Best time to go: October Half Term, February Half Term, Easter, May Half Term
Best for: Adventure & Off-the-beaten track, Culture & Beach, Family Holidays
This private family holiday in Morocco is packed with experiences your children will adore. After all, Morocco is the closest place to immerse them in a truly different culture. So you combine bustling Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay Desert and the beaches of Essaouira. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to your family.
Why Morocco for Families
Above all, Morocco turns travel into an adventure. So we skip the dry palaces and museums. Instead, we show the living, breathing side of the country. Meanwhile, we choose hotels with gardens to run around and big pools. As a result, children explore hard, then splash happily each afternoon.
Marrakech: Souks and Squares
Begin in bustling Marrakech, once a trading post between the Sahara and the sea. Think snake-charmers, spice-scented souks and the distant call to prayer. We suggest staying just outside the walled medina, with space and a pool. On arrival, nothing is planned, as the pool will win. The next day, head into the city with a private guide. So you wander the souks, then return to the Djemaa el-Fna at dusk. There, food stalls, storytellers and henna painters bring the square alive.
Into the Atlas Mountains
Next, drive up into the mountains, about an hour by comfortable 4×4. Here the pace is far gentler than in the city. So you spend two nights at Kasbah Bab Ourika, with its glorious pool. In these hills live the Berber people, in a wonderfully traditional way. Depending on the children’s ages, we tailor how active you are. The highlight is a visit to a local Berber home for mint tea. For older children, horse-riding or mountain biking can be arranged.
The Agafay Desert
Then return towards the plains and the Agafay Desert. Here you sleep under canvas, with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms. That evening, head out as a family on camels to watch the sunset. Afterwards, return to a feast of Moroccan food and traditional music. You stay at Scarabeo Camp, a real highlight for children.
A Balloon and the Coast
Wake early for the magic of a hot-air balloon at sunrise. As you rise, the villages shrink and the Atlas glows on the horizon. Afterwards, drive to the quaint fishing town of Essaouira, about three hours. Swept by trade winds, it has charmed everyone from the Phoenicians to the French. So it makes a wonderfully laid-back finale.
The Beach: Earned R&R
By now, pool and beach time has certainly been earned. So you have two full days of rest at Sofitel Essaouira. If you wish, take a gentle walking tour of Essaouira. Otherwise, simply enjoy the sand and sea. Then it is a three-hour drive back to Marrakech for your flight home.
Experiences for Children
The real joy here is shared discovery. So we weave in hands-on fun throughout. For example, the children meet Berber families and ride camels at sunset. Equally, they float over the desert at dawn. Meanwhile, the souks become a treasure hunt of sights and smells. As a result, every day brings something new.
Where You Stay
Naturally, every hotel is chosen with families in mind, each with a pool. First, Jnane Tamsna eases you in near Marrakech. Then Kasbah Bab Ourika brings mountain calm. Next, Scarabeo Camp adds desert adventure. Finally, Sofitel Essaouira delivers the beach.
Best Time to Travel
Generally, spring and autumn suit families best, lining up with the holidays. By contrast, high summer can be very hot inland, though the coast stays cooler. Winter, meanwhile, is mild and pleasant. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window.
Comfort and Peace of Mind
Above all, we want parents to relax too. So we choose hotels and meals we know and trust. Meanwhile, a roomy private 4×4 carries children and bags with ease. A handpicked guide keeps everyone engaged. As a result, the practical worries simply melt away.
A Land of Contrasts
The variety is what children remember. First come the buzzing souks of Marrakech. Then the calm of the Atlas Mountains. Soon after, a night under desert canvas. Finally, the breezy beaches of Essaouira. So no two days feel the same.
Designed Around You
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace and the activities to suit your family. In the end, it is entirely your own.
A Gentle First Taste of Asia and Africa
For families new to North Africa, Morocco is a kind introduction. So the flight is short and the culture vivid. Meanwhile, the pace stays relaxed throughout. As a result, children stay curious rather than tired.
A Land of Colour
Part of the magic here is the sheer variety. So bustling souks give way to quiet kasbahs. Meanwhile, the light shifts with every hour. As a result, no two days feel the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does it suit?
It works well across a wide range of ages. We simply adjust the activities and pace. Older children get more adventurous options.
Is there much driving?
The drives are manageable, in a roomy private 4×4. The longest is to Essaouira, broken by the balloon flight. So the days stay relaxed.
When is the best time to go?
Generally, spring and autumn are most comfortable and fit the holidays. We will advise on timing for your dates.
Can it be tailored?
Absolutely. Whether you want more adventure or more beach, it is all tailor-made. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.
