I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
Thanks in advance.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
I’ve decided to skip Djerba and head south instead, toward Tozeur and Tataouine.
From what I’ve read in travel guides, there are *louages* from Sfax to Gabès, then from Gabès to Douz and Tataouine. From Douz, you can take a *louage* to Tozeur. This fits exactly with what I want to see: Tataouine, Tozeur, and their surrounding areas.
My question is: what’s the best order for this loop to get back to Monastir (where I’ll be flying in and out) without wasting too much time, since I only have 15 full days?
I’m thinking of doing Gabès – Douz – Tozeur, then back to Douz to head down to Tataouine (Chenini, Douiret, etc.), and finally up through Matmata, Gabès, Sfax, and back to Monastir.
On my first trip a few days ago, I booked hotels almost day by day. I’m wondering if the hotel availability and tourist season in this region will let me do the same this time?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie,
I see you haven’t gotten many replies to your post—there aren’t a ton of people on the Tunisia forum...
I’ve been thinking about your trip, and my first thought is that it’s going to be tricky with public transport.
It’s more complicated on the circuit around Tozeur/Tataouine than in Djerba, where it’s easy to take a taxi from Houmt Souk to Guellala or Erriadh.
There are places you absolutely have to see in the Ksour, but I’m not sure if there’s public transport there.
Maybe hire a private taxi to take you on a day trip.
For hotels, aside from Tozeur or Douz where there are good mid-range options, in the villages it’s mostly budget hostels. In my opinion, booking a day in advance should be enough everywhere at this time of year.
Except in Tamerza, where you could stay several days at the Tamerza Palace and explore the area between Mides, Chebika, and Tamerza on foot in the canyon. You won’t regret it!
I’ll keep thinking about it and get back to you as soon as I have some time.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
I see you haven’t gotten many replies to your post—there aren’t a lot of people on the Tunisia forum here.
Hi Michèle,
No matter which travel forum you check, there isn’t much activity about Tunisia. On other forums, it’s mostly guides or drivers promoting their services.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
It's gonna be tricky with public transport.
More complicated on the circuit around Tozeur/Tataouine than Djerba
I don’t drive, so I don’t have a choice, and there are no direct flights to Tozeur. Plus, it’s still a good time to visit those areas.
You can go to Djerba any time of year.
I’ve read travel blogs by tourists who hitchhiked in those regions, but they were in pairs or groups, and they also mentioned there were taxis or agencies. I think I’ll be able to find a way to get to remote spots.
Otherwise, I’m thinking of sticking to either Tataouine and the surrounding area or Tozeur and its surroundings. I won’t be able to do everything, and I don’t like rushing. Anyway, I’ll be back in Tunisia—it’s not far.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Otherwise, I’m thinking of sticking to either Tataouine and the surrounding area or Tozeur and the surrounding area,
One place I really enjoyed: the mountain oasis of Chebika (it’s very close to Tozeur). That was ages ago!
From what I remember, there’s also Matmata and Zarzis, where I was invited to stay with a family.
Tataouine… meh.
Yeah, Tataouine is meh!
Apart from memories and the Foreign Legion that was once there, Tataouine doesn’t have much to offer.
You do need to pass through to get to Douiret, Chenini, and Ksar Ouled Soltane, but I’m not sure what transport options are available.
But it doesn’t seem impossible to hire a private taxi for the day to do a circuit. You could also check with an agency or book excursions through hotels.
Spending 4 or 5 days around Tozeur seems reasonable, 2 days in Douz is fine, and 2 or 3 days around Matmata and the ksours is plenty.
15 days for this circuit feels like too much.
Even if you’re not in a rush, there’s not much to do on the way from Monastir.
If you don’t want to go to Djerba—which really needs a full week—maybe consider a trip to Kerkennah or spend some time in Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir. But save that for the return trip from the south, depending on how much time you have left.
I don’t know if the desert interests you, but around Douz or Zafrane, you can spend a night in the desert.
Or head to Ksar Ghilane, though I’m not sure what’s become of the hotels there.
Check out Julien’s (faiyech) or Alain’s (calage) posts for inspiration—their itineraries are great.
You absolutely must go to Tamerza Palace. I loved that place and the hotel, which blends so seamlessly into the landscape. It was unfortunately closed for years but reopened in spring 2026.
Let us know how your itinerary is shaping up!
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
You absolutely must go to Tamerza Palace—I loved that place and how invisible the hotel is in the landscape.
Hello,
Out of the 15 days, you’ll need to subtract two or three for travel time, but from what I’ve seen, if you’re not doing any treks or long hikes, the visits go by pretty quickly (small villages, landscapes).
I was planning to stop in Sfax, and I think Monastir deserves a full day too.
Thanks for the tip about Tamerza Palace—it’s not in any travel guides or blogs, and they don’t have a website. I’ll call them before I leave.
So, I’ll head toward Tozeur first, then Tataouine, before making my way back up to Monastir, and I’m definitely skipping Djerba.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
You can find info about the Tamerza Palace on Booking.
You’ll actually have a bit of time for Monastir, Mahdia, and Sfax.
Julien mentioned Monastir and Mahdia.
He didn’t visit the museum in the former Habib Bourguiba palace just outside the city and a stone’s throw from the airport. Really nice.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Marie, if you're looking for a hotel very close to Monastir airport, there's the Kuriat Palace, right across the street.
No need for a taxi at all.
Depending on the day and time you arrive, you might be able to visit the palace/museum upon arrival.
I don’t know what itinerary you’re planning, but there aren’t many sights along the way except Monastir. Maybe Mahdia and Sfax on the way back as you head north.
If you pass through Sbeitla, it’s an interesting site.
Gafsa isn’t very exciting, but in Métlaoui, there’s the "Train du Bey," if it’s running. It’s a fun experience through the gorges of the Oued Selja. There’s usually only one departure around 9:30/10 AM—check ahead.
But whatever you do, don’t plan to sleep in Métlaoui—I have awful memories of it.
You should take the road from Tozeur to Métlaoui or Tamerza to Métlaoui in the morning before the excursion departs.
Then you’ll cross the Chott el Jerid and might even see some mirages.
Not much in Kébili, but Douz is really nice—being there on Thursday for the market is a plus. But it’s a very small town, so you’ll see it all quickly.
From Douz or Zaafrane, you can do a desert trek with an overnight stay organized by an agency or a hotel, which would let you join a group.
From Douz, you’ll head to Matmata—you might want to stay overnight there, as there are some decent hotels.
I’m not sure if there are still hotels in Tataouine.
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
I arrive in Monastir on April 11th in the late afternoon and leave on April 27th.
The best plan is to head out on April 12th toward Douz. After that, I’ll go to Tozeur, and if I want to visit Matmata, Chenini, or Tataouine, I’ll have to go back through Douz.
On the way back to Monastir, I can stop in Sfax and Mahdia if I have time.
For Tataouine, travel guides mention a few hotels that organize excursions (Hôtel Dakyanus, Hôtel Tataouine Les Bains).
I’ll need to figure out my base points for exploring the region—at least Tozeur and Tataouine, since I should find guides and agencies there.
As for the Lézard Rouge train, Fayech said it wasn’t running when he was there in November.
Otherwise, is Gabès worth it? No palm grove or oasis?
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie,
I get that you prefer unstructured trips 😄, but to avoid unnecessary backtracking, the most direct way—and to not pass the same place twice—would be to head toward Tozeur, then go to Douz, Matmata, and Tataouine before looping back via Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir. A triangular route.
Tozeur and the mountain oases will be the most interesting part of your trip.
Then Douz and a desert hike.
Tataouine isn’t worth much, and the hotels are pretty meh unless they’ve been recently renovated...
But you’ll need to circle around Tataouine to visit the ksours.
After that, head back up the coast to Sfax, Mahdia, and Monastir.
You can probably skip a stop in Tataouine by staying in a guesthouse in Douiret...
In Matmata, there are decent hotels.
Gabès used to be interesting when there was a palm grove, but I’ve heard there’s not much left now—I haven’t stopped there in quite a while.
For the Red Lizard train, it’s very possible it’s running—you’ll need to look up the info...
It’d be a shame to miss it.
But there’s nothing else in Métlaoui...
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
To avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips, the most direct route—so you don’t pass the same place twice—would be to head toward Tozeur. Do a triangular circuit.
Tozeur and the mountain oases will be the most interesting part of your trip.
Good evening Michèle,
Yes, if there’s a direct bus or *louage* from Monastir to Tozeur, that’s what I’ll do. Otherwise, I’ll go down to Sfax, where I saw there’s a direct *louage*. From Monastir to Tozeur, it should take me at least 6 hours.
So, I’ll book the night of April 11th in Monastir, and starting April 12th, I’ll book in Tozeur. Once I’m there, the locals (hotel staff, taxi drivers, etc.) will tell me the best way to get around—whether it’s the bus or the *louage*. But I think everyone agrees that *louages* are faster.
Thanks for clarifying which part of the circuit will be the most interesting—I wasn’t sure.
Now that I know which areas I’ll visit and the direction of my circuit, I’ll read travel guides, blogs, etc., in more detail. If I have any other questions, I’ll come back to you.
Thanks again for your help!
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
I just booked my hotel night for Saturday in Monastir and for Sunday in Tozeur. For now, I’ve planned three nights in Tozeur, but I’ll decide once I’m there. I made the reservation by phone without giving my credit card number. After those three nights in Tozeur, I’ve booked at Tamerza Palace (two nights for now).
The gentleman at the Tozeur hotel (Hôtel El Arich) was really nice and took the time to explain how to get to Tozeur. He recommended taking the bus instead of a *louage*. I’ll need to leave early because there aren’t many buses (or *louages* either). According to him, it’s easier to get to Tozeur from Tunis than from Monastir.
For visiting the mountain oases, he advised going with a tour agency or other people from the hotel—public transport seems complicated.
I asked if the *Lézard Rouge* is running, and he said no, but I’ll double-check once I’m there.
Tamerza Palace told me they can arrange a transfer from Tozeur—I’ll need to email them.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi Marie, your departure is indeed approaching...
Maybe there’s more transport from Tunis to Tozeur, but it’s usually a bit fewer kilometers from Monastir.
And on the way back, it’ll save you unnecessary kilometers.
Oddly, I have the impression that the El Arish hotel has expanded—it used to be a small hotel. We often go to the palm grove, to the El Oued hotel.
In Tozeur, you absolutely must visit Souad’s little museum in the Ouled El Hadef district. This neighborhood is really nice, with some lovely shops, and Souad is charming.
It’s great to stroll around Tozeur, though you’ll see most of it pretty quickly.
Three nights will also give you time to take a trip to Nefta.
In the mountain oases, it’ll be different—the nature and its wild beauty. In ’69, torrential rains swept through and carried away the three villages.
From the Tamerza Palace hotel, you’ll have a view of the old village—it’s just an amazing spot. Don’t hesitate to explore everywhere, including all three oases.
I can recommend a guide in Chébika.
Looking forward to this new trip...
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
We often go to the palm grove, at the El Oued hotel.
I can give you the contact for a guide in Chebika.
Hello,
The El Oued Hotel was my first choice, but I called twice and got an English message saying the number (76 46 30 36) doesn’t exist, and I can’t access their website, so I don’t have an email address. If you have another phone number or an email, I can try contacting them again.
I also called the Ras El Ain Hotel, which is part of the same hotel group as La Kasbah in Kairouan, but they were fully booked. I think they host tour groups, like La Kasbah does.
I’d love the contact details for the Chebika guide.
Have a great day.
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
Hi there,
I’m joining the conversation here. I’m heading to Tunisia for 15 days in July with my husband and our two teens, and I’m struggling to decide on our route—I’d love your advice! We’ll be arriving at Monastir airport and departing from Tunis. We’ll mostly be using public transport, with maybe a short-term car rental if needed. We love culture, the sea, and sometimes just soaking up local life—not just ultra-touristy spots. I was thinking of Sousse/Mahdia/Kairouan/Bizerte/Tunis, but I’m wondering if I should swap Mahdia for Tabarka. Either way, it’d be 2 nights in each place and 3 in Tunis. Thanks for your tips! ☺️
Hi Carole,
Actually, Tabarka might be a bit cooler in the summer, but in that case, it would have been better to fly into Tunis airport and head north instead of arriving in Monastir.
Kairouan will be very hot—it's in a basin, so you'll have to stick to the shade, and it might feel like a slog.
In July, it might be wise to stay by the sea.
Will you be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse?
Do you already have bookings?
More of a backpacker?
Around Tunis, what do you want to do?
What are your arrival and departure dates and times?
Have you looked into car rentals?
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Hi Carole,
Actually, Tabarka might be a bit cooler in the summer, but in that case, it would have been better to fly into Tunis airport and head north instead of arriving in Monastir.
Kairouan will be very hot—it's in a basin, so you'll have to stick to the shade, and it might feel like a punishment.
In July, it might be wise to stay by the sea.
Will you be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse?
Do you already have bookings?
More of a backpacker?
Around Tunis, what do you plan to do?
What are your arrival and departure dates and times?
Have you looked into car rentals?
Thanks for your reply 😊, that’s really kind of you.
The flights were cheaper arriving in Monastir, and I thought it’d be a chance to visit Kairouan, among other things… but clearly not the best idea climate-wise (I might cut it down to 1 night in Kairouan). I’ll stay 2 nights in Sousse when I arrive since it’s near the airport, then head north after Kairouan.
I’ll finalize bookings on Booking.com and Airbnb once I’m sure of my route. I’d love to spend some time in Tunis—I’ve planned to go to Bizerte, but I’ll admit I’m not sure where to base myself for a spot that’s not *too* touristy, a bit authentic but still lively (Cap Bon? Cap Blanc? Tabarka?). For car rental, I’ll see if it’s even necessary (but as little as possible). Thanks so much!
Even if flights are cheaper via Monastir, I’m not sure how you plan to get around, but your trips will also cost money, especially for four people.
And besides the cost, the roads can be quite dangerous, especially in the summer when the population increases significantly.
Same goes for rental cars—you might not find any available if you haven’t booked in advance.
Plus, prices are high in the summer.
In the Sahel region, Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia are pretty well connected by the light metro.
Getting to Kairouan is trickier.
In Kairouan, like in Carthage, there’s a single ticket for all the sites to visit, but it’s only valid for one day.
How do you plan to get around?
La terre entière est ma patrie et la famille humaine est ma tribu.
Even if flights are cheaper via Monastir, I don’t know how you plan to get around, but your trips will also cost a lot, especially for four people.
And besides the cost, the roads are quite dangerous, especially in summer when the population increases significantly.
Same goes for rental cars—I’m not sure you’ll find any available if you haven’t booked in advance.
And in summer, prices are high.
In the Sahel region, Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia are well served by the light metro.
It’s more complicated to get to Kairouan.
In Kairouan, like in Carthage, there’s a single ticket for all the sites to visit, but it’s only valid for one day.
How do you plan to get around?
I was thinking of doing Sousse-Kairouan and Kairouan-Tunisia by bus
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Hi everyone,
Our trip to Morocco will be from November 3 to 17, in the High Atlas.
Basically, our route would be:
Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou
Skoura - Tinghir - Merzouga
Merzouga via the N12 to Zagora
Zagora - Draa Valley - Marrakech
It seems to be the low season, so I’d love to travel without having to book accommodations in advance. In other countries, pre-booking has restricted us and kept us from visiting unplanned sites. Freedom is important to us, but I’d also like to avoid arriving somewhere and finding nothing available.
What do you recommend? Book ahead or not?
Your advice is always helpful, and thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this for me.
Roberto
Here’s a first draft for a 14-night itinerary during the Christmas break with two teens. We’re especially fond of hiking (nothing too extreme, though), which is why we’re drawn to the south.
- Marrakech (2 nights)
- Aït Ben Haddou (1 night)
- Dadès (3 nights, though we’re thinking of doing a day trip to the Todra Gorge on one of those days)
- M'hamid (1 night)
- Erg Chigaga (1 night)
- 4 nights to slot in
- Marrakech (2 nights)
Okay, I realize this involves a lot of driving, and we’re still debating the return route since we’d like to avoid the Tichka Pass in January, but going through Taroudant seems like it would add *a lot* of time. 😕
If you’ve got other suggestions for an itinerary with great hikes, I’m all ears!
Also, the 4 nights total in MRK isn’t really our preference, but since we’re arriving/departing super early from overseas, we’d like to be a bit rested before the long flight.
Another question:
For hikes (aside from the desert one), is it better to have a guide with us, or are the trails well-marked?
First of all: a big thank you to everyone whose insightful, funny, lively, and exotic posts we’ve enjoyed. It’s a joy to find such lovely writers on this forum, who’ve given me tons of ideas and addresses to prepare our trip.
Our plan: to explore Morocco from November 2nd to December 4th. We’ll have our own vehicle (a 2011 Renault Grand Scenic, in great condition), shipped with us from Sète to Tanger Med. Returning from Nador.
Our profile: 75 and 62 years young, so old but happy to be, in very good health. Seasoned travelers—it’s practically our whole life. Lovers of beautiful landscapes, historic sites, fine craftsmanship, and road trips. This will be my 3rd trip to Morocco, but the first two were 20 and 17 years ago. I’ve never been north of the Essaouira-Marrakech line (though I’ve gone further south). As for my husband, a lifelong expat including in Muslim countries, it’s his first time in Morocco.
He’s the one driving. He’s very experienced, cautious, not necessarily fast, but used to driving in all conditions (and countries, including the most creative on the road). But I don’t want to tire him out, and he no longer drives at night (and we’ll be there in November).
I’ve decided to show him a bit of everything by taking a road trip along beautiful backroads, with daily distances averaging 180-200 km (except on highways, which will be rare), regularly broken up by rest days. I’m counting on a speed of 40-50 km/h, plus stops/visits along the way.
Since I’ve read so many posts, I’ve narrowed it down to some very specific questions.
1) Coming directly from Rabat via the highway, we’d prefer to skip Marrakech*. Still, we’ll need to sleep somewhere nearby. We’ll head toward Skoura the next day. Does anyone have a well-located address for this route, possibly east of Marrakech? Ideally, we’re looking for a small town, easy parking, clean accommodation (minimum) with average comfort (or better if available), a bit heated, and if possible, pretty and/or nice—but above all, a place to sleep well, wash with lukewarm (ideally hot) water, and have a decent dinner.
(*Explanation for the "no-go" in Marrakech: it’s a shame, because there are truly beautiful things in this city, but I think the vibe won’t suit us—it’s an understatement for "it’ll put us off" / "make us flee" / "traumatize us." Not because it’s too crowded and we want to stand out from tourists (we’re part of them), but because of forced henna on your hand, or spending 10 minutes every quarter-hour saying "no thank you" to a "guide" who’s as much a guide as I am a trapeze artist. Knowing us, it’ll wear us down. The country is vast and beautiful, and our time too short to waste our memories just days after arriving. And I don’t want to ruin things for my peaceful husband, or he’ll demand we turn back—and Sète in November isn’t exactly thrilling either.)
2) Which route to Skoura (in 2 days)? I see two options: either via the Tichka Pass, with a night in Telouet before reaching Skoura, or via the R307/N23 from Demnate, with a night near Megdaz before descending to Skoura. So: Tichka Pass or R307/N23? I have a slight (big) preference for the second option, even though I know the other route is very beautiful too. Of course, before deciding, we’ll check the weather and the current state of the R307/N23—does anyone know where to get info on the road conditions? But even assuming the road is "passable," is it a bit too tough in itself? In short, is it reasonable? If a kind soul could share their experience, a thousand thanks in advance.
That’s all I’ve written for now. I’ll save the other questions for later posts. Thanks again to those who had the patience to read this and to those who can respond. Happy Sunday to all!
I’m just a few days away from my trip to Marrakech—I’m leaving from November 13th to 20th and bringing my parents along! I’d love to plan my stay as best as I can, and I’m sure the forum crew can help. So, here are my questions:
- Where’s the best place to exchange money without getting ripped off? The owner of the riad where we’re staying told us to avoid doing it at the airport because it’s really expensive and to do it in the medina instead, near Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Which traditional hammams do you recommend that are reasonably priced? How much should we budget for one? That’ll help me plan my expenses.
- What are some nice restaurants in the medina?
- I’d also like to know roughly how much to expect for a tea, a meal, a taxi, a djellaba, and babouches. I don’t want to get overcharged and would like to know what to expect.
- What are the must-do activities and places to visit?
Hi, I’d like to head to Morocco next week with my car. I’ve looked online at all the different info about the ferry crossing to Tangier, but I’m finding it really expensive. Is there a way to buy tickets in Spain? Or another way to get the Algeciras–Tangier crossing cheaper? Thanks for any tips or info!
We found a guide who offers the trip from M'hamid to a camp (departure at 3 PM, tea, meal, camel ride, overnight stay, breakfast, and return to M'Hamid by 11 AM the next day via the sacred oasis). He quoted us a price of 380 € for April.
What do you think of this rate?
This might sound like a silly question, but is it common to negotiate the price for this kind of thing (we're booking from France)? It’s still a big part of our travel budget.
Hi there,
We're planning to visit Egypt between January 25 and February 15, 2027. I looked up the Ramadan dates and found some sites saying it starts on February 8, while others say February 18... Where's the mistake?
Thanks,
Christian
Hi there,
We’re a family of 4 with two boys aged 12 and 10 traveling to Egypt in February.
We’re spending 3 days in Cairo to take our time exploring the city and the sites before heading south.
-Is it necessary to have a guide to visit the GEM? Are audio guides available?
-Do you have any contacts for drivers to organize a few transfers (Giza, Saqqara, Airport)?
-Do you know a French-speaking guide who’s friendly, family-friendly, and good at making things exciting, with reasonable prices?
With our two teens, we’re heading to Morocco for two weeks at the end of December and beginning of January. It’ll be our first trip that’s more "off the beaten path," even though we’ve visited several countries before. Given the overwhelming amount of info, I’m feeling a bit swamped with the prep this trip requires, and I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to figuring out what’s realistic to visit in two weeks 😕 So, all your tips, personal experiences, and suggestions are more than welcome!
- Which places should we prioritize during this time of year? (I’ve read that some spots are less accessible in winter?)
- What’s the best way to get around? (rental car, train, private transport, buses, etc.? — just a heads-up, we’ll have a few suitcases!)
- In terms of "safety," are there any areas to avoid?
- Any recommendations for reliable local tour companies (beyond the big names like "Get Your Guide") that offer excursions or private transport to help us explore the country?
- A doable 2-week itinerary that lets us enjoy the country’s diversity without having to change accommodations every two days?
I’m planning a trip to the High Atlas in Morocco and have a few questions for you:
- Why do so many people recommend avoiding international agencies for car rentals? Can anyone explain why?
- Is Booking.com reliable, and has anyone rented a vehicle through their service? There’s a pretty big price difference compared to local Moroccan agencies.
- Is there a detailed road map included in the rental car?
- Is Google Maps enough to get around the High Atlas? This will be my first trip there.
Thanks so much to anyone who can help with this destination I’ve been dreaming about for years.
Have a great evening,
Roberto
hi there, I’m heading to Tunisia 🙂 from April 27 to May 8 with my family. I’ve read through the various discussions about the country, but I’m still a bit unsure🤪: for currency exchange, I saw on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that withdrawing currency with a bank card from ATMs is limited to 200 TND per week. There are four of us traveling by car, so that might be a bit tight! And it’s a hassle to carry a lot of cash, even if I’m not being paranoid! What do you all recommend?
Cheers,
Laurent.
I was wondering if it’s possible to join a group as a solo traveler with local agencies in Djanet for circuits like Tadrart, Essendilene, Sefar, or Tassili?
If you have any agencies to recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
I didn’t find any info on the forum.
Best,
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi,
This autumn, we’re planning to explore the Oriental region and we’re wondering where the best place to land would be. We’ll have three weeks ahead of us and we’ll be renting a car.
Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're leaving in early October 2026 and planning to travel from the Aït Bougmez Valley ("Happy Valley") to Skoura/Ouarzazate via Demnate and the R307/N23 route.
Has anyone taken this road recently? Is it passable with a regular car (non-4x4), or is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? Are there any ongoing construction projects or degraded sections to be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello,
In September, my wife and I, along with another couple, will be traveling to Tunisia and staying at the Sheherasade Hotel near Sousse.
We’d love to hear your recommendations or tips on places to visit, as well as advice on taxis or other transportation options.
Thanks in advance!
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...
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
I’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 😊
