Morocco with Kids: My Guide to Planning a Morocco Family Trip
Last Updated on September 20, 2024
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.
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.
Table of Contents
- Morocco with Kids
- Is it Easy to Travel Morocco with Kids?
- Moroccans’ Attitude to Kids
- Is it Safe to Travel Morocco with Kids?
- How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
- How to Get to Morocco
- When to Travel Morocco with Kids
- How Long to Travel Morocco with Kids?
- Getting Around Morocco with Kids
- What to Consider when Booking a Morocco Family Tour
- Language in Morocco
- What to Eat in Morocco with Kids
- Where to Eat in Morocco with Kids
- Where to Stay in Morocco with Kids
- Things to Do in Morocco with Kids
- What to Pack for a Morocco Trip
- Health Concerns in Morocco
- Food and Water Safety in Morocco
- Cost of Travel in Morocco with Kids
- Practical Tips for Traveling Morocco with Kids
- More Information on Morocco Travel
- Travel Resources
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: Camp out in the Sahara Desert and indulge in 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 Travel Insurance for Kids
It’s important to have travel insurance for travel during the pandemic. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. They cover kids for free as long as you’ve got a plan with them. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before the coverage start date.
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. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
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, although it gets really hot in the summer months of July and August. It can get up to 55 degrees Celsius in summer, but it is still possible to visit the coastal area and northern Morocco where temperatures are mild. 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.
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 a Morocco Family Tour
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.
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.
What to Eat in Morocco with Kids
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 traditional riads, Moroccan 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. We went on a private tour with Sun Trails and both my daughter and I thought it was one of the best trips of our lives. 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 18th 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
- Always pack a lightweight jacket for the chilly nights regardless of when you’re traveling. If you’re visiting the Sahara, the temperature difference between night and day is big in the Sahara regardless of when you visit.
- You might want to bring a down jacket for your kids as well if you’re traveling Morocco in winter.
- To protect yourself from the sun, bring a wide-rimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- 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, long-sleeved tunics and 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.
- Don’t forget to bring some of your kids’ favorite toys or coloring books to keep them entertained on long car journeys.
Health Concerns in 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 in Morocco
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.
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 different way of life.
- In Morocco’s often-searing heat, you’ll need to be extra careful with heat exhaustion and dehydration. Avoid traveling in the interior during midsummer, when temperatures rise to 40°C plus.
- Muslims observe holy days on Fridays, which means that many people to the mosques to pray. Souks will certainly be quieter and many businesses will be closed. In the evenings, however, things can get quite busy — especially Djemma el-Fna square in Marrakech — after prayers are over. Many main tourist attractions remain open on Friday, but it is worth planning ahead if you have a must-see sight or experience on your Morocco itinerary.
- Be careful about what photos you take when visiting Morocco. Some women might not want their photo taken at all and will shield their faces. Others will expect a tip, especially in Djemma el-Fna square.
- Haggling is part of the culture in Morocco, so be ready if you’re planning to buy lots of artwork or ceramic home. It can be a little uncomfortable for some people, but don’t take things too seriously and just have fun. Be aware that prices at souks in Morocco are dramatically marked up. The shopkeepers expect haggling so don’t be afraid to offer half the price they offered.
More Information on Morocco Travel
On an ending note, I just want to remind you to slow down, take your time and have fun. Enjoy the beautiful country with your family in a relaxing pace! I hope this Morocco with kids guide has been useful to you. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments you may have below.
Here are more articles that I’ve written about Morocco and nearby countries:
- Sahara Desert Tour
- Oman Travel Guide
- Sudan Travel Guide
- Eritrea Travel Guide
- Ethiopia Travel Guide
- A Guide to Ethiopian Food
- Celebrating Timkat in Ethiopia
- The Rock Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
- Pakistan with Kids
- Dubai with Kids
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
Travel Resources
Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page.
- Booking Flights: Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
- Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
- Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
- Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
- Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars, as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
- Transportation: Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud. They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
- Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable.
- Internet/Data: Get an eSIM on Airalo before your trip to stay connected wherever you go. Just download the app before your trip, purchase a data package and voila! No need to change SIM cards or visit a telco store.
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The Comments
Philip
Thanks for this awesome post, Nellie! :)
THomas
Hi. We are planning to book a trip this August for a month and really want to go to Morocco but we are afraid of the heat for our 4 years old?
What would you suggest?
Otherwise where else would you suggest to go?
Nellie Huang
THomashey Thomas, thanks for dropping by! If you can only go in August, I recommend visting Marrakech, Essaouira and High Atlas mountains or the North of Morocco (eg Tangier and Chefchaouen) where temperatures are always mild. It won’t be that hot in the northern areas and I’m sure your daughter would love it, especially Chefchaoeun where all the buildings are blue and it’s pretty charming. Essauoira is on the coast and you guys can even try surfing with your kid (we did recently in Costa Rica and she liked it – at first!). It would be too hot to visit the Sahara though. Marrakech is awesome, with the labyrinth of shops and teahouses in the Medina — many of which are shaded so that’s a good way to hide from the sun!
Eden
Hi Nellie! My family (2 adults + very active 5yo) are planning to spend 3 weeks from late June to mid July in Morocco so thank you for this helpful post. We normally prefer renting a motorcycle whenever we travel, but I’m guessing it will be just too hot, so perhaps a self-drive car would be better. For itinerary: would Marrakech, Fes, Essaouaria, Chefchaouen and High Atlas make sense during this time of year? Quite sad we won’t be able to do anything Sahara-related :(
Nellie Huang
EdenYes that itinerary is perfect for late June as it really gets hot. It’s great that you have three weeks so you should have plenty of time to see them all!
Shelly
Hi Nellie – we’re travelling with our kids (3 and 6) in late Feb/early March. We really want to do a Sahara tour but our youngest isn’t that patient with long car rides. Do you recall if there are a lot of stops along the way where you get out of the vehicle and can walk around/burn off energy? Thanks so much – I really appreciate all the info you’ve provided in your post :)
Nellie Huang
Shellyhi Shelly, thanks for dropping in! Oh yes, the Sahara tour I did was very flexible. My guide Boujeema has kids himself (one of whom is 2 years old) so he absolutely understands how it is. He was always asking if we wanted to stop or take a break and he even helped me carry my kid from time to time. I think it’s about finding the right Sahara tour for you and your family. I was very glad I went with Sun Trails and the trip was just perfect. Also you can let them know that your kid doesn’t like long car rides, so they can design an itinerary that suits you better. Maybe breaking down the journey into more days or something. I’d suggest asking for a car seat (which they have) so your kids are safe and can nap properly in the car.
Felicia
Hi Nellie,
Thanks so much for your excellent blog! We are thinking of going to Morocco with our three kids (14, 10 and almost 5) over the Xmas holidays. We’ve never been to Morocco and so were thinking of booking an organised tour, but after checking some of the hotels, I thought we might do better (and get better value) on our own. Your Sahara Desert tour looked amazing and something I think all my kids would like. (We travelled across Costa Rica last Xmas and on the winding roads the Dramamine – or as we call it in Canada – Gravol – was a definite asset.) What do you think would be a good itinerary for us and could we book a guide to take us around Morocco rather than taking an organized European based tour?
Nellie Huang
Feliciahi Felicia, thanks for dropping in! Good to hear that you’re keen on traveling Morocco with your kids too. We had such a blast on this trip! My daughter absolutely loved it, especially when we were in the Sahara. Honestly, the Sahara Desert tour changed my perspective of Morocco as well (having been there three times prior, on my own) and showed me a lot more of the backcountry than on my past few trips. I personally love nature more than bustling cities, so I was really captivated on this trip. How much time do you have in total? My tour was exactly like how you described it, we flew there and had a few days in Marrakech on our own, before a guide came to pick us for the tour. It was very affordable for the quality accommodation, restaurants and guide we had. Our guide has young kids, so he knows how it is to travel with children. You can read more about my Sahara desert tour here. If you like, I can connect you with the company and they’ll be happy to design an itinerary for you.
bruno
Hi Nellie, Thanks for a great trip review. I will be travelling with my two 10yo kids next March and we are planning to hire a car in Marrakesh to reach the desert through the high atlas. are the roads ok, safe for daylight travelling? my last road trip there was 15years ago and i remember that driving was a bit crazy specially at night (donkeys wandering on the road, cows on the central part of motorways, vehicles with no headlights driving at night…)
Nellie Huang
brunohey Bruno, the roads are ok and safe for daylight traveling before you reach the desert. But once you are actually in the desert, you’ll need the right kind of vehicle (4WD) and know how to maneuver the car in sand. It’s not easy and I don’t recommend driving in the desert if you have no experience.
MJ
Hi Nellie,
Great blog. Thanks for sharing it.
We’re thinking of heading over in late May, early June but are worried about heat at that time.
We’re also travelling with 2 children Girl and boy) who are tweens/early teens, although fairly adventurous in what they are willing to experience and eat.
Love some of the suggestions of great places to visit in Morooco, but wondering if you have any particular tips for that time of year and about travelling in Morooco with that age group.
Thanks,
MJ
Nellie Huang
MJhi MJ, thanks for dropping in! I’m afraid I haven’t traveled with tweens before – my girl is only 4.5 years old. It will be warm by late May, but definitely still tolerable. June is fine, July is really when it gets too hot and also when Ramadan takes place. Most guest houses by the dunes are closed. People fast until 7- 8 PM so they are not at their 100%.
It also depends on where you’re planning to go. If you’re worried about the temperature, then avoid the desert and head to the Atlantic Coast. Places like Essauoira and Chefchouan are beautiful and popular with young travelers who are into surfing and photography. Your tweens might enjoy learning to surf! You can also head to the Atlas Mountains with lots of hiking opportunities and where it’s cooler.
Jas
Great blog and very informative! I am planning on going with my family and we have a 10 year old and a 1 year old. Will the Sahara tour be good at that time of the year or too hot?
Jas
JasI meant to say we are planning at the mid/end of August!
Nellie Huang
Jashi Jas, it will be too hot in August. In fact the tour operators in Morocco don’t recommend visiting in July and August. Some camps and lodges in the Sahara will be closed then. They advise coming in April or May for more pleasant climate. Alternatively, you can also visit in August but skip the Sahara and head to the coast or Atlas Mountains. I personally think the Sahara is a highlight, so would advise moving your trip to another date.
Talha
Hi Nellie – Just wanted to let you know that this blog was super useful so thank you so much for writing it. My wife and I have a trip planned to Morocco and Spain in late November (Thanksgiving in the US). We have 4 kids (between 14 and 3 yrs old). I am planning to go to Marrakech for a few days, then up through Casablanca to Meknes and/or Fez, and then over to Tangier (maybe through Chefchouen) and take a ferry over to Spain. We’ll have about 7 days or so in Morocco. The desert tour sounds interesting but our family can’t take long car rides. We want to explore the culture, mosques (we’re Muslims) and cities. I would appreciate any suggestions you have.
Luara
Great way to visit choice parts of Morocco. My partner and I chose the “Marrakech, desert and southern Morocco in 8 days” tour and it was an unforgettable experience, far beyond our expectations. The natural and cultural wonders are numerous, but, what should not be underestimated, are enhanced by a type of itinerary that favors the perfect balance between a tourist experience and a deeper one, in contact with the territory and its wonderful inhabitants, without, however, give up on comfort. We also had a great time with our guide ismail, always nice and helpful, he explained many things about local culture and traditions. We were completely carefree, which is the fundamental thing to fully enjoy a holiday.
Adrar Travel
lovely article, indeed Morocco is a great place to travel with kids! Thank you for sharing such an experience
touristify
This is a very nice article, Morocco is a magnificent place with its history and nature, you should definitely visit and discover it city by city.