Morocco with kids: a family guide to the desert, the Atlas and Marrakech

Camel rides, waterfalls, quads and a night in the dunes: how to plan a family trip to Morocco, with pacing tips and the activities children love most.

Morocco is a wonderful country to travel with children. Families are welcomed warmly everywhere, children are made a fuss of, and the country is full of experiences that feel like an adventure story: camels, sand dunes, snowy mountains and colourful markets.

Pace the trip for children

• Break up long drives. The road to the Sahara is long. A private vehicle lets you stop whenever you need — for photos, a playground or a snack. Choose itineraries with a night on the way rather than one very long day.
• Keep afternoons light in summer. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and late afternoon, with a pool or riad terrace in between.
• Stay two nights in the same place whenever possible; children settle better.

The activities children love most

• A night in the Sahara. The camel ride to the camp, sandboarding down the dunes and the stars at night are unforgettable. See the 3-Day Merzouga Tour.
• A sunset camel ride near Marrakech. No time for the Sahara? The Agafay desert is under an hour from the city: sunset camel ride and dinner.
• Waterfalls and rivers. The Ourika valley is close to Marrakech, with a short walk to the waterfalls and riverside cafés: Ourika day trip. Hold small hands on the rocky path.
• A vintage sidecar ride. Children usually ride in the sidecar with an adult, through parts of Marrakech that buses never reach: sidecar ride.
• A hot-air balloon at sunrise. The minimum age is five: balloon flight over Marrakech.
• Quads in Agafay. Drivers usually must be adults, but children can often ride as passengers — ask us for the age rules.

Practical tips

• Car seats: tell us the ages of your children when you book so that suitable seats can be arranged.
• Sun and water: hats, sunscreen and plenty of bottled water, all year round.
• Food: Moroccan food is flavourful but rarely spicy. Bread, grilled chicken, omelettes, couscous and fresh orange juice are easy wins.
• Animals: the Barbary macaques at Ouzoud and Azrou are wild — enjoy them from a distance and do not feed them.
• Noise: the rifle shots of a fantasia show are very loud; warn young children beforehand.
• Riads: many have steep stairs and open courtyards, so ask for a family room on a low floor with toddlers.

How old is old enough?

Children of all ages travel in Morocco. From about six years old, children get the most out of the desert and the medinas; with babies and toddlers, choose shorter drives and stays close to Marrakech.

Tell us the ages of your children and we will adapt the pace, the rooms and the activities.