A Morocco desert tour with kids can be the highlight of a family holiday: camels, sand dunes to slide down and a night under the stars. With the right pace and a few precautions it is easy and safe.
Choose the right itinerary
| Children’s age | Suggested trip |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Zagora in 2 days (shorter drives) |
| 5–12 | Merzouga in 3 or 4 days |
| Teens | Merzouga + Erg Chigaga, sandboarding, quad |
For younger children the 2-day Zagora trip limits time in the car. Older kids love the 4-day two-desert tour.
Kid-friendly activities
- Camel rides led on foot by a guide.
- Sandboarding on the dunes.
- Visiting the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia.
- Stargazing at the camp.
Comfort and safety
- Choose a private vehicle to stop whenever needed.
- Pick a comfortable camp with private bathroom.
- Avoid midday sun; bring hats and sunscreen.
- Pack snacks and games for the drive.
When to go
Spring and autumn school holidays are ideal. Summer is very hot, and winter nights are cold but manageable with warm pyjamas.
A realistic family itinerary
With children, shorter driving days make all the difference. A 3-day route from Marrakech to Merzouga works well if you split the long drive with a night in the Dades Valley; a 4-day version adds a relaxed afternoon in the dunes. From Fes, the drive to Merzouga is shorter and can be done in one day with breaks.
| Age | Tips |
|---|---|
| Under 4 | Share a camel with a parent or reach the camp by 4×4; bring a baby carrier for the dunes |
| 4–10 years | Sandboarding, short camel ride, stargazing stories |
| Teenagers | Quad or buggy (with operator), sunrise hike on the high dune |
Packing list for children
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
- Warm pyjamas and a fleece: desert nights can be cold even in spring.
- A small torch or headlamp for the camp.
- Favourite snacks, wet wipes and a refillable water bottle.
- Car-sickness remedies for the Tizi n’Tichka mountain road.
Keeping it fun
Children usually love the camel ride, drumming around the fire and sliding down the dunes. Give them a job, like spotting animal tracks in the sand or counting shooting stars. Ask for our family-friendly desert tours: we adapt driving times and camps to your children.
Health and comfort on the road
On a Morocco desert tour with kids, the biggest challenges are long drives, sun and heat. Choose departure times that match your children’s rhythm, plan a stop every one and a half to two hours and keep drinks and snacks in the car. Sunscreen, hats and hydration are essential even in winter, as the desert sun is strong. Most camps can prepare simple meals for children if you ask in advance, and many have extra blankets for cold nights.
Finally, involve children in the preparation: show them photos of camels, dunes and kasbahs, and let them pack their own small bag with a torch, a notebook and a cap. Children who feel part of the adventure usually handle long drives much better and remember the trip for years.
Key takeaways
- Shorter routes for young kids.
- Private tour = flexible stops.
- Spring and autumn are best.
Ask us for a family-friendly custom tour or browse our Morocco tours.
To prepare your trip, also see the official website of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
FAQ: morocco desert tour with kids
Is the Sahara safe for children?
Yes, with a reputable operator, sun protection and plenty of water, families travel safely every year.
Can toddlers ride camels?
Small children can ride with a parent on the same camel, led on foot by a guide.
How long is the drive for kids?
Around 7 hours to Zagora and 9–10 hours to Merzouga from Marrakech, split with many stops.
Are desert camps comfortable for families?
Comfortable camps offer family tents with private bathrooms and good beds.