Five Days in Morocco: Marrakech to the Sahara Desert with My Nine-Year-Old Daughter

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – immersing in the Medina

We flew into Marrakech on a quick two-hour flight from Barcelona with Vueling. We purchased the basic airfare for €29 each including taxes, and then we added front-row seats, which included two pieces of luggage on board and priority boarding for €32 each, bringing the one-way flight to €61 each.

We opted for a private driver for the full five days to have ultimate flexibility and a rough itinerary to include Marrakech, Dades Valley, the Sahara desert and Fes. Along with the driver, Sahara Magic organized our riads and guest houses, a sunset camel ride in the Sahara, two 4x4 excursions and tours of Marrakech in advance.

After our driver picked us up at the airport, our first stop was La Maison Arabe, where we settled in for our first night. Before meeting the driver, we took out cash at the airport for small purchases and tips. It is very important to tip all service providers 10 to 15 percent if service is good because their salaries are very low (think €200 to €400 per month).

After checking into our iconic riad, we ventured off on foot to the Medina of Marrakech, a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds and scents. Sahara Magic arranged an immersive guided tour of the historic Medina, where ancient souks beckon with their intricate wares, from hand-woven carpets to aromatic spices. We wandered through the UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with storytellers, musicians and snake charmers. We visited Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque, standing tall as a symbol of Marrakech’s storied past.

Afterwards, we retreated to our luxurious riad, La Maison Arabe, where the tranquil courtyards, pool and traditional restaurant offered an oasis from the bustling streets. I highly recommend getting a hammam service and massage at the Spa in La Maison Arabe, even if you are staying at a different riad.

Day 2: The road to Dades Valley – a scenic escape

Our driver picked us up on day two at 9a m to start our journey to the desert. My daughter insisted on Starbucks, which is an unusual request for Morocco, and most people have never heard of the establishment! There is only one location in Marrakech, and our driver was happy to go out of our way to fulfill the request. With Pink Drinks in hand, we left the city and ventured toward the breathtaking Dades Valley.

En route, we saw snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains and visited the ancient, fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a cinematic backdrop for many Hollywood epics. We walked through the narrow alleyways of the Kasbah and ventured to the top where we had a nice view of the surrounding areas. Before getting back in the car to continue our journey, we had lunch at a cute restaurant with a gorgeous view of Aït Benhaddou. We felt like we were on a movie set ourselves!

After lunch, we continued our day by stopping at Ouarzazate, often dubbed the "Hollywood of Africa," to explore the Taourirt Kasbah. After that, our next stop was the Atlas Studios, which was a highlight for my daughter. So many popular movies were filmed here, we could put ourselves in the scenes! We did a tour which lasted about an hour and was well worth it.

We then continued on the winding road through the Valley of Roses, which leads you to the dramatic Dades Gorges, and stayed overnight in a charming kasbah-style hotel, nestled amidst lush palm groves and towering red cliffs. We were exhausted but energized when we entered the dinner buffet with traditional Moroccan delicacies but also familiar foods like spaghetti, which my daughter was pleased to have! The hotel also had a beautiful pool which we didn’t have time to enjoy, but we sat in the chaise lounges and enjoyed the magical starlit night for a bit.

Day 3: Into the Sahara – camel trekking and 4X4 at Erg Chebbi

We ventured deeper into the Moroccan desert, arriving at the mesmerizing dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Along the way, we stopped to witness the Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs create a dramatic natural cathedral. We stopped in Rissani for a traditional lunch of Berber pizza, which was delicious. It was also in Rissani that we had our first henna art done on our hands by a local woman. Traditionally, women in Morocco apply henna for special occasions like weddings.

Upon reaching the Sahara, before our sunset camel ride, we had time to do a 4x4 excursion for a couple of hours, which we arranged last minute with Sahara Magic. It was great to get out on the quads and drive through the desert after the long car journey. The air and sand are like nothing you can imagine! It is so clean and soft and inviting. We were able to do some sandboarding and relax in the beautiful Sahara.

After the private 4x4 tour, we left our vehicles at our beautiful accommodation, Riad Carasvasar. Upon entering the beautiful boutique hotel, the owner asked us if we would like tea before our sunset camel ride, which we graciously accepted. (My daughter added so much sugar to the mint tea, I wondered if it could still be considered tea!)

After our tea, we walked out back to the riad where we stood on the literal edge of the desert and saw our two dedicated camels. We were so happy to learn that again we had a private tour, but this time on camels. Our guide walked in front of the camels, leading us for about an hour until we stopped above a huge sand dune to get off, relax and play in the sand, take some great photos and wait for the incredible sunset. It was during this time that I really had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming! It was the most beautiful scenery I have ever felt and seen in person, and I will never forget the magical feeling.

After the sun set, we began our return to the riad. My daughter decided to lead the camels, and she walked the whole way back, barefoot in the luxurious gold sand while I enjoyed my lazy camel ride. Later that evening, we savored a traditional Berber feast under a canopy of stars. Henna art and lively drumming added to the magical ambiance.

Days 4 and 5: 4X4 at Erg Chebbi, visiting local villages, evening in Rissani

The next day, we woke up very leisurely and incredibly well rested. We almost missed breakfast because we slept in so late. Once we made it down to the outside patio, complete with a desert pool, we were served our best breakfast yet looking out to the desert in front of us. Yogurts, eggs, crepes, jams, fruit and coffee were fresh and delicious! The perfect start to our last day in the Sahara.

With a full day ahead of us, and no plans, our driver came to meet us to make a game plan. He gave us a bunch of options and we decided we’d like to do a longer 4x4 tour, have lunch in one of the villages, get henna again and then head to Errachidia for the night since we had an early flight out of Aéroport Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif the following day. After a nice final night in Morocco at the Kenzi Rissani Hotel, we woke up and made our way to the airport, our last drive with our wonderful chauffeur / tour guide/ new brother, uncle, best friend. After the four days spent with him, we truly felt like we were with family.

We flew on AirMaroc from Errachidia to Casablanca and then Casablanca to Barcelona, which was a seamless and easy commute. The one-way flight was €200 each, including seats and baggage. We were limited to five days for the trip, but the better option would be to continue to Fes from the desert with your driver. I would recommend spending two nights in Fes, a city that feels like stepping into a living museum, which unveils its treasures on a guided tour.

During the scenic drive, you pause in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you might catch a glimpse of Barbary macaques. You could stop in the charming town of Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style architecture. You would arrive in Fes by late afternoon and settle into a luxurious riad. The following day, with your guide, you could explore the labyrinthine streets of Fes el-Bali, the oldest walled part of the city, filled with bustling souks and ancient medersas. Visit the famed Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continually operating university in the world. The Chouara Tannery offers a fascinating, albeit aromatic, glimpse into traditional leather-making techniques. End your day at the serene Bou Inania Madrasa, marveling at its intricate woodwork and zellij tilework.

From Fes Sais International Airport, you would have more inexpensive and direct options to consider for your flight out of Morocco.

I highly recommend Morocco travel for all age groups. I am here to take the stress out of the planning process. You can be as involved as you want, and you are always in control. Everything is tailored to your exact needs and tastes, and we will keep tweaking and adapting until it feels exactly right.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Marrakech page.