Yes, the Sahara is a wonderful place for children, and most kids remember the dunes as the best part of Morocco. The camel ride, the sandboarding and a night under the stars are made for them. The real challenge is not the desert but the drive: Merzouga is a full day from Marrakech or Fez. With two nights in the dunes, stops every couple of hours and a private vehicle, it works well for most families with children of around 5 and up.
We plan family trips to the desert every season as a Moroccan local operator. Here is what to expect.
What is the best age for the Sahara?
There is no fixed minimum, but age changes the experience:
| Age | What works |
|---|---|
| Under 4 | Possible, but long drives are hard. Consider the Agafay Desert near Marrakech instead. |
| 5–8 | Great age for the dunes. Plan two desert nights and plenty of stops. |
| 9–12 | Ideal. Old enough for sandboarding and long walks, young enough to be amazed. |
| Teenagers | They love quad biking, sandboarding and the photos. |
Handling the long drive
Merzouga is around 550 kilometres from Marrakech. On a family route we split the trip, so no day is a straight run to the desert:
- Break the journey. Our family route spends a night in the Dades Valley on the way, with stops at Aït Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge to stretch legs.
- Stop often. A private driver can stop every 1.5 to 2 hours for snacks, toilets and photos.
- Make the road part of the fun. Kids enjoy the switchbacks of the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the clay kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and the canyon walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Bring entertainment and snacks. Download films and audiobooks before you leave, as mobile signal comes and goes in the mountains.
The camel ride
Children usually ride with no problem. Camels are led by a guide on foot, at walking pace, and the ride into camp takes around an hour. Small children can share a camel with a parent. Long trousers make the ride much more comfortable.
What kids love in the desert
- Sandboarding down the dunes.
- Climbing a dune for sunset and running back down.
- Meeting a nomad family and seeing how they live.
- Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia, where kids are often invited to join in with the drums.
- The night sky, with more stars than most city children have ever seen.
Plan this trip
A Family Adventure Through Marrakech & the Sahara
A private 7-day family tour from Marrakech to the Dades Valley and the Sahara and back, paced for families.
View the Tour Plan on WhatsApp Email UsChoosing a family-friendly camp
Desert camps range from simple tents to luxury tents with private bathrooms, proper beds and electricity. For families we recommend camps with an en-suite bathroom in each tent and family tents or connecting tents where possible. Nights get cold from November to March, so check that the camp provides heavy blankets.
A 7-day family route to the Sahara
Our 7-day family tour to the Sahara is built for exactly this: You can compare all three of our family routes on the Morocco family tours page.
- Days 1–2: Marrakech, with the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa and an optional family hammam.
- Day 3: Over the High Atlas to Aït Benhaddou and the Dades Valley.
- Day 4: Todra Gorge, then the camel ride to your desert camp.
- Day 5: A full day in the desert, with nomads, Gnawa music and the weekly Rissani market.
- Day 6: Back to Marrakech for a farewell dinner.
- Day 7: Fly home.
Want the desert with less driving? Our 7-day family tour with Essaouira and Agafay uses the Agafay Desert, 45 minutes from Marrakech, and adds the beach. Read our comparison of Merzouga vs Agafay to choose.
What to pack for kids in the Sahara
- Sun hats, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
- A scarf or buff for wind and sand
- Warm fleeces and pajamas for the night, even after a hot day
- Closed shoes or sandals they can shake sand out of
- A small overnight bag, as suitcases stay in the vehicle
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer and any medicines you usually use
- Snacks and refillable water bottles
Best time to take kids to the desert
March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months, with warm days and cool nights. Summer days in the Sahara are very hot, and the winter school holidays bring cold nights, though days are often sunny.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sahara safe for children?
Yes, with a reputable camp and guide. The main things to manage are sun, heat and the cold at night.
How many nights should a family spend in the desert?
Two. After the long drive, a full day in the dunes without the car is what makes the trip enjoyable for children.
Can you plan a family trip with Fez too?
Yes. Our family tour with Fez, Rabat and Agafay covers the imperial cities, and every route can be adapted. Tell us your children’s ages, or browse all our private Morocco tours.
Plan this trip
A Family Adventure Through Marrakech & the Sahara
A private 7-day family tour from Marrakech to the Dades Valley and the Sahara and back, paced for families.
View the Tour Plan on WhatsApp Email Us