Overview
Morocco is the perfect playground for adventurous families. This trip takes you from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene Atlas Mountains, with every stop offering something unique for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s cooking up traditional Moroccan dishes at the Amal Women’s Training Center—an inspiring project that empowers local women through culinary skills—or riding camels across the Sahara’s golden dunes, this adventure is designed to create unforgettable family moments.
You’ll experience the vibrant culture of Marrakech, enjoy scenic hikes in the High Atlas Mountains, and spend nights under the stars in Berber tents. With every twist of the road, you’ll discover a different side of Morocco, from ancient kasbahs to peaceful coastal towns. This trip is all about mixing culture, nature, and adventure, while supporting local communities and sustainable tourism projects along the way.
What's Included?
- Airport Transfers & Private Local Transport
- Expert Local Guides
- 9 Nights Accommodation in Riads
- 1 Night Accommodation in Tents
- Daily Breakfast, 6 Dinners, 1 Lunch
- Guided City Tour of Marrakech by bike
- Cooking Class at Amal Women’s Training Center
- Guided Hikes in the Atlas Mountains
- Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert
- Entrance Fees & Permits
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
- Tips for Guides
- Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Souvenirs
Trip Highlights
Explore Marrakech by Bicycle: Pedal through the historic streets of Marrakech, visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina, and the bustling spice souk.
Hike in the Atlas Mountains: Trek through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, guided by locals who share stories of village life.
Amal Cooking Class at Amal Women’s Training Center: Learn to cook traditional Moroccan dishes at a nonprofit that empowers local women through culinary skills.Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert: Experience a magical sunset camel ride through the Sahara, followed by an unforgettable night in Berber tents under the stars.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Marrakech. Touch down in the vibrant city of Marrakech. After a transfer to your riad, settle in and take in the sights and sounds of the medina. Maybe even snap a quick family photo in front of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque before kicking off the adventure tomorrow!
Meals Included: None
This morning, hop on bikes and pedal through the streets of Marrakech, past the Koutoubia Mosque and through the old spice souk. A family cycle through history! In the evening, head to Amal Women’s Training Center for a cooking class where you'll whip up some classic Moroccan dishes—perfect for any aspiring little chefs. Amal is a nonprofit that provides training and support for local women, making this meal all the more special.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we’re leaving the city and heading deep into the Atlas Mountains, winding through small Berber villages. After lunch, drive to the stunning Valley of the Roses. By the time you arrive at Dades Gorge, you'll all be be ready to kick back and soak in the views. Fun fact: this valley is home to a thousand kasbahs!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pack your camera—today, it’s a journey through the dramatic Todra Gorge, with a quick hike through its sheer rock walls. Then it’s off to Merzouga for a camel ride into the Sahara dunes, where you’ll spend the night under a starry sky in Berber tents. This is the kind of family memory you’ll be talking about for years to come!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day early with an unforgettable sunrise in the Sahara. After riding your camel back to the hotel, freshen up and get ready for the journey to Ait Ben Haddou—one of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbahs and a favorite family-friendly film set (hello, Gladiator!). It’s a long drive, but worth it when you see the ancient walls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the desert behind as we drive through winding mountain roads, heading up into the High Atlas. You’ll arrive in Imlil, a quiet mountain village, just in time for a family-style dinner made from local produce. The fresh mountain air is the perfect change of pace after the dry desert landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Lace up your hiking boots—it’s time for a family trek through the High Atlas Mountains! Your local guide will take you through scenic paths, sharing stories of village life along the way. It’s a gentle walk perfect for kids and adults alike, with plenty of chances to snap photos with epic mountain backdrops.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning hike down the mountain, we’ll make our way to the coastal town of Essaouira. Arrive in the afternoon with plenty of time to explore the port, check out the colorful markets, or simply take a stroll along the long sandy beach. Keep an eye out for the blue boats bobbing in the harbour—they’re the stars of Essaouira’s postcard-perfect views.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s all about relaxing by the coast. Whether you’re browsing local shops for jewellery or souvenirs, watching the fishermen haul in their catch, or just kicking back with a beach day, Essaouira is the perfect spot for some laid-back fun. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on some fresh seafood!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we’re heading back to Marrakech, where you’ll dive into the famous medina for a guided tour. Test out your haggling skills in the souks, where everything from spices to lamps is up for grabs. And, if you’re a cat lover, you’re in luck—Marrakech’s medina is full of friendly street cats! End the day with a rooftop mint tea and a view of the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square.
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to Morocco and all the memories made. After breakfast, we’ll transfer you back to the airport. We hope your family had the adventure of a lifetime—and we’ll be waiting for you on your next one!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Where We'll Stay
We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guesthouses around the world to hand-pick those that we think you’ll love. We’ve hand-picked some of the best family-friendly accommodations in Morocco to ensure comfort and authenticity throughout your adventure. You’ll experience a mix of charming riads, cozy guesthouses, and even a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
In Marrakech, you’ll stay in traditional riads that offer modern comforts and a peaceful retreat from the vibrant city. As you venture into the Atlas Mountains, you’ll enjoy family-run guesthouses nestled in quiet mountain villages, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Your night in the Sahara will be spent in a Berber tent, surrounded by the beauty of the desert and a sky full of stars.
While the specific accommodations may vary, rest assured that every place we choose is carefully selected for its comfort, cleanliness, and ability to make your family feel at home during this unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
Calendar & Price
Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!
Interactive Route Map
Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.
Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.
What is Polarsteps?
We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures.
Carbon Emissions
This trip emits approximately 478 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from transport, accommodation, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.
What does this mean?
This is roughly equivalent to driving a typical petrol car about 1,530 miles.
It’s similar to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 21 days during winter.
Our Approach
At Earth Dog Travel, we recognise the environmental impact of travel and aim to make responsible choices. This Morocco itinerary helps support local communities and encourages sustainable tourism practices in the High Atlas and desert regions. Understanding the carbon footprint of your trip allows you to make informed decisions and consider carbon offsets to balance your environmental impact.
More Information
What's the fitness level required for this trip?
We grade all of our trips to try and make it easy to understand the fitness levels required. These are broad guidelines however so you’re welcome to chat to us about any specific concerns you might have.
You’ll find more information about these levels here and you can find the difficulty rating for this specific trip at the top of the page.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, it is. We run adventurous trips and it’s mandatory that you have suitable travel insurance in place to cover overseas medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.
We can’t recommend which provider you use but the main things we’d encourage you to look out for is that you’re fully covered for the activities you’re taking part in (i.e., covers you up to the altitude you’ll be trekking at) and that it covers cancellation in the event that illness or other circumstances prevent you from travelling.
How much should I tip in Morocco?
Tips are not included in any of our trips. They are entirely discretionary but in most cases are expected by the teams that will be looking after you. We know it can be daunting to work out exactly what to give so whilst this guideline hopefully helps, please remember that it’s a completely personal choice and you should feel free to tip more or less based on the quality of service that you receive.
Trekking Guide: 100-200 MAD per day
Porters or Support Staff: $50-100 MAD per day
Drivers: 50-100 MAD per day
Again, tipping is not compulsory and please only do so if the service you’ve received warrants it. It’s hugely appreciated and a way for the teams looking after you to supplement their income.
How do I find out which hotels, meals and activities are included?
Unfortunately we can’t provide an exhaustive list of everything included in the ‘What’s Included’ section of this page as we include a whole bunch of stuff on our trips!
If it’s in the itinerary and we’ve not explicitly said that it’s an optional activity, then yes – it’s almost certainly included. If you’re not sure, please ask.
The meals that are included are all listed on the daily itinerary.
For the accommodation, we’ve got a shortlist of properties that we use. You can get a sense of the types of accommodation we use higher up the page in the ‘Where We’ll Stay’ section. We cannot guarantee any specific properties for your trip as it’s based on availability. If you are wanting to specifically request a property then please get in touch as we’re able to customise our trips.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of for my trip to Morocco?
Our trips to Morocco either start or finish in Marrakesh (Menara Airport – RAK) or Casablanca (Mohammed V International Airport – CMN).
Please check the itinerary carefully or ask us before booking flights if you’re unsure.
What are your payment terms and is my booking financially protected?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to where you can read more about how we are an ABTOT member and have an ATOL licence and what this means for your financial protection when booking a trip with us.
Deposits vary from destination to destination and from trip to trip. Generally speaking we require a deposit of 25%. This amount may be higher for certain trips where more services that usual need to be booked and paid for in advance (such as gorilla permits in Rwanda). Deposits are non-refundable.
Balance payments are required up to 70 days prior to travel.
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:
- Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
- 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
- 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
- 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.
These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.
Can I customise this trip in any way?
- adding in extra days or cutting out a day here or there;
- squeezing in other destinations or removing them;
- starting or finishing the trip in a different place;
- staying in a hotel or guesthouse that we don’t list as an option.
What if someone under the minimum age wants to travel?
It might not be an issue. Some destinations such as Rwanda have firm rules in place about how old people should be in order to visit the gorillas. In other destinations it’s more of a guideline.
Please do contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What information will I receive after I book?
After you book, we’ll get to work confirming that the dates you’ve selected are completely available.
There are extremely rare circumstances that may mean we’re unable to confirm your booking. These circumstances are limited to events beyond our control or not being able to secure the services that you wanted to book.
In the extremely rare event that we’re unable to confirm your booking you will be offered an alternative itinerary or a full refund without any fees. Please do not book any non-changeable travel plans until you receive the confirmation from us. This will be within 72 hours.
A detailed Trip Dossier will then be sent to you after you make your booking. It’ll contain all the information you might need to help you pack and get prepared for your trip, including information on visas, vaccinations, packing and training.
We encourage you to refer to the UK Government’s official travel advisory service when planning your trips. You can find the FCDO advice here.
And when you travel, we work closely with local experts to put together the best itineraries. We’ve worked with them exhaustively to provide safe adventures at great value. They know their destination better than we ever could so you’ll be in good hands! You can read a bit more about why we will only ever have locally-led trips here.
Book Now
Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!
