Planning a Family Trip to Morocco
Focus your itinerary on a 10-day loop starting in Marrakech, heading through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, and ending in Fes. Prioritize private drivers over buses to keep travel times manageable and stress-free for children.
- Limit your destinations. Don't try to see the whole country. Stick to the 'Imperial City' loop—Marrakech, the desert, and Fes. Adding the northern coast adds 8+ hours of driving that kids rarely enjoy.
- Hire a private driver. For a family, hiring a private driver for the transit days (specifically the Marrakech to Merzouga leg) costs about $150–$200 per day. It allows you to stop for bathroom breaks or snacks whenever the kids need it, which public transport won't permit.
- Book Riads with pools. Riads are traditional homes with central courtyards. In the heat of Moroccan afternoons, a pool in your riad is the only way to keep kids occupied and cool while you rest.
- Schedule morning activities only. Plan tours and heavy walking for 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Retreat to your accommodation during the peak heat and noise of the afternoon, then venture back out for dinner.
- Are Moroccan medinas safe for children?
- Yes, but they are chaotic. Keep younger children in a carrier, and for older children, establish a 'hold hands at all times' rule due to the constant flow of motorbikes in narrow alleys.
- Can I find diapers and formula easily?
- Yes, major brands like Pampers are available in pharmacies (pharmacie) in cities like Marrakech and Fes. Bring a small supply for the first 48 hours just in case.