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Visiting the Sahara Desert with Kids

Earlier this month my mom and stepdad came to visit. As all good children do we jam-packed the schedule to squeeze every ounce out of their visit as possible. With our children being in school during their visit, illnesses, and a small rash of bad weather we didn’t even come close to doing everything we had hoped. But, we did get in some of the big experiences we were hoping for.

This included a visit to the Sahara desert.

Believe it or not, I was the only one who had ever been – even though MarocBaba has lived here his entire life he’d never gone. It took some persuading to get him on board. The question came up, should we take the kids or not? I said yes, he said no – I won!

I knew this was one experience that had to happen.

Visiting the Sahara with Kids

There are a lot of people who have asked if they should do this with their kids, and what advice we would give so I hope to answer those questions. First, the issue of actually getting to the Sahara is important to consider. You can get there from Fez or Marrakech, but either way it’s a long trip.

We left Marrakech, over the High Atlas Mountains, stopped in Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley before reaching Merzouga for our desert experience. We left on Friday and spent that night in the Todra Gorge. Saturday afternoon we rode camels into the desert in Merzouga to our camp. Sunday morning we were up before the sunrise to ride the camels out and drive all the way back to Marrakech.

Sahara Scarf

My first reflection was this; if your kids are not used to spending long periods of time in a car, this is going to be really difficult for you. My kids have spent days at a time on car rides, driving across the United States. When we were in the US it was normal to take a weekend trip 250+ miles to visit relatives. If you’re considering a Sahara visit you MUST take this into consideration. If you’re unsure how they will do, you will want to book a private tour that will allow you to stop as frequently as needed and will not put others on edge.

Our tour was mixed, there were 12 of us altogether in a single minibus. If you’re thinking you might just rent a car and head out alone, don’t. You absolutely should not ever go into the Sahara Desert without a guide. There are many logistics and difficult driving terrain to get to the Sahara, leave it to the experts and save yourself the stress and risk.

Kids on Camels
Riding Camels in Scarves

When you begin planning your trip there are some questions that you should take the time to ask and have answered by the tour operator.

Questions to Ask When Booking Your Sahara Trip

  • What is included in the quoted price? What is not included?
  • Do you actually have tours during the time we will be there and how hot is it? This is something you will want to know for summer months. Many operators do not provide services in the summer months. There is no air conditioning and it can easily reach between 100-110F during the day and mid 70’s at night.
  • Where will we be stopping including the name of any hotels or riads?
  • If it is not a private tour, how many other people will be traveling together?
  • Are there any stops that have additional tours or tips that I should expect to pay?
  • What meals will be paid out of pocket and what’s the average cost?
  • If I don’t want to eat at the locations stopped for meals, are there other options?
  • What are the sleeping arrangements in the desert camp?
  • What is the full schedule of the tour, including stops, and times to arrive and leave the desert camp?
  • Will children ride on their own camel or ride with a parent?
  • If you have any health issues, like a bad back (me!) ask if they have a back rest for the camel for added support.

Most companies are going to gloss over everything and give you the feeling that this is a luxury trip. In some instances, this may be true but you should assume it’s not. Also, like most things in Morocco price is not fixed. You will want to know all of the costs ahead of time so that you can choose the tour that makes the most sense for your family financially and logistically. Ask about different options and if you feel the price is too high you should push to get the best price possible.

Sahara Walker

After my observation about the length of time we spent in the car, my next observation was about activities. Essentially you’re driving 10+ hours to ride a camel for 1-2 hours, to tents in the sand. Yes, it’s amazing, but from a kid’s point of view there isn’t a whole lot to do. Electronics are going to die, so you’ll want to be prepared with these technology free ideas. If your kids aren’t the type to spend hours without being entertained, then plan accordingly. This can be an amazing experience, or a really trying one!

Berber Tent

What happens when you get to your desert camp? 

Well that depends on the tour you’re taking (be sure to refer back to the “questions to ask” section when booking your tour.) Our experience was basic. We got to the camp at sunset. The last bit was actually in the dark. We then dropped off our bags, and spent some time in a group tent with tables and candle light.

Thankfully someone had a deck of cards, so some games were played. After an hour or so it was time for dinner. This was the worst part. Both times I’ve done a Sahara trip the food has been awful.  Really awful. What we ate was essentially steamed vegetables and chicken in a tajine pot. Bad, bad, bad. It was followed by oranges. I get that we’re in the desert, but it’s a short 4×4 ride, and some salt, pepper, and cumin go a long way. We ate it because there was nothing else to eat.

My kids are very used to Moroccan food (or Moroccan-ish in this case) so they didn’t complain too much, except to say “amitou’s (aunties) is much better.” If your kids are picky be ready for very very limited options. Bring some food with you. I had packed an insulated lunch bag with nuts, dates, apricots, oranges, and some cookies (enough for all 6 of us to eat throughout the trip).

Let me reiterate, bring some food with you!

Fire in the Sahara

After dinner, we were brought outside to a fire where our guides played some traditional songs and everyone was given the chance to try and play too. Our guides were not too enthusiastic. They weren’t too thrilled about anything during our stay which put me off. Moroccans are notoriously hospitable and welcoming. While one of them was all of these things, the others were a bit disgruntled.

At this point, I took K back to the tent and fell asleep. M, grandma, and grandpa went with the group and the guide for a walk where I heard they laid on a sand dune and looked at the stars. For me, seeing the stars over the Sahara is one of the most amazing things you’ll ever experience. I’m sad I missed it this time but glad they got the opportunity.

Our sleeping arrangement was in one big tent for six of us. There were mattresses on the ground and blankets. It was rustic. But, I slept. MarocBaba slept with his boots on “just in case.” The most dangerous thing we encountered were the camp cats who decided to fight sometime in the early morning on our roof.

Sometime before the sun rose we were woken up without any clear reason why. I assumed it was to go and see the sunrise, as that is what happened the last time I’d taken a trip like this. Oh yes, we were going to see the sunrise, on our camels. This wasn’t clear the night before and the guide’s rudimentary English didn’t explain it too well either.

If you’re planning to go here are a few things you should take;

  • warm clothing including winter hats (yes this is the desert, yes is it is cold at night)
  • a flashlight for each person
  • long pants
  • closed toed shoes
  • hand sanitizer or wipes
  • potentially a sleeping bag
  • a scarf and/or hat for the sun and sand
  • camera and a bag to keep it safe from sand
  • a small backpack to carry the clothes you’ll need just for the desert portion of the trip
  • water
  • food
  • games and/or toys that are not electronics

So there it is visiting the Sahara in a nutshell! If you’ve got specific questions leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to answer. Watch here for more posts on the stops we made on our way to the Sahara and non-electronic kids activities in the next few weeks!

K and Guide

UPDATES: This was originally posted in 2014 and since that time we have gone to the Sahara under different circumstances. I shared our honest experiences here but want to add there are MANY other travel agencies offering fantastic tours and experiences completely different from this. Some of my suggestions remain; including how far it is, going with a higher class sleeping arrangement (i.e. not the ground), and really considering the age of your kids. I’ll be writing a new post soon about a family trip to the Sahara taken more recently.

Morocco Desert Tours: Everything you need to know about a Sahara Desert Tour

Can’t Get to the Sahara? Visit the Agafay Desert!

What to Wear in Morocco: The Sahara

Why Luxury Camping in the Sahara is the Only Way To Go

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Andrea

Saturday 20th of January 2024

Hi! I was reading your post and totally agree with all the information that you say. There are many factors to consider. We are a family of 7 (kids ages 5-16) and are considering doing this tríonin may but we will be flying to errachidia and from there drive to merzouga. Why don't people do that instead of the driving route wich is so mich longer? Besides the cost of the airplane ticket wich is $45 from casablanca is there any other reason? When will you be posting the new post about the most recent trips? Would love to read new information or any particular luxury camo that you would recommend. We are thinking in doing 2 days in merzouga. Don't want to do to many fays with kids. Wr will see how it goes. Thanks again for this post!

Amanda Mouttaki

Friday 16th of February 2024

Many people like the drive along the way. It's quite beautiful with plenty of things to stop and see/do. However that is if you have the time to stop and do them. Also flying has only recently become a more affordable (and reliable) option.

Kim

Monday 25th of November 2019

Hey there. Loved this blog! Question, was your youngest able to ride a camel alone? We are going in 3 days and have a 6 year old. Thanks so much.

-kim

Amanda Mouttaki

Monday 25th of November 2019

If I remember correctly (it was several years ago now, he did have to ride with one of us. The 8 year old rode alone though.

A Moroccan Camel Expedition: You Can’t Beat the Desert - MarocMama

Wednesday 9th of August 2017

[…] Dreaming of taking on the Sahara desert with a camel trek? I hope you’ll enjoy this guest post from Frederico who did just this! Coming with kids? Check out my post on the Sahara with kids.  […]

Cora

Tuesday 23rd of May 2017

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for sharing your experience here . Family of 4 with two girls (ages 10 and 6) hoping for a once of a lifetime experience. Iddir picked us up at our riad and we spent 5 days travelling Morocco as we ventured to and from Marrakech seeing parts of the country we wouldn't have known to explore on our own. Iddir was a wonderful guide and a fantastic driver.

The riad on the first night was in an area off the beaten track and very clean and good food. Due to the heat, we didn't spend much more time than a 10 minute walk in the garden and then headed in. (Bring something to do, dinner was at 8 and we arrived around 5...time for a few games of Go Fish!)

Upon arrival to the desert, we were welcomed with glass of mint tea As we headed out on the camels, there was a sand storm and the guides assured us we would be safe and it would pass...it did! Camp was beautiful and the facilities were much appreciated. (beds, flushing toilets, lanterns, and amazing dinner!)

We missed the sunset and sunrise due to the clouds but getting up and heading out early was a necessity given how quickly the temperature rose. We arrived back to the riad with a fantastic breakfast and the opportunity to take showers.

Again, Iddir was there to welcome us back and seeing a familiar face after being in the desert was great.

Traveling with two girls to Morocco for the first time and this trip was a highlight. We would recommend it to anyone wanting to spend time in the desert and see the country. We especially appreciated the fun facts and the local knowledge Iddir shared with us.

We felt safe the entire trip and the details were all handled. Things to note: Confirm the temperature in the desert for your arrival so you can set expectations, bring a scarf, bring wet wipes to clean off once arriving to camp, download a star app on your phone (the stars were amazing), bring a pair of shorts to change into at camp (long pants recommended on the camel).

We did the tour with Marvelous Morocco Tours , I highly recommend the company to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in this fascinating country. ( marvelous-moroccotours.com )

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