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

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Morocco for a full 8 days in early November—it’s my first time visiting. I’m traveling solo and arrive in Agadir on Sunday at 10 PM. I plan to rent a car to get around. I’m reaching out to get your advice so I can plan my trip as well as possible... Here are my questions: 1 - Given my late arrival, is it better to stay overnight in Agadir for the first night? If so, do you have any hotel recommendations, and is transportation easy to arrange at that hour? 2 - Do you have any trusted rental car companies to recommend in Agadir? 3 - For 7 days, here’s the route I’ve planned: Agadir → Taroudant → Taliouine → Tafraoute → Tiznit → Agadir. Does this route seem good (not too short, not too long, any spots worth adding?), considering I enjoy driving? 4 - Should I book my accommodations in advance? Thanks in advance for your recommendations! I hope these questions aren’t too repetitive compared to what’s already been asked on the forum. Sébastien

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’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

hi,

I’m planning to take the SETE-TANGER ferry with my car.

No agency in my town sells tickets.

Has anyone done this before and can point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

have a good day

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! 😊

Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site (though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info (name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal? Thanks for your replies.

Hi there, I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026. In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.

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 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! 💖

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!

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, Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.

Hi there, I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days. We’ll be renting a car to get around. Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy? My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal! Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!

Hi everyone, just back from the 8-day Marrakech-Merzouga loop by car, and I’d love to share my feedback in case it helps some of you. Big thanks to all the forum members who kindly answered my questions!

Trip from Friday the 20th to Saturday the 28th, flying out of Marseille with Ryanair

- Landed late around 8 PM local time, exchanged some currency, and the rental agency (Magdaz Car, which I highly recommend) delivered the car straight to the airport with some great route tips (don’t blindly trust Maps.me). The night drive was a bit intense—lots of people out and about due to Ramadan. Stayed at Riad Midhou (really nice) on the outskirts of the city, which made it easy to hit the road the next morning.

- Day 1: Marrakech to Skoura. The drive was smooth, roads are great, but watch out for roundabout priority—it’s different from France. Beautiful route. Quick stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, Ait Benhaddou for the view (stunning), and the Fint Oasis (meh...). Spent the night at Taloute Ecolodge in Skoura, overlooking the palm grove (super cozy).

- Day 2: Skoura to Todgha Gorges via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorges. Adventure-packed day! We crossed the Valley of Roses (pretty, but not as amazing as I’d hoped) and took a "shortcut" recommended by the *Routard* guide to reach the Dades Gorges without backtracking. After asking locals, they said, "It’s doable." Turns out it was a narrow, rocky cliffside track—no way to turn around! A stressful moment, with a nice scratch on the bumper and a good sweat. Fine in an SUV or 4x4, but not in a Logan... Then the Dades Gorges (nice) and a detour through the north to reach Todgha from above. Gorgeous mountain road and a quick stop on some snow patches—touching African snow! Spent the night at *Les Gorges de Todgha*—great place, except for the bathroom. The Todgha Gorges themselves are stunning!

Day 3: Todgha to Merzouga. Beautiful drive, and the view of the erg (sand dunes) on arrival is breathtaking! Totally worth the trip. Explored the desert and stayed at *Café du Sud* hotel just outside Merzouga—absolutely gorgeous.

Day 4: Merzouga. Desert exploration and chilling by the hotel pool (with a bonus sunburn). Lunch in Merzouga—I recommend *Dakar*—their lemon tajine was amazing. Spent the night in the hotel’s luxury camp, including a camel ride. The camp was beautiful, but I was disappointed we weren’t deeper in the desert given the price (100 € per person, including dinner, breakfast, and camel ride).

Day 5: Merzouga to Tamnougalt. Gorgeous route. First fine (a supposed stop sign...) but the officer was super nice—only 150 MAD. Stayed at *Kasbah Maktob*, right in the middle of ruins—really unique and beautiful!

Day 6: Tamnougalt to Marrakech. Another beautiful drive, and a second fine (minor speeding), same amount. Crossed a windy mountain pass during a big storm—traffic was blocked in the opposite direction (not sure why), causing massive jams for those coming from Marrakech. A few downed cables, but nothing serious. Arriving in Marrakech was tricky—hard to find the rental agency, and the traffic was intense (watch out for GPS trying to send you through the medina). Ask the rental company to meet you somewhere quiet. They didn’t even notice the damaged bumper... Stayed at *Riad Zifamo* in the heart of the medina. Big change of pace—so many people and so much hustle!

Day 7: Marrakech. Lots of wandering through the souk and a quick trip to Gueliz (not essential). A few tips for the medina: watch out for scooters weaving too fast, always negotiate prices (aim for at least 1/3 off what they ask, unless it’s a small amount), don’t buy spices—more expensive than in France! Head to the *Carrefour Market* in Gueliz for better prices. In the end, not many truly unique items—you’ll find more or less the same things everywhere.

Day 8: Early morning flight. We’d booked a car to the airport from the riad, but a taxi would’ve been fine—plenty available even at 7 AM. Security wasn’t an issue (we had lighters and liquids over 100 ml).

A few extra notes: Pleasantly surprised by the road quality—just a few potholes here and there, but overall very drivable. Watch out for the police—they’re everywhere! The car cost me 30 € per day (with the *Routard* discount) and about 90 € in gas. No safety concerns, no harassment, and no stomach issues, despite the ice in Marrakech. Breakfasts at the hotels were usually hearty—take advantage! The timing (end of February) was perfect—pleasant daytime temps and cool nights. Since it was Ramadan, nothing unusual to report, except it was hard to find food outside Marrakech at lunchtime. If I did it again, Merzouga is a must, but I’d spend a night in a real desert bivouac, deeper in the dunes. My stops (no more than 300 km a day) were well-paced, and with so few cars on the road, it wasn’t tiring—even though I’m not usually a fan of driving... Happy to answer any questions!

Hi fellow travelers, I’m looking for a nice hotel in Agadir, in a lively neighborhood, with a room that has a private bathroom, toilet, and AC (not essential). We’ll be staying for 2 or 3 nights before heading south. We land in the late afternoon—definitely not the best time to go hunting for a place to stay, especially since it’s our first trip to Morocco. Thanks for your tips!

Hi,

Could anyone tell me the date of the Rose Festival in 2026? Also, any recommendations for reasonably priced accommodations in the area, as well as sites to discover in the region? Thanks!

Hi there, Just back from 3 weeks in Morocco, I’m selling a SIM card (INWI operator) at a low price. It still has 15 MAD + 10 GB of data left. This gives you a local Moroccan number to make/receive calls and texts without extra fees, and the data lets you use WhatsApp. See the 2 photos. Sold for 6 euros + postage

Hi everyone, I posted this topic back in March 2023:

I’m asking a question in preparation for a trip (March 2023): is the road identified by Michelin as P1520 paved between Zagora and Tasla? Thanks for your answers—or insights!

I’m heading back in June (2026!) and would love any new info on this Route 1520. Just to clarify, I’ll be in a rental car, so no off-roading. Thanks so much for your replies, and hello to the longtime forum members I still see active here!

Hi everyone, Third trip to Morocco. For a 4-day getaway, we’ve chosen Agadir in early March. I’m looking for advice on where to stay, while being close to the city center and the seaside. Riad? Apartment? Any recommendations?

We’re landing in Agadir, so I assume we’ll need to take a taxi—anyone have a particular one to recommend? Also, we’d like to do a quad bike outing—any agencies you’d suggest? Thanks for your replies!

Florence and Bruno PS: We’re planning a 10-day road trip at the end of May/beginning of June to explore northern Morocco

Hi there, we’re planning a short week in Morocco this coming February with our two kids, aged 8 and 10. We’ll be flying into Agadir and want to drive to Tafraoute with a rental car; we’ll only have 6 full days there (arriving Monday evening and leaving the following Monday afternoon). I’m torn between two loops: Agadir–Tafraoute–Taroudant–Agadir or Agadir–Tafraoute–Tiznit–Agadir (via the Kerdouss Pass).

Either way, I’ve spotted a few places I’d like to see: the Tizourgane kasbah and the Aït Mansour gorges.

Any advice? I’m struggling to figure out if the road between Tiznit and Tafraoute is easy to drive with a rental car in February. Thanks in advance for your tips!

Maïwenn

Hello, we’re a family with two kids aged 3 and 7. We’re heading to Morocco at the end of February for 11 days and would love to take a road trip starting from Marrakech down to the south of the country, exploring the Atlas Mountains, sleeping in the desert, and then making our way to Agadir—all over about 3 days. We’re looking for something authentic and typical. Travel agencies are offering us pre-packaged bus tours at sky-high prices, but that’s not what we’re after at all. Could you help us out? Do you know any local driver-guides who might be interested? Thanks, and best wishes!

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, For a 3-week trip to Morocco, what would be your advice for using your phone locally (to book accommodation, chat with a host on the road, etc.)? Is it better to buy an eSIM before leaving, get a local SIM card once there, or are there other options? Thanks for sharing your good and bad experiences!

Hello VF friends! We’re planning to leave Marrakesh by rental car—this will be our second trip to Morocco. While we want to revisit some places, we also hope to explore new regions. Here’s the start of our itinerary, which could take 2 to 3 weeks. We don’t want to cover too many kilometers each day.

- Depart Marrakech for Essaouira, stopping to visit the Inzerki beehive. We’ll stay 3 nights in Essaouira to explore the city and the surrounding area. - Head toward Tamanar or that region for another 3 nights, exploring on a star-shaped route. We’d like to see the Paradise Valley and the coast. Not really keen on stopping in Agadir.

We’ve been to Tafraoute before, but I’d love to see some *greniers* (granaries) again, so we’re considering 1 or 2 nights there.

- Tiznit for 2 nights, making our way to Plage Blanche. - Guelmin and the Tighmert oasis for 2 nights. - Tata for 2 nights, visiting Akka Iguane and other villages.

After that, we’ll head east.

We’d love to hear about your experiences, great tips, and recommendations!

Thanks so much, and happy holidays!

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, in mid-January my wife and I are leaving from Marrakech heading to the Atlas (Essaouira ==> Dades ==> Merzouga ==> Draa Valley) before finally making our way to Taghazout near Agadir for 2 or 3 days.

The route ends up looking like this, except for the end where we head toward the ocean. https://www.les-covoyageurs.com/ressources/images-produits/photo-produit-29-carte.jpg?v=6

I’m hesitating about renting a car, and since I don’t know the road conditions, I’d like to know if a Dacia Sandero is enough for this kind of trip?

Another thing making me hesitate is the possibility of rain and roads being less passable.

I’m reaching out to more experienced travelers who can share their advice, of course.

Thanks in advance

Hi there,

We’re leaving at the end of December (30th) until the beginning of January (6th) with my partner. I’ll be 6 months pregnant. We’d like to rent a car as soon as we arrive in Marrakesh but don’t want to stay there for New Year’s. We prefer the quiet of nature and remote villages. We’re planning to spend 2 days in Marrakesh before our return flight on the 6th.

What itinerary would you recommend to get off the beaten path, avoid overly touristy areas, and discover the palm groves, desert, and this region of Morocco—without overdoing it, given the advanced pregnancy? Thanks so much,

hi, My wife and I want to take our first trip to Marrakech around 12/27 for 7 nights. If you can help us find somewhere to stay that includes breakfast at a minimum. From what I understand, the most authentic option might be a RIAD. Our plan is to explore Marrakech. Thanks for your help