For intrepid parents, Morocco is a great family travel destination. This is my comprehensive travel guide to Morocco with kids.
Morocco is undoubtedly the most adventurous country you can get to travel within just a few hours of Europe. Its bustling souks offer a sensory overload, while its deserts are a kaleidoscope of colors. From the Sahara sand dunes to the fortified villages, the country is brimming with exotic sights and exciting experiences for curious travelers.
Related Articles
I’ve just returned from my fourth trip to Morocco, this time with my four-year-old daughter in tow. I just can’t seem to get enough of Morocco, regardless of how many times I’ve been. Perhaps it’s the infectious atmosphere in the souks, or magic of the Sahara Desert or the hospitality of the Berbers — I have definitely fallen for the spell of Morocco.
Morocco with kids is a breeze in terms of travel logistics, but also simply excellent for adventure. On a short trip, you can easily experience the mountains, deserts, ancient cities and a rich culture. So different, so exciting, and just so much fun.
Morocco with Kids
Is it Easy to Travel Morocco with Kids?
Visiting Morocco with kids is an exciting adventure. It’s so exotic and culturally distinctive — yet it’s just a short 3-hour flight from most of Europe and it’s on the same time zone as the UK. It gives your kids a taste of somewhere completely different, without being too overwhelming.
Morocco is ideal for parents who once travelled to intrepid destinations and don’t necessarily fancy a beach vacation now that they’ve got kids. At the same time, it has plenty to capture a child’s imagination: Join a caravan of camels across the Sahara Desert and stop for tea, Berber storytelling and music in the dunes. Spend days getting lost in the maze-like souk of Marrakesh, learn surfing with your kids on the beach town of Agadir, or go sand boarding on the dunes. There is so much adventure to be had for kids!
In the last 10 years, Morocco has become a hugely popular destination, not just for Europeans but also international travelers. As a result, the country has developed decent tourism infrastructure, with excellent highways, beautiful traditional riads to stay at, and good restaurants everywhere. You can easily travel within the country by train or bus, and there are lots of tour operators who run Sahara desert tours that will take you from Marrakesh onto the sand dunes of Chigaga.
Moroccans’ Attitude to Kids
Moroccan society is a very family-oriented one and Moroccans are incredibly friendly to kids. Family is the priority for Moroccans and children are typically spoiled rotten by elder relatives. Children help break the ice and encourage contact with Moroccans, who are generally very friendly, helpful and protective towards families.
For those traveling with little ones, expect to have people frequently coming up to you and admiring your children, affectionately caressing or possibly kissing their cheeks, inviting you in to their shops and cafés, and even offering free tea. It was absolutely endearing to see how much attention and love the locals gave to Kaleya.
It was definitely a different experience traveling Morocco with my daughter vs as a single traveler. Kaleya instantly bridged the gap between us and Moroccans. I felt like I interacted with a lot more Moroccans on this trip, and got to experience their warmth and friendliness almost immediately.
Is it Safe to Travel Morocco with Kids?
Unfortunately, recent news about the murder of two Scandinavian backpackers in Morocco have shaken the world. Understandably, some people are concerned with safety issues in Morocco now.
Compared with other countries in North Africa, Morocco has been largely insulated from militant attacks, having experienced only two major attacks since 2000. While many governments advise citizens to keep caution when traveling to Morocco, you’ll find that Moroccans are a peace-loving people and the country has been politically stable for years.
I personally I feel that Morocco is still a very safe place to travel. I never once felt unsafe, even when I was traveling as a solo parent with my daughter. There are mostly small crimes in Morocco (scams, pickpockets and harassment of women) and you’re unlikely to be assaulted or seriously hurt as a tourist in the country.
In the more touristy areas of Morocco (such as Marrakech souks), vendors can sometimes harass tourists especially solo female travelers. Those with small children should be careful when walking in major cities as motorcyclists don’t usually follow traffic rules. Otherwise, practice common sense as always and you’ll be just fine.
How to Get to Morocco
Morocco is a short flight from most of Europe (and even a 1-hour car ferry from southern Spain). Marrakech Menara Airport is the main gateway to Morocco. Budget airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair fly from many cities in Europe to Marrakech for as cheap as 40 euros return. I paid just 50 euros return for my flight from Eindhoven, NL! You can also get cheap flights to Fez or Casablanca for as cheap as 40 euros return.
A more interesting way to get to Morocco is by car ferry from southern Spain. The journey from Algeciras to Tangier takes only one hour and you can bring your vehicle along — awesome for a road trip! We took that once and it was amazingly fast and comfortable.
Search for Flights to Marrakech here!
When to Travel Morocco with Kids
Morocco can be visited year round, except for the summer months of July and August when it gets way too hot. Your kids (and you) won’t be enjoying the scorching heat and sizzling temperatures of around 40 to 55 degrees Celsius in summer. In winter, the days are relatively warm (hovering above 18 deg C) but the temperature can drop below freezing at night in the Sahara and Atlas Mountains (especially in December and January). Sandstorms are more frequent between January and May.
The best time to travel morocco with kids is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild. But this is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds than usual. We visited in early March, just before the tourist crowds flood in. The weather was fantastic, warm enough for short-sleeved shirts and the nights were pleasant.
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam, during which the Muslims refrain from drinking and eating from dusk till dawn (4 am to 7.30 pm in Morocco). In 2019, Ramadan will begin around 5 May and end around June 4, give or take one day. It is still worthwhile to visit during Ramadan but note that businesses don’t usually open before 11 or 12 in the morning and dinner in restaurants is only from 8.30pm onwards.
How Long to Travel Morocco with Kids?
For first-time visitors to Morocco, I recommend taking at least two weeks to travel Morocco. That will give you enough time to do a Sahara desert tour, explore the fascinating cities of Marrakech and Fez, the charming blue town of Chefchauoen and the beaches of Agadir or Essaouira.
On this particular trip, we spent one week in Morocco — two days in Marrakesh and five days exploring the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert region. Marrakesh for me is absolute magic, though it has become very touristy in recent years. It’s still a good place to get an introduction to Morocco and rest up before venturing into the Sahara. I recommend spending at least 3 days in Marrakesh to have time to wander around the souk leisurely and visit the gardens as well as palaces.
You’ll need around 3-5 days to explore the Sahara Desert region. It takes two days of driving just to get to the Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara. Along the way, there are loads to see: from the ancient mud-walled fortresses to Berber towns and of course the spectacular Atlas Mountains.
Getting Around Morocco with Kids
Morocco is relatively easy to travel on public transport. I have been to Morocco four times — on this trip, we traveled on a guided tour to the Sahara, but I traveled independently using public transport on the past few trips.
By Train
Morocco’s excellent train network is one of Africa’s best, linking most of the major cities. Trains are reasonably priced, and they’re comfortable, fast and generally run to their timetables. The ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer) runs the network.
There are two main lines: Tangier down to Marrakesh via Rabat and Casablanca; and Oujda or Nador in the northeast down to Marrakesh, passing Fez and Meknes. A high-speed (TGV) line linking Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca opened in 2018, reducing the travel time between Tangier and Casablanca from five hours to just over two hours.
By Bus
The ONCF train company runs Supratours buses to complement its rail network. For example, train passengers continuing south from Marrakesh link up at the station with coaches to destinations including Agadir and Ouarzazate.
The most comprehensive nationwide bus network, CTM, serves most destinations of interest to travellers. Established in 1919, it’s Morocco’s oldest bus company. CTM coaches are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and heating. On CTM buses, children aged four years and over pay full fares. Where possible, book ahead for CTM and Supratours buses.
By Guided Tour
If you are planning to explore the Sahara Desert (which I highly recommend it as it is the highlight of Morocco for us!), then I recommend booking a Sahara Desert tour. Otherwise the only option is to rent a 4WD which itself is expensive and you’ll need to have some experience and technical know-how to drive that.
We went on a 5-day desert trip with Sun Trails, a boutique tour operator that designs tailor-made private tours to let you experience beneath the surface of Morocco. We didn’t just visit sites — we had tea with a nomadic family, met local Berbers who showed us how their village, and stayed in a private Bedouin tent in the sand dunes of the Sahara.
What I liked most about the Caravans Dust tour we did was how it brought us off the beaten path. We wouldn’t have visited those places ourselves were it not for our Moroccan guide Boujeema. He is also extremely knowledgable about all things Moroccan and could answer any question I had with in-depth explanations.
Read my Review of the Sahara Desert Tour
What to Consider when Booking Tours in Morocco
Tourism is huge business in Morocco, so there are plenty of companies that offer Sahara desert tours. These can range from $70 for a 3-day Morocco desert tour in a big coach to $700 for an exclusive private tour in SUV. The mainstream coach tours all go to the same spots and visit the same sites. They’re herded around in big groups, visiting touristy spots with other people who are hungry for selfies. I’ve heard terrible things about budget Sahara tours, including scams and sexual harassment. Be sure to research properly before choosing your tour company.
Both my daughter and I had a blast on our trip with Sun Trails because they understood what we were looking for. We wanted an authentic experience, off the beaten path, staying at little boutique hotels and eating at local restaurants. The owner himself has young kids, and he understands that families with little ones have different needs to others.
I cannot sing enough praises for our guide Boujeema who took great care of us. He has two young kids himself, so he’s always keeping an eye out for my daughter. Whenever she’s climbing a wall or loitering too far off, he’ll be the first to notice. Besides that, he was always patient with us and he knew how things take longer with a kid.
Language in Morocco
The official language in Morocco is Arabic, though most people also speak French due to their colonial history. As tourism is huge in Morocco, you’ll find that most people in Morocco (especially in the main cities) are also able to speak English and Spanish. Language is definitely not a problem in Morocco, so don’t worry about it.
If you are traveling independently or driving, road signs in Morocco are in both Arabic and English. People are incredibly welcoming in Morocco and are always more than happy to help. Learning a few simple words in Arabic such as Assalaam alaykum (hello) and shukran (thank you) will go a long way.
Food in Morocco
Moroccan food is one of my favorite cuisines in the world. The traditional tagine, an earthen pot, is used to cook most Moroccan staples such as meat stews. The meat tagine is usually cooked with vegetables and served with couscous (wheat flour grains).
A big part of the daily meal is bread. Bakeries are very common throughout Morocco and fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village. A wide range of Mediterranean vegetables and fruit such as zucchini, carrots, and olives are also produced here. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan food. The consumption of pork and alcohol is uncommon due to religious restrictions.
Other famous Moroccan dishes are Pastilla (also spelled Basteeya or Bestilla), Tanjia and Harira, a typical heavy soup eaten during winter to warm up and is usually served for dinner during the month of Ramadan. Meat skewers and shawarma (kebab) are also commonly found in most parts of Morocco.
For kids who are not adventurous eaters, most restaurants also serve spaghetti bolognaise or even pizza. Unfortunately those are usually the only options. You’ll find more variety in Marrakesh, particularly in the tourist-filled medina where you can even find KFC and a few other fast-food chains.
Where to Eat in Morocco with Kids
Zeitoun Cafe, Marrakesh
Overlooking the Djemma el Fna square are plenty of cafes and restaurants — but many of them are tourist traps with overpriced menus and disappointing standards. The Zeitoun Cafe is an exception: food is pretty good and well-priced (don’t miss the chicken tagine) and the view is excellent. The juice is freshly squeezed and cheaper than what you’ll find in the main square. We also saw several families with young kids there. Read TripAdvisor reviews.
Le Bougainvillier, Marrakesh
Tucked amidst the busy alleys of the souk, this small restaurant doesn’t quite stand out and is easy to miss. But the food served here definitely surprised me. I recommend ordering the chicken pastela, a Moroccan baked pastry that is both sweet and salty, and filled with chicken, spices and sweet flavors. There’s also a good selection of pizzas and sandwiches. Read TripAdvisor reviews.
La Table du Palais, Marrakesh
Right next to our riad was this elegant, beautiful restaurant centred around a lush green garden and outdoor patio lined with colorful mosaic tiles. Prices are high though, at 250 MAD (US$25) for a main course and a drink. The setting is gorgeous and the food is outstanding. It’s absolutely worth splurging if you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a gourmet meal. Read TripAdvisor reviews here.
Palais Oumensour, Taroudant
We had the best meal of our trip at the in-house restaurant in Palais Oumensour hotel. It was the last stop of our stay and honestly I was craving for something other than cous cous or tajine. Our dinner here was exactly what I was looking for: a refreshing fusion of Moroccan and European flavors with a modern touch. I had a delectable roast turkey leg served in a mound of sweet potato mash, along with an amazing pistachio nougat ice-cream. Read TripAdvisor reviews here.
Where to Stay in Morocco with Kids
The best places to stay in Morocco are riads, which are Moroccan traditional houses with two or more stories around a courtyard. Riads are a great experience of authentic architecture and culture, but some of them might not be suitable for families with kids. They are usually small and intimate. Noise carries everywhere, and there are usually steep stairs around the central patio, with rooms on each level. Some riads also have swimming pools. Do some research when booking the riad to make sure it is kid-friendly.
If you want to stay inside Marrakesh’s medina, be aware that most riads can only be reached on foot. Taxis will stop outside one of the main gates of the medina and you’ll need to find your way in. If your kid can’t walk too far or if you have too much luggage, there are porters with carts waiting outside the gates.
Here are my recommendations for family-friendly hotels:
Riad & Spa Azzouz, Marrakesh
Riad & Spa Azzouz is a modern oasis amidst the chaos of Marrakech’s medina. The small and intimate riad is located right in the midst of the labyrinth-like medina, and yet the soothing ambiance and pastel-colored walls instantly calm me down once I step through its doors. The riad only has six rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace that has a shallow pool (perfect for kids) and Cafe-del-Mar vibes. There were also other kids staying at the riad, which was superb for all the kids! Check the latest rates.
Azalai Desert Lodge, Zagora
An intimate, beautiful lodge near the town of Zagora, surrounded by palm trees and mud-walled houses. Each room/bungalow is named after a famous explorer. The lodge sure does feel like an oasis in the arid land, with its stylish decor and vintage safari-style design. It also has a big outdoor pool, great to take a dip in after a long day of driving. Check the latest rates.
Azalai Desert Camp, Erg Chigaga
Staying in our private Bedouin tent surrounded by giant sand dunes in the Sahara was a special experience. Our Berber hosts were amazing, serving mint tea and cookies to us as we watched sunset on the dunes. We had the most delicious meal on our trip here, feasting on goat cheese pastries and tender lamb tagine under the shimmering stars. That evening, we sat by the campfire and watched the stars until it was time to head in. I couldn’t have asked for a more magical experience.
Dar Infiane, Tata
Located within the ancient fortress in Tata, this simple guesthouse features traditional Berber architecture with charismatic interiors. All of the rooms have stone walls, wooden beams on their ceilings and colorful kilim carpets. The place is in serious need of a renovation, but not a bad place to stay if you’re looking to go off the beaten path. It’s the only decent place to stay in the Tata area. Read the TripAdvisor reviews here.
Palais Oumansour, Taroudant
A quaint oasis in the medina of Taroudant, this elegant heritage hotel is converted from a historical building and transformed into a stylish abode. I love the lush bougainvilleas found all over the hotel and the inviting swimming pool right by the courtyard. There’s plenty of space both outdoors and indoors, with a comfortable pool area and separate tv lounge area where the staff’s kids hang out! Check the latest rates.
Things to Do in Morocco with Kids
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Morocco with kids:
Sahara Desert Tour
The single highlight of our Morocco trip was definitely the Sahara Desert tour. Both my daughter and I thought it was the best experience we had in Morocco. Getting to the Sahara wasn’t easy — it took two days of driving to reach the stunning Erg Chigaga sand dunes. But we saw and experienced a lot along the way: driving over the spectacular Atlas Mountains, seeing hundreds of mud-walled villages, palm groves and ragged canyons.
My daughter had the time of her life in the Sahara! The sand dunes were like a giant playground with endless opportunities to play. We spent hours running up and sliding down sand dunes, before we saw the sun set on the dunes. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my life, especially more so with the mint tea and cookies that the staff served us right on the dunes. That night, we sat by the campfire staring up at the starry skies before snuggling under the blanket in our private luxury camp.
Visiting the UNESCO Mud Village of Ait Ben Haddou
On the way to the Sahara, you’ll see hundreds of ksar (or ksour in plural) or traditional mud-walled villages built by the Berbers during the 16th to 18th centuries. Ait Ben Haddou is the best example of the ksar architecture.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fortified village made up of mud-walled houses stacked up on a hilltop overlooking a river. The first houses here were built in the 11th century but the current version was completed in 18th century. It was made famous by Hollywood movies filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia, Mummy and Game of Thrones. Currently only six families live there, others have all moved out to make place for tourist cafes and restaurants.
Visit Berber Nomads
While driving south of the Sahara Desert, we saw many groups of nomads settled with their sheep and chickens. They live in makeshift tents built out of plastic sheets and metal sticks, often close to a well where they had access to fresh water. These nomads tend to live very simple lives, raising animals for food and milk, and spending most of their time in nature.
We decided to pay a nomadic family a visit. After Boujeema introduced himself, the family warmly welcomed us and spoiled us with tea and bread (as they do for all guests). The Berbers are generous and hospitable people who are never afraid to share. It was an absolute privilege to be welcomed into their home and get to know them.
Walk around the Oasis in Ait Kine
Located 40km outside of Tata, Ait Kine is a small village with an impressive granary from the 16th century. A granary is a storage and fortress that the Berbers built to store their foods (like olives and dates) for months or years. During the times of war, they would hide from enemies in the granary, which became their refuge.
Don’t miss the oasis in Ait Kine, which is a network of lush palm groves, beautiful farm lands and plantations. It was absolutely refreshing walking in the shade of the palm trees, weaving our way along plantations bursting with green beans, chilli, carrots and so much more.
Get Lost in the Medina of Marrakesh
The medina (ancient city) of Marrakesh has narrow alleys, each leading to hidden architectural jewels and unique Moroccan historical sites. Traditionally, it was also where locals lived. So you can expect to find many small mosques, fountains, and markets here. The medina in Marrakesh is also home to magnificent boutique riads and hotels, opulent gardens, restaurants as well as hundreds of handicraft shops, carpet stores and leather stalls. Haggling is part of Moroccan culture, so don’t forget to bargain when you’re shopping.
Join in the Fun at Djemma El Fna Square
Djemaa El Fna Square is said to be the heart and soul of Marrakech. At the signal of sunset, this mysterious and mesmerizing place truly comes alive. Snake charmers fiddle flirtatiously with their cobras, storytellers entertain big crowds, fortune tellers mesmerize tourists with tall tales and the rhythms of Arabic sounds hypnotize the crowds. The square is transformed into a magical medieval styled circus. Whether your kids are two or 12 years old, they’ll surely be fascinated by the sights at Djemma el Fna.
Visit the Gardens and Parks in Marrakesh
Despite the shortage of playgrounds in Marrakesh, there are plenty of lush gardens that are great for kids. Harti Jardin in Gueliz and the Secret Garden in the medina are nice parks to go for a walk with kids. The Cyber Park near the Kotoubia Mosque is another garden that can make for a good walk. Majorelle Garden is another beautiful place to visit with kids, but it gets packed with tourists during the day.
As for parks, there are two small amusement parks in Marrakech that are targeted towards younger children (under 12). Both Ludiparc and Paloozaland are on the edges of the city and do require a vehicle to access. At Ludiparc you’ll find bouncy castles, pony rides, a mini zoo, and an aquapark. Paloozaland is based on a dinosaur theme and has several rides for kids, a 6D cinema, swimming pool, and live shows.
Learn to Surf in Agadir or Taghazout
Surf camps in Morocco are becoming more and more popular with young travelers in Europe. The southern Atlantic coast is a great place for surfers (or wannabe surfers) of all ages and levels. There are surfing clubs in both Agadir and Taghazout which provide all essential equipment for hire or purchase and surf camps or private surfing lessons.
Banana Surf Camp offers surf packages for children from 5 to 13 years old. Lessons take place in a playful way. Safety is also very important with the use of foam boards and adapted for small groups (4-5 children maximum). Details are here.
What to Pack for a Morocco Trip
For those who are visiting the Sahara, keep in mind that the temperature difference between night and day is big in the Sahara regardless of when you visit. Always pack a lightweight jacket for the chilly nights regardless of when you’re traveling. You might want to bring a down jacket for your kids as well if you’re traveling in winter. Other than that, a scarf, fleece and t-shirts and long pants will suffice. Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for the sand/heat.
Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country, Even though they don’t expect foreigners to cover up completely, please show some respect by covering up your knees. Loose harem pants and long dresses that cover your knees are the best things to wear in Morocco. Kids are free to wear short sleeves and shorts.
There are so many twists and turns on the road to the Sahara Desert because you have to pass through the Atlas Mountains. I suggest bring Dramamine or any other motion sickness pills for kids. Also, don’t forget to bring some of your kids’ favorite toys or coloring books to keep them entertained on long car journeys or downtime.
Health Concerns
Health does not need to be a main concern for those looking to travel to Morocco. As a virtually malaria-free country, you do not need to worry about mosquito bites, but remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe (i.e. wearing lightly-colored clothes, using insect repellent in the warmer months, etc.).
There are also no required vaccines to enter the country but you are advised to have your polio and tetanus vaccines in order. If you like to be as safe as possible, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are recommended. We did not take any vaccines for Morocco.
Food and Water Safety
We are used to traveling to countries where the tap water isn’t safe to drink and it’s not a big deal. All the hotels we stayed at provided two bottles of water per day and we only bought water during dinner time just to hydrate more.
As with any other foreign country, street food might not be completely clean. Generally, the Djemaa el Fnaa in Marrakesh, Skala du Port in Essaouira and Port in Agadir are safe places to try Morocco’s local flavors. We did eat some nougat and dates bought from the markets and also had shawarma and roast chicken from the streets of Marrakesh and had no issue.
I also advise travelers to not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits that you haven’t washed yourself or cannot peel in order to avoid an upset stomach during your travels.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
I always recommend getting travel insurance regardless of where you go, or how long you’re traveling for. Travel insurance covers personal loss, theft, and medical incidents. I personally have an annual travel insurance plan from Travel Guard and have used them for many years now.
Many travel insurance providers offer free travel insurance to cover kids who are traveling with their parents, or even grandparents. There is usually a one-to-one ratio, that is you need to have at least one insured adult per traveling child to earn the free coverage. Travel insurance plans usually have a minimum (around 6 months) and a maximum age (17 to 20s) for traveling kids to qualify for the free coverage.
Cost of Travel in Morocco with Kids
Morocco isn’t expensive as compared to Europe or North America, but there are many tourist traps in the popular areas so be sure to do your research and avoid those spots. If you’re planning to book a tour, the tour will probably be the biggest cost. Our 5-day Sahara desert tour cost around US$765 per person.
Accommodation is quite well-priced in Morocco. You can book a beautiful room in a boutique riad (with swimming pool) for around US$50-100 per night. Many riads have big family suites that cost slightly more than a double bedroom.
Restaurants in Marrakech tend to be pricier than those in smaller cities or in the countryside. Expect to pay around 90-150 MAD (US$9 to 15) per person for a decent meal in a restaurant. Some restaurants in Morocco do serve alcohol. Beer costs around 40 MAD ($4) and wine is around 60 MAD ($6).
Practical Tips for Traveling Morocco with Kids
- Make sure the children are up to date with routine vaccinations, and discuss possible travel vaccines well before departure, as some are not suitable for children aged less than a year. Remember to pack rehydration powder in case your child vomits or experiences diarrhea.
- Be aware that squat toilets are more common than Western-style toilets at roadside stops and rural areas. It’s a good opportunity to expose your kids to a
