Morocco Family Packing List With Kids

Yes, in major cities. Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca, and Agadir all have Carrefour or Marjane supermarkets that stock international nappy brands (Pampers, Huggies) and some baby formulas. However, once you head south toward the desert — Merzouga, Zagora, Tinghir — choice drops off sharply. Bring at least two to three days of backup supplies beyond what you expect to need, and stock up every time you pass through a major city.

Pack children's paracetamol, ibuprofen, oral rehydration sachets, antihistamine (syrup or chewables), antiseptic cream, and any prescription medicines with a doctor's letter in French. Moroccan pharmacies are well-stocked in cities and the staff are knowledgeable, but having your own supply saves hunting for equivalents when a child feels unwell at 10 pm in the Sahara. Probiotics are also worth considering for the days before and during the trip.

Young children — broadly under twelve — are generally not expected to cover their hair in Morocco, even in conservative areas. That said, a lightweight scarf or wrap is a useful all-purpose item: it shields from sun, dust, and wind on camel rides, and works as a quick modesty layer in mosques or rural villages. Girls of any age visiting active mosques or very traditional souks will feel more comfortable with shoulders and knees covered, which a scarf achieves easily.

Desert UV is intense — the combination of high altitude at the edge of the Sahara and minimal cloud cover means burn times are short even for adults. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen on all exposed skin thirty minutes before going outside, reapply every ninety minutes, and keep children in wide-brim hats throughout the day. UV-protective clothing (rash vests, long sleeves in lightweight linen) reduces reapplication burden. Schedule outdoor activities before 10 am or after 4 pm; the middle of the day is best spent in a shaded camp.

Honestly, not very. Medina lanes in Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen are narrow, often stepped, and frequently crowded with donkeys and motorbikes that don't give way to pushchairs. A compact umbrella stroller can squeeze through wider alleyways and is worth having for younger toddlers who can't walk long distances. A structured baby carrier or soft wrap is far more practical for tight medina exploration — it frees your hands, moves at crowd speed, and keeps the child close. For the desert, leave the stroller at the riad entirely.

Reliable options from home: cereal or granola bars, crackers, small packs of dried fruit, and nut butters in squeeze sachets. In Morocco, stock up at the next big town supermarket with: clementines (beautifully sweet and ubiquitous), plain biscuits, yoghurt pots if you have a cooler bag, and fresh dates near Merzouga. Carry significantly more water than you think you need — the desert air is dry and children dehydrate faster than adults. A small cooler bag is worth its weight on the south-bound road.

For most families, yes. A private vehicle removes the stress of navigation, lets you stop exactly when children need a break (or a bathroom), and means you're not stuck to shared-transport timetables. A knowledgeable guide also spots the small diversions — a roadside waterfall, a village market, a kasbah to climb — that keep children engaged on otherwise long stretches. The flexibility is particularly valuable on the Marrakech-to-Merzouga desert route, where the drive would otherwise be monotonous.