Quick answer: The best family activities in Merzouga are a short sunset camel ride, sandboarding on small dunes, a 4x4 loop to nomad camps and the Gnawa village of Khamlia, fossil hunting, and stargazing at a desert camp. Most children from about four upwards enjoy them, and we adapt pace and duration to the youngest member of the family.
Our village sits at the foot of Erg Chebbi, and we see the same thing again and again: children arrive tired from the drive, then run straight up the nearest dune and do not want to come down. The desert is a giant sandpit with a story attached. Below are the family activities in Merzouga we recommend most, with honest notes on ages, timings and what to expect.
1. A short camel ride at sunset
Camel riding is the classic Merzouga experience, and for families we keep it short. The standard ride out to a camp takes around 60 to 90 minutes, which is fine for most children over six. For younger ones we can arrange a 20 to 30 minute ride and let the camels meet the car or 4x4 for the rest of the journey.
- Children usually ride with a parent or on their own camel led by our cameleer on foot.
- Getting on and off is the bumpiest part, as the camel rises back legs first. Hold on to the handle and lean back.
- Late afternoon is best, when the sand has cooled and the light turns orange.
You can read more about the ride itself in our guide to travelling in Morocco with kids.
2. Sandboarding and sliding
If there is one activity every child talks about afterwards, it is sandboarding. We choose smaller, gentler slopes for families rather than the steep faces of the highest dunes, which rise to around 150 metres. Younger children can sit on the board like a sledge; teenagers usually want to try standing. The only hard part is walking back up, which tires everyone out nicely before dinner.
3. 4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi
A half-day 4x4 trip is a good way to see a lot without long walks in the heat. A typical family loop includes:
- A nomad family tent, where children can see how people live with goats and camels, and share a glass of mint tea.
- Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music, with drums and metal castanets called qraqeb that kids are often invited to try.
- Fossil sites, where the rocks are full of ammonites and orthoceras around 350 to 400 million years old.
- A seasonal lake near Merzouga that, after rare rains, attracts flamingos and other birds.
Car seats are not always standard in Morocco, so if your child needs one, please tell us when booking or bring a travel booster.
4. Sleeping in a desert camp
For children the camp feels like an adventure, but modern camps are more comfortable than many parents expect. Family tents with proper beds, blankets and en-suite toilets are available at many camps. Evenings usually include a dinner of tagine, a small fire and drumming by the team. The main practical tips are simple:
- Bring a torch or head torch for each child.
- Pack warm layers, as nights drop sharply, especially from November to February.
- Keep a small bag with pyjamas and toothbrush so you do not unpack everything.
If you are unsure whether your children are ready for a night in the dunes, our article on the Sahara with children answers the most common worries.
5. Stargazing
Merzouga has very little light pollution, and on a clear, moonless night the Milky Way stretches across the sky. We lay out blankets on the sand and point out the Plough, Orion, Cassiopeia and, depending on the season, planets such as Jupiter or Saturn. Children love counting shooting stars. A free sky map app on your phone helps them find things themselves.
6. Visiting Rissani market
Around 35 km north of Merzouga, the town of Rissani holds its big souk several times a week, traditionally on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The donkey “car park” is a favourite with children, as are the heaps of dates, spices and colourful fabrics. Keep hands held in the busy lanes, and try a madfouna, the local stuffed flatbread sometimes called Berber pizza, for lunch.
7. Swimming and down time
Many hotels and auberges on the edge of the dunes have a swimming pool, which makes a real difference for families in warmer months. We suggest planning the day like locals do: activities early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and a long lunch and rest between noon and four.
Family activities by age
| Activity | Suggested age | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Short camel ride | 4+ with a parent | 20–30 min |
| Full camel trek to camp | 7+ | 60–90 min |
| Sandboarding | 5+ | 1–2 hours |
| 4x4 loop with Khamlia | All ages | 3–4 hours |
| Quad biking (passenger) | Teens, per operator rules | 1 hour |
| Stargazing | All ages | As long as they stay awake |
On quad biking, we are careful: children should never drive adult quads, and we only take older children as passengers or on suitable small machines, with helmets, on easy terrain away from the big dunes.
Keeping children comfortable in the desert
- Sun: high-factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. A light scarf protects faces if the wind picks up sand.
- Water: offer small sips often, not just when children say they are thirsty.
- Footwear: sand can be very hot in the middle of the day; closed shoes or socks under sandals help.
- Snacks: dates, nuts, bread and fruit are easy to find locally; bring familiar snacks from home for fussy eaters.
- Health: pack a small kit with rehydration salts, plasters and any usual children's medicines, and ask your doctor for advice before travelling.
How long to stay in Merzouga with a family
One night in camp is enough for a taste, but with children we usually recommend two nights in the area: one in a comfortable hotel with a pool and one in the dunes. That leaves time for a relaxed 4x4 day instead of rushing. Merzouga is a long way from the big cities, around nine to ten hours' driving from Marrakech and seven to eight from Fes, so a multi-day itinerary with overnight stops in the Dades Valley or the Middle Atlas is much easier on young travellers than a rushed transfer.
Plan your family desert holiday
Our 8-day family Morocco and Sahara adventure brings together the activities above at a pace that suits children, with shorter driving days and comfortable family rooms. If you would like to adjust it for your children's ages, get in touch with our team and we will shape the trip around your family.
