Families are some of my favourite people to drive. Children notice everything — the goats in the argan trees, the camels, the snake charmers — and Moroccans are genuinely warm with kids. The trick is planning the road around them, not the other way round.
Shorter days, more stops
The biggest difference with children is the driving. I'd keep most days under five hours, and plan stops every hour or so. Longer routes that spend more nights in fewer places work far better than racing between cities.
What kids love
- Camels. The ride out to a desert camp at Merzouga is usually the highlight of the trip.
- Dunes. Running, rolling and sliding down them. Bring clothes you don't mind filling with sand.
- Waterfalls and rivers. Ouzoud has monkeys in the trees; the Ourika Valley has a river to paddle in.
- Film sets. Ait Ben Haddou and the studios at Ouarzazate have appeared in a lot of famous films.
- Goats in trees. On the road to Essaouira. It's real.
The desert with children
A night in a camp is magical for kids, but choose the season: spring and autumn are ideal, summer is very hot, and winter nights are cold. Tell me your children's ages and I'll talk through whether a camel ride or a 4x4 transfer to camp is better for your family.
Food
Moroccan food is very child-friendly: bread, grilled meat, couscous, omelettes, fresh orange juice, pancakes like msemen. Tagines aren't spicy unless you ask. Stick to bottled water.
Heat and sun
From June to August, plan the day around the heat — early starts, a long rest in the middle, and activity again in the evening. The mountains and the coast are much cooler than Marrakech in summer.
Practical things to mention when you book
- Children's ages, so we can talk about car seats.
- Anyone prone to car sickness — I'll plan the mountain roads accordingly.
- Nap times, if they matter. We can drive through them.
Message me with your family and your dates, and I'll suggest a route that works for everyone — including the adults.