We usually get this question very often: Traveling with kids at the Sahara desert is okay?
First of all, we want to make clear that either you are coming from Fez or from Marrakech, it is a long journey (10 hours road trip).
If you start from Marrakech, the route goes across the High Atlas Mountains, stops in Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley before reaching Merzouga. We recommend taking the tour that stops in Dades so you have a waypoint to sleep between the road.
If your kids are not used to spending long periods of time in a car, this is going to be very difficult to traveling with kids. If you’re considering a Sahara visit, you MUST take this into consideration. It’s better to book a shared tour. Because you won’t be able to stop when you require it.
It will be better to book a private tour, that will allow you to stop as frequently as needed and will not put others on edge. Note that none of the cars will have a secure seat system for your kids.
After the note about the length of time spent in the car, the next point is about activities. Essentially, you’re driving 10+ hours to see this amazing experience in one of the most remote places in the world. But from a kid’s point of view, take into account that electronic gadgets won’t work. If your kids aren’t the type to spend hours without being entertained, then traveling with kids can be difficult. This can be an amazing experience or a frustrating one!
Things to consider before traveling with kids to the Erg Chebbi desert:
Usually, the arrival time in Kam Kam Dunes is at sunset. Also, take into consideration that kids may not be used to Moroccan food. And if they don’t like it much, there are very limited options on site. We advise you to bring some food with you. A baby highchair is not available.
Remember that weather at the desert is very severe, from a possible sand storm, to very high temperatures during the day and very cold during the night. The kids buggy will not slide in the sand.
Regarding emergencies, you also must consider that Kam Kam Dunes is located in the desert and the nearest basic “hospital” is in Errachidia (3.5 hours), so you must bring medicines you think you could require. We have a cat and a dog, and we are surrounded by sand, so if you have any allergy you need to be ready for this.
To sum up, if you take the trip as a family adventure and you think that spending some time on the road won’t be an issue, plus you and your kids accept all the inconveniences that may occur, handling it in a good way, then you are welcomed to book a tour! From past experiences, even though 9 months babies visited us, we recommend at least kids to be 4 or 5 years old.