Family Fun in Morocco: Fes to Marrakesh via the Atlas Mountains - 10 Days

Highlights

• Learn the art of Moroccan leatherworking at a babouche workshop
• Kayak or Jet Ski on the crystalline blue waters of Lake Bin El Ouidane
• See a desert sunrise from the heights of a hot-air balloon
• Ride camels across the shifting dunes of the Agafay Desert

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Fes

Welcome to Morocco! Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from the airport to Fes, a drive of approximately 30 minutes. Often referred to as Morocco's cultural capital, this walled city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a medina that has remained almost intact since its creation at the end of the eighth century. It is considered very family-friendly, with plenty of things to see and do for all ages. 

Once you've had a chance to rest for a bit after your long journey, you can start exploring the city. While taking a guided tour tomorrow, you can head to the medina today to get a head start on immersing yourself in the local culture. Wander the narrow streets, stop in at some of the local shops, and grab a bite to eat. Or, if you're looking for something especially fun for the kids, head to Diamant Vert resort and waterpark, which is located just a few minutes outside of the city and offers several pools and waterslides, a kids' playground, and a couple of restaurants. 

Day 2: Fes Medina Tour, Jnan Sbil City Park 

Take a guided tour of the Fes medina today, traveling by foot along the narrow alleyways and onto rooftops for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you'll discover the fascinating history that is such a huge part of the city's culture. Your experience will include a visit to a madrasa Koranic school and a look at the city's colorful tanneries. Kids will be fascinated as they wind through the medina with its dazzling tableau of intricate artisan designs, spice towers, exotic sweets, and local crafts well worth haggling over. 

This afternoon, relax at Jnan Sbil Park, which has peaceful shaded walking trails that make for a nice break from the midday heat. The kids can burn some energy while the adults take in the ponds and flowing fountains, numerous birds, an ancient waterwheel, and more than 3,000 species of plants. Afterward, stop at a nearby café for some refreshing mint tea and juice drinks for the little ones. 

Day 3: Babouche Workshop, Henna Party, Dinner with a Local Family

The whole family can learn to make traditional Moroccan slippers, or babouche, with today's fun, hands-on workshop. Local craftsmen will teach you about the different types and shapes of slippers, as well as the traditional tools needed for design and the leatherworking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Then, you'll choose the color of leather and the model of slipper you prefer and design your own custom pair!

Later, you'll have the chance to participate in a traditional henna workshop. Henna, or mehndi, goes back thousands of years, with Moroccan women decorating their hands, arms, and feet to celebrate special occasions such as weddings. Artistic kids will love learning this amazing skill, starting with practice drawing the designs on paper, then eventually drawing on hands, arms, or feet. Henna contains no chemicals or additives, is completely safe, and can last up to two weeks, so it makes a perfect temporary souvenir of your travels.

Tonight, immerse yourself in real Moroccan life by joining a local family for dinner, a unique experience few visitors get to experience. Learn the history of their cuisine, recipes, and ingredients as you chat and mingle with a joyful Moroccan family. The kids can try their hand at cooking too, learning about dishes such as tajine, a stew cooked in a conical clay pot, zaalouk, a smoked dip, or perhaps the small, fluffy pancake-style dessert known as baghrir. This experience is an excellent way to understand Moroccan culture, and the family's hospitality and generosity will, without a doubt, touch you. 

Day 4: Transfer to Bin El Ouidane

This morning, your driver will transfer you from Fes to your next destination, the village of Bin El Ouidane, a drive of approximately six hours. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque scenery and charming villages as you take in stunning views of the Atlas mountains.

You'll start by leaving Fes and heading toward Ifrane, a little Berber town nicknamed "Moroccan Switzerland" due to the chalet-style architecture reminiscent of the Alps. Enjoy the mountainous scenery, and the family can stretch their legs as you walk around the European-style Park La Prairie. From here, continue toward the mountain city of Beni Mellal, and make a stop at Ain Asserdoun Castel, a beautiful historical monument that sits atop a hill and has views that span the city. 

This afternoon, arrive at Bin El Ouidane and settle in at your accommodations. This small hamlet is surrounded by incredible scenery and is most known for Lake Bin El Ouidane, part of the reservoir created by the large dam here, which was built in the 1950s for irrigation and energy production. After you've had a chance to regroup, take the kids out for a walk, and if you or they are feeling up to it, you can rent fishing equipment and try for some catch and release of the world-class carp and other fish that reside in the lake's waters. 

Day 5: Water Fun Day at Bin El Ouidane 

Lake Bin El Ouidane is known for its numerous water activities, and today you can make it all about getting your family out on the water and enjoying all the lake has to offer. You won't want to miss the chance to paddle across the lake via kayak, paddleboard, or small boat. There are also banana boat rides available, water skiing, jet skiing, and more. If you didn't get to fish yesterday, today is the perfect day to try it out—you can hire guides to take you to the lake's best fishing holes, where you might just bring in some of the giant carp this region is so known for. 

Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting on the nearby Ahansal River, otherwise known as Morocco's "Grand Canyon," with rapids that range from class five difficulty to more moderate levels. You can rent mountain bikes to cruise the trails around the lake or take an ATV tour into the nearby mountains. Parents with very small children might just want to relax with a picnic while the kids splash on the shoreline and enjoy the serenity of the lake views. 

Day 6: Transfer to Marrakesh via Ouzoud Waterfalls

Take a private transfer from Bin El Ouidane to your accommodation in Marrakesh, a drive of about 3.5 hours. Along the way, make a detour to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, where you'll find some of the most beautiful cascades in Morocco. In the local Berber language, Ouzoud translates to "the act of grinding grain." You'll understand its namesake once you see the powerful set of waterfalls dropping over 360 feet (110 m) into the El-Abid River Gorge.

On arrival, you'll follow a guide along a fairly easy route to the waterfalls, passing through lush greenery and olive groves. Make sure the kids keep an eye out for the local monkeys of the region, as the curious creatures are quite likely to make their presence known! As you hike, your guide will share stories about the history of the region, and once you reach the waterfalls, you'll have time to walk around and take photos of the cascades and scenery. 

Afterward, you'll continue to Marrakesh and settle into your accommodations. Nicknamed the "Red City" for its sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakesh was once a popular trading center for tribes in the nearby Atlas mountains and remains a vibrant hub with plenty to see and do. This evening, start your exploration with a visit to the gardens at the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, then head to the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, where the kids can see live music and performers such as jugglers and snake charmers, and you can grab a meal at one of the many food stalls. 

Day 7: Marrakesh With Kids Tour, Bike to Majorelle Gardens

Discover the highlights of Marrakesh in an entertaining and interactive way today with a personalized, family-friendly guided tour—complete games, a treasure hunt, and outdoor activities that will be fun for kids and adults alike! Learn about the city's traditions and what makes Marrakesh so unique as you visit old palaces and walk through open-air souks. Enjoy local treats and drinks, visit the old part of the medina and see its colorful and unusual characteristics, and close the tour with a nomination from your guide as to who in the family has earned the title of "Marrakesh expert."

If you're interested in touring Marrakesh on two wheels, you can also spend your afternoon on a bike tour that takes you through the city and along the alleys of the medina, ending at the lovely Majorelle Botanical Gardens. The gardens are famous for the bright blue and yellow house there, a museum once the home of French artist Jacques Marojelle and was designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir. Older kids will love the history of the museum, and the younger ones can enjoy strolling along the restful paths, home to more than 300 species of plants and flowers. 

This evening, head back to the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fna, exploring the souks and trying some of the delicious food options there, or take the kids to one of the stylish local restaurants in the medina. Relax at your hotel tonight before continuing your adventures tomorrow. 

Day 8: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Family Cooking Class

Start your morning with a stunning view of the Marrakesh desert landscapes as you take to the skies on an incredible hot air balloon ride. The early wake-up call will be worth it as you watch the sunrise over the desert, taking in the pastel colors and crisp morning air. Your balloon will take you over arid hills, quaint villages, and pockets of green, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. After sunrise, you'll sit down in your balloon and relax with a delicious breakfast of Moroccan pastries while still in the air. This is truly a wonderful way for your family to see a different side of Marrakesh.

Day 9: Transfer to Agafay Desert, Lake Takerkoust & Sunset Camel Ride 

This morning, take a private Jeep transfer from Marrakesh to your accommodation in the Agafay Desert. The drive takes you through the tranquility of the surrounding countryside, following a shady track of lush vegetation filled with olive groves and orange orchards. As you pass through the quaint village of Ait Imour, you'll turn to go off-road, leaving the green behind and entering the desert landscape. Enjoy the scenes of barren brown plateaus, Bedouin-style villages, and the occasional green oasis, and as you climb in elevation, you'll see views of the Atlas mountains.

Just before arriving at your accommodation, you'll stop at Lake Takerkoust, a sprawling oasis surrounded by greenery and arid hills, where the kids can take a break, and you can enjoy the beautiful mountain backdrop. Then, you'll head to your camp. Once you've settled in and refreshed with a welcome tea, take a family camel ride across the dunes and arid plateaus. Experience the serenity of the colorful sunset far away from the city lights, then return in time to camp under the stars, where the kids can hear enchanting stories and tales from the Bedouin guides and enjoy a delicious meal. 

Day 10: Transfer to Marrakesh, Depart 

Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to incredible Morocco. Your driver will collect you from your lodgings in Agafay and transport you to the Marrakesh airport for your journey home. Safe travels! 

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