First draft itinerary for southern Morocco during the holidays with kids

Hi there,

Here’s a first draft for a 14-night itinerary during the Christmas break with two teens. We’re especially fond of hiking (nothing too extreme, though), which is why we’re drawn to the south.

- Marrakech (2 nights) - Aït Ben Haddou (1 night) - Dadès (3 nights, though we’re thinking of doing a day trip to the Todra Gorge on one of those days) - M'hamid (1 night) - Erg Chigaga (1 night) - 4 nights to slot in - Marrakech (2 nights)

Okay, I realize this involves a lot of driving, and we’re still debating the return route since we’d like to avoid the Tichka Pass in January, but going through Taroudant seems like it would add *a lot* of time. 😕

If you’ve got other suggestions for an itinerary with great hikes, I’m all ears!

Also, the 4 nights total in MRK isn’t really our preference, but since we’re arriving/departing super early from overseas, we’d like to be a bit rested before the long flight.

Another question: For hikes (aside from the desert one), is it better to have a guide with us, or are the trails well-marked?

Thanks for your help!

Hi there,

* Marrakech isn’t something to avoid: plan at least 3 full days to explore at a relaxed pace.

* To get from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, take the Telouet road via the Ounila Valley.

* The Tichka Pass road is the main route and in great condition. It’s very rarely closed (snowstorm), but it’s cleared quickly. I’ve crossed it dozens of times without any issues.

* From Dades, head up to Msemrir, then take the new road to Tamtatouche to reach the Todgha Gorge. Stay overnight there.

* Near Boulmane du Dades, a stunning new road via the Tizîn Taddert Pass leads to Nkob. You can stay overnight there.

* Alternatively, spend 2 nights near Tazzarine at Camp Serdrar, one of my favorite spots. During the day, you can visit a rock engraving site, a fossil site, and the Foum Tizza dunes.

* A great stop in the Draa Valley is Kasbah Ouled Othmane.

* There are no marked hiking trails in Morocco! Short hikes are available everywhere (just ask your host). For longer treks, hotels can arrange a guide for you.

Hope this helps! No worries—Morocco is easy to travel,

Even if you're heading south, it won’t be warm at all during this time of year. Make sure to pick accommodations with heating.

Hi there, We visited these areas at the end of March, and it was really cold at night and in the morning. It’s stunning, but make sure you’ve got heating.

Definitely in winter in southern Morocco, a down jacket is highly recommended.

Hi Sazkia,

For your 4 free nights, an idea that fits with hiking: 2 extra nights around Dadès or Todra (there are some beautiful walks between the villages), then 2 nights in Imlil before your flight. Imlil is about 1.5 hours from the airport, it’s peaceful, and you can do a half-day hike without exhausting yourselves before the long trip.

For the return trip, I agree with Fangui: the Tichka Pass is still the simplest route in winter—just keep half a day’s buffer in case. For hikes, the trails aren’t marked: a short loop can be done alone, but for a full day, a local guide arranged through your accommodation is really worth it.

Happy planning! Margherita

Hi Marie, great itinerary, well thought out! In Dadès, hike to the Monkey’s Feet. From Dadès to M’Hamid, take the Tizi n’Tazazert pass to N’kob if the weather conditions allow it, of course.

There are beautiful walks to do in the Saghro up to the Bab N’Ali peaks. If you like hiking, do a desert trek—the experience is much more authentic than a 4x4 excursion. You’ll need to plan for 2/3 nights.

For several years now, I’ve been coming to Morocco. We discovered the desert with an amazing local guide. We have unforgettable memories, and every year we return.

I can give you his website if you’d like.

Then, to avoid the Tichka on the way back, you can take the coast: Agadir/Essaouira/Marrakech. It does add time, but it’s all about balancing things, and with 14 nights, it’s doable. You could include the Fint Oasis—it’s a little paradise where you can also do some great walks. If you know the Wikiloc app, you’ll find some there.

Looking forward to hearing more!