A large share of our guests are families, and children generally have a better time in the desert than their parents expect. There is no screen, no schedule and an enormous sandpit. But the Sahara does ask a little planning when small people are involved.
The camel ride
Children from about four can ride with an adult, and from around seven most manage their own camel comfortably with a handler walking alongside. The pace is slow and the handlers are patient.
If a child changes their mind halfway — and it happens — we simply walk them back or bring them to the sunset dune by car. Nobody is pushed.
Sandboarding is the real winner
Boards are free for guests and children will use them for hours. Sitting down on the board works fine, the sand is soft, and the only real cost is the climb back up, which is the parents' problem rather than theirs.
Heat, cold and sleep
In summer, keep children out of the sun between noon and four; the tents are air-conditioned and this is the right time for a rest. In winter, the nights get close to freezing, so pack proper warm clothes — the tents are heated, but the fire pit is outside.
Our family and triple tents give every child their own bed and a private bathroom inside the tent, which is the single biggest difference from a basic camp when it comes to getting everyone to sleep.
Food
Moroccan food is mild and children usually take to the bread, chicken tagine, couscous and fruit without complaint. If yours are fussy, tell us their ages and preferences in advance — plain pasta, omelettes and rice are never a problem.
What surprises parents most
- How well children sleep after a day on the dunes
- That there is Wi-Fi, hot water and a real bathroom in the tent
- How quickly our staff, most of whom have children of their own, are adopted
- That the sunrise walk is the thing kids talk about afterwards
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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