Marrakech to Merzouga circuit in December by shared taxi with young kids

Hi there,

We're a family with two kids aged 7 and 2, planning a trip to Morocco from December 21 to 28, 2026. We're thinking of spending 2 days and 2 nights in Marrakech, then heading out on the third morning to the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga or Khamlia, still deciding), and returning to catch our flight. The plan is to go via Skoura, the Valley of Roses, the Dadès Gorges, Tinghir, to reach the Merzouga dunes. On the way back, we'd stop at Tamnougalt before returning to Marrakech.

A few notes, since traveling with young kids slows everything down: - Ideally, we'd like to travel by shared taxi or bus - I don’t want to stop and sleep in Ouarzazate, as I’ve already visited.

Questions: - Does this seem doable in December (especially the Marrakech-Ouarzazate stretch)? - Which overnight stops would you recommend between Marrakech and Merzouga? We’ll spend 2 nights in two different places, then 2 nights in Merzouga, and 1 night in Tamnougalt. - I’d prefer shared taxis, but can they drop us off a bit farther than city centers (e.g., if our hostel is a few kilometers from Boulmane Dadès, or not in central Merzouga but in Khamlia)? Basically, is it possible to travel a little off the beaten path with shared taxis? - We love family-friendly hostels—if you have any recommendations, we’re all ears!

Thanks, fellow travelers, for your tips! Mélanie

Hello,

I don’t recommend shared taxis with young children, because you sometimes have to wait until the taxi fills up (the shared taxi only leaves when all 6 seats are occupied—or at least paid for). Unless you pay for all 6 seats for your group of 4, in which case the taxi leaves right away. You’d need to do this at every leg of the journey (on this route, plan to change in Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Erfoud, plus any stops where you’re spending the night). A shared taxi can drop you off anywhere along its route, but it won’t make detours or extra stops. You’ll need to arrange with your hostel to pick you up at the taxi stop. Also note: the driver usually takes a break after 2 hours of driving, but not necessarily when it suits you.

Advantages of the bus: - More room to move around (especially helpful with young kids); - Departure time set in advance (and generally respected); - Better visibility of the landscapes (stunning and varied along this entire route). There’s only one bus that goes from Marrakech to Merzouga (town center): about 11 hours of travel (with a 30-minute break). Departure around 8:30 AM, arrival around 8:00 PM (Supratour company). Stops in Ouarzazate, Boumalne, Tinghir, Tinejdad, Goulmima, Errachidia, Erfoud, Rissani, and Merzouga. From what I recall, it doesn’t stop in Skoura. Return trip is the same: departure from Merzouga around 8:30 AM, arrival in Marrakech around 8:00 PM.

Returning via Tamougalte: it could be really tough by public transport. You’d need to go from Merzouga to Erfoud or Rissani to catch a bus (which aren’t very frequent) or a taxi. Then 5–6 hours of driving. After that, to get back to Marrakech (a busier route on the Zagora–Marrakech axis), count another 6 hours. Since winter days are short, you’d likely only see Tamougalte at night. It’s up to you whether the detour is worth it. Generally speaking, your plan means spending a lot of time on public transport during the day, stopping when night falls, and leaving again at dawn.

Whether you take the bus or a taxi, you’ll need to walk between stops, stations, and shops (just to eat), and not necessarily at the times you’d prefer. With young kids, that can be tricky to manage.

Timing: your trip has 7 nights. A word of caution—make sure you’re back in Marrakech the day before your return flight. Personally, I’d split the trip like this: 1 night in Marrakech, 1 night on the way to Merzouga, 2 nights in Merzouga (1 in a bivouac, 1 in a hostel), 1 night on the way back to Marrakech (RN 10, same as the outbound route), and the last 2 nights in Marrakech.

Murielle

With young kids, I’d recommend renting a car—with a driver if you don’t want to drive. That way, you can go exactly where you want. It’s way less hassle than public transport for a short trip.

Hi MelJol,

I agree with Milo53: with a 2-year-old, shared taxis on this loop could be exhausting (waiting at departure, no car seat, no stops when your little one needs them). Your itinerary works well in 7 nights with a private vehicle: Marrakech 1, Skoura 1, Dadès 1, Merzouga 2, Tamnougalt 1, Marrakech 1.

In December, ask everywhere for heated rooms, and at the Merzouga camp for extra blankets: nights can be close to 0 °C.

Happy planning! Margherita

Thanks for this great tip! We’ll rent a car :)

Thanks for your reply and your perspective on balancing the overnight stays! :)