North Africa

Hi there,

I’m heading to Morocco in early September for a week, and I could use some advice on an itinerary. I’ll be renting a car, and I generally like pretty packed itineraries. That said, is this one manageable, or is it TOO packed—maybe even unworkable? I usually like to hit the road by 6 AM.

Are there any stops that are way too rushed? Any suggestions for the route or places to see along the way?

Thanks to anyone who replies! :)

Best,

Day 1 Agadir → Taroudant Taroudant → Ait Benhaddou Day 2 Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate Ouarzazate → Zagora, overnight in the desert (is it better to stop and take a tour in Zagora, or keep going to M’Hamid?)

Day 3 Desert excursion, then head to Skoura

Day 4 Skoura → Ouzoud

Day 5 Ouzoud → Marrakech

Day 6 Marrakech → Essaouira

Day 7 Essaouira → Agadir

Thanks!

It’s been a long time since I took these roads before Covid... what shape are they in now?

Hello,

For a week-long trip starting from Marrakech with a rental car, if you had to choose between these two loops, which one would you go for and why? 1) Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorges - Merzouga - Marrakech (map itinerary) 2) Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorges - Zagora - Marrakech (map itinerary)

Important info: this is for mid-February, so nights will be cold. For option 1, we’re thinking of staying in a "solid" hotel in Merzouga rather than camping in a tent without heating (our 10-year-old might not like that ^^). If you’ve got any experience to share about cold winter nights in the desert while camping, that’d be super helpful!

Thanks so much in advance!

Hi everyone, Heading to Egypt this coming February, I’m planning to visit Dahab for some diving in the Red Sea. While looking into other things to do and see in the area, I’m wondering whether it’s better to book ready-made excursions or if it’s possible—and preferable—to hire a taxi for the day (Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery, Nuweiba, and Colored Canyon). If you’ve tried either option, I’d love to hear your feedback. And if you have any other activities to recommend in the area, I’d be happy to read about them! Thanks in advance, Franck

Hi, We’re looking for a comfortable and independent hotel for a couple, small property, between Safaga and El Gouna for 3-4 days in April. Any suggestions? Thanks, Christian

Hello everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Amateur Egyptologist here, 🙂 and I’ve finally planned a trip there before age catches up with me. I’ve booked a 10-day tour with our dear Amandine Marshall and her favorite agency (which I won’t name to avoid advertising).

The organizer’s fact sheet recommends:

Personal gear - Sunglasses - High-SPF sunscreen - Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products) - Hat or cap with neck coverage

Personal first-aid kit - Aspirin/paracetamol - Anti-diarrheal tablets - Throat lozenges - Antiseptic cream - Insect bite cream - Bandages and adhesive tape - Any regularly used medications or toiletries

What luggage should we bring? - Travel bag (70 liters) or suitcase. - Small backpack (30 liters) for day trips.

What should we pack? - Shoes: opt for "trekking" or mid-mountain hiking shoes with thick but flexible soles, preferably made of canvas. Choose shoes with good ankle support. - Lightweight, loose-fitting canvas pants that are comfortable and versatile. - Shirts/T-shirts: 2 or 3 shirts, preferably long-sleeved to avoid sunburn. T-shirts are also recommended, but watch out for sunburn. - Sweater or fleece for the evenings, as winter nights can get chilly.

Would any seasoned Egypt travelers have any tips or suggestions to add? Thanks!

Hi everyone,

Two adults and two kids—we’re thinking about a 7-day trip to Morocco in mid-February. Our flights would arrive in Marrakech at 3 PM on February 13th and depart at 7 AM on the 20th. We’ve based our itinerary on travel blogs, but we’re not experts, so we’d love your advice.

February 13th: Arrival in Marrakech at 3 PM. Settle in and explore the city. Night in Marrakech.

February 14th: Full day and evening in Marrakech.

February 15th: Drive via Teoulet to Aït Ben Haddou (~3.5 hours), visit the site. In the mid-afternoon, drive (~45 minutes) to Ouarzazate. Spend the rest of the day and night in Ouarzazate.

February 16th: Morning in Ouarzazate, then drive (~3 hours) to Foum Zguid. Night in Foum Zguid.

February 17th: Early departure (~2-hour drive) from Foum Zguid to Erg Chegaga with a guide. Desert experience and bivouac. Night in Erg Chegaga.

February 18th: Sunrise at Erg Chegaga, return to Foum Zguid where the car will be parked. Drive to an intermediate stop. We’re not sure what to do at this point—any recommendations? Is there a better option than heading back to Ouarzazate? Night at this intermediate stop.

February 19th: Return to Marrakech, sightseeing, and night near Marrakech airport.

February 20th: Early transfer for a 7 AM flight.

Questions:

Do these travel times seem realistic? Any suggestions for a smoother trip or interesting stops without adding days? Is Foum Zguid a good choice for visiting the desert? What temperatures should we expect in the desert, especially at night? We’d really appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

Hello, We’re retired and would like to head to Morocco next winter, from January to March 2026, with our car and caravan. If possible, we’d love some info on traveling to Morocco and tips for several campsites. Of course, our bikes are coming along too. Thanks

Hello and Happy New Year to everyone!!

We have a little week of vacation from February 1st to 8th and we’d like to return to Morocco. In March 2024, we spent 4 days in Marrakech, 2 nights in the Atlas Mountains, and 1 night in Essaouira. This time, we’re hesitating between spending 3 days in Rabat and 3 days in Fez and the surrounding area (Meknes), or landing in Marrakech again but taking the road to Mergouza via Ouarzazate, the Dadès Gorges, etc. What do you recommend for this time of year? We enjoy both monuments (for the first option) and nature (for the second).

Best regards, Christophe

Hi fellow travelers,

We’ll be in Marrakech for 10 days in February (couple + 12-year-old child). We’d like to spend 3-4 days in Essaouira.

What’s the easiest and most budget-friendly way to make the Marrakech-Essaouira trip and then Essaouira-Marrakech (straight to the airport, I think) a few days later? Taxi? Bus? Or just rent a car? But then what do we do with the car while we’re in Essaouira? Could it be useful for exploring interesting sites outside the city while we’re there?

Thanks in advance for your great tips!

Hi there,

Here’s my itinerary for a one-week self-drive trip in Morocco in March with family. Which direction should I take, please? - Start with Ouarzazate - Draa - M'Hamid - Tazarine - Merzouga, then return via the Dades road - Or the opposite: begin with Dades toward Merzouga, then head to M'Hamid via the southern route, and finish with the Draa Valley

Thanks! !

Hi there, Vacation in El Kala Departure is very soon Tell me about the most beautiful places to visit What’s the weather like at this time of year? We’ll be exploring with Yassir We’re thinking of visiting Constantine, but I think it might be a bit far Thanks so much!

Hi there,

I’m a French student, and I have to do a one-month internship (August) in Morocco, in Rabat. I don’t know the city at all, and I can’t afford to stay in a hotel... So I’m looking for someone who could help me out... if you have any info, tips, or anything else, I’d love to hear them! =) Thanks in advance!

salam alikoum

I’d like to know the rental prices for an apartment in Casa for the period from 25/09/2015 to 5/10/2015 for 4 people (2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom).

Thanks

Hi everyone, we’re renting a small car in Marrakech for an 8-day trip (Marrakech-Essaouira-Marrakech-Ouarzazate-Zagora-Marrakech). Is this doable? Thanks for sharing your experiences...

Hi there, We're interested in urbanism, architecture, Arab-Muslim culture, and the daily life of locals... A rough idea: Fez and Meknes. A good plan? Maybe too touristy? We prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations (we’ve traveled to Iran, for example). What else is there to see in the region? We’re open to any suggestions. Thanks for your tips!

Hi! I’m thinking of landing in Agadir, staying for a day, then heading to Tagazout for 3 days, and after that Essaouira. Is it possible by bus, and how long does it take to get to each destination? What’s the temperature like at the end of January? Thanks for your replies! Fanfancom

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Morocco, arriving in Marrakech and leaving from Essaouira.

For my itinerary, what do you recommend as a cheap mode of transport: private driver, car rental, train, or taxi?

It’ll be a 5-6 day trip with my husband.

Thanks in advance! Have a great day, Émilie

Hi there, I already know Morocco a bit (8th trip), but not much in winter (early January). Reading travel journals made me want to do the following 12-day circuit (10 days on site): Marrakech (my flight is booked) - Ouzoud Waterfalls - Tessaout Valley - Skoura - Aguinane Oasis - Taroudant - Marrakech

Has anyone already done this itinerary? We’re renting an ordinary car. Is the R307 road passable in winter? Same question for access to the village of Megdaz? And finally, can we reach Aguinane Oasis from the N10 without too much trouble? Is it worth the detour? Any other suggestions for the circuit?

Thanks in advance for your replies...

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Morocco for a full 8 days in early November—it’s my first time visiting. I’m traveling solo and arrive in Agadir on Sunday at 10 PM. I plan to rent a car to get around. I’m reaching out to get your advice so I can plan my trip as well as possible... Here are my questions: 1 - Given my late arrival, is it better to stay overnight in Agadir for the first night? If so, do you have any hotel recommendations, and is transportation easy to arrange at that hour? 2 - Do you have any trusted rental car companies to recommend in Agadir? 3 - For 7 days, here’s the route I’ve planned: Agadir → Taroudant → Taliouine → Tafraoute → Tiznit → Agadir. Does this route seem good (not too short, not too long, any spots worth adding?), considering I enjoy driving? 4 - Should I book my accommodations in advance? Thanks in advance for your recommendations! I hope these questions aren’t too repetitive compared to what’s already been asked on the forum. Sébastien

Hi there,

A bit overwhelmed by all the accommodation options in Marrakech, especially with such conflicting reviews (super quiet, super noisy, comfy, horrible, etc.), do you have a guaranteed QUIET place to recommend (good insulation from the rest of the building and street noise) in the city?

Thanks in advance,

Olivier.

On this forum, we’ve all shared our favorite spots. Today, I’m wondering what’s happening with those small hostels and how they’re coping with the crisis. I’m thinking especially of Hussein, the owner of the guesthouse in Ijoukak; Majhid from L’Arganier in Tafraout; the family running Escale Rando in Taliouine; and so many others. Through hard work, they’d created welcoming hostels where it was great to stop for a few days. Has anyone heard from them lately? Thanks in advance for your replies—the list isn’t exhaustive, there are plenty more.

Salut le groupe.. Suis de retour pour en savoir plus sur la route Mauritanie 🚎 Maroc (par voie terrestre) et aussi les bons périodes approprié pour faire des voyages sur la voie et sans oublier le coût du transport bien sûr. Merci d'avance 🙏🏽.

Selon Mohamed Alami, président de l’Association des loueurs d’automobiles sans chauffeur au Maroc (ALASCAM), « plus de 60% des agences de location de voitures vont déposer leur bilan et presque 90% sont en cessation de paiement. C’est-à-dire qu’elles ont arrêté de payer leurs fournisseurs, les organismes de crédits et les banques. De même, plus de 6 000 dossiers sont devant les tribunaux et le processus de récupération des voitures par les sociétés de financement est en cours », indique Aujourdhui le Maroc.

https://aujourdhui.ma/automobile/covid-19-les-agences-de-location-de-voitures-au-fond-du-gouffre

https://www.bladi.net/maroc-les-agences-de-location-de-voitures-broient-du-noir,72964.html

https://www.facebook.com/TigHmErT-%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%BA%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%AA-287902721235177/?__tn__=%2CdkCH-R-R&eid=ARAqRF3BXMqjkgUN3AOcb07sEqlCzr8LTaYuzCaGrvEOOF8u8DCIfQXjAPk5fE57XX5R_plM2b9KhqkV&hc_ref=ARTLlzrK1vaMRjpIcTINE_rqCbWSIuOMeDZePYxh4HBQ725sD33nXKZFPXFuTnKiwuM&fref=tag&hc_location=group

Je suis surpris qu'avec tout les amoureux du Maroc personne n'ait fait mention de la catastrophe survenue a l'oasis bien connue de tous de Tighmert.

Bonjour Je viens d'avoir au tel un ami guide marocain de Ait Benhaddou. C'est la misère. Plus de travail, pas rien que dans le tourisme. Pas d'école. Pas d'eau. Les prix ont grimpé. Les hôpitaux sont sans ressource. Aucune perspective d'amélioration, le pays reste fermé Comment les aider ? Se préparer à y aller dès que le pays rouvrira ? Privilégiez l'appel à des petites structures ? Programmer d'avance les futurs circuits ? Envoyer spontanément des avances ou arrhes pour nos prochains séjours ?

Vous avez d'autres idées ? Qu'allons nous faire pour que ce et ceux que l' on aime restent en état correct pour qu'on les retrouvent comme avant ?

Salut à tous je me prénomme chimaine je vie à douala et j'aimerais me rendre en Algérie passent part limbé et le benin et je ne sais pas comment faire svp aidé moi?

Bonjour,

En février dernier, je suis allé visiter un grenier que je trouve très intéressant.

Situé ici : 30°05'18.0"N 8°44'33.0"W Je ne parviens pas à trouver le nom de ce grenier, j'en ai mais aucun n'est le même.

Il n'est pas répertorié par Popp.

Est-ce que quelqu'un aurait un lien pour son nom et surtout un peu de son histoire ?

Deux ou trois photos du site...

Grande villa de 8 pièces (160 m2) sur un terrain entièrement clos de 1500 m2 (possibilité de faire une piscine dans le jardin). Idéalement située entre mer et campagne à 60 km au nord d'Essaouira, elle domine l'océan. Elle comprend: - au rez de chaussée : une grande pièce à vivre avec cheminée, ouverte sur la cuisine à l'américaine un salon trois chambres autour d'un patio une salle de bain équipée avec douche et lavabo des toilettes séparées - au premier étage deux grandes pièces (séjour, salon ou chambre) une chambre une salle de bain avec douche et wc Tous les sols sont carrelés, les murs peints de couleurs vives Deux terrasses, au premier étage et au-dessus, dominent l'océan

Salut à toutes et à tous,

Voilà, je pars en Algérie bientôt en voiture et ce pour traverser le Sahara par la piste Bidon5 qui rejoint Béchar à Borj Moktar. J'aimerais savoir de source récente si il y a des voyageurs qui ont fait cette piste récemment ? Y faut-il également un guide obligatoirement ? Hormis les bandits de grands chemin ordinaire, y-a-t'il eu des mauvais échos plus spécifiquement dans ce coin là de l'Algérie-Mali-Mauritanie récemment ? Cela fait qques soirées que je tchatche dans tous les sens sur ce site et aucune info n'est à pêcher sur cette région moins touristique, certes, mais assez rapide pour rejoindre Gao. Y'a t'il mauvais présages sur le sud-ouest Algérien? Y'a t-il toujours les balises solaires pour les 1200km de piste ?? Merci pour les qqu'infos que je pourrais récolter.

Bonne journée.

Didier