Randonnée chamelière au Maroc
by Francfilaire
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour, suite à tous les messages que je peux lire, je me pose la question sur ma destination pour février : un méharée du coté de Merzouga ou bien M'hamid ???? Vu les photos de l'Erg Chebbi, c'est exactement ce que je recherche comme vision mais apparemment ce n'est qu'une dune ...
Alors Merzouga ou Zagora ? je cherche à faire une rando chamelière de 5 jours...
Je suis également toujours à la recherche de contact sérieux de guide, pour un budget restreint. Je voyage seul mais pas de problème pour joindre un groupe sur la rando; de toute façon il n'y pas de départ à moins de 4 personnes en général. Merci pour vos contibutions
Bonjour, effectivement il n'y a pas de désert au Maroc, type "grand erg occidental" comme dans tintin.
Les grandes dunes à Merzouga ou Mhamid ne sont que des concentrations de sables éoliens arrivés du sahara et qui viennent buter au pied de la chaîne de l'atlas.
Il n'empêche que ses sites se prêtent bien à l'initiation au désert pour les petits séjours/petits budgets/pressés et autres néophytes.
Toutefois si vous ne voulez pas vous retrouver dans les cohortes de 4x4 et quads détruisants tout sur leur passage, les parapentes, les skieurs sur sable, les hé-ho incessants jetés du haut des dunes, les déguisements type "hommes bleus" les plus extravagants je vous conseille au minimum d'aller voir derrière ces dunes, sud de Mhamid et sud est de Merzouga.
Vous avez une petite chance d'échapper aux excés du pire qui est en action dès la fin du goudron, là bas et c'est dommage!
Vous n'échapperez pas à la fausse méharée! encore faudrait-il qu'il en existe encore des vraies!
Bon un peu d'optimisme quand même, surtout pour les enfants, c'est super un tour de chameau (où plutôt dromadaire), mais de mon expérience, cela sera plus sympa dès lors que l'on va chercher loin.
Si vraiment cette expérience vous tente au delà de 48h, voir plutôt en Mauritanie où Algérie ou éventuellement sahara occidental "Marocain" où ils existe de vrais nomades non sédentarisés qui seront heureux de vous acceuillir.
Pour un trouver un guide, dur dur, et bon courage.
Si vous souhaitez plus d'infos pratiques, je suis à votre dispo.
bonnes recherches
pourquoi pas repondre de façon bien claire !!
Je pense que "kkris" a justement répondu de façon précise et avec une pointe d'humour. Faire du dada pendant 2 jours dans ces ergs c'est possible .. pas plus, car pas assez grand. Quant à la solitude, ou au moins le calme, difficile entre les 4x4 et quads.
Les hommes bleus, c'est comme les schtroumpfs, ... peut-être au Niger dans le Ténéré.
Je pense que "kkris" a justement répondu de façon précise et avec une pointe d'humour. Faire du dada pendant 2 jours dans ces ergs c'est possible .. pas plus, car pas assez grand. Quant à la solitude, ou au moins le calme, difficile entre les 4x4 et quads.
Les hommes bleus, c'est comme les schtroumpfs, ... peut-être au Niger dans le Ténéré.
Dans le sud algérien, il y a des tribus "touaregs" et les hommes "bleus" ne se trouvent pas qu'au Niger ! Le bleu venant de leur cheche ou leurs vêtements "indigo" !
Merci de penser un peu plus au tourisme saharien en Algérie ! Les dunes du grand Erg Occidental (El Golea, Timimoun, etc...) et Oriental se trouvent essentiellement en Algérie, sans oublier le Hoggar et les Tassilis dans l'extrême sud !
LILI
Merci de penser un peu plus au tourisme saharien en Algérie ! Les dunes du grand Erg Occidental (El Golea, Timimoun, etc...) et Oriental se trouvent essentiellement en Algérie, sans oublier le Hoggar et les Tassilis dans l'extrême sud !
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Dans le sud algérien, il y a des tribus "touaregs" et les hommes "bleus" ne se trouvent pas qu'au Niger ! Le bleu venant de leur cheche ou leurs vêtements "indigo" !
Merci de penser un peu plus au tourisme saharien en Algérie ! Les dunes du grand Erg Occidental (El Golea, Timimoun, etc...) et Oriental se trouvent essentiellement en Algérie, sans oublier le Hoggar et les Tassilis dans l'extrême sud !
LILI
Les plus belles régions de désert que j'ai eu le plaisir de découvrir. Honnêtement, j'ai un peu de mal à l'idée de retourner dans le désert algérien pour des questions de "sécurité". Peut-être ai-je tort ?? Mais pas facile de s'endormir seul au milieu de nul part avec cette idée !
Merci de penser un peu plus au tourisme saharien en Algérie ! Les dunes du grand Erg Occidental (El Golea, Timimoun, etc...) et Oriental se trouvent essentiellement en Algérie, sans oublier le Hoggar et les Tassilis dans l'extrême sud !
LILI
Les plus belles régions de désert que j'ai eu le plaisir de découvrir. Honnêtement, j'ai un peu de mal à l'idée de retourner dans le désert algérien pour des questions de "sécurité". Peut-être ai-je tort ?? Mais pas facile de s'endormir seul au milieu de nul part avec cette idée !
Bonjour, que ce soit Merzouga ou M'hamid, les ergs sont quand même largement plus qu'une dune. Ils font plusieurs dizaines de kilomètres de long (environ une vingtaine pour Merzouga et une quarantaine pour Chigaga).
Mais il est vrai que le désert marocain est plus un mélange d'ergs et regs qu'une grande et immense dune. En même temps c'est plus intéressant.
Pour joindre des groupes sur une randonnée, il faut absolument passer par des grandes agences, type terre d'aventure ou autres. Les guides locaux et les petites agences ne pratiquent pas cela, car cela demande un volant de clients qu'ils n'ont pas.
Pour joindre des groupes sur une randonnée, il faut absolument passer par des grandes agences, type terre d'aventure ou autres. Les guides locaux et les petites agences ne pratiquent pas cela, car cela demande un volant de clients qu'ils n'ont pas.
Des infos pour vivre et travailler au Maroc : http://o-maroc.com
le vrai desert et celui de merzouga a zagora et un erg est un ensemble des dunes qui ont des limites
pour faire un randonnée les grande agences ne peuvent rien faire la bas que les petites agence local qui peuvent faire des randonnée parceque c'est degens de la region qui connaient les chemins au desert et les choses neccessaires
bonjour a toi.moi je sui aller dans la vallee du draa, vers m hamid vers la frontiere algerienne, avec CROQ NATURE, tourisme equitable.depart des mille et une nuit, maison d hote traditionnelle, dans la vallee du draa.de la je sui parti 5 jours en rendonnee chameliere avec des chameliers super simpa, et quelques chameaux, pour marcher 5 a 6 h par jour, donc sa va, ses plutot cool..de plus le paysage et magnifique, se le lever avant le soleil, au pied des dunes et regarder le jour se lever sa ses des super souvenirs!!!
alors oui, ses peut etre pas le plus beau des desert, , mais je croit que les geants dans se coin du maroc sont encore tres
otentiques, et de plus les touristes ne sont encore pas legions.
donc bonne vacanse
oui je suis d'accord avec toi mais moi je trouve personnelement que erg Lihoudi dans les environs de Mahamid et plus beau parceque c'est un desert ou il y a des dunes moyenne pas grande comme celle de chegaga -desert sauvage- mais bon chacun a son gout
bonne année a tout
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It's all in the title.
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I know there are experts on this forum.
Thanks in advance
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Good evening, everyone!
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! 😊
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier. Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel... Day 3: Stop in Tetouan Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!) Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad) After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF). Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
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Hi everyone! :)
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary: From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure) Arrival and departure: Essaouira Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering? Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight) Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary: From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure) Arrival and departure: Essaouira Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering? Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight) Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
As-salamu alaykum!
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
hi there
we’re heading to Hammamet in a few months
what would you recommend visiting for a week?
best regards
Hi there,
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)