to get to downtown Tunis, where I need to book a night? Then the next day, I’m heading to Hammamet by *louage* from the Bab Alioua stop. I’ve planned 6 days at this seaside resort in a hotel with a pool. In the meantime, I might visit Nabeul and nearby Yasmine Hammamet, and also take a *louage* to Sidi Bou Said (Café des Délices, Café des Nattes), La Goulette, Carthage, and La Marsa. If you’ve got any ideas for sights, activities (quad biking?), or tips, I’m all ears. Thanks.

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.

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?

Thanks in advance!

Mathieu

Hi there, if you're planning to rent a car to get around in Morocco, make sure to budget for "fines" even if you drive perfectly. For example, getting caught going 5 km/h over the speed limit 500 meters before you see the sign dropping the limit to 60 km/h—while being overtaken by a packed taxi with no seatbelts. Or, say, stopping at a stop sign for 3 seconds but not long enough, even though no helmetless motorcyclists were stopping either (yes, helmets are mandatory in Morocco)... Anyway, plan a "fine" budget for your Moroccan "vacation."

Hi there, I’d like to go to Mirleft from Essaouira by bus. Could anyone tell me about the bus schedules for the trip there and back? Are there any other affordable transport options (shared taxi, maybe)? Thanks for your help! Have a great day

Hi there,

A group of 11 of us will be spending a week in Marrakech in May. I’d love your thoughts and advice on these excursions I’ve shortlisted—or any others I might not have considered:

- Visiting Marrakech: with or without a guide? Is one day enough for the main sights? - Essaouira: Is a day trip a good option? Is the journey scenic? - Ouzoud Waterfalls: Is the place worth the trip? - Agafay Desert: Any recommendations to avoid the tourist crowds? - Imlil Valley and Mount Toubkal: A worthwhile detour?

Of course, I don’t plan to do everything in one week, but your input will help me decide... Thanks in advance! !

Hi there! I’m heading to Casablanca for 15 days in October 2025—what do you recommend? Rabat sounds interesting—what about Rabat? Fez? I’m also really into nature—what are the closest gorges? Is train travel easy? I’ll be staying with a friend but I’d love to explore solo. I’m 61, blonde with blue eyes—is that an issue? Thanks! Laurence from Bayonne

Hello,

My daughter (22) and I set off to explore a bit of her grandfather’s homeland. We left on July 26 from Roissy and arrived in Rabat with Air France. We had a few hiccups retrieving our luggage—1.5 hours of waiting and a mini interrogation at customs about our host’s address (they asked for a reference) and questions about a Moroccan ID card I’ve never applied for. Next time, I’d better have it—dual nationals get extra scrutiny.

We headed to the ONCF station to catch the train to Marrakech. First-class tickets cost 195 MAD, with assigned seats and decent comfort… the catch? The train was delayed, so we arrived at 2:50 AM instead of 12:10 AM.

We chose the Ibis Gare, located between the ONCF station and the Supratours bus terminal. We booked two nights from France for 79.85 €. To avoid the premium-rate call, just dial the hotel directly—they’ll handle the reservation. I’d signed up on the Ibis website beforehand for a discount (free and comes with perks).

On-site, we added 44 MAD for the tourist tax (11 MAD x 4 nights). We skipped breakfast—too pricey at 6.50 € per person. The hotel has a nice pool and a pleasant setting. The shower seals weren’t perfect, but the bedding was comfy, the linens soft, and the AC worked (though it was noisy). We were overall happy with it.

We had breakfast and lunch at a café/restaurant right across from the hotel—affordable and tasty.

For phones, we bought two Inwi SIM cards for 30 MAD each and a 5 GB internet top-up for 50 MAD—more than enough for our 16-day trip. Later, we added two 20 MAD call top-ups. Total phone budget for both of us: 150 MAD.

Taxis in Marrakech: No issues. We always asked for the meter—if a driver refused, we’d just move on. No haggling for us!

Day 1: We visited the Majorelle Garden (70 MAD per person). It was beautiful and peaceful. We walked there. In the afternoon, we took a taxi to Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The constant solicitations were exhausting—I felt like a guard dog fending people off. The worst part? We got lured deep into the medina to some sketchy spot under the pretense of seeing "Berber tanneries"—"last day!"—then had a guy grab our arms, demanding 200 MAD. I offered 50 MAD max since we hadn’t asked for anything. When he insisted, I threatened to go to the police. He finally let go for the 50 MAD. We headed back to the hotel to enjoy the pool before returning to the square for the evening. It was lively but noisy, and I found the vendors *way* too pushy. We walked back to the hotel—an hour-long stroll that was actually really nice. We kept no more than 150 MAD in our wallet at a time. We stuffed ourselves with smoothies—they’re *so* good.

Day 2: We left at 8:30 AM for Tinghir with Supratours, arriving at 4:45 PM instead of 4:00 PM (lots of roadwork). Tickets were 130 MAD per person + 5 MAD per checked bag. We stayed one night at the "Retour au Calme" hostel—super cozy! 150 MAD for a room with a private shower and toilet. AC was an extra 80 MAD per night (not mandatory) but worked great. Phone: +212 5248-34924. Breakfast was 30 MAD, and they offer tons of options, including budget-friendly choices like a couch for 80 MAD per person with shared showers/toilets. Half-board and full-board are also available. Mohamed and Alexandra are lovely. I booked by phone and paid on-site—they even picked us up from the bus station!

We took a taxi to the Todra Gorge—a breath of fresh air! It’s stunning and humbling. You feel tiny there. Shared taxis cost 8 MAD per person (fixed price). The organization was impressive. To get from the city center to the bus station: 3 MAD per person.

Day 3: We left at 4:00 PM for Merzouga, arriving at 9:30 PM. Tickets were 80 MAD per person + 5 MAD per checked bag. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Houssein, one of five brothers running the "Auberge Océan des Dunes." We had a lovely room with a private bathroom and kitchen access. Two rooms are available in this unit for 190 MAD per night for two, including breakfast.

Hi there,

This trip to Egypt isn’t happening anytime soon, but I like to plan a few steps ahead! 😉

I’ve already been to Egypt several times (Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, the classic cruise, the Lake Nasser cruise, Abu Simbel, Taba) both solo and on organized tours, but my partner hasn’t.

So, I’m thinking of mixing the classic with something a bit more original.

My idea is to visit Cairo and its surroundings, then make my way to Luxor in stages. The trip would end in Luxor.

Renting a car doesn’t seem like a viable option. That leaves boats, public transport, a car with a driver, or even a private tour for the stretch between Cairo and Luxor.

My questions:

How can I cover the Cairo-Luxor stretch if I go through the White Desert? Is a car with a driver possible? What’s the daily cost of hiring a car with a driver (including the driver’s accommodation and expenses)? How many days should I plan for this route (Saqqara, Fayoum Oasis, Black Desert, White Desert, Ad-Dakhla, El Kharga)?

Are there any cruise boats that do the Cairo-Luxor route (or vice versa)? Dahabiyas? Or at least the Assiut-Luxor stretch?

Thanks! 🙂

Hi there, I’d love to know if anyone’s familiar with this travel agency and whether you’ve used them before. The agency is called MIATERRA, it’s based in Longueuil, but they seem to only have a website. Thanks in advance!

Hi there, we’re traveling to Tangier this summer—flying in (and renting a car) then leaving by ferry from TANGER MED, but without the car. Does anyone know if it’s possible to return the rental car at the TANGER MED port when we picked it up at TANGIER airport? I can’t find the info anywhere. Thanks so much!

I'm heading to Oran for 15 days soon and want to rent a car there. I came across lovetour's website (lovetouralgerie)—it's well-designed and clear, which makes me think the company is as professional as the site, with competitive rates and an agency right at Es Senia Airport. I thought: *this is exactly what I need*. Except, when I checked their rental conditions, I saw "minimum age: 30 years"... !!! What’s their problem!? And here I was, feeling the weight of turning 30, at just 27...

Does anyone know this company? Do they *really* enforce that age rule, or with my well-behaved look and top-tier insurance bonus, might they make an exception? Otherwise, does anyone know other car rental companies in Oran?

Thanks.

Hi, We’re heading to the Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh hotel with family from April 19 to 26 and we’d like to visit the pyramids in Cairo. I found an agency that looks interesting: Memnon Reisen, but when it came time to pay the deposit, I got worried it might be a scam—the account is based in Dubai. Has anyone heard of them or used this company before? Thanks for your help.