4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Kids

Day 1: Marrakech – The High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Your family’s private Morocco desert tour begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your Marrakech riad in our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Your friendly, English-speaking driver will ensure everyone is settled before we embark on our journey.

We cross the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, making several photo stops at scenic viewpoints. These breaks are perfect for letting the kids stretch their legs and marvel at the stunning landscapes. Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village, a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, becomes a real-life castle exploration for children, sparking their imagination with tales of history and adventure.

After a traditional lunch at a restaurant overlooking the kasbah, we continue through the fragrant Valley of the Roses. Here, we make an interactive stop at a local cooperative where women produce rosewater products—a sensory experience kids love. We then wind our way to the Dades Valley, where you’ll check into your family-friendly hotel. A key feature: a refreshing swimming pool, perfect for a post-drive splash to burn off any leftover energy before a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert (The Big Arrival!)

After breakfast, we take a short, scenic drive through the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations before arriving at the magnificent Todra Gorge. This is a highlight for families, offering a gentle, flat walk along the riverbank between towering 300-meter canyon walls. It’s a natural playground where kids can safely climb on small boulders and skip stones in the water.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby Berber village before continuing our journey south, watching the landscape dramatically transform into arid plateaus. The excitement builds as the first golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi Sahara desert appear on the horizon. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we check into a charming desert auberge (inn) where you can leave your main luggage and freshen up.

The magic begins in the late afternoon as you meet your gentle camels for a sunset trek into the dunes. Each child gets their own camel, led carefully by an experienced guide. For families with very young children, a 4×4 vehicle can be arranged for direct transport to the camp. You’ll arrive at your private luxury desert camp as the stars emerge. The camp features private en-suite tents with proper beds, sandboards for endless dune sliding, and offers incredible stargazing. The evening concludes with a delicious tagine dinner around a campfire under the vast Saharan sky, often accompanied by traditional Berber music.

Day 3: Desert Exploration & Berber Culture Day

Early risers can opt for a spectacular sunrise climb up a dune. After breakfast at the camp, we take a leisurely camel or 4×4 ride back to our auberge in Merzouga. The morning is dedicated to your choice of family-friendly activities: embark on a fun 4×4 desert safari to a fossil museum (showcasing Morocco’s ancient ocean history) and for a short, respectful visit with a nomadic family, or head to a nearby palm grove area where older kids can try quad biking (ages 12+) or everyone can enjoy a swim in a hotel pool to escape the midday heat.

After lunch in the village, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the facilities at your auberge, ensuring everyone is recharged. You’ll spend a second comfortable night in Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Return Journey to Marrakech

After an early breakfast, we begin our scenic return journey to Marrakech. Understanding that this is a long travel day, we ensure comfort is key with frequent rest stops for snacks, coffee, and bathroom breaks. We will stop for lunch along the way. You can expect to arrive back at your Marrakech accommodation by early evening (approximately 6-7 PM), filled with incredible memories of your family’s Saharan adventure.

Every family is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your dreams, dates, or your children’s ages and interests, please just contact us.

We specialize in crafting 100% customized journeys. Whether you want to add more days, include a cooking class, stay in a specific type of accommodation, or adjust the pace, we will work with you to create the perfect Moroccan adventure for your family.

Let’s build your dream trip together!