Visiting The Sahara Desert In Morocco With Kids
Discover what to do in the Sahara Desert in Morocco with kids
With golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, unbeatable sunsets and nights that reveal millions of stars, it’s no surprise that the Sahara Desert in Morocco is one of our top family travel destinations.
In December, we stayed for two nights in a luxury desert camp with kids. The adventure was the perfect mix of excitement, adventure, and relaxation.
From camel rides and sandboarding to sunsets and campfire stories, our journey was packed with many special moments. Whether you’re considering a trip to the desert or looking for inspiration, join us as we reveal why the Sahara is such an incredible family-friendly adventure.
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Is The Sahara Desert In Morocco Worth Visiting?
We think it is worth visiting the Sahara Desert, and it’s not just us! The dunes are one of the most popular destinations for families visiting Morocco.
From our first sighting of the vast, towering golden dunes in Merzouga, the desert unfolded into one of the highlights of our 10-day Moroccan itinerary.
It’s an incredible destination for families of all ages, blending adventure, natural wonder, and cultural immersion. Despite previously visiting the Sahara in Egypt, we were in awe of what we saw in Morocco.
Exploring the ancient Berber and Nomad cultures through their traditional music, storytelling, and authentic Moroccan cuisine adds depth to the experience. Add endless play amongst the dunes, watching stunning sunsets and sunrises, and stargazing beneath one of the darkest skies we’d ever seen; it is clear why the journey to the Sahara is well worth it!
Where Is The Sahara Desert In Morocco
As the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara covers 8% of the earth’s land mass. It lies across eleven countries with Morocco having only a relatively small (but charming!) portion along its borders with Algeria and Western Sahara.
The market town of Ouarzazate is considered the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’, and the most impressive dunes are in Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi in western Morocco.
Erg Chigaga vs Erg Chebbi
When deciding between Erg Chigaga and Erg Chebbi for a family trip to the Sahara, consider the experience you want.
Erg Chebbi, located near Merzouga, is the more accessible option. It has well-established camps and slightly shorter travel times from popular tourist hubs like Marrakech or Fez. Less than two hours from the closest airport in Errichidia, it is a convenient choice for families.
In contrast, Erg Chigaga offers a more remote and rugged experience. It requires a long 4×4 journey to reach the dunes near M’Hamid. Therefore may suit families with older kids or teens who enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Both dune areas are worth seeing and offer the same activities, such as camel treks, campfires, and stars!
How To Get To The Sahara Desert In Morocco
Many families start their journey to the Sahara in Marrakech and either rent a car or take a guided tour by road to the desert.
The road trip through Morocco from Marrakech takes you over the High Atlas Mountains, past Berber villages, and across rugged plains where Nomads still roam. The ancient Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and Dades Valley are worth exploring before an overnight stay in Ouarzazate or Tinghir. From here, your direction will change depending on whether you are visiting Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi.
To reduce travel time, we flew into Ourazazte to start our Moroccan adventure and hired a car. As we were visiting the Erg Chebbi dunes, we headed towards Merzouga. Our road trip ended in Errachidia, from where we flew to Marrakesh to experience the Moroccan markets.
If you have booked a desert camp, you will be given a pick-up location close to the dunes.
Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert with kids is during the cooler months, from October to April.
During these months, daytime temperatures range between 20 °C and 30°C, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the dunes. Spring and autumn are good for families, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Be prepared for cold nights in the desert, especially if visiting in winter (December to February).
In the summer, between June and August, temperatures can reach above 45 °C. As this is uncomfortable for most people, we don’t recommend families visit during the summer.
A Family Adventure in the Sahara Desert, Morocco
We planned our family trip to Morocco around our Sahara Desert adventure. The thought of vast golden dunes, sandboarding, stars, and the promise of adventure had us excited before we left Scotland. To maximise our experience, we stayed two nights. This gave us 48 hours to explore the dunes and catch the best sunsets.
1 Day In The Sahara Desert
You can visit the Sahara Desert without booking a camp or paying for a tour. Accessing the dunes is free and safe to explore with kids, provided you take basic precautions and carry water.
Check-in at our camp wasn’t until 4 p.m., so we spent a few hours exploring Merzouga. It is a small market town with several restaurants offering a good selection of traditional Moroccan and Western food. It is also a good place to buy souvenirs such as headscarves.
2 Days In The Sahara Desert
Whether you choose to stay in a desert camp or a hotel in Merzouga, overnight in the Sahara is the perfect duration to experience some of its magic.
You have time to participate in family-friendly activities, such as camel trekking, sandboarding and watching sunset in the dunes.
3 Days In The Sahara Desert
Desert camps usually offer one or two-night stays, with various activities and time to relax in nature. We opted to stay two nights in a luxury Camp, which allowed us to slow down and appreciate the desert.
Not rushing the experience allowed us to develop a deeper connection with our hosts, the traditional Berber people. They gave us an insight into their traditions and served various Moroccan foods while keeping us entertained with music, dancing, riddles, and stories.
Desert Camp | Accommodation And Meals
Desert camps in the Sahara are a good option for families looking for comfort and adventure. Our tent was better appointed than many Moroccan hotel rooms we had stayed in. Camp locations and comfort levels (basic to luxury) vary, but the desert experience is similar.
The spacious glamping tents have comfortable beds, blankets, and amenities, ensuring a cosy stay even during cold desert nights.
Our camp had 14 ensuite tents positioned around the outdoor relaxation areas, a fire pit for the evening campfire, and a heated indoor dining room. Sports equipment (rackets, volleyball, snowboards, etc.) were free to use.
Meals were a real highlight of the experience. The three-course meals featured traditional Moroccan cuisines such as savoury tagines, bread, and sweet mint tea. Breakfasts included Moroccan bread, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and eggs, all enjoyed while looking out over the sand dunes.
Family Activities In The Sahara Desert
There are plenty of activities you can take part in while exploring the Sahara Desert. Families can choose which adventures best suit their kids, tailoring the desert experience to ensure it is memorable for all the right reasons.
Riding Camels into the Dunes
Camels are one of Morocco’s oldest traditional means of transport, and while many people have ethical concerns about them, the ones we saw were well-treated and looked after.
Kids may enjoy the novelty of riding a camel, feeling like adventurers exploring the desert. The camel trains are led by Nomadic or Berber people, allowing families to connect and learn more about their traditions and cultures as they travel through the dunes.
Quad Biking In The Desert
Riding a quad bike, sand buggy, or dirt bike through the dunes is a great, high-adrenaline way to explore the desert. These activities provide a thrilling adventure that young kids, teens, and adults will enjoy. They are also a fun alternative to camel rides.
Quad bikes allow you to view the vast desert landscape from different angles. Along the way, you’ll also stop for photos and sandboarding.
Sandboard On The Dunes
The Sahara Desert has some amazing sand dunes that are perfect for sandboarding. Erg Chebbi, aka the dunes of Merzouga, are the highest dunes in Morocco.
Unlike snowboarding, it is easy to learn, making it a suitable activity for kids and adults. The soft golden sand provides a safe and unique environment for beginners.
Visit A Berber Village
Visiting a Berber village in the Sahara Desert is a unique opportunity for families to connect with the region’s heritage.
Learn about the Berber way of life, from their traditional crafts and cooking to the ingenious ways they have adapted to living in desert conditions. Kids will enjoy exploring the village and interacting with Berber children.
Watch Sunrise And Sunset On The Dunes
Watching sunset or sunrise in the Sahara is a magical experience as the sky turns orange, pink, and purple. Dawn brings soft pastels, while dusk leaves fiery hues, making both worthwhile spectacles.
Enjoy the peaceful moments to appreciate the natural world and family time. Dress warmly, as temperatures in the desert drop significantly once the sun has dropped below the horizon.
Attend a Berber Campfire
Sitting with the Berber people around their campfire in the Sahara Desert gave us the opportunity to fully connect with the local culture.
Sitting under the stars, families can enjoy traditional Berber music, storytelling, and drumming around the fire, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. Our kids were fascinated by the tales of desert life shared by our Berber hosts and joined in with dancing.
Stargazing In The Desert
The Sahara Desert has one of the clearest night skies in the world, making it the perfect place to stargaze.
Free from light pollution, the desert sky comes alive with stars, constellations, and the Milky Way. It is a perfect way to wind down after a day of adventure.
Have Dinner In The Desert
Traditional Moroccan dishes of tagines and fresh bread are worth trying. The meals are skillfully prepared at the desert camp, allowing you to soak up your surroundings.
visit An Oasis
Visiting an oasis in the Sahara Desert is an activity that gets families learning about how plants and animals sustain themselves in such extreme conditions. Guides answer kids’ questions while teaching you how plants, Berber families, and wildlife like camels, desert foxes, and beetles survive in such an arid landscape.
Fossil Hunting
The area around the Sahara Desert, such as Erfoud, are fantastic for fossil hunting. Families can explore the ancient desert landscape to uncover fossils, including prehistoric sea creatures.
Kids will enjoy hands-on experience learning about the region’s natural history and the evolution of life in the desert millions of years ago.
Family Tips for Visiting The Sahara Desert
Here are our top tips for making the most of your family time in the Sahara Desert, ensuring you leave with happy, life-long memories.
- Choose the Right Camp: Choose a desert camp in Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga that caters to families and offers amenities such as private tents and child-friendly activities.
- Plan Your Journey Carefully: The drive to the Sahara can take several hours. To avoid over-tired kids, consider breaking it up with an overnight stay along the way. Pick interesting places to stop en route or fly into the closest airport (Errichidia is great for Erg Chebbi).
- Packing Essentials: Take sunscreen, hats, and loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable and safe in the heat. Warm layers are required for chilly nights.
- Engage Your Kids: Teach your children a few words of Arabic or Berber and encourage curiosity about the desert.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water throughout their stay.
- Embrace the Adventure: Sandstorms, rain or even tantrums may happen, but make the most of this unique experience.
Visiting The Sahara Desert With Kids FAQs
There are always more questions that need answers when travelling with kids!
Two days exploring the Sahara Desert is ideal for families. This allows time to immerse in the environment and enjoy activities such as camel treks, sandboarding, stargazing, and Berber traditions without feeling rushed.
Camping in the Sahara Desert is a unique experience worth doing. Few other places offer this combination of tranquillity, cultural immersion, and adventure. Stargazing under clear skies and catching sunrise or sunset with the golden dunes are enough on their own to make it a ‘must-do’.
Yes, the Sahara Desert is a highlight for kids! Camel rides, sandboarding, and exploring the dunes are all great fun ways for children to experience the desert.
Morocco is generally safe to travel to with kids, including the main tourist cities of Marrakesh and Agadir, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. As with any travel, you should take sensible precautions to avoid falling victim to crime or having an accident. Morocco has plenty of family-friendly experiences, such as camel riding, mountain biking, and cultural immersion suitable for children of all ages.
✅Click here to book a family stay at a luxury desert camp in the Sahara desert
Final Thoughts | Visit The Sahara Desert Morocco
A family trip to the Sahara Desert combines stunning landscapes, culture and child-friendly activities, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages.
From sandboarding and camel treks to learning about Berber culture at desert camps, a trip to the Sahara can be fun and enriching away from the bustle of Morocco’s towns and cities.
Our trip to the Sahara desert was the highlight of our our time in Morocco. If you are considering a family adventure, this should be near the top of your list of places to explore with kids.
