If you’re looking for a family adventure that’s diverse and exotic, yet still friendly and accessible, a visit to Morocco with kids might just be the place for you. From the bustling souks of Marrakech, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, to the arid emptiness of the Sahara desert, there’s nowhere else quite like Morocco.
For those families based in Europe, Morocco is the accessible Africa. Just a short-haul flight and you’re transported to an exotic land that feels a million miles away. From the ochre dunes of the Sahara Desert, to the windswept coastline of Essaouria, the snow capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, to the bustling medina of blue-washed Chefchaouen, the diverse landscape offers so many things to do in Morocco with kids.
Morocco offers so much to satisfy the adventurous spirit, especially if you’re travelling independently. There are many package-holiday resorts in Agadir and on the outskirts of Marrakech if that’s your thing. But if you want that windswept feeling of doing something different and breaking away from the norm, it is very easy to get off the beaten track in Morocco with kids. It’s also a superb worldschooling destination.
This colourful and vibrant North African country is easily one of our favourite family travel destinations, and we have returned time and time again. We’ve done short week-long trips to Marrakech and Essaouira multiple times, a three week road trip around Morocco, and we also lived in Morocco for a short spell. Here we share everything you need to know to plan a successful family trip to Morocco, including visas, how to get around, top tips, and some suggested itineraries.
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Is Morocco safe to travel with children?
Yes, Morocco is a very safe country to travel with children. As a general rule, Moroccans love children and travelling with kids helps to break the ice whenever you arrive somewhere new. You’ll receive a warm welcome on your travels here.
The chances of being a victim of crime, or even a witness to it, are extremely low. There’s an isolated risk of pickpockets and bag-snatching, especially when you’re in bus stations or the crowded medinas of Marrakech or Fes, but this can be mitigated by hiding valuables in a money belt and not having your mobile phone on display. As with everywhere in the world, it’s good to be aware of your surroundings, but there’s no need to be paranoid. The vast majority of families visiting Morocco have a wonderful time and never once experience any unpleasant situations.
One problem in the medinas is the traffic, specifically the mopeds that speed through the narrow streets with little care or attention. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your kids and ensure they don’t wander off from your side. Pavements don’t really exist in the medinas or, if they do, they’re used as short-cuts by the moped drivers.
If you have very young ones, a back-carrier is preferable to a buggy as it’ll keep them away from the mopeds and also give them a much better view from up high. If your kids are old enough to walk on their own, it’s still best to hold their hand (if they’ll let you) and keep them on the other side to the traffic. Incidentally, one of the many reasons we love Essaouira is the traffic-free medina, so the kids can be given a bit more freedom there.
We receive quite a few messages from families asking about touts and harassment in Morocco and we understand why this is an important and common concern. It can be a problem in some of the more tourist-centric places such as Agadir or Fes but, as long as you’re aware of the common pitfalls, you don’t need to be overly concerned.
When you enter a medina, it’s not unusual for a local to approach you offering their services as a guide or asking if you want to visit their restaurant/shop/tea-room. It’s mostly harmless and, if you politely decline their offer, they’ll move off and leave you alone. Very occasionally, they’ll continue to pester you and might even discreetly follow you around for a few minutes. It can feel intimidating but, as long as you stay calm and polite, they’ll eventually leave you alone. Failing that, popping into a friendly looking cafe or casually mentioning the Tourist Police to them usually does the trick. We’ve spent countless hours in Morocco’s medinas and never had a nasty incident. If this is a particular worry for you, consider hiring a guide via your accommodation, which will guarantee a stress-free visit to the medina and give you the confidence to venture out on your own afterwards.
But do remember that harassment is a rare occurrence and very rarely leads to any serious problems, the touts are usually just trying their luck or hoping they can claim some commission if you enter a souvenir shop. Try to avoid looking lost when you enter the medina and instead walk confidently as if you know where you’re going.
Morocco doesn’t have the best reputation for road safety but the vast majority of problems occur at night so, if you travel during the day, you’re much less likely to have any issues. Once you leave the city centres, Moroccan roads are largely traffic-free and in decent condition.
Car-seats are a rarity in taxis or if you’re taking a long-distance private transfer, so it’s best to bring them from home if you decide you want to use one (we recommend the Bubble Bum Inflatable Booster Car Seat for kids weighing over 15kgs). The same applies to car-hire: even if the company advertises car-seats as an optional add-on, the reality may be different when you arrive at the counter.
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Finally, Moroccan police don’t tend to hassle tourists and you’re unlikely to have much interaction with them. Most towns and cities have a Tourist Police station which should be your first port of call if you need assistance: not only are they used to dealing with tourists, it’s more likely you’ll find someone who speaks English.
How to get around Morocco with kids
READ: Should you hire a car in Morocco?
If you’re only visiting the major towns and cities, Morocco has a fairly extensive public transport network that covers most of the country. However, so much of Morocco’s beauty lies off the beaten track so it often makes sense to hire a car for at least part of your trip. Not only is it more convenient but it can actually work out cheaper than buying multiple public transport tickets or paying for private taxis if the bus fails to turn up.
Train travel in Morocco
Morocco proudly boasts Africa’s first high-speed railway network, linking the cities of Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca. Kids tend to love this route, watching the countryside whizz past the windows and keeping track of the train’s speed on the on-board information boards. The trains leave regularly throughout the day and only take a couple of hours to travel from Tangier to Casablanca.
If you’re aiming for a slower pace of travel, there’s an overnight sleeper train from Tangier to Marrakech that the kids will adore. Alternatively, the original Al Atlas trains still run across the country linking Marrakech, Casablanca, Meknes, Fes and Oujda (close to the Algerian border). There’s also a branch line to Nador on the Mediterranean coast.
Bus travel in Morocco
Away from the rails, Morocco has an excellent bus service that can be booked online. The most extensive and reliable service is provided by CTM and their website lets you check availability and choose your seats.
We’ve always find the buses a comfortable way to travel with kids and we regularly take the Marrakech to Essaouira bus. Although pack some drinks and snacks for the journey as not all bus routes have regular stops. The seats at the front of the bus are a good choice for families; you’ll get the best view and it can help with travel sickness if you’re heading to places like Chefchaouen up in the mountains.
Self drive Morocco
Public transport might work well but, when your Moroccan itinerary takes you away from the towns and cities (e.g. to the Sahara or on your own road trip), the only way to travel is in your own vehicle. While it might have been possible to do the journeys in shared taxis and random buses before you had kids, once you’re travelling as a family, the flexibility and ease of renting a car becomes almost essential.
Some families prefer to hire a private driver in Morocco. This is an expensive option and not entirely necessary as driving in Morocco is actually relatively straightforward. Read our tips for driving in Morocco.
Car hire is affordable and easy to arrange in Morocco, with all of the major companies having an office in the larger towns and cities (e.g. Hertz, Europcar and Budget). Try to book a small vehicle if possible, not only is it more fuel-efficient but it’ll be easier to squeeze into the tight parking spaces and manoeuvre around town centres. Remember to download audio-books and music for the kids to listen to on those long driving days.
Visas and immunisations for Morocco
You should make sure you’re up-to-date with all the standard vaccinations before planning a trip to Morocco. Remember that if you need a vaccination or booster, they may need to be administered over the course of a few weeks, so don’t leave it too late.
A yellow-fever certificate isn’t required for Morocco and there is no risk of malaria or polio (although you need a polio vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a polio-affected country). As always, it’s strongly advised that you consult a medical professional in your home country if you have any specific concerns or questions about your upcoming trip. The excellent TravelHealthPro website has lots of relevant information and guidance relating to travel in Morocco.
Make sure you have adequate travel insurance for your visit to Morocco, including cover for repatriation should it be needed.
Many nationalities don’t require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist visits of up to 90 days. These include UK, USA, Canada, the EU, New Zealand and Australia. If you’re a different nationality, you’ll need to apply for a visa at your nearest Moroccan embassy. Moroccan immigration officials are usually professional and friendly, although they sometimes ask about your profession and travel plans before stamping you in.
Tips for travelling Morocco with kids
- Avoid visiting Morocco during the peak summer months of July and August, as the inland regions can become oppressively hot. If you need to travel during this period, opt for cooler coastal cities, such as Essaouira, which enjoys ocean breezes from the Atlantic. Keep in mind that these areas can be very busy in the summer, as locals also flock to the coast to escape the intense inland heat. For more comfortable weather, plan your visit during the milder months of April, May, September, October, or November.
- Don’t worry about visiting during Ramadan. While local schedules may adjust, most tourist attractions and services remain open and are accommodating to visitors. You will also be able to find restaurants open, mostly catering to tourists.
- Don’t forget to pack a plug adaptor. Morocco uses type C and E plugs with two round pins. This travel adaptor goes everywhere with us.
- Pack light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for modesty, particularly in rural areas. While tourist hubs are more relaxed, err on the side of respect. For beaches, opt for modest swimwear (leave the thong bikini at home).
- Avoid drinking tap water. Carry a reusable, filtered water bottle like the WaterWell™ Travel Ultra 2 Stage Filter 700ml Water Bottle, whichremoves bacteria and parasites (including Salmonella, E-coli, Giardia) and chemicals.
- You can purchase a sim card upon arrival at the airport or local shops. Alternatively, consider downloading an eSIM before your trip for convenience (we recommend Airalo – use ‘TRAVELYNN’ for a discount).
- Brush up on your French as this is spoken more widely than English in Morocco, and in the north of the country it’s Spanish. However, Arabic is the main language of Morocco and saying salam alaikum (hello) and shokran (thank you) will go a long way.
- Morocco uses the dirham, a closed currency that cannot be brought in or taken out of the country. Use ATMs upon arrival at the airport or in major cities to withdraw dirhams. Keep some cash handy for small purchases, as card usage can be limited outside major establishments.
- Brush up on your haggling techniques with our guide to Haggling in Morocco like a pro to ensure you get the best deal without offending vendors. You’ll need them for shopping in the souks.
- Sunscreen and hats are essential to protect against Morocco’s strong sun.
- When using taxis in Morocco, it’s important to agree on a price before getting in, especially in cities like Marrakech where meters are often not used. In Essaouira, however, petit taxis operate on a flat fare of DH8 for trips within the city. In Casablanca and Rabat, you can conveniently use the ride-hailing app Careem, which works similarly to Uber, for a hassle-free experience.
Family packing list for Morocco
READ: What to pack for Morocco
Morocco’s climate and landscape is remarkably diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains, scorching cities, breezy coastal surf towns and the arid, dry heat of the Sahara desert. Add in the fact that it’s also a Muslim country, which presents its own cultural and clothing considerations, and your backpack or suitcase is already bursting at the seams.
On our three week Morocco road trip in April, we experienced all four seasons, wearing woolly hats and winter jackets in the Atlas Mountains, sun hats and sunscreen in Marrakech, and, somewhat unexpectedly, rain jackets in the Sahara.
In a nutshell, pack for the unexpected, focusing on layers and breathable clothing for the interchangeable climates, and wear loose-fitting, light clothes that cover your shoulders, cleavage and legs. Kids will be fine in shorts and t-shirts but women will feel more comfortable in long skirts or loose trousers.
A light shawl is a versatile and practical item to add to your list; it can be used to protect you from the sun or add an extra layer of modesty when walking in the medina or visiting a local village. At your accommodation, it’s more relaxed and everyone is fine to wear shorts or something similarly comfortable.
Although you will see Westerners walking around in tight shorts and string tops in tourist areas, we recommend being sensitive to the local culture and covering up where possible. Moroccans are too polite to say anything to your face but don’t mistake this for endorsement. It’s just about being respectful and considerate to your surroundings, which includes on the beach where thong bikinis aren’t considered appropriate.
As for footwear, something comfortable and hard-wearing is your best bet. The cobbled medina streets and uneven pavements aren’t conducive to flip-flops, so trainers or sandals are recommended. Our KEEN sandals have been everywhere with us and are always the first item on our packing list.
And a top tip for kids… pack a wetsuit! The swimming pools are rarely heated in Morocco and wearing a wetsuit will hopefully allow for longer, more enjoyable water play outside of the summer months.
Top 10 things to do in Morocco with kids
In no particular order:
- Sandboard down the dunes in the Sahara at sunset
- Learn to surf in Essaouira
- Haggle for souvenirs in the souks (top tip: better prices are negotiated to kids than adults)
- Ride a mule in the Atlas Mountains
- Explore the Roman ruins of Volubillis
- Meet the crocodiles at Crocoparc in Agadir
- Escape the tourists and play with the local kids at the main square in Tetouan
- Take a guided tour around Fes medina to learn about the delicacy of camel testicles, hear stories of black magic, make silk from cactus, and see the tanneries
- Whizz down the slides and take on the climbing wall at Oasiria waterpark, Marrakech
- Take a cooking class at your riad Airbnb (just ask your host to organise)
Morocco destination guides for families
We have travelled all over Morocco, and on this blog we have published individual family travel guides for all the main destinations. So if you have a certain Moroccan destination in mind, click on a link to delve deeper into your travel research.
Marrakech
read more
agadir
read more
Chefchaouen
read more
atlas mountains
read more
fes
read more
Essaouira
read more
casablanca
read more
sahara
read more
rabat
read more
TETOUAN
read more
Suggested Morocco itineraries for families
If you have just a week to spend in Morocco, many families choose to split their time between Marrakech and Essaouira, including a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.
However, Essaouira is also a fantastic option for spending the entire week, offering a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
We’re often asked if it’s possible to get out to the Sahara Desert and back in seven days from Marrakech. This is certainly doable, but will feel very rushed as you ideally need two days driving there and two days driving back, plus at least a 2D/1N desert camp. A ten day trip allows you to comfortably visit Marrakech, Merzouga (Sahara Desert), via stops at Dadès Gorges and Aït Benhaddou, Atlas Moutains, and Essaouira (the perfect place to relax at the end of your trip).
For a longer trip to take in more of the country, check out our self drive Morocco with kids itinerary, which also includes visiting the capital Rabat, the Roman ruins of Volubillis, and the stunning blue city of Chefchaouen.
However, to truly cover all of Morocco, you will need a month or longer. In the past, we’ve spent four months slow travelling Morocco (we did a visa run to Spain on the ferry to extend our stay beyond three months) and since that trip we still find ourselves returning to uncover new gems in this beautiful country.
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