Has anyone traveled to Morocco with young children?

Question

We're considering traveling to Morocco in February with five of our boys ages 1-13. Although we've taken them to Europe several times, I'm a bit concerned about the safety in Africa. I would also like to know how the medical facilities are there in case we're in need of their services.

I've heard that driving there is not safe so other than taking the train or bus, is there any other suggested modes of transportation to get from the train station to our accommodations?

I would also like to do an overnight stay in the dessert and was wondering if anyone has done that with little ones (even doing this with a tour guide, I think it may be too much with a 1 and 4 year-old in tow.

Any advice would be appreciated even suggestions as to other African destinations. TIA!

Answer 1

I lived in Casablanca for two years, having moved there when my daughter was just over one year old.

"Africa" is a huge place and Morocco is a lot safer than some other nations on that continent.

Driving isn't safe only because it's very aggressive and if you are not used to driving that way, you'll be uncomfortable at best and terrified at worst.  Public transport is cheap, though I'd avoid taking white taxis and city buses.  The small taxis (taxi sgheer) in large cities are decent and cheap.  If you are used to wearing seatbelts (especially for your kids), though, be forewarned: many times the back seats don't have them, and the times that seatbelts are available, they often don't work.

Staying in the desert can be a far cry from roughing it if you go with a reputable and organized tour group.  Just remember that there will likely be nothing remotely "traditional" about it.  Romance sells, and that's what tourists get.  Reality isn't necessarily reflected in the featured activities.  You'd likely start off on such a journey from Marrakech or possibly Ourzazate (Marrakech is more accessible, especially now with the highway linking it all the way to Casablanca).

Morocco can be as exotic and wonderful as you'd like it to be; it can also be scary and sinister if you go in wearing rose-tinted glasses only to lose your cool five minutes off the ferry at Tangier.  Be realistic, have a plan, and follow the same common-sense rules you'd use anywhere else.  

A couple other things--

--don't talk to people on the street, no matter how insistent they are or wretched they appear.  They will glue themselves to your side and you will never rid yourself of them.  Ignore.  I know it sounds rude and I guess it probably is.  But that's what Moroccans do, and you'd be smart to follow their lead.  Having a beggar/conman hound you for the better part of an hour is not fun.  Remember, you'll look rich to them, even if you're not.  

--on the other hand, don't shout or be rude to beggars.  They have a place in society, too.  Again, ignoring them is acceptable; insulting them is not.

--bargain like mad and don't be ashamed.  You'll get cheated anyway.

--don't freak out if strangers try to hug or kiss your children.  Moroccans love children, and most people see nothing wrong with showing it.  Your kids are your call, so to speak, but try to be nice even if the idea of a strange woman kissing your kid's cheek leaves you cold.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I feel safer in Africa than i do in the UK to be honest.

The medical facilities are fine - no queuing systems like here in UK though the asceptic technique has a lot to be answered for there. I was ill in hospital, my family had to bring me food but i was fine, doctors were thourough, all helpful....

I drove 1500 miles throughout Morocco. the roads were good, police often stand by the roadside giving instant fines to any who exceedd the speed limit. We drove through the mountains in a 1.9 turbo Diesel Skoda - should really have taken a 4x4 to be safe but all was well thankfully.

Answer 3

I traveled with my 2 month old daughter.

The driving is crazy, and people don't use car seats. I will not even allow my daughter in the car because my Moroccan husband left the car seat at his fathers house (on the other side of the country)

The state gov site list doctors that they recommend. I only expose my daughter to bottle water. MAKE SURE you buy the water in a store like Marjane that is the Moroccan Walmart! In the street shops they are known to use the bottle water and fill it with tap.

While here I actually did my TB vaccinations because in the states they do not offer them. I am not sure where you are coming from so you may have already had it.

Answer 4

My kids went to Morocco for the first time when they were around 7 and 8 months old. They have gone back a few times and my oldest is only 6.  I don’t think there is any big problem with taking young ones there. We did need a doctor in Rabat when my daughter was 7 months old because she got very sick and we found a great one who teaches at the university in Rabat and graduated from a University in France. The precautions I’ve taken with my kids are the same I would recommend for adults: get hepatitis A vaccine (For children aged  <12 months,  immune globulin), and be really careful with the water. I never went overboard with the water in terms of shower and brushing teeth, but did everything else possible to avoid drinking non bottled water. Driving in Morocco is crazy, the first time I went to Morocco I think I got an ulcer every time I got into a car, but as long as you are riding in a car of someone you trust I guess you are ok, I have also been very strict in taking my kids car seats (which always drove my husband insane).  As I am not used to the way they drive there I think I would not risk driving myself there. The newer toolways are really wonderful and I feel a lot safer riding in them. As for the desert trip, I haven’t done it myself, I regret not having done before we had kids but now I will wait until they are older to do it. But then again, I wouldn’t take infants to Disneyworld in the summer but a lot of people do it! E-mail me if you have any other questions, have a nice trip.