Morocco desert trek for kids – 6 days / 5 nights

Why choose this Moroccan desert trek for kids?

Total disconnection: No more screens, no more digital distractions. In the Moroccan desert, natural rhythms take over and you live surrounded by nature. Children rediscover the pleasure of simple games – running in the dunes, sliding on the sand, stargazing. For parents, it’s a rare moment of relaxation where life becomes simpler.

Landscapes that amaze young and old: From the High Atlas to the sand ergs, each day offers a different spectacle. Children imagine the desert with its endless dunes – and they discover exactly what they dreamed of. The tamarisk trees, the desert plateaus, the singing dunes, the Draa Valley… The country changes aspect throughout the trek.

A unique educational experience: Living at the rhythm of nomads, understanding the value of water in the desert, learning to set up a camp, following tracks in the sand, listening to our guides’ stories… This journey is a true school of life for children who discover a different culture and develop their autonomy.

Safety first: Bottled drinking water is provided throughout the trek, meals are prepared with fresh products, and the route has been tested hundreds of times with groups of children.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: MARRAKECH – OUARZAZATE – M’HAMID

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Marrakech for a 7:30 am departure, or at 1 pm from Ouarzazate for families arriving by this city.

The route crosses spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco, notably the passage through Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (for those coming from Marrakech) which peaks at 2,205 meters in the High Atlas. You will discover Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides throughout the journey.

We will pass through Ouarzazate to pick up travelers arriving by this city. From there, the route passes through the majestic Draa Valley, a true green artery of the desert. Children are fascinated by the pisé kasbahs that dominate the wadi, these ochre earth fortresses that seem to emerge from the landscape. The palm grove stretches for kilometers, creating a striking contrast between the intense green of date palms and the aridity of the surrounding mountains.

Lunch break along the way at a restaurant near a palm grove, an opportunity for children to stretch their legs and discover these verdant oases that dot the valley.

Arrival in M’hamid at the end of the day, the last town before the great desert. Transfer by 4×4 (15 minutes) to our first wild bivouac in the desert. Meeting with our nomadic team – the guides and camel handlers who will accompany you during this family trek.

Traditional dinner around the fire and night under the stars or in a nomad tent according to your preferences. Children are amazed by this first contact with the desert and this night under the stars, far from everything.

Day 2: M’HAMID DESERT – SIDI NAJI

Hearty breakfast before departure for the trek with the camel caravan and our entire team who are committed to giving your family a wonderful adventure in the Moroccan desert.

The trek crosses beautiful landscapes between dunes and tamarisk trees, these characteristic desert trees. You will discover the ruins of ancient nomad camps, witnesses to a life lived in these immensities. Children love to imagine how families lived in these places centuries ago.

Setting up the bivouac in the shade of a tamarisk for lunch. Free afternoon for walks on the dunes – sliding on the sand and shadow games will delight the little adventurers.

Before dinner, the whole family climbs to the top of a dune to watch the sunset over the Sahara – a spectacle that young and old will never forget.

In the evening, meal by the fire with Sahrawi nomad songs, then night under the stars or in a nomad tent. The desert sky offers children one of the most beautiful natural planetariums in the world.

Walking time: 3h30

Day 3: SIDI NAJI – ERG ZAHAR

After breakfast, the caravan resumes its route with the team and its camels. Direction the singing dunes of Erg Zahar, these majestic dunes shaped by the winds of the Sahara. The tamarisk trees become rarer and you enter the heart of the desert as children imagine it.

Setting up the bivouac in the heart of the dunes for lunch. Rest time for those who wish, while the youngest continue their explorations in the sand.

In the late afternoon, ascent to the top of the highest dune of Erg Zahar to contemplate a breathtaking landscape. On one side, the immensity of the Sahara, on the other, the Draa Valley winding in the distance. A strong moment of the family trip that allows parents and children to measure the distance covered.

Return to the camp for dinner by the fire. Night under the stars recommended – it’s the ideal place to contemplate millions of stars, a magical experience that children will remember long after this vacation.

Walking time: 3h30 to 4h

Day 4: ERG ZAHAR – ERG AIT OUNNIRE

After breakfast, departure of the caravan and continuation of our journey towards the Draa Valley that we will cross. The nomads will tell children the fascinating history of this valley, vital artery of the Moroccan desert.

Change of landscape with flatter plateaus, then visit to a well where the camels drink. The guides explain to children how nomads organize their lives around these essential water points.

Lunch break in the shade. Free afternoon – travel journal for some, games with friends for others.

Another sunset to admire from the top of the dunes. In the Morocco desert, each evening offers a unique spectacle of colors and lights that delights young and old.

Return to the bivouac for dinner around the fire. Children happily find their sleeping bags for another night under the stars, under a sky of breathtaking purity where billions of stars sparkle.

Walking time: 3h30 to 4h

Day 5: ERG AIT OUNNIRE – DOUIBE DUNES

Departure of the caravan after breakfast. Return to a more vegetated area between dunes and tamarisk trees – the landscape changes every day, offering children a diversity they didn’t imagine.

Lunch break before a last free walk on the dunes. It’s time to fully enjoy this magical and grandiose space. Parents can encourage children to write in their travel journal their feelings, their impressions, what the desert brings them and teaches them.

Setting up the bivouac for the last evening in the desert. Everyone gathers around the fire for dinner, a privileged sharing moment where everyone – parents, children, guides – can discuss the experiences lived together during this family trek. The nomads share their traditional songs one last time.

Night under the stars or in a nomad tent, with that little nostalgia of the last evening in the heart of the Sahara.

Walking time: 3h30 to 4h30

Day 6: M’HAMID – OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the camel caravan and our nomad friends. Return to M’hamid by 4×4 (20 minutes track) where you will join the vehicle that will take you back to Ouarzazate or Marrakech, with memories filling your head.

On the return route through southern Morocco, lunch break at a restaurant. Arrival in Marrakech at the end of the day or in Ouarzazate at the end of the morning, then transfer to your hotel or airport depending on your departure date and flight time.

Children are often sad to leave the desert, but return with imperishable memories of this family adventure in Morocco. Many already ask: “When are we coming back?”

Pricing

Free trek for children under 5 years old (one child per family)
*one child under 12 years old per family benefits from the reduction

Demander un devis

These rates include all the necessary services for a family trip in complete serenity. We also offer group discounts, allowing families of friends to go together for this adventure in the Moroccan desert.

These desert trips are offered year-round, with a preference for the October to April period when the climate is most pleasant

BOOK YOUR MOROCCO DESERT TREK FOR KIDS

This desert trip is much more than a simple trek – it’s a family adventure that will remain engraved in your children’s memories. In Morocco, the desert becomes an immense playground where imagination comes to life, where family bonds strengthen, and where everyone returns transformed by the experience.

Hundreds of French, Belgian and Swiss families have already lived this experience and testify to the positive impact of this stay on the whole family: successful disconnection, flourishing children, shared memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t wait any longer to offer your children this discovery of the Moroccan desert. Whether you depart from Marrakech or Ouarzazate, we organize your family trek on dates that suit you, in a group or privately.

Contact us now to book your departure or for any questions about this family trek in the Morocco desert.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY TREK IN MOROCCO

Recommended age: This trek is perfectly suitable for children from 5 years old. At this age, they can walk the planned distances while regularly riding the camels to rest. Some families come with younger children (from 4 years old) if the child is used to walking.

Best period: The Morocco desert is ideally visited from October to April. The climate remains mild during the day and avoids the periods of intense heat in summer, difficult for children to bear. Spring (March-April) sometimes offers the spectacle of desert flowers after rare rains.

Physical preparation: No special preparation is necessary. This trek is classified as “easy” with walking times adapted to families. Children who practice regular sports activities will have no difficulty. For the more sedentary, a few nature walks before departure will help build their confidence.

Recommended equipment for children:

• Small light backpack to carry their things for the day
• Sleeping bag adapted to temperatures (which can drop to around 5°C at night in winter) – the guide will advise you on the suitable model
• Good walking shoes already worn in
• Layered clothing (t-shirts, fleece, windbreaker)
• Cap and sunglasses essential
• High protection sunscreen and lip balm
• Headlamp (children love them!)
• Small personal water bottle
• Travel journal to write down their memories

You can find all necessary equipment for rent in Marrakech if you’re traveling light. The essential thing is to have taken the time to properly prepare this family trip.

Hygiene in the desert: The team provides water for daily washing. Wipes can be useful. Favor biodegradable products. Experience shows that children adapt very well to these more rustic conditions and even make a game of it.

Food: Our cooks prepare varied and tasty food that children enjoy: tagines, couscous, fresh salads, fruit… We can adapt meals in case of allergies or special diets (let us know before departure).