Hi everyone, I know there are some *reaaaal* Morocco experts here, so I’m giving it a shot. Early June, we’re heading back to the country for the third time for a little week-long trip. We’ll arrive and depart from Essaouira, where we’ll rent a car to drive south down to roughly Sidi Ifni. The plan is to make short stops of 2-3 hours max, a mix of coastal spots and a bit inland. We’re looking for natural, quiet places that feel untouched. We loved Taghazout years ago and Larache two years back—just to give you an idea of our vibe. What spots would you recommend along this route? I’m tempted by Paradise Valley but worried it’ll be as crowded as Agadir. What do you think? Any other valleys in the area worth the detour? Thanks, and have a great weekend! 😊

Hi there,

I'm urgently planning a trip to Tunisia in November, backpacker-style (no agency, no guide or taxi, public transport, youth hostels or small hotels, local restaurants). I'm not interested in the beach, and I like to take my time at archaeological sites and museums (twice as long as the average visitor). I'm aiming for about two weeks, give or take.

First, I'm trying to roughly outline a route/schedule so I can book my flight as soon as possible (no desert in the south this time—I went there years ago and want to stay independent). I’ve sketched out the following itinerary, knowing that apparently, there are quite a few towns without budget-friendly hotels (even on Airbnb), which means I’ll be staying longer where they’re available. Three questions: 1. Does this seem reasonable overall (time spent in each city)? 2. Should I add other cities, maybe in the northwest? 3. For hotels, in November, is it better to scout options on booking sites first, then book on the spot for cheaper rates (no site commission + possible negotiation)? Also, are hotels not listed online and found randomly on-site much cheaper?

ROUGH ITINERARY (order to be confirmed)

TUNIS 5 days (cheap accommodations: 13 or 19 €) 2 days: Medina, souks, Bardo Museum, Royal Mausoleum of Tourbet El Bey, Zitouna Mosque (exterior) 1 day: Sidi Bou Said 1 day: Carthage 1 day: A-R Dougga (bus to Tebersouk 2h + taxi) – pack a picnic + option: hike to Zaghouan (750m+, 10km round trip) – worth it? Doable alone?

KAIROUAN 2 days (very expensive room: 40-50 €!) Great Mosque, Medina, Three Doors Mosque, medieval cemetery, Sidi Sahbi Mosque...

SOUSSE 3 days (room 15 €) 2 days: Medina, archaeological museum, Port El Kantaoui, the Ribat (fortress), Contemporary Art Museum Dar Am Taïeb, Dar Essid (17th-century traditional house) 1 day: A-R El Jem (60km away) + option: 1 day A-R Monastir? Worth it? + option: 1 day A-R Mahdia (or 2 days sleeping there)?

OPTIONS -> Gabes to mix things up? But is it easy to find cheap lodging and get around/visit alone? -> Other sights or stops to sleep: Sfax, El Kef, others? -> Kerkenna Islands (easy accommodation?)

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions on these options. Once I’ve adjusted the duration, I’ll book my tickets for early November! (By the way, do you think I should arrive and depart from two different airports?)

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Morocco in February 2026. We already know the country a bit, including the desert where we were lucky enough to take part in a rally. This time, we’d like to explore the Merzouga dunes as a family. We’ll be renting a car in Marrakech and we’re looking for advice on the best stops to make the most of the drive. We’re still undecided about the return route: should we go back through the Valley of the Roses (and maybe see the gorges if we don’t have time on the way there) or take the Draa Valley for a change? Here’s our rough itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech in the evening – Overnight stay there

Day 2: Drive east – Overnight in Skoura? Boumalne? Further on?

Day 3: Drive with a stop at the Dadès or Todra Gorges – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 4: Desert day – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 5: Return drive (Draa Valley or back through the Valley of the Roses / Route of the 1000 Kasbahs?) – Overnight in Agdz? Ouarzazate?

Day 6: Drive back to Marrakech with a stop at Aït Ben Haddou / Fint Oasis – Overnight in Marrakech

Day 7–8: Marrakech then departure

If any of you have suggestions on timing, the most enjoyable stops, or feedback on these routes, I’d love to hear your tips. Thanks in advance!

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.

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

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

Hi there,

We’re heading to Ouarzazate and southern Morocco in 7 days. Here’s our route (map). We’re a family of 2 adults and 3 kids (11, 9, and 5 years old). Could you let me know if there are even more scenic roads to take, and any must-see spots, please? 😉

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dadès Day 2: Dadès + Todra Day 3: Tinegir – Djbel Saghro – N'Kob Day 4: Tazzarine – M'Hamid (overnight in Erg Lihoudi) Day 5: M'Hamid – Draa Valley – Agdz Day 6: Agdz – Fint – Ben Haddou Day 7: Telouet – Ouarzazate

Hi there!

As mentioned in a previous post, we're heading to Morocco in April for 9 days instead of the originally planned 7.

Here's the itinerary I've mapped out to ideally have a complete trip, but I think it might be too ambitious. What do you think? Here's the itinerary (click)

For those who can't open the link: Marrakech (the afternoon of our arrival + 1 day, we’ve already been there without the kids, the goal is not to stay too long) – night Aït Ben Haddou Ouarzazate Skoura – night Oasis de Fint Dadès Gorges Tinghir – night Merzouga – night Zagora – night M’hamid – ideally a night in the desert Agdz Marrakech – night (itinerary via Telouet)

What do you think of this plan? Will it feel too rushed, or is it manageable? Since we don’t know the places, it’s hard to tell if we’ll want to stop everywhere along the way or if there’s enough time to spend at each spot. I’ve included some night-stop assumptions (1 or 2 nights).

We’d love to hear your thoughts! We’re traveling with my wife, a 13-year-old teen, and a 10-year-old. We’ll have our own rental car.

Thanks! !

Hello everyone, I’m currently planning our next trip to Morocco. We really enjoy visiting one or two collective granaries on each of our trips. We’ve seen some already, like the one in Aït Kine, or the one in Tasguent, and of course those in Amtoudi, as well as the cliffside granary of Ifri. There are still many left to explore. I’d love to hear which ones you’d recommend—preferably ones that aren’t too hard to access. I’m counting on you! Thanks

Hi there,

I’ve finally decided to make my childhood dream come true—and at the same time, fulfill my two boys’ dreams (ages 9 and 13). Just to give you some context, we’re used to "backpacker" vacations—the little one even crossed Malaysia on my back. But now I’ve got a teenager, so if I pack too much, he complains, and I’m getting older, so I’m more tired 😉.

I’ve put together this itinerary trying not to rush, based on a felucca trip with a small local agency that has a solid reputation.

Day 1: Late arrival in Cairo Day 2: Cairo - Flight to Aswan (11:20 PM)? Day 3: Aswan? Cairo? Day 4: Aswan Day 5: Sail Day 1 Day 6: Sail Day 2 (camel market + Kom Ombo) Day 7: Sail Day 3 (Jabal El Silsila) Day 8: Sail Day 4 Edfu - transfer to Luxor - arriving at 2 PM Day 9: Luxor (Valley of the Kings) Day 10: Luxor (Karnak) Day 11: Luxor / Cairo? Day 12: Cairo: Giza Day 13: Cairo Giza again - Flight home at 11 PM

My main question is about how much time to allocate in Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo to avoid missing out but without feeling rushed. We definitely have: - 3 full days in Cairo - 2.5 days in Luxor - 1 day in Aswan

I can adjust a bit: - By adding 1 day in Aswan or Cairo - By adding a half-day in Cairo or Luxor.

What would you recommend and why?

Thanks in advance!

Catherine, back on VoyageForum—what a joy.

Hi there, I’m planning to cross the Atlas M’Goun-Toubkal range at the end of March and I’m looking for info on how to get to Ait Bou Oulli from Marrakech via Demnate. Can anyone tell me if there’s a direct bus to Demnate and then a minibus (once it’s full) to Ait Bou Oulli? Is it doable in a day by bus or even a shared taxi?

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

Hi everyone, Last-minute trip to Marrakech for a week—what unusual discoveries can you recommend in the city? Thanks for your quick tips!

Hi, how’s the visit to the pyramids going? Do we buy tickets on the spot? Is the distance to cover significant? How do you get around—on foot? Are there shuttles? Thanks

Hi, how long does the drive from Cairo to Hurghada take by car? Is the airline company n'essa reliable?

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

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

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

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

Hi, I’d like to know if Uber works for a trip between Marsa Alam and Hurghada Airport? Thanks

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are planning to visit Egypt in September for a week.

We’d most likely start in Hurghada first, and then explore other nearby places to see some legendary spots.

My first question—and probably the most important—is whether it’s safe to travel there in 2025 or if we should be concerned about security?

My second question: if we do go to Hurghada, could you recommend some standout spots not too far away with breathtaking views to make our romantic trip unforgettable?

Thanks in advance for all your tips! 😉

Hi there,

I’ve booked a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. The excursion to Abu Simbel is offered as an option, but for a family with 2 kids, it comes to 500 € for a lot of bus travel and very little time on site. Is it possible to find a local agency, taxi, or guide on the spot who’d offer the trip for less? Do we have to travel in a convoy? Thanks for your tips! Fred

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

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

Hi, Which neighborhood should I choose in Cairo? From what I understand, Giza is close to the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, but there isn’t much else to do in the evening. Zamalek seems pretty quiet with plenty of restaurants. Basically, I’m looking for a calm neighborhood (if that exists!) where I can stroll around safely and grab a bite to eat in the evening. Thanks in advance.

Hi there,

I’m reaching out about my summer trip plans (from 07/18 to 08/02). I’ve already bought my flight tickets to Cairo. Here’s my planned itinerary: Cairo – 2 nights White Desert – 2 nights Hurghada – 2 nights Luxor – 2 nights Aswan – 1 night Marsa Alam – 4 nights Cairo – 1 night -> So, I was planning to rent a car after the desert to go to Hurghada, then Luxor, then Marsa Alam (but the drive from Marsa Alam back to Cairo seems really long, so I was thinking of skipping it and going from Luxor back to Hurghada instead). Could you help me make sense of this, please?

Thanks so much!

I'm planning to go to the Marrakech area in mid-February 2026 and I'd like to spend a few days in the Ouarzazate region, taking the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. I've heard that in winter this road can sometimes be closed due to snow. Is it closed for long periods?

Where can I find information about the road conditions?

I tried downloading the MaRoute app on my smartphone, which was recommended by Dan49ch, but it's no longer available. Has it been replaced by another app?

Thanks and see you soon

Hi everyone, I’m traveling with my teenage daughter at the end of February with plans to do the Marrakech/Merzouga loop by car. We arrive Friday evening (7:45 PM) in Marrakech, and I’d love to head south first thing Saturday morning.

Would you have any ideas for accommodation with breakfast included that could help me avoid the center of Marrakech and let me quickly get back on the road? I checked Booking but didn’t find many options... Do you think it’s better to pick up the car right at the airport in the evening or have it delivered to the hotel the next day? Thanks in advance for your replies! !

Hi there,

We’ll be traveling to Egypt in mid-February and plan to spend a full day on the Giza Plateau: visiting the pyramids site + the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum). The question is simple: in what order should we do these two visits? I’m torn: - Pyramids in the morning because it’s less crowded, or in the afternoon for the setting sun? - GEM in the morning since tickets are timed slots, so it’d be easier to stick to the schedule than if we visit the pyramids first (we don’t know exactly how long our visit will take and when we’ll be able to get to the GEM), or in the afternoon? Anyway, I’m looking forward to your suggestions for planning this day!

On another note, the day before, we’ll arrive at our hotel on the Giza Plateau around 2:30 PM. How could we spend the rest of the afternoon (keeping in mind we don’t want to overdo it since we’ll have just flown in from France and had a very short night before!)?

Thanks in advance!

Hello, We’d like to spend a week in Luxor and Aswan in February. I’d asked a tour operator to organize the trip for us, but I think it’s way too expensive for what’s included. So I’m going to try to plan it myself, and with your help if you don’t mind. We’re 76 and 77 years old and in good shape, but I doubt we’ll be getting up at 6 a.m. every day. I bought a paper guidebook, but I haven’t read it all yet. We arrive on a Saturday at 5 p.m. and leave the following Saturday at 6 p.m. Here’s what I’d like to do: The first three days in Luxor: - Valley of the Kings: 3 tombs + Seti I and Ramses VI, and Hatshepsut; see the Colossi of Memnon along the way. Ramesseum??? First question: How much time do we need for this? I can’t figure it out. Can we see anything else the same day without feeling overwhelmed or too tired?

- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?

- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?

No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?

What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.

- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.

- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.

- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck