Family Holidays in Morocco – Plan family holidays in Morocco: kid-friendly desert trips, camel rides, family itineraries and practical tips for travelling with children.
Morocco is a wonderful destination for a family holiday. Children are welcomed everywhere with a smile, the food is tasty and simple, and every day brings something new: colourful markets, mountain villages, camels, palm oases and the giant dunes of the Sahara. With good planning and a private driver, a family trip to Morocco is relaxed, safe and full of unforgettable moments.
This guide shares our best family itineraries, the activities kids love most and practical tips for travelling with children in Morocco.
Why Morocco is great for families
- Family culture: in Morocco family is central, and children are treated with warmth and patience.
- Short flights from Europe: two to four hours from most European cities, with little or no jet lag.
- Adventure for every age: camel rides, sandboarding, 4×4 trips, nights in a desert camp and walks in the mountains.
- Private transport: with your own vehicle and driver you stop whenever the children need a break.
- Learning on the road: kids discover new languages, landscapes, animals and traditions without opening a schoolbook.
Activities children love in Morocco
Camel rides in the Sahara
Riding a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset is the highlight of most family holidays. Rides are calm and guided on foot by Berber cameleers, and the duration can be adapted for younger children.
A night in a desert camp
Children love sleeping in a tent in the middle of the dunes, listening to Berber drums around the fire and looking at a sky full of stars. Families who want more comfort can choose a luxury camp in Erg Chebbi with private tents.
Sandboarding and dune games
Sliding down the dunes on a sandboard is pure fun for kids and teenagers. Watching the sunset and sunrise in Merzouga from the top of a dune is just as magical.
4×4 adventures and nomad visits
A 4×4 tour in Merzouga lets families explore the desert, meet nomad families, see oases and listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia village.
Cities, souks and gardens
In Marrakech, children enjoy the storytellers and musicians of Jemaa el-Fna and the shady gardens of the city. In Fes, the medina feels like a giant maze, and in Chefchaouen the blue streets are perfect for family photos.
Best family itineraries in Morocco
Short break: 3 days from Marrakech to the desert
Ideal for families with limited time: Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Gorge, a camel ride and a night in the Sahara. See our 3 days desert tour from Marrakech.
Relaxed pace: 4 or 5 days
Shorter driving days and more time to play in the dunes. Families often choose our 4 days desert tour from Marrakech or the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech, with two nights in the desert if the children want more.
One week: cities and Sahara
Combine Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes and more in one trip. Our 7 day Morocco itinerary shows how to plan a balanced week with children.
Two nights in the dunes
For families who want to slow down, 2 nights in Merzouga give time for camel rides, sandboarding, a 4×4 trip and plenty of rest.
Tips for travelling with children in Morocco
- Plan short driving days: we split long routes with stops in villages, gorges and viewpoints.
- Choose the right season: spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In summer, desert activities happen early in the morning and at sunset. More details in our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
- Food: couscous, tagines, grilled chicken, bread, omelettes and fresh fruit are easy for children. Drink bottled water.
- Sun and wind: bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light scarf for the desert.
- Warm clothes for the night: desert nights can be cold, even after a hot day.
- Child seats: tell us the ages of your children in advance so we can plan the vehicle and seating.
- Health: pack a small first aid kit and check with your doctor and your country’s official travel advice before travelling.
Plan your family holiday with Merzouga Packages
We are a local Berber team at the doors of the Sahara, and we love welcoming families. Tell us the ages of your children, your dates and what your family enjoys, and we will design a private itinerary with the right pace, comfortable accommodation and activities for everyone.
Contact us to plan your family holiday in Morocco, or read our Merzouga desert travel guide.
Family Holidays in Morocco: useful information
With Merzouga Packages, “Family Holidays in Morocco” is a private experience run by a local Berber team that lives in Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The program adapts to your pace, with pick-up from your hotel or riad, an experienced driver-guide and hand-picked accommodation.
For more ideas, see also these pages: Morocco Tours and FAQ. To learn more about the places you will visit, read the article on Erg Chebbi on Wikipedia.