WHICH MOROCCAN DESERTS TO VISIT DURING A FAMILY STAY IN A HOLIDAY CLUB?
Sahara desert Morocco

A family trip should combine comfort, adventure and fun! As such, the clubs are both reassuring accommodation for parents and fun for the little ones. However, this does not prevent vacationers from wanting to go on excursions to discover exotic places, beyond their place of residence. However, it is impossible to envisage an expedition to Morocco without exploring the desert! Whether you have decided to put your luggage in Agadir, Marrakech or Saïdia, we have put together a list of tours that can be done in one day for you. Both close to your accommodation and fascinating, they will bring an authentic touch to your stay in an all-inclusive club in Morocco!

Sahara desert Morocco

HOW TO DISCOVER THE DESERT FROM AGADIR?

If you stay in one of the many clubs in Agadir, you will be able to fully enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, but you will be unable to reach the tourist deserts. Indeed, the latter are located much further south, and they will only be accessible for excursions of at least 3 days. However, there are beautiful stretches of sand dotted with high dunes, which will still allow you to have fun with your family!

EXPLORE THE LITTLE SAHARA

Less than two hours by car, going down to the South, you will have the opportunity to make your first encounter with the desert landscapes of Morocco. After passing the magnificent Youssef Ben Tachfine dam, which offers a splendid view of Oued Massa, continue for about ten kilometers to reach the village of Arbaa Rasmouka. Once there, you can easily park your vehicle at the entrance to the dunes.

Although this “little desert of Agadir” is small, it still offers a great range of activities, which will delight children and adults alike! On a hike, on horseback or on the back of camels, you can easily browse the dunes of Rasmouka for a few hours to have fun with your family. Some excursions also include a lunch at the locals’ home. You can even bivouac serenely with the youngest, knowing that the city is only a few hours away! If you want to bring back souvenirs to your loved ones, make a detour to the town of Tiznit known for its handcrafted jewelry. Finally, on the way back, do not miss going to observe the birds at Souss Massa National Park!

BEACH WALK: A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO THE DESERT

Agadir being on the edge of the Atlantic, large beaches covered with dunes are quickly accessible. If you want to head north instead, walk along the coast that goes up towards Taghazout for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Just after passing Tamri National Park, you will reach the Taboga dunes which overlook the ocean. This spot will also allow you to test the “sandboard” (surfing on the sand): an activity very popular with teenagers!

In the south, plan a journey time that is twice as long (3:30) to reach the famous white beach. The latter stretches over 40 km west of Guelmim and is presented as a continuation of the Sahara. It is an ideal place to spend a day, or even a night with the family, with your feet in the hot sand which is sometimes tinted with very particular red reflections.

WHAT EXCURSIONS FROM MARRAKECH?

The former imperial city attracts many tourists who come with their families to discover Morocco while taking advantage of the infrastructures of the big city. With more than 10 holiday clubs, Marrakech easily accommodates all curious visitors. You will easily find guides ready to take you to all corners of the country.

WHAT ABOUT ORGANIZED STAYS IN THE SOUTH?

Contrary to what some agencies claim, it is almost impossible to explore the deserts around Zagora in just one day. Indeed, these areas are actually more than 400 km from Marrakech, which corresponds to around 12 hours by bus (one way and back). As a family, especially with young children, this type of trip seems to try to guarantee you a trip in the best conditions. In addition, you will only be able to spend one to two hours there before having to take the road back. If you absolutely want to go to the most emblematic tourist places, such as Erg Chegaga, plan real excursions of at least 3 to 4 days, which will allow you to make stops in stopover towns, such as Ouarzazate, and to sleep one night in a camp.

MEET THE AGAFAY DESERT

While staying in Marrakech, you will have the chance to be just a 30-minute drive from the Agafay area. Here, no sand, but a huge desert of stones totally exotic. The panorama is absolutely splendid: the dry rocks on which you will evolve contrast impressively with the view of the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas! If you are into sporty driving, you can explore this incredible space on a quad bike or behind the wheel of a buggy. For a slower pace, opt for camel treks. They are very popular with the youngest, who love contact with animals. Your kids don’t want to go back to the club anymore? Offer them an unforgettable experience by spending a night in a comfortable bivouac in the heart of this special Desert. Together, you will be able to observe the stars, socialize by the fireside, and enjoy a timeless moment in the middle of peaceful nature.

IBEROSTAR SAÏDIA: AN ISOLATED CLUB ON THE ALGERIAN BORDER

Among the holiday accommodation available in the area, Club Coralia Iberostar 5 * stands out for its isolation. Indeed, it is the only accommodation of this type located in the east, on the Algerian border in the seaside resort of Saïdia. This location provides easy access to beautiful beaches, overlooking the Alboran Sea. When it comes to the desert, don’t venture out without a guide: you might end up in militarized areas. On the other hand, you can observe the dunes from the oasis of Figuig, which has preserved its authentic charm. Its inhabitants are known to be very welcoming, so they will be happy to accompany you along the palm grove, or to lead you in front of the desert which surrounds the city. Be careful, however, this place is still more than 5 hours away!

trekking holidays sahara desert morocco