Hey,
Thanks for your reply, and no offense, but 40°C from 8 AM until sunset still seems like a lot, right? I get it when the sun’s at its peak, but still!!!!!! Otherwise, I can assure you that Mauritania in the middle of July and in the middle of the afternoon hits hard—way harder than in the south of France or the Moroccan coast.......... I also lived for 4 years on Réunion Island, and during the southern summer, I swear it’s brutal too, so I know heat—I handle it well, and so do my kids (my son was born there, by the way). But if the temperatures you mentioned hold up, well, like Raoulx said, I’ll just drive for a day and head to the coast!!!
Hey QSP,
Been in Morocco since yesterday.
I left my van at the body shop in Essaouira yesterday.
Normally, you should get away with a max of 400/450 € for yours.
Of course, more work than on my Multipla, given the size. Seems totally reasonable to me.
What do you think?
Here’s his Moroccan phone number: 0610182958
So from France, dial 0021261018 etc.
From Morocco, just 061018 etc. from a Moroccan phone, obviously.
I’ve already let him know.
Be careful, he doesn’t speak or understand French very well.
If you want to repaint your vehicle, the best thing will be to set up a meet-up with him, specifying the day and how much time you have.
I don’t remember his address, but it’s 200/300 m from the courthouse in Essaouira.
When you’re on the inner four-lane boulevard heading toward the center, the courthouse is on the left side of the boulevard—it’s under full reconstruction—and his place is on a sort of square, more like a vacant lot, just after on the right.
The address is a bit vague, but for Morocco, it’s more than enough—you’ll find it.
Never forget the magic words: "NO PROBLEM."
Still, another clue: his name is Sidi-Mohamed, but everyone knows him as Si-Mo.
If you have any concerns, let me know, and I’ll call him for more details.
As for your itinerary, I think it’s really perfect.
The road from Meknès to the south is gorgeous.
Like everywhere, toward the end (about a hundred km), it turns into just a bit more than a single paved lane.
In the mountainous regions, of course, there are curves—otherwise, we’d know about it!!!!!!!
Nothing too different from some small roads in the Alps or the Pyrenees!!!!
Otherwise, there are always the German autobahns, and there, no worries.
Okay, I’m joking a bit, but really, no problems at all.
On these roads, practice one of Morocco’s national sports: whoever swerves onto the dirt shoulder at the last second loses.
Yes, watch out for potholes and other imperfections in the pavement in these areas, and approach riverbed crossings (oueds) slowly.
Some are perfect, others might have been damaged by floods, but nothing serious—always passable at 20/30 km/h, not 200.
For the heat, I can’t give you an objective opinion since I’ve only been there in winter.
In summer, it’s probably hot.
Personally, I handle high temperatures in a DRY climate without any problem, but normal temperatures with high humidity, like in Essaouira, are tougher.
From my last trip and yesterday’s experience, I was in full accelerated self-sweating mode.
See you later,
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hey Lagardevicto,
Lucky you, already being there.................My turn won’t be long now. The body shop and price sound more than fair compared to the rates in France. Thanks again for all the info, and I’ll keep you posted on my trip and the van’s progress. I don’t remember if you gave me your phone number?? I’ll scroll back through the messages, but it’d be great if you could share it so I can call you if needed or just to keep in touch!!!!!
A few more personal details.
Merzouga or M'hamid after Tagounite, it's all the same!!!!
Tourists under every grain of sand, or so they say!!!
When I went there during the last Christmas holidays, so a very touristy time, but not St. Tropez, far from it.
To please my girlfriend, who thought this experience was essential to her travel culture, I endured a night in a tent at the foot of the dunes, watching the sunset and sunrise (very beautiful, I must admit), and a camel ride led by a Berber walking in front holding the reins.
It's worth doing if you want to, but it's not really my style of traveling or my cup of tea.
And it's not cheap.
I did it in M'hamid.
As I suggested in a previous message, after Midelt and Errachidia, turn left toward the start of the Todgha and Dadès gorges, then Ouarzazate, etc.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
No secrets
I’m heading back around 7/8.
Yeah, I was really lucky and I’ll be back!
My cell in France: 06 85 22 39 54
Landline: 05 53 58 16 58
Whenever you want
I’m here for you
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hi there,
I came across your thread while searching for bodywork shops in Morocco.
I have a 30-year-old VW LT28 with a lift (basically a big ol’ camper van, heh 😎) that I’d love to give a new look.
Basically, I’ve got several spots of perforating corrosion, rust points especially under the windshield and the paint.
I’d like to remove the rusted areas by cutting them out and replacing them with healthy sheet metal, then full sanding and a new paint job to make it last long—I really want to keep this vehicle for a while.
In France, the body shops I’ve "visited" are a bit of a mess, and I haven’t (yet) found someone who’d do this properly for me.
Do you think I could find what I’m looking for in Morocco?
Thanks
No worries at all about the skills of Moroccans.
You’d be amazed at how they patch up a rusted-out wreck—real magicians, and not just for cars: wood, mechanics, wrought iron… you name it.
The only real issue is the price.
Even when you’re well-prepared, you’re constantly up against the "tourist rip-off."
And somehow, they always manage to overcharge you.
I say this with affection, because it’s an incredible country, but scamming tourists has really become a national sport and a nuisance.
It’s got nothing to do with their kindness or hospitality… but their naturally ultra-welcoming nature has started shifting toward systematic business, and the idea of genuine service seems to be fading a bit.
Just so you know, when you ask for directions in Morocco, the person you’re talking to will say, "No problem, come with me—I know a great body shop, date seller, carpet dealer… and of course, they’ll get their commission."
Almost everything works like that.
Everywhere—in big villages, small towns—there’s a neighborhood where most of the body shops are clustered.
You’ll need to check out several.
For your van, I can’t give you a ballpark figure, but based on what I’ve said, you might get an idea.
Even with this shift, I’m still a huge fan of the country.
A budget of 1,000 €, maybe??????????????????? ,
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
In Morocco, there are big auto body workshops and paint shops, but it’s expensive. It’s better to find a cheap garage with good repairs, and you can buy car parts from the biggest market for used goods in Casablanca—but finding high-quality ones is tricky. My brother’s been a specialized auto mechanic for 14 years, and of course, he knows people who can do a great paint job.
Could anyone give me the price (including travel) for a one-way trip from Paris to Morocco?
Going either via the Spanish coast or crossing Spain? Best value for money!!!
In low season, of course!!
I was thinking of going mainly to get a van body repaired with a paint job (what are the most common colors?).
Do you have any good auto body shop addresses in Casablanca?
Better late than never—I’m adding my two cents, which might still help those who are running behind (like me!).
Sidi Ifni is a charming little town on the Atlantic coast, 160 km south of Agadir.
It’s one of the least expensive cities in Morocco—or at least that’s what you hear, right?
There are also some great craftsmen here!
If you’re interested, let me know—I can point you to the right address!
Best regards
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
Hi,
(Unless it bothers you?)
I correctly replied to the original message, because yours can't be replied to!!!(the contest wasn't organized)
Best regards
patrick
marche à l'étoile meme si elle est trop haute
(Alexandra David- Neel)
voyager n'est pas arrivé mais parcourir le chemin(stevenson)
hey petittailla
This isn't a competition or a race against time. Things are turning around and trotting through your argument like a thin proposition referring to another type of post. 😠 Your move—go ahead and make a post already.
And the battle seems lost from the start if you want to keep writing stories just for fun, just to be right. 😄😄😄
If you've got any info, tell us here what might fit the topic:
"Refaire une carrosserie au Maroc"😎
I’d like to redo the bodywork and paint on my 508. Did it go well for your truck like you wanted? I’d love to get some info on this… know a good place? And how much did you spend on it? Thanks, Alex.
Sorry for the late reply—I’m heading to Morocco next month in my 508 too, which, as you can guess, also needs a bit of a refresh!
How was your trip?
Where did you go to repaint your Merc? How much did it cost? Where exactly?
Mine’s 7 meters long, I’ve already dealt with the rust, so I just need a good paint job (and a little filler). Though I’ve got two crossmembers to replace...
I'm looking for a good and honest auto body painter in Morocco for various bodywork tasks, including chassis repair and a full paint job for a heavy-duty camper van. I’ve attached a few photos. Thanks in advance for your replies!
I’ll be heading to Morocco before the end of the year and I’m thinking of getting my car’s bodywork and paint done while I’m there.
So I’m looking for good places to combine with a two-week trip around the imperial cities, for example.
I’ll adjust my travel plans based on the body shop I choose—location, length of stay, renting another vehicle, etc.
If you’ve got any recent info or firsthand experience, please share! 😉
Hi Franck,
I’m planning to head to Morocco in a few months to get the bodywork and paint on my T3 redone. Are you happy with the results? If so, do you have a garage you’d recommend? Thanks
Hi, I’m new to the travel forum and I’m looking for bodywork shops in Morocco.
Could you share your experience with your VW T3?
I’d love to get mine done, even if the prices aren’t the same today.
Best regards,
Simon
Good evening, I’d be happy to share since I’ve had my VW T3 repainted twice in Morocco.
While it’s not a huge camper, it’s still a bit larger than a standard passenger vehicle.
I had the first paint job done in Essaouira in 2010—very clean work—but I don’t remember the name or address anymore.
Last time was in Tafraoute (2023) at the well-known body shop in the palm grove, which, by the way, is often used as a campsite by campervans.
I can’t recall his name, but he’s easy to find.
He has a fenced lot where you can keep living in your campervan during the repairs (with water, hot water, and toilets).
Good quality work.
I’ve seen mentions on this forum about a highly reputable body shop in Tiznit—apparently a true craftsman!
Maybe someone here has their contact info.
For reference, I paid 600 € last time for a full repaint and a few minor touch-ups.
Their prices are unbeatable.
It’s always wise to keep an eye on the progress, no matter where you go!!
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Hi there, and thanks for your quick reply! I’d love to get my van repaired.
I’m in the process of organizing things and figuring out my budget.
If all goes well, I’ll post some photos.
Thanks! 🚐
Nous vivons 5 à 6 mois dans notre camping car et nous désirons découvrir le Maroc. Nous pensons y être au mois de mars et avril 2013. Les sièges avant de notre…
Je souhaite faire refaire un rayonnage de roues vélo en 700 (course) au Maroc, à condition que cette dimension soit courante bien sur, des infos seront…
En 2008 je descend au maroc en fourgon et j'envisage éventuellement au passage de refaire une peinture. j'aimerais savoir si c'est une bonne idée, des conseils…
J'ai le projet de refaire la carrosserie de ma 4L au Maroc, je ne suis pas un spécialiste, mais j'aimerais la refaire car elle n'a pas 50'000 km, la moteur est…
Je prépare un voyage au maroc pour refaire tte la carosserie de mon mercedes 508 ainsi que la peinture. en effet, il est bien attaqué sur plusieurs endrois et…
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! !😉
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...
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.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
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
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
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! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
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!
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.
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’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! :)
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!
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.
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.
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 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!
Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!
Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair
- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.
- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).
- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges.
Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!
Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.
Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).
Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!
Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!
Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.
Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).
A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime.
If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving...
Happy to answer any questions!
Hi there,
I’m traveling solo to Egypt. Could you give me a rough idea of the budget for:
meals
hotels
taxis including tips
visits...
Just an estimate, of course.
For 15 days, what would the price range be, considering there’s an overnight train and a Nile cruise?
I’d like to compare with a travel agency. Is it more worthwhile to go through an agency despite the downsides of group travel?
Otherwise, if a travel buddy is interested in this country, why not?
Thanks a lot!
