Family Holidays in Morocco: Travelling Comfortably with a Private Van

Morocco might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family holiday — but it should be. Moroccans adore children, the food is mild and comforting, the landscapes are a playground of mountains, deserts and beaches, and the culture is fascinating at any age. The key to a successful family trip is getting the logistics right, and transport is the biggest piece of that puzzle.

Why a private van works so well for families

Travelling with children means bags, snacks, naps, toilet stops and the occasional meltdown. Public transport and shared tours don't leave much room for that. A private van with driver gives you:

• Space for everyone, including pushchairs, car seats and luggage.
• Child seats installed and ready, free of charge.
• Flexibility to stop whenever a child needs a break.
• Door-to-door service, from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to each excursion.
• Safety, with an experienced driver and seat belts in every seat.
• A friendly local who often becomes the children's favourite person of the trip.

Read our practical guide to family airport transfers with child seats.

A 7-day family itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Marrakech. Private transfer from the airport to a riad with a pool or a family hotel. Afternoon rest, evening walk to Jemaa el-Fna to see the musicians and storytellers.

Day 2 — Marrakech highlights. Morning at Jardin Majorelle and the Secret Garden; lunch on a rooftop; afternoon swim. Evening calèche (horse carriage) ride around the ramparts — children love it.

Day 3 — Ourika Valley. River paddling, a Berber house visit with bread baked in a clay oven, and a gentle walk to the first waterfall. See our Ourika Valley trip.

Day 4 — Rest and play. A slow morning at the pool, then a cooking class where children shape their own bread or cookies.

Day 5 — Agafay desert. Camel ride at sunset, dinner in a camp under the stars, and maybe a night in a family tent. Details in our Agafay trip.

Day 6 — Essaouira or Ouzoud. Older children will love the monkeys and boats at Ouzoud; families with younger ones may prefer the beach, harbour and fresh fish of Essaouira.

Day 7 — Departure. A last swim and a relaxed transfer to the airport.

A 10-day family itinerary

Add three days to the coast: transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira (2–3 nights in a beachfront hotel or riad), then continue down the coast to Taghazout or Agadir for beach time and surf lessons, and fly home from Agadir. We handle every leg with the same comfortable van. See multi-city Morocco by private van.

Kid-friendly activities

• Camel rides in the Palmeraie or Agafay
• Horse-drawn carriages around Marrakech's ramparts
• Waterfalls and rivers in Ourika and Ouzoud
• Monkeys at Ouzoud and in the cedar forests near Azrou
• Beaches and surf lessons in Essaouira, Taghazout and Agadir
• Cooking classes and bread making
• Quad bikes for older children in Agafay
• Pottery and crafts workshops

Practical tips

Accommodation. Riads are magical but can have steep stairs and unfenced plunge pools. With toddlers, a family hotel or a riad with a ground-floor room may be easier.

Food. Moroccan food is generally mild. Children often love couscous, kefta (meatballs), msemen (pancakes), fresh orange juice and mint tea with plenty of sugar. Drink bottled water.

Heat. In summer, plan activities early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and keep the middle of the day for the pool. Hats, sunscreen and water are essential.

Health. Pack a small first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts and any regular medication. Pharmacies are excellent and easy to find.

Pace. Don't plan too much. One excursion per day, with rest days in between, keeps everyone happy.

Long drives. Avoid more than 3 hours at a stretch with young children; your driver will happily plan breaks.

Choosing the right vehicle

• Family of 3–5: a comfort van, with plenty of space for luggage.
• Family of 6–7 or with grandparents: a comfort van or a Ford Tourneo Custom.
• Two or three families together: a minibus keeps everyone together.

Compare options in choosing between a van and a minibus.

The magic of Morocco for children

Children remember the smells of the spice souks, the taste of fresh bread, the camel that wouldn't stop chewing, and the stars over the desert. With good planning and a reliable driver, a family holiday in Morocco becomes a lifelong memory for everyone.

Ready to plan your family adventure? Discover our van hire with driver and send us your dates.