Which car to choose, how to book child seats, which trips to favour and how to cope with the heat: the guide to renting a car as a family in Marrakech.
Marrakech is a very popular destination for families: gardens, swimming pools, camel rides in the Palmeraie, waterfalls and mountains less than two hours' drive away. With children, a rental car transforms the stay: you go at your own pace, carry the pushchair and bags without worrying about taxis, and fit the breaks around naps. As long as you prepare well. Here are our tips, from choosing the vehicle to the best-suited trips.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental in the Palmeraie, delivered to your villa and 7-seater and family car rental in Marrakech pages.
Choosing the right car for the family
The size of the vehicle depends mainly on the luggage: a pushchair and two large suitcases quickly fill a city car's boot.
- One or two children, light luggage: a saloon such as the Dacia Logan, whose boot takes three large suitcases.
- Family of four with a pushchair: an SUV such as the Dacia Duster, higher, more comfortable on mountain roads and easy for fitting a child seat.
- Family of five to seven: a 7-seater people carrier such as the Dacia Jogger.
- Two families or a large group: a 9-seater minibus, with or without a driver.
An automatic gearbox is also a real comfort in town: less tiring in traffic jams, more attention for the road and the children.
Child seats: what you need to know
Baby seats and booster seats are offered as an extra by most agencies, for about 30 MAD per day. To get the right model:
- give the age and weight of each child in your message to the agency;
- specify whether you need an infant carrier, a car seat or a booster seat;
- ask for the seat to be fitted before you arrive, especially if you are collecting the car at the airport;
- check the fitting yourself when you collect the keys: straps tight, seat that doesn't move.
If your child is used to their own seat, you can also bring it on the plane: most airlines carry it in the hold. In all cases, put children in the back, in a seat suited to their age and size.
Recommended trips with children
Favour outings of less than two hours, with a real activity on arrival:
- The Palmeraie: 20 minutes from the centre, camel rides and villa swimming pools.
- Lake Lalla Takerkoust: about an hour's drive, swimming and water sports in summer, views of the Atlas.
- The Ourika Valley: 1 h 15, an easy road, lunch by the river and the small Setti Fatma waterfalls for older children.
- The Agafay desert: 45 minutes, lunar landscapes and sunsets, ideal for a late afternoon.
- Essaouira: 2 h 45, best done over two days, with a stop at an argan oil cooperative halfway.
Long stages, such as the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ouarzazate, are superb but winding: plan frequent breaks and something for travel sickness. For more ideas, read what to do in Marrakech in 3 days by car.
Travelling with children in hot weather
From June to September, temperatures in Marrakech often exceed 35 °C. A few habits:
- start excursions early in the morning and get back before the hottest hours;
- fit sunshades on the rear windows and let the air conditioning run for a few minutes before the children get in;
- bring plenty of water, hats and sun cream;
- never leave a child alone in the car, even for a few minutes: the inside gets scorching hot very quickly.
Breaks and planning your journeys
Take a break about every 90 minutes. On the motorway, service areas offer fuel, toilets and cafés; on national roads, petrol stations in the towns you pass through do the job. Keep a bag with water, snacks, wipes and a change of clothes within reach. For the little ones, plan journeys during nap time: the road goes much faster.
Safety: the rules to follow
- Seat belts are compulsory in the front and back, for all passengers.
- Children travel in the back, in a suitable seat.
- Keep your distance from scooters and carts in town, and be very careful near schools and markets.
- Avoid driving on mountain roads at night.
For the general rules, see our guide driving in Morocco: rules, tolls and speed cameras.
Our booking tip
Book early during the school holidays: people carriers and child seats are limited. Choose an offer with free cancellation, give the children's ages in your message and, if you are staying in the Palmeraie, ask for the car to be delivered to your villa.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as an extra at most agencies, for about 30 MAD per day. Give the age and weight of each child to get the right model.
An SUV such as the Dacia Duster for four or five people with little luggage, or a 7-seater people carrier such as the Dacia Jogger for more comfort.
The Palmeraie, Lake Lalla Takerkoust, the Ourika Valley and the Agafay desert are all less than 1 h 15 from Marrakech.
Yes, most airlines carry it in the hold. Check that it can be fitted with the seat belt if the car has no Isofix anchors.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
