Bonjour
si on ne doit visiter qu'un seul des 2 ergs, lequel faut-il preferer et pourquoi ?
pensez-vous que 2 nuits c'est trop long ?
Merci de partager vos impressions ou souvenirs avec moi.....
Rocha
Original post
Visiter Cheggi ou Chegaga? (Maroc)
by Rocha
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Chebbi ou Chigaga plutôt :)
Chebbi - à Merzouga, est accessible directement par la route. Il est donc nettement plus fréquenté, mais une fois éloigné des bivouacs fixes, on se retrouve en plein désert.
Chigaga est à 45 minutes de piste. Il est donc obligatoire d'y aller en 4x4, c'est plus onéreux, et en conséquence un peu moins fréquenté.
Pour la durée, ça dépend de toi. Je ne parlerais pas de "visite", mais d'expérience du désert. Selon ce que tu aimes, deux nuits c'est très long, ou beaucoup trop court...
Chebbi - à Merzouga, est accessible directement par la route. Il est donc nettement plus fréquenté, mais une fois éloigné des bivouacs fixes, on se retrouve en plein désert.
Chigaga est à 45 minutes de piste. Il est donc obligatoire d'y aller en 4x4, c'est plus onéreux, et en conséquence un peu moins fréquenté.
Pour la durée, ça dépend de toi. Je ne parlerais pas de "visite", mais d'expérience du désert. Selon ce que tu aimes, deux nuits c'est très long, ou beaucoup trop court...
merci de cette reponse precise et subtile a la fois...
Alors je redemande;, si je voulais faire l'EXPERIENCE du desert en absorbant le plus possible ce qu'il est possible d'en retirer... lequel choisir?...
Peut-etre n'y a t-il pas de reponse, mais alors, dites moi ce que vous avez retire, aime ou non, de l'un ou de l'autre......
Rocha
Rocha
L'un et l'autre sont le désert.
D'abord je pense que pour faire l'expérience du désert, deux jours ne sont pas suffisants. Il faut plus de temps, au moins une semaine. Il faut que le corps et l'esprit s'habituent. En deux jours, sauf si on a vraiment l'habitude, qu'on revient "chez soi", en quelque sorte, ce n'est pas suffisant, et ce ne sera jamais, effectivement qu'une visite.
L'un et l'autre sont tout aussi valables. La question est plutôt de savoir "comment" vous allez y aller. A Chebbi comme à Chigaga, on peut être "parqué" au milieu des touristes, faire son petit tour jusqu'au bivouac et revenir en voyant une autre méharée à quelques dizaines de mètres devant, et une autre à quelques dizaines de mètres derrière. Et on peut partir avec quelqu'un qui vous emmènera hors des dunes battues, dans des coins vraiment désert. On peut aussi vivre le désert ailleurs. Nous sommes dans un désert de pierres avec quelques dunes, par exemple. En fait c'est ça, le vrai désert. Les dunes, c'est superbe, c'est photogénique, c'est tout ce qu'on veut, mais quand on vit dans le désert, on passe plus de temps dans la caillasse avec le vent sableux et les acacias de temps en temps que dans les grandes dunes. En gros, c'est comme à Québec. Il y a le chateau Frontenac, les petites rues de la vieille ville, et puis il y a aussi ce qui est à l'extérieur. Si tu avais à faire "vivre" Québec à quelqu'un, est ce que l'essentiel ce serait Frontenac ?
D'abord je pense que pour faire l'expérience du désert, deux jours ne sont pas suffisants. Il faut plus de temps, au moins une semaine. Il faut que le corps et l'esprit s'habituent. En deux jours, sauf si on a vraiment l'habitude, qu'on revient "chez soi", en quelque sorte, ce n'est pas suffisant, et ce ne sera jamais, effectivement qu'une visite.
L'un et l'autre sont tout aussi valables. La question est plutôt de savoir "comment" vous allez y aller. A Chebbi comme à Chigaga, on peut être "parqué" au milieu des touristes, faire son petit tour jusqu'au bivouac et revenir en voyant une autre méharée à quelques dizaines de mètres devant, et une autre à quelques dizaines de mètres derrière. Et on peut partir avec quelqu'un qui vous emmènera hors des dunes battues, dans des coins vraiment désert. On peut aussi vivre le désert ailleurs. Nous sommes dans un désert de pierres avec quelques dunes, par exemple. En fait c'est ça, le vrai désert. Les dunes, c'est superbe, c'est photogénique, c'est tout ce qu'on veut, mais quand on vit dans le désert, on passe plus de temps dans la caillasse avec le vent sableux et les acacias de temps en temps que dans les grandes dunes. En gros, c'est comme à Québec. Il y a le chateau Frontenac, les petites rues de la vieille ville, et puis il y a aussi ce qui est à l'extérieur. Si tu avais à faire "vivre" Québec à quelqu'un, est ce que l'essentiel ce serait Frontenac ?
Bonjour,
Toujours le même cruel dilemne !
2 ergs splendides, loin d'etre déserts, puisque ce sont deux spots touristiques. le "vrai" désert, de regs, de montagnes, de petites oasis, c'est ailleurs, et c'est autrement plus sympa et dépaysant.
L'un Chebbi, soit Merzouga, est accessible en voiture, plusieurs dizaines d'auberges de bon niveau, sont installées au pied des dunes, et proposent toutes de bonnes prestations pour des nuits en bivouac, et des petits treks ou méharées.
L'autre, Chegaga, à peine plus sauvage, maintenant que les TO y ont des bivouacs à l'année, n'est accessible qu'en achetant une prestation 4x4 et bivouac à Ouled Driss ou Mhamid, et la ça se corse, les négos peuvent devenir galère.
Toujours le même cruel dilemne !
2 ergs splendides, loin d'etre déserts, puisque ce sont deux spots touristiques. le "vrai" désert, de regs, de montagnes, de petites oasis, c'est ailleurs, et c'est autrement plus sympa et dépaysant.
L'un Chebbi, soit Merzouga, est accessible en voiture, plusieurs dizaines d'auberges de bon niveau, sont installées au pied des dunes, et proposent toutes de bonnes prestations pour des nuits en bivouac, et des petits treks ou méharées.
L'autre, Chegaga, à peine plus sauvage, maintenant que les TO y ont des bivouacs à l'année, n'est accessible qu'en achetant une prestation 4x4 et bivouac à Ouled Driss ou Mhamid, et la ça se corse, les négos peuvent devenir galère.
* ***Ou est cet ailleurs plus vrai, sympa et depaysant? Et aussi quelle en est l'accessibilite? ***
dans la mesure ou cet ailleurs n'est pas couvert par les TO, le vrai grand sud désertique, comme par exemple entre Tan Tan et Smara, ou plus au sud, l'accessibilité est restreinte.
Mais tu as aussi la région de Tazzarine, ou je me suis fait un vrai plaisir avec l'équipe de l'oasis de Mezgarne.
une jolie photo de "vrai" désert, très représebntatif, oasis de Serdrar.
dans la mesure ou cet ailleurs n'est pas couvert par les TO, le vrai grand sud désertique, comme par exemple entre Tan Tan et Smara, ou plus au sud, l'accessibilité est restreinte.
Mais tu as aussi la région de Tazzarine, ou je me suis fait un vrai plaisir avec l'équipe de l'oasis de Mezgarne.
une jolie photo de "vrai" désert, très représebntatif, oasis de Serdrar.
Coucou !!!
Moi c'est léa je reviens tout juste du maroc. Pour ma part j'ai été au sud au désert de mhamid pendant 6 jours et c'était vraiment splendide. On était 4, Un canadien, un ami et la présidente de l'asso avec laquelle je suis partie et 3 berbères un guide, un cuisinier et un chamellier. T u demandes que l'on décrive cette experience mais il n'existe tout simplement pas de mots pour la concrétiser. C'est a vivre, a ressentir, a s'en imbiber par tous les pores de sa peau. Je pourrais quand même te dire que nous marchions la journée soit a pied près des dromadaires ou sur leur dos, que nous nous arrêtions a différentes heures de la journée pour faire des pauses et que nous plantions la tente la nuit. Sous l'envolée d'étoiles du désert partageant un repas nomade, avec du pain tout chaud cuit sur les braises et écouter chanter les berbères au coin du feu, écoutant le silence du désert et laissant sa magie opérer sur nous. Pour avoir fait quelques voyages c'est une des expériences les plus marquantes de ma vie. Alors deux nuits si tu n'as que ca c'est déja bien mais c'est sur qu'un petit plus longtemps c'est toujours mieux. Après tout dépend de ton caractère, si le vide et l'immensité t'éffraies un peu je dirais que c'est suffisant, après il faut surtout faire comme tu le sens. Je sais que merzouga, enfin a ce qu'on m'en a dit est très petit et que en gros les touristes font le tour de la dune pour pouvoir faire plus d'une journée, après faut voir. Voilà si tu veux plus d'infos hesite pas !!!!!
Moi c'est léa je reviens tout juste du maroc. Pour ma part j'ai été au sud au désert de mhamid pendant 6 jours et c'était vraiment splendide. On était 4, Un canadien, un ami et la présidente de l'asso avec laquelle je suis partie et 3 berbères un guide, un cuisinier et un chamellier. T u demandes que l'on décrive cette experience mais il n'existe tout simplement pas de mots pour la concrétiser. C'est a vivre, a ressentir, a s'en imbiber par tous les pores de sa peau. Je pourrais quand même te dire que nous marchions la journée soit a pied près des dromadaires ou sur leur dos, que nous nous arrêtions a différentes heures de la journée pour faire des pauses et que nous plantions la tente la nuit. Sous l'envolée d'étoiles du désert partageant un repas nomade, avec du pain tout chaud cuit sur les braises et écouter chanter les berbères au coin du feu, écoutant le silence du désert et laissant sa magie opérer sur nous. Pour avoir fait quelques voyages c'est une des expériences les plus marquantes de ma vie. Alors deux nuits si tu n'as que ca c'est déja bien mais c'est sur qu'un petit plus longtemps c'est toujours mieux. Après tout dépend de ton caractère, si le vide et l'immensité t'éffraies un peu je dirais que c'est suffisant, après il faut surtout faire comme tu le sens. Je sais que merzouga, enfin a ce qu'on m'en a dit est très petit et que en gros les touristes font le tour de la dune pour pouvoir faire plus d'une journée, après faut voir. Voilà si tu veux plus d'infos hesite pas !!!!!
bonsoir,
je viens de voir la photo de l'oasis de serdrar. Je ne connais pas le secteur, mais j'ai repéré sur une carte la position de celle-ci. J'aimerais découvrir la zone comprise entre tazarine, Tarhbalt, Oum jeram, El fecht, Alnif. Je cherche des endroits sympas de bivouac et éventuellement une idée de circuit "isolé" avec possibilité de balade à pieds.
As tu une ou des suggestions dans ce secteur (je connais assez bien le sud de cette zone ), je t'en remercie par avance.
pour conforter tes dires sur les régions désertiques autres que chebbi et chegaga, je joins 3 photos prises au nord de Er remlia, dans l'axe Fezou Taouz .
Pour préciser les choses ; la première c'est une petite oasis dans l'oued Mbirika, la seconde une vue de cette même zone d'un sommet voisin, et la troisième, la gara tabulaire de l'Aferdou Nsoualhine ( lieu d'un moussem des nomades de la région).
pour conforter tes dires sur les régions désertiques autres que chebbi et chegaga, je joins 3 photos prises au nord de Er remlia, dans l'axe Fezou Taouz .
Pour préciser les choses ; la première c'est une petite oasis dans l'oued Mbirika, la seconde une vue de cette même zone d'un sommet voisin, et la troisième, la gara tabulaire de l'Aferdou Nsoualhine ( lieu d'un moussem des nomades de la région).
bonjour
perso je préfère Chebbi, mais j'ai découvert cette année la région de Guelmin et 1 belle oasis à Tigmert (Aït bekou ) et le désert autour ...
pas de choix possible au Maroc, on y vient, revient et rere...vient .
bon voyage
francia
Bonjour
Je reviens de M'hamid et j'ai passé 5 nuits dans le désert, conduite par un guide, un cuisinier, 2 chameliers. Effectivement, le désert nous apprivoise, on se laisse prendre, on vit au ras du sol, simplement, on échange, on chante autour du feu, on goute le pain cuit quotidiennement, on aime le silence, on ne voit personne, à part quelques 4x4 au loin. On s'éloigne de tout, à pied c'est bien.
A Raolux, Soughai, Pepita, Marie-aude et les autres
Gros merci pour toutes les infos et vos inspirants temoignages... A Raolux, je ne peux rien recommender, j'en sais si peu encore
Nous attendrons probablement d'etre dans le sud pour prendre notre decision sur la region desertique a favoriser quite a se tromper (mais si peu) ce qui nous amenerait a revenir au au Maroc
Je vais faire des recherches sur les autres oasis mentionnes et a Marie-Aude je dis que Tazzarine nous verra peut-etre arriver un jour prochain...
Merci beaucoup......Rocha
Gros merci pour toutes les infos et vos inspirants temoignages... A Raolux, je ne peux rien recommender, j'en sais si peu encore
Nous attendrons probablement d'etre dans le sud pour prendre notre decision sur la region desertique a favoriser quite a se tromper (mais si peu) ce qui nous amenerait a revenir au au Maroc
Je vais faire des recherches sur les autres oasis mentionnes et a Marie-Aude je dis que Tazzarine nous verra peut-etre arriver un jour prochain...
Merci beaucoup......Rocha
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Hi there,
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?
Thanks for your help!
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?
Thanks for your help!
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
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
Hello to all Morocco lovers,
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!
Fran
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!
Fran
hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help....
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?
Thanks in advance for your help....
Hi
I’d like to know if the road between Msemrir and Tamttatouchte is doable with a standard car (Dacia Logan).
Thanks a lot
hi,
I’m looking for a country to visit for 10 days in February.
What do you recommend for a trip with some sunshine, hiking, and sightseeing?
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
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!
Hi there,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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?
Marie
-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?
Marie
Hi there!
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?
Thanks so much for your advice!
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?
Thanks so much for your advice!
Hi everyone,
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
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, I just wanted to know the exchange rate for euros in Tunisia, thanks
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.
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
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!
Hi there, 🙂
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! !😉
Thanks
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! !😉
Thanks
Based on your experiences, do you have a professional to recommend?
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...
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 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 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.
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.
Hi, I'm looking for a taxi from Dakhla airport to downtown Dakhla.
If you know a contact ?????
Hi there,
I’m looking for info about driving a vehicle in Tunisia.
Is it complicated?
Do I need an international driver’s permit?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
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.
Any recommendations?
Have a great day
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.
Any recommendations?
Have a great day