•  Traveling to Morocco with Children

Morocco offers a variety of experiences that will capture the imagination of young ones. The vibrant souks of Marrakech and Fez are a sensory explosion, as are nights camping around a campfire or camel rides on the beach or in the desert. After a hot day, what better way to relax than by enjoying a pool session at the hotel?

Morocco is a perfect destination for families with children seeking exotic adventures. Additionally, it is well-connected from Europe and America, with Marrakech less than 3 hours from Madrid. Children, with their curiosity and energy, open doors and offer unique opportunities to immerse in Moroccan culture, which values the importance of family.

•  Interaction with Locals

In Morocco, children are very much loved, and it can be useful to carry a baby carrier for the little ones in case they need a break from all the hugs, kisses, and attention. Children often break the ice and facilitate contact with the locals, who are usually very friendly, helpful, and protective of families, raised in the warm environment of large families.

As you traverse the landscape, you can observe women carrying their children in their arms to greet from their doorways. These moments highlight one of the greatest advantages for young travelers: lacking prejudice about North Africa, what they will remember about Morocco is the kindness and hospitality of its people.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that vendors in the souks will treat parents specially. However, the presence of Western women and children is often well received, suggesting that the shop is family-friendly. Additionally, allowing children to explore a carpet shop can be an excellent bargaining tactic.

•  Adapting to Morocco with Children

Exploring an unfamiliar environment can take time for children, but Morocco offers many family-friendly and exciting experiences to facilitate adaptation. In the countryside, simple things like beehives and plants can captivate their interest. Although it’s rare to find children’s play areas in public parks or gardens, there’s much to discover and enjoy.

Taking things slowly is crucial for a successful family trip to Morocco. It’s important to have time to acclimate at the beginning and rest at the end. Trying to do too much, as you might if traveling alone, can lead to children feeling tired and irritable. Distances can be deceiving, especially due to poor road conditions, so it’s important to have alternative plans in case children get sick. Moreover, keeping a slower pace, such as avoiding outings during the hottest parts of the day (between 12:00 and 16:00), will allow you to experience more closely the rhythm of life, people, and landscapes of Morocco.

• Eating Out

Typical dishes like tagine often contain familiar ingredients like potatoes and carrots, which can be comforting for children. Encouraging children to try Moroccan food is a great idea, though it can be challenging if they don’t like certain foods like potatoes or bread. In these cases, Western options like pasta, pizza, and French fries are easy to find. Although not all restaurants have high chairs, the staff is usually very friendly and helpful.

It’s important to choose restaurants carefully and avoid consuming salads. Opt for well-cooked and hot dishes like tagines, couscous, omelets, and soups like harira (made from lentils). Markets offer fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables, but it’s always advisable to wash or peel them before consuming. Local sweets like fried donuts are a delight for children.

To avoid stomach problems, it’s best to stick to bottled or purified water. Milk (UHT, pasteurized, and powdered) is easy to find, but if you need any specific food, it’s best to bring it with you.

• Highlighted Activities for Children

Animal Exploration

– Excursion in the High Atlas Mountains: Drive to a hiking point in the High Atlas, like Imlil, and enjoy a day walk in the mountains with a guide and a mule.
– Camel Ride in Essaouira: Enjoy camel or horseback rides on the beaches of Essaouira or in the Sahara desert, where dunes are accessible in the Draa Valley and Merzouga.
– Carriage Ride in Marrakech: Horse-drawn carriages are a charming way to tour the walls of cities like Marrakech, Meknes, and Taroudant.

• Water Activities

– Water Sports in Essaouira: Water and wind sports in Essaouira or Agadir beach are perfect for little ones.
– Oualidia Lagoon: Enjoy safe waters on a wide sandy beach at Oualidia Lagoon.
– Mediterranean Maritime Park: Explore the creative park in Ceuta, with pools surrounded by restaurants and cafes.

•  Fun and Entertainment

– Exploration in Marrakech: In the Majorelle Garden and Jemaa el-Fna square, children can enjoy games like “catch the bottle.”
– Visit to Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate: Explore the sets and props of famous movies filmed in the area.
– Cooking Classes in Fez: At Café Clock, children can participate in cooking classes ranging from making spice blends to kneading bread and baking it in the communal oven. Kefta tagine is an easy-to-prepare meal that doesn’t require the use of knives. There is also a Café Clock in Marrakech popular among families.

• Tips for Traveling with Children in Morocco

Preparations Before Departure

Morocco offers most necessary items for children, but it’s important to plan according to the region visited; for example, rain gear is essential in the mountains in case of bad weather.

•  Accommodation

When choosing a hotel, it’s advisable to check if they are well-prepared to accommodate families with children.

In many hotels, children under 2 years old stay free, while those aged 2 to 12 usually pay half the adult rate if sharing a room with parents. For a proper bath, it’s better to stay in mid-priced hotels.

•  Transportation

Northern Morocco has an excellent rail network, making the train a fun option for traveling with children, as they can move around freely and entertain themselves with games or drawings.

In buses and “grands taxis,” it’s common to travel cramped, so small children must sit on an adult’s lap as they are not considered full passengers. Additionally, these shared transportation means have a questionable safety record, and the roads are often bumpy.

It may be worth renting a vehicle, a taxi in Marrakech, or a four-wheel drive in mountainous areas. Although you can bring a child seat, many taxis don’t have seat belts to secure them. Moreover, car rental companies usually lack these seats, and their price is often higher in Morocco than in Europe.

• Health and Hygiene

Since children tend to touch everything, it’s essential to carry hand sanitizer. Disposable diapers are easy to find in Morocco.

Parents must know how to treat minor ailments and when to seek medical help during the trip.

Ensure children are up-to-date with their vaccinations and plan ahead for travel vaccines, as some are not suitable for those under 1 year old.

Children are at higher risk of intestinal problems during travel, so it’s crucial to watch their diet. If they experience vomiting or diarrhea, they must replenish lost fluids. It’s helpful to carry oral rehydration salts that dissolve in potable water, but consult with a doctor. In some places, especially during road trips and in budget hotels, it’s more common to find traditional style toilets than Western-style ones.

Due to the heat in Morocco, it’s important to protect children from the sun, avoid excessive exposure, and keep them hydrated. It’s recommended to carry high SPF sunscreen and avoid traveling inland during summer when temperatures can exceed 40°C.

Avoid letting children approach dogs or other mammals due to the risk of rabies and other diseases, although this is unlikely during camel rides in the desert or with donkeys and mules in places like the medina of Fez.

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