In this guide
A good Morocco family itinerary keeps driving under about four hours a day and mixes culture with space to run around. Over 8 days that means Marrakech (2 nights), the Atlas foothills (1), Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate (1), a desert camp at Agafay or Zagora rather than a long Merzouga run for young kids, and 2 nights on the coast at Essaouira.
Is Morocco good for families?
Yes, and we say that as people who guide families most weeks. Moroccans love children; your kids will be greeted, fussed over and given sweets. The food is familiar enough (bread, grilled chicken, omelettes, couscous, fresh orange juice), distances from Marrakech are short, and there is plenty of animal time: camels, donkeys, goats in argan trees and Barbary macaques at Ouzoud. The challenges are heat, long drives and busy medina lanes, and a sensible route handles all three.
Best time to travel with children
- Easter holidays (March–April): ideal, with warm days and cool nights.
- October half-term: very pleasant, 25–30°C in Marrakech.
- Christmas: sunny but cold at night, especially in the desert and mountains; bring warm layers.
- July–August: inland heat often passes 40°C; favour the coast and the mountains and keep desert time short.
The 8-day Morocco family itinerary
| Day | Base | Main activity | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech | Arrive, pool, evening at Jemaa el-Fna | 20 min from the airport |
| 2 | Marrakech | Short guided medina walk, Le Jardin Secret, camel ride in the Palmeraie | Minimal |
| 3 | Atlas foothills (Imlil or Ourika) | Easy walk to a waterfall, lunch with a mountain family | 1–1.5 h |
| 4 | Aït Benhaddou / Ouarzazate | Kasbah village, film studios | 3.5–4 h over the Tichka pass |
| 5 | Agafay desert camp | Sunset, stars, campfire | About 4 h back towards Marrakech |
| 6–7 | Essaouira | Beach, port, horse or camel ride on the sand | 2.5–3 h |
| 8 | Marrakech | Transfer to the airport | 2.5–3 h |
Days 1–2: Marrakech in small doses
Pick a riad with a pool, or a hotel in Hivernage or the Palmeraie with a garden, so there is somewhere to recharge. Keep the medina to half-days. Children usually love the snake charmers and orange-juice stalls at Jemaa el-Fna, the storytellers and the lantern shops. For more ideas at kid-height, see our guide to family-friendly things to do in Marrakech.
Day 3: Mountain air
The Atlas valleys are only 1–1.5 hours away. Walking to a waterfall, crossing a rope bridge or meeting a mule on the path is often the day children talk about most. Lunch in a village home is a gentle introduction to Amazigh (Berber) life.
Day 4: Kasbahs and movie sets
Aït Benhaddou looks like a sandcastle come to life, and older kids may recognise it from films and series. In Ouarzazate, the film studios have props, chariots and fake temples to explore.
Day 5: A desert night without the marathon drive
Merzouga's big dunes are amazing, but reaching them means 9–10 hours of driving each way from Marrakech. With under-10s, we usually suggest the stony Agafay desert, 40 minutes from the city, or Zagora's smaller dunes. You still get the camels, the campfire and a sky full of stars.
Days 6–7: The coast
Essaouira is breezy, relaxed and safe to wander. The beach is wide (the Atlantic is cool and the wind is strong, so watch younger swimmers), the port is full of boats and gulls, and there are pony and camel rides on the sand.
Our 8-day private tour of cities, desert and coast starts from €890 per person and can be reshaped into exactly this kind of family pace, with the desert night and hotels chosen for your children's ages.
Travelling with kids: practical tips
- Ask for child seats in advance. They are not standard in Moroccan vehicles, so reserve them when you book.
- Stay hydrated. Bottled water everywhere; buy big bottles and refill small ones.
- Eat simply for the first days. Well-cooked tagines, grilled meat, bread and peeled fruit are safe bets.
- Sun protection. Hats, high-SPF cream and light long sleeves, even in spring.
- Medina rules. Hold hands in the lanes and watch for scooters and donkey carts.
- Cash for small moments. A few coins for a photo with a henna artist or a juice stall.
A private vehicle makes all of this easier: you stop when someone needs the toilet or a snack, not when the bus schedule says so. Our guide to hiring a private driver in Morocco explains costs and vehicles for families.
What to pack for kids
- A light fleece or jumper for every child, even in May and October; mountain and desert evenings are cool.
- Closed shoes for medina lanes and village paths, plus sandals for the beach.
- A small first-aid kit with plasters, rehydration sachets and any regular medicines.
- Wet wipes and hand gel for roadside stops.
- Downloaded films or audiobooks for the longer drives over the Atlas.
Shorter on time?
If you only have five days, drop the kasbah night and do Marrakech, the Atlas, Agafay and Essaouira, or read our comparison of two five-day Morocco routes to see which suits your family.
Quick FAQ
What is the best age to take kids to Morocco?
Any age works, but children from about six upwards get the most out of camels, desert nights and medina stories. With babies and toddlers, keep drives short and stay in places with a garden or pool.
Is the food safe for children?
Yes, with normal care: freshly cooked hot dishes, bottled water and peeled fruit. Most riads will happily make plain pasta or an omelette.
Is a camel ride safe for young kids?
Short rides with a handler leading the camel are fine for most children from around four. A parent can often share the camel with a smaller child.
Let's plan your family trip
Tell us your children's ages, your travel dates and what they are excited about, and we will suggest a route and vehicle. Pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech is free, and booking is by WhatsApp (+212 606-957514) or our website with no online prepayment. See all our private and tailor-made trips to get started.
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