Tour Overview
Atlas Mountains · Sahara Desert · Family Tour8 days of Atlas and Sahara exploration designed specifically for families. Experience camel rides, desert camps, authentic nomadic culture, and the breathtaking beauty of Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
Our 8-day Atlas and Sahara Family Adventure Tour offers a unique opportunity for families to explore the magnificent landscapes of Morocco together. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene silence of the Sahara Desert, this journey has been carefully crafted to engage travelers of all ages.
We invite you to take a scenic route through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass (2,260 m above sea level). This family tour combines comfortable accommodations with authentic cultural experiences that will create lasting memories for your entire family. You'll witness stunning sunsets over golden dunes, sleep under star-filled skies, and learn about traditional Berber culture from local guides.
This 8-day Morocco family travel experience has been designed as an accessible adventure with family-friendly pacing, allowing time to explore dunes, oases, and experience authentic encounters with desert nomads. Whether you're traveling with young children or teenagers, this journey offers something truly special for every member of the family.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Family Adventure Tour unique- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tichka Pass from Marrakech
- Visit Ouarzazate with its exceptional southern architecture
- Cross the magnificent Berber village of Agdez and the Draa Valley palm groves
- Discover the traditional lifestyle of desert nomads
- Experience camel trekking in the magnificent dunes of Erg Chegaga
- Magical evenings at desert bivouacs with traditional dinners around campfires
- Witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over golden sand dunes
- Visit traditional villages and learn about Berber culture and traditions
- Explore the Fint Oasis, a hidden gem near Ouarzazate
- Family-friendly pacing and activities suitable for all ages
Detailed Itinerary – 8 Days
Family-friendly program, adaptable to your preferencesMarrakech Airport Arrival
We will pick you up at the airport. Depending on your arrival time, the city tour will take place on the last day. Marrakech is truly a magical city. Even if you arrive late, don't miss the Djemaa El Fna Square. Check-in and overnight stay in a hotel or riad in Marrakech.
Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Agdez – Zagora
Our bus tour departs south through the renowned high mountains of the Tichka Pass (at an altitude of 2,260 m) and small Berber villages. Our first visit will be to the Telouet Kasbah, via the Ounila Valley, a Berber valley with splendid architecture. After a coffee break in the city of Ouarzazate, we will continue to the Draa Valley from the city of Agdez. A walk in the cool of the palm grove will be an opportunity to discover the landscape offered by this oasis dotted with Kasbahs and Douars, magnificent examples of the traditional earthen architecture of southern Morocco. You will spend the night in a hotel amidst these magnificent landscapes of the Draa Valley in the city of Zagora.
Zagora – Tamgrout – Oulad Driss
Head to M'hamid, stopping en route in Tamgroute to visit (if interested) the Quranic library, the underground kasbah, and the pottery factory. Continue to the village of Rgabi, where we will hike to the village of Oulad Driss, where our lodge is located. Arrival, check-in, lunch, and then a stroll through the village of Bono. Evening, return to the lodge, and overnight.
Desert Trek with Camels - 5 hours walking
Departure to Erg Lihoudi at 8:30 a.m. For a 2.5-hour walk, accompanied by camels, your guide, and your camel driver, arrival at the oasis of Oulad Driss. Lunch at Erg Lihoudi, before setting off in the afternoon to walk across small dunes and spend the night at our bivouac. A perfect day for family adventure in the Sahara Desert.
The Sacred Oasis – Erg Chegaga - 2.5-hour walk
In the morning, still hiking, you will have plenty of time to admire the desert in its majestic simplicity and soak up its magnificent landscapes until lunch, followed by a good rest. In the afternoon, you'll quickly reach the great dunes of CHIGAGA in a 4×4 in 1.5 hours, giving you time to climb one of the highest dunes and admire the sunset over the golden waves of the sand sea. Evening and overnight at the CHIGAGA bivouac.
Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Ouarzazate
Head south to reach the dried-up Lake Iriki. This place was once a popular spot for nomadic caravans. The imposing mountain ridges are undoubtedly among the most beautiful remote landscapes. We'll arrive at the small town of Foum Zguid where we'll have lunch. Then we'll head back to Taznakht, the capital of saffron and carpets, before arriving in Ouarzazate where you'll spend the night in a hotel.
Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, a detour will take us to the palm grove of the Fint oasis, a magnificent mountain oasis 10 km from Ouarzazate, a veritable green setting amidst rocks whose unspoiled nature is still preserved from mass tourism. We will offer a visit to the Taourirt kasbah, a beautiful, remarkably preserved adobe building. After lunch, depart via the Tizi N'Tichka pass to Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon.
Marrakech – Airport Transfer
Transfer to the airport for your departure, with unforgettable memories of your Morocco family travel adventure through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your family budget comfortably- Full board from Marrakech to Marrakech
- Overnight stays at hotels, riads, and bivouacs
- Transfers with tourist transport
- Services of a mountain guide
- Camels for desert trekking
- 4×4 vehicles for Sahara exploration
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Airport transfers
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Meals in Marrakech except breakfast
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the Atlas and Sahara Family Adventure routeFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before your family adventureYes, this 8-day tour has been specifically designed with families in mind. The pacing is comfortable, and activities can be adjusted based on your children's ages and energy levels. The camel trekking portions are gentle and suitable for children. For more information about family travel in Morocco, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
The Sahara Desert can be extremely hot during summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). From November to March, temperatures are more comfortable for family exploration, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day. For detailed safety information about traveling in Morocco with family, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
Your family will stay in comfortable hotels and riads in cities and authentic desert bivouacs during the desert portion. Our accommodations are family-friendly with proper beds, traditional Moroccan meals, and facilities while maintaining authentic experiences. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and authentic Moroccan character, perfect for family travel.
Light walking before departure is recommended for all family members. Bring comfortable shoes, light-colored clothing for sun protection, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for everyone. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers. A detailed family equipment list will be provided upon booking your Morocco family travel adventure. We recommend bringing reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
The Chegaga dunes are among the highest and most spectacular in Morocco, reaching up to 300 meters in height. Unlike the more touristy Erg Chebbi, Chegaga offers a more remote and authentic desert experience that's perfect for families seeking adventure. The vastness of the dunes and the sense of isolation create a truly magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light transforms the landscape into breathtaking shades of gold and orange that children will love.
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative traditions, especially in rural areas. We recommend dressing modestly, particularly when visiting villages and religious sites. Women and girls should consider covering shoulders and knees. It's also respectful to ask permission before photographing local people. Your guide will provide additional cultural guidance throughout the journey to ensure respectful interactions with local communities during your family travel experience.