Quick answer
- Best ages
- 4 years and up
- Babies welcome too
- Family tents
- Up to 5 people
- AC and heating, ensuite
- Kids' favourites
- Sandboarding · camels
- Short, safe rides
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
- Less rushing, more sand
Need a driver? We can arrange your transfer — message us on WhatsApp.
Families often ask us whether the Sahara is a good idea with children. Our honest answer: yes, and children often enjoy it more than adults. A giant sandpit, camels, stars and a tent of their own are hard to beat. But there are a few things worth knowing before you go.
Which ages enjoy the desert most?
| Age | What works | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | The camp, playing in the sand, short walks | Bring baby essentials; we provide a cot on request |
| 4–7 | Sandboarding, short camel rides, music | Plan rest in the hottest hours |
| 8–12 | Camels, 4x4 tours, sandboarding, stars | The perfect age for the desert |
| Teens | All activities, sunrise climbs, photography | Quad and buggy rides with an adult |
Every child is different; tell us their ages and we will suggest a realistic plan.
The long drive: how to make it easier
The hardest part with children is not the desert but the road. Merzouga is about 7–8 hours from Fes and 9–10 hours from Marrakech. Splitting the journey makes a huge difference: stop overnight in Midelt from Fes, or in the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate from Marrakech.
Bring snacks, water, downloaded films or audiobooks and travel-sickness tablets for the mountain roads.
Activities children love
- Sandboarding: the absolute favourite. Kids slide down on their bottoms or stand up, and the soft sand makes falls painless.
- Camel rides: a short 30–60 minute ride is perfect; a guide leads every camel on foot.
- 4x4 tours: visits to nomad families, the village of Khamlia with its Gnaoua music, and the seasonal lake.
- Horse riding: gentle rides for older children with experience.
- Stargazing and drumming by the fire after dinner.
Is Merzouga safe for children?
Merzouga is a calm, friendly village, and families are welcome everywhere. The main risks are natural: sun, heat and dehydration. Keep children in hats and sun cream, make sure they drink often, and plan activities for the morning and late afternoon.
On the dunes, children should stay within sight. The sand is soft and slopes are gentle near the camp, but it is easy to lose sight of a small child behind a dune.
Food for fussy eaters
Moroccan food is mild, not spicy. Most children happily eat the bread, chicken, couscous, omelettes, fruit and pancakes. If your child has a restricted diet, tell us in advance and our kitchen will prepare simple dishes: pasta, rice, plain chicken or vegetables.
Sleeping in a family tent
Our family tents sleep up to five people, with a double bed and single beds, a private bathroom and air conditioning or heating. Children love having their own bed in a tent, and parents love the hot shower and comfortable mattress.
The camp is quiet at night, and the dark helps children fall asleep after a long day in the fresh air.
Beyond the dunes
If you stay a second day, the area around Merzouga has a lot to offer families: the palm groves and oasis gardens, the fossil workshops of Erfoud, and the traditional village of Khamlia.
Book family-friendly activities
These well-rated tours around Merzouga work well for families; check age limits on each one.
Things to do in Merzouga
Partner links: if you book through GetYourGuide we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Tours are run by independent operators.
Travelling with children? Tell us their ages and we will prepare the right tent and a relaxed plan.
Plan a family stayFrequently asked questions
Is Merzouga suitable for young children?+
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. From about four years old they can enjoy sandboarding and short camel rides.
What is the minimum age for a camel ride?+
There is no strict minimum; small children can ride with a parent. A guide leads every camel on foot.
Do you have family tents?+
Yes, our family tents sleep up to five people with a private bathroom, air conditioning and heating.
Can you provide a baby cot?+
Yes, on request. Let us know when you book.
Is the drive too long for kids?+
It is long, so we recommend splitting it with an overnight stop in Midelt (from Fes) or the Dades Valley (from Marrakech).
Is the food suitable for children?+
Moroccan food is mild. Our kitchen can also prepare simple dishes like pasta, rice or plain chicken.
Can children do quad or buggy rides?+
Teenagers can ride as passengers or with an adult; young children are better suited to camels and sandboarding.
How many nights should a family stay?+
Two nights is ideal: it gives time to rest after the drive and enjoy activities without rushing.
Plan the rest of your desert stay
Stay with us in Merzouga
Private ensuite tents with air conditioning and heating, dinner and breakfast, the sunset camel ride and sandboarding — all included.
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