Sand dunes to climb, a camel ride, a fire under the stars: for many children the desert is the highlight of Morocco. With the right camp and a little preparation, it’s an easy night for parents too.
The key is the tent layout. Family tents usually have a double bed plus one or two single beds, so everyone sleeps in the same space. Some camps can also offer two connecting or neighbouring tents. Tell us how many children are travelling and their ages, and we’ll check which layouts are available on your date.
A tent room with a double and a single bed.
Children in the Desert
Children usually love the dunes: running down the slopes, sandboarding where it’s offered, and the fire and drums in the evening. A few things are worth planning:
Sun and heat. Hats, sun cream and water for the afternoon, especially from May to September.
Cold nights. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset for much of the year. Pack warm layers and pyjamas.
Bedtime. Dinner is usually served in the evening after sunset. Snacks for younger children are a good idea.
Early start. Sunrise means an early wake-up. Many families let little ones sleep and go up the dune with the older children.
Camel Trekking With Children
Many children ride camels with their family, sometimes sharing a saddle with a parent. Whether a child can ride depends on their age and size, and on the camp. If your children are very young, or you’d rather not ride, most camps can also be reached by 4x4. We confirm the options for your family before booking. More on the trek itself: Merzouga camel trekking.
Meals
Dinner and breakfast are included at most camps. Moroccan food is generally mild and not spicy, and breakfasts usually include bread, jam and hot drinks. If your children are fussy eaters or have allergies, tell us in advance so we can pass it on to the camp.
Bathroom Facilities
With children, a private bathroom inside or next to the tent makes the night much easier — no torchlit walks across the sand. Luxury camps usually offer this; with comfort camps it depends. If it matters to you, tick “Private bathroom” in the camp finder.
What Parents Should Know
Pack one small overnight bag for the whole family; large suitcases stay at the meeting point.
Bring a torch or head torch for each child — they’ll love it, and it helps at night.
Bring any medication your children might need; the camp is away from pharmacies.
If you are driving, the journey to Merzouga is long from most cities. Breaking the trip with a stop overnight helps children arrive in good spirits. See how to get to Merzouga.
How to Choose the Right Camp for Your Family
Start with the tent layout, then the bathroom, then the way you reach the camp. For a family on a budget, a comfort camp with a family tent is often the best balance. If you have very young children or want every comfort, look at luxury camps with private bathrooms. Compare categories on the camp prices page, or just tell us about your family and we’ll recommend options.
For travelers looking for a simple and traditional Sahara experience. Send us your date, number of guests and budget, and we will reply with the authentic camps that have space.
For travelers looking for more comfort and facilities. Send us your date, number of guests and budget, and we will reply with the comfort camps that have space.