My husband and I are interested in taking our children (ages 9 and 8) to Morocco next April/May. We would like to spend some time in the city, coast and desert however I am not sure if this is attempting too much in one trip. Does anyone have advice? Also, specific coastal locations?
Thank you!
I loved Morocco and hope to return and see more. I'd have no hesitancy in going with children of that age. How much time will you have?
I haven't visited the coast except in transit to Spain so can't help there.
My favorite cities were Fes and Marrakech, because they felt the most exotic to me. Rabat, Meknes, Taroudant and Ouarzazate were also interesting. You'll have to travel through Casablanca since it's the international gateway, but you needn't spend any time in that city.
My trip was a long time ago, and I am not up to date on transportation options, but I think moving around will be a challenge for you. Since you are four, I wonder about the possibility of a private tour to avoid some of the logistical issues, or perhaps multiple tours covering different parts of the country. It might be very affordable.
My mother and I enjoyed our very local experiences on the buses (some of which were very ramshackle back around 1990) and the "grand taxis", which are large cars used for unscheduled shared rides between towns. Those were not fast ways to get around, however.
One thing I believe you will observe is that any time you are not accompanied by a guide, you will be approached by young males (some looking under 15), wanting to be your guide. Life will be a lot easier if you agree on a fee and say "Yes", because that will stop the others from continually approaching you.
To add on to acraven's sound advice...
Yes, you omitted the critical info about how long you will be there (also when you are going). Setting that aside...
Casablanca may not need to be part of your itinerary (and unless you have oodles of time, I'd skip it, as there's only one thing worth seeing there, a large mosque - which is beautiful, but modern). There are plenty of options for flying in/out of the country from major western European cities (and some minor ones too) on low cost carriers. Fly in to Fes and out of Marrakech, for example (or vice versa).
For a coastal stop, consider Essoaria. An old fishing/trading port, now popular with Europeans seeking a nice beach vacation (lots of windsurfers).
Getting out into the real dessert will require some time and determination. It's not hard, but you will need to drive for a day each to get there and back.
I would avoid any of the ferry ports on the north coast, they are the Moroccan equivalent of Mexican border towns (eg Tijuana).
Thank you! I am still working on the travel plans but expect to be there for about 2 weeks. Any must do activities or towns? I have Marrakech and Fez on my itinerary. I am concerned about the trip to the desert and not sure it is worth the long travel.
I would skip the desert. Hit Rabat. volubilis, Fes, Chefchaouen.. Marrakech.and Essaouira. That’s plenty for two weeks.
I do think the desert is a worthwhile trip, if you can book a multi-city flight plan, make a couple of stops on the way, and try for the "longest" 2 weeks you can get. I'm thinking that you could drive a half-loop like this:
Fes (4N)
Drive 8 hours to Merzouga (2N)
Todra Gorge (1N)
Dades Gorge (2N)
Essaouira (3N)
Marrakech (3N)
This number of nights (adding up to 15) isn't Gospel. You'd have to read about what you want to visit at each location. I don't recall now whether I did drive the whole Fes-Merzouga route in one day. After picking up the rental car during business hours, we may have spent a night in Ifrane or Azrou (though Midelt would be more of a mid-point). It's a fairly scenic drive past mountains and kasbahs, and the occasional donkey or camel. Although the area called the "route of 1000 kasbahs" is actually the next leg (westbound, in this example). Drive defensively, especially where the road narrows, since truck drivers have an irresponsible reputation.
You may visit Morocco from March to May month. If you want to travel and experience the real beauty of the Morocco tourist attractions then it is the best time to visit. 10 Best Places To Visit In Morocco That You Can Include In Your Itinerary like: Meknes, Asilah, High Atlas, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Sahara Desert, Rabat, Casablanca, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.
You can easily see Marrakesh, the desert, and Essaouira (coast) in two weeks without rushing too much. You could also possibly fit in a trip to the Atlas Mountains-- I went to Ouzoud Falls as day trip from Marrakesh. The kids would probably love seeing the monkeys that live around the falls!
Also, if you're short on time you can go to the edge of desert as an overnight from Marrakesh. That's what I did and I was told by Moroccans that I wasn't seeing the "true Sahara"-- even so, it was a great experience. I got to ride a camel, sleep outside, and see the most stunning stars I had ever seen.
I am interested in any information on a day trip to edge of desert from Marrakesh. We are a family of 4 (children ages 11 and 15). Our trip is already scheduled for early August, which I know may not be the best time for the desert. Any information is appreciated.
Thanks.
Suzanne
Travel4ever, it's better if you start your own thread with your question. As it stands now, Jessica is going to receive an email notification every time someone responds to you.
