A desert tour is one of the best things you can do with children in Morocco — the camel ride, the dune-climbing, the campfire and a sky full of stars stay with kids for years. With sensible pacing and a camp that has proper beds, the Sahara works for almost any family.
In this guide
Why the desert is the family highlight
Ask any family who has done it and the night at a desert camp is the part the children talk about for months. A short camel trek over the dunes, sliding down the sand, baking bread with the camp team, and lying back to count shooting stars with no light pollution — it's pure adventure at a child's scale. Erg Chebbi at Merzouga is the most accessible base for families, with a smoother road in than the remote Erg Chigaga.
Build the desert into a gentle loop from Marrakech: the kasbah road through Aït Ben Haddou and the gorges breaks up the drive with castles and oases kids enjoy, and the city itself fascinates without overwhelming. Older children (eight-plus) handle Fes's dense medina better than little ones.
Pacing the desert loop with children
The desert is the reward; the drive to reach it is the challenge with kids. Spread the journey over two days each way rather than one marathon, break it with the gorges, kasbahs and oasis stops, and pack snacks, downloads and games for the long Atlas stretches. A private vehicle is essential with children — you control the pace, the toilet stops and the photo halts.
Avoid the deep south in July and August; children overheat fast and the dunes top 40°C. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the ideal family windows — warm days, cool desert evenings and comfortable camp nights.
Choosing a family-friendly camp
For families, the camp standard matters more than anything. Choose a camp with proper beds, ensuite bathrooms and a private tent rather than basic shared sleeping — most luxury and many mid-range camps at Erg Chebbi offer exactly this. Keep the camel trek short (20–40 minutes is plenty for young legs), bring warm layers for the night, and let the camp know ages in advance so they can plan a gentle ride and child-friendly meals.
Food and practicalities
Moroccan food is family-friendly: mild tagines, flatbreads, couscous, fresh juices and pastries, all served at the camps too. Avoid tap water and unpeeled raw salads; stick to bottled water and cooked food. Camps and riads happily adjust seasoning and serve children at flexible hours. On the desert route, pharmacies thin out past Ouarzazate, so carry a proper kit.
- Bring: high-factor sun cream, children's insect repellent, anti-diarrhoea medicine, and oral rehydration sachets.
- Private transport is essential with children on the long desert run — you control the pace and the stops.
- Choose a desert camp with real beds, ensuite bathrooms and a family or private tent.
- Stock up on medicines, snacks and water in Marrakech or Fes before heading deep south.
Frequently asked
What is the best age to take children on a desert tour?
From about five or six, children get the most from the Sahara — old enough for a short camel trek, the dune-sliding and the night sky. Younger children can come, but keep the camel ride brief, choose a comfortable camp and break the drive into shorter days.
Is the Sahara safe for children?
Yes, with sensible planning. The dune camel trek is short and gentle, good camps have proper beds and bathrooms, and the setting is safe and supervised. Avoid July and August with young children due to extreme heat; spring and autumn are ideal.
Which desert camp is best for families?
Pick a camp at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) with proper beds, ensuite bathrooms and a private or family tent rather than basic shared sleeping. The road in is smoother than the remote Erg Chigaga piste, which suits families with younger children.
Is desert-tour food suitable for children?
Broadly yes — bread, mild tagines, couscous, fresh fruit and pastries are served at camp and universally appealing. Stick to bottled water and cooked food, and flag any preferences when you book.
How long should a family desert trip be?
Allow at least three days from Marrakech for a relaxed Erg Chebbi loop with one desert night, or four to five for two nights and a gentler pace. Spreading the driving over two days each way keeps children happy.
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Planning
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
If the desert is the heart of your trip, plan around the dunes first. October to April is the prime Sahara window — comfortable days in Merzouga and Erg Chigaga, brilliant stargazing and cold but magical camp nights. Spring and autumn are the all-round sweet spots for combining the dunes with the cities and the Atlas.
Planning
Morocco Travel Costs & Budget
A Sahara desert tour fits almost any budget. A shared standard tour with a basic camp can be remarkably cheap; a private 4x4 trip with a luxury camp at Erg Chigaga and a driver-guide sits firmly in premium territory. Knowing where the money goes helps you spend it on the parts that matter.
Practical
What to Pack for Morocco
For a desert trip, pack for two climates in one bag: hot, dusty dune days and surprisingly cold camp nights. Breathable layers, one genuinely warm top, a scarf against blowing sand, and slip-on shoes you don't mind filling with grit cover almost everything.