Our Journey to Merzouga’s Golden Dunes by Morocco Family Vacation

Before traveling to Morocco, the Sahara Desert felt like something meant for postcards or adventurous backpackers not families with kids. I worried about long drives, extreme heat, and whether the experience would be overwhelming for my children. But our family trip to Merzouga, deep in the golden dunes of the Sahara, became one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve ever shared together.

This is our story of traveling to the desert as a family — what surprised us, what worked, and why Merzouga turned out to be far more family-friendly than I ever expected.

The Road to the Desert

Getting to Merzouga is a journey in itself. We traveled by private vehicle, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at small villages, and watching the landscape slowly transform from green valleys to rocky plains and finally to endless sand.

For the kids, the drive felt like a geography lesson brought to life. They counted palm trees in the Ziz Valley, asked questions about Berber villages, and stared silently as the dunes first appeared on the horizon. Seeing that moment through their eyes was unforgettable.

We broke the journey into manageable segments with plenty of stops, which kept everyone comfortable and curious rather than tired or restless.

First Steps Into the Golden Dunes

When we arrived in Merzouga, the dunes were even more beautiful than I imagined. Soft, golden, and constantly shifting with the wind, they looked like something from a dream. My kids ran barefoot into the sand, laughing as their feet sank with each step.

The desert felt peaceful, not harsh. The silence was calming, and the wide open space gave the kids freedom to explore safely. I realized quickly that the desert isn’t chaotic it’s grounding.

Camel Ride Into the Sahara

Our camel ride into the dunes was carefully planned for late afternoon, when the sun was lower and the temperature comfortable. The kids were nervous at first, but the guides were patient and reassuring, explaining everything step by step.

Riding camels across the dunes became one of the highlights of the trip. The slow rhythm, the vast landscape, and the golden light made it feel almost meditative. We stopped often so the kids could climb dunes, roll down the sand, and simply be kids.

A Desert Camp Made for Families

That night, we stayed in a desert camp designed with families in mind. Our tent was spacious, clean, and warm once the sun set. The kids were fascinated by the lanterns, carpets, and traditional decor.

Dinner was simple and comforting — tagine, bread, and warm soup — followed by music around the fire. Watching my children clap along to Berber rhythms under a sky full of stars was one of those moments I’ll carry forever.

Later, we lay outside the tent looking up at the Milky Way. With no city lights, the stars felt close enough to touch. The kids asked questions until they slowly fell asleep, wrapped in blankets, completely at peace.

Desert Mornings With Kids

Morning in the desert was quiet and magical. We woke early to watch the sunrise paint the dunes in shades of gold and pink. The kids climbed a small dune near the camp, cheering as the sun appeared.

Breakfast was relaxed and unhurried, and the cool morning air made everything feel calm and gentle. This slow pace was exactly what our family needed.

Safety and Comfort in Merzouga

As a mom, I was surprised by how safe and organized the experience felt. The guides stayed close, the camp staff were attentive, and activities were adapted for children.

Key things that helped:

Traveling with experienced local guides

Avoiding midday desert heat

Packing warm layers for cool nights

Keeping schedules flexible

The company we booked with helped design the desert portion of our itinerary in a way that respected our kids’ limits and energy levels.

What Our Kids Learned From the Desert

Merzouga wasn’t just fun it was educational. The kids learned about:

Berber culture and desert life

How people live in extreme environments

The importance of nature, silence, and patience

They came home with a deeper appreciation for simplicity and the world beyond screens and schedules.

Things We Chose Not to Do

We skipped:

Long dune treks

Late-night activities

Overpacked desert schedules

Instead, we focused on quality moments rather than checking boxes. That choice made all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Merzouga with kids taught me that the desert isn’t intimidating it’s transformative. The golden dunes slowed us down, brought us together, and reminded us how powerful shared experiences can be.

Morocco’s Sahara gave our family something rare: uninterrupted time, wonder, and connection. If you’re considering the desert with children, don’t rule it out. With thoughtful planning and the right guidance, Merzouga can become one of the most beautiful chapters of your family’s travel story.

Source & Experience Reference

Morocco Family Vacation - Merzouga’s Golden Dunes