Morocco, a land of vibrant souks, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, is surprisingly one of the most welcoming countries for families. For parents venturing here with children, especially those with fair-haired little ones, a unique and enriching experience awaits. Moroccans are renowned for their warm hospitality, and this extends especially to children, who are often showered with affection and attention. This guide is designed to equip you with essential tips and insider knowledge to navigate Morocco with your family, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey.
You’ll quickly notice that family life in Morocco often operates on a different clock. Bedtimes for children are generally more relaxed than in many Western cultures, a practical adaptation to the warmer climate. Don’t be surprised to see children out and about with their families late into the evening. Embracing this rhythm can be beneficial, as the cooler hours after sunset and before sunrise are often the most pleasant times to explore with little ones.
Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco Note #1: Consider adjusting your children’s bedtime schedule to align with the Moroccan pace. If you do allow for later nights, be sure to incorporate afternoon nap times to ensure everyone stays well-rested and happy.
While maintaining a strict bedtime routine might be your norm at home, flexibility is key when traveling in Morocco. While some parents find sticking to routines challenging in Morocco’s relaxed atmosphere, the cultural immersion and family bonding opportunities are well worth embracing a slightly different rhythm.
One aspect that may be particularly noteworthy for blonde parents is the attention your children might receive. Fair hair and complexions are less common in Morocco and are often admired. Expect your blonde children to be greeted with smiles, gentle touches, and expressions of admiration from locals, particularly women. It’s common for people to offer a kiss on the hand or cheek, stroke their hair, or ask to hold them. While this outpouring of warmth is usually well-intentioned, it’s crucial to gauge your child’s comfort level. Many children, indeed, thrive on this positive attention and may even become quite accustomed to the extra fuss and small tokens of affection from friendly strangers.
Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco Tip: Pharmacies in Morocco are generally well-stocked with formula and baby food, offering readily available options. Larger supermarket chains may also carry some brands, although homemade baby food is the norm for many Moroccan families. When dining out, Moroccan restaurants are incredibly accommodating to children’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask for a simple purée or a spice-free dish for your petit gourmand – they are usually delighted to assist.
Traveling with children, while incredibly rewarding, does come with its set of challenges. Drawing from personal experiences, here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate this beautiful yet sometimes demanding country with your kids. Some of these are general travel-with-kids wisdom, while others are specifically tailored to Morocco.
Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco: Fun Activities for Families
Getting Around Morocco with Kids
Exploring on Foot
One crucial point in this Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco is the limited usability of strollers. While cities like Casablanca and Tangier boast lovely, smooth promenades along the beaches, the majority of Moroccan streets, especially in older areas, are not stroller-friendly. For younger children, baby carriers or slings are invaluable. Brands like Baby Björn and Je porte mon bébé are highly recommended by parents who have navigated Morocco’s bustling streets. As children grow into toddlers, shoulder rides and leisurely walks become the preferred modes of transport.
Traveling by Car
Major international car rental agencies in Morocco, such as Hertz and Avis, typically offer car seats. However, these are not standard in petit taxis within cities or grand taxis for intercity travel. Driving in Morocco, particularly in urban areas, can be demanding. Road signage can be minimal, and traffic can be chaotic, adding to driver stress. This is amplified when traveling with children who may become restless in the back seat. Therefore, aim for shorter driving distances, ideally under two hours, and plan frequent stops. If possible, scheduling drives during nap times can be a game-changer. Opting for a private driver through a reputable tour operator can significantly reduce stress, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Train Travel in Morocco
Trains are a cost-effective and efficient way to travel between major Moroccan cities. However, traveling with children on trains requires some preparation. Air conditioning can be inconsistent, especially in second class, making first-class tickets, though slightly more expensive, a worthwhile investment for family comfort. While trains have restrooms and snack services, baby changing facilities are generally lacking, and cleanliness standards may not meet expectations. Train delays are also common, potentially extending travel times. Despite these challenges, trains are a common mode of transport for Moroccan families, proving it’s entirely feasible. Just be prepared and pack accordingly.
Important Note: The high-speed train connecting Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier is a notable exception. These modern trains are comparable to those in Europe, offering excellent air conditioning and baby changing stations in restrooms, providing a comfortable travel experience for families.
Regardless of your chosen transportation, sun protection is paramount. Position children on the shaded side of the vehicle whenever possible, particularly during the hotter months. Essential travel items include snacks, plenty of water, and a well-stocked diaper bag.
Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco Note #2 (Baby Changing on the Go): Upscale shopping malls and some highway service stations offer baby-friendly restrooms. However, these are not always readily available. Therefore, be prepared to change diapers outdoors, weather permitting, using a portable changing mat on a bench or similar surface.
Blonde Parents Guide to Morocco: Navigating Potential Hazards
Morocco is generally a safe country for families. In fact, many parents find it safer than some European or North American destinations. Nevertheless, awareness and precautions are always advisable:
- Traveler’s Diarrhea: This is a common concern for both adults and children. In medinas, ensure vegetables are thoroughly washed, ideally with white vinegar, in a clean environment. Opt for cooked dishes when in doubt. Encourage frequent handwashing for your children.
- Smoke in Public Places: Many Moroccan cafes and restaurants lack designated non-smoking areas. If your child has respiratory sensitivities, inquire about non-smoking sections when making reservations and consider dining earlier, as smoking tends to increase later in the evening. While politely requesting smokers to refrain from directing smoke towards your child is acceptable, responses can vary.
- Traffic Safety: Moroccan drivers can be unpredictable, and traffic, especially in cities, involves a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and animals. Supervise children closely, hold hands, and double-check traffic before crossing streets.
Must-Pack Essentials for Blonde Parents Traveling to Morocco
This essential packing list is tailored for parents traveling with children in Morocco, covering just-in-case scenarios. These items can be conveniently carried in a well-organized diaper bag, along with a favorite toy.
- 2-3 diapers
- 1 pack of baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- 1 change of clothes
- Sweater or hoodie
- Knit hat (especially for cooler evenings and winter)
- Portable changing mat
- Children’s sunglasses
- High SPF waterproof sunscreen
- Lightweight bed sheets
- Pillowcase (useful for naps and ensuring hygiene)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Small bottle of bleach (for quick bathroom cleaning)
- Small towel for cleaning surfaces
- Small towel for baby clean-ups
- 2-3 plastic bags for diaper disposal
- Filtered water bottle (Lifestraw recommended for kids)
- Snacks (nuts, dried fruits, or formula/purée for younger children)
We hope to welcome you and your family to Morocco soon! For a stress-free and enriching family travel experience, consider exploring custom Morocco journeys designed by Journey Beyond Travel.
About the Author
Words and Images by Lucas Peters, an award-winning travel writer, photographer, and Morocco specialist. Lucas has explored Morocco extensively, documenting his adventures in his best-selling guidebooks, Moon Morocco and Marrakesh and Beyond. He resides in Tangier with his family.
