UsInUk

Please advice an itinerary for 4 days in Morocco with a child. Preliminary concerns are:
1) Weather in February: We are located in the UK. As I check the weather web-sites, I'm tempted to think it should be warmer and DRIER. How is February for a trip?
2) Travel with a child

Thanks in advance

jenmaroc

Where are you considering in Morocco? It is not necessarily warmer or drier than the UK. February (in Fes at least)is usually cold and rainy. Of course, thats not every day and there can be warm sunny days in between, but if good weather is a real concern for you...Maybe Morocco is not a good option.

Travelling with a child here is no problem. Are you concerned that they wont be safe? have enough to do?

UsInUk

Really not sure what is a good itinerary for a first timer in Morocco. Of course travelling with a child may come with some limitations, perhaps not a good idea trekking...so trip to the desert country may not be suitable. Or could it be done? Are big cities our best option - Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat etc. If so, what should we pick and is 4 days enough for any suggested itinerary.
Some concern when travelling with a child is how quickly medical assistance available. It is nice to note that safety isn't a concern.
I re-checked the weather on Yahoo! Marrakesh seems warmer than London - showing temperatures in the 70s, yes, Fes is slightly cooler than Marrakesh. I agree that weather is a subjective matter and also varies by the day. But having experienced enough wetness here, we are looking forward to a 4 day holiday some place dry. Any other suggestions for a February trip is also welcome (if not for Morocco)

jenmaroc

With only four days, you wont have time to go to multiple destinations. Fes and Marrakech are 8 hours apart by train, so presumably you dont want to spend that much time in transit. Its a shame, really, because I think the desert would be an amazing experience for a child (adults too) - there's no trekking involved - my dreadfully unfit mother went out and back with me no problem. Still the closest desert access to Marrakech is Zagora - a full day's drive (8-9 hours) from Marrakech.

Do NOT be tempted by Casablanca! So many people go, full of movie notalgia, only to find a big filthy city, with very little to do.

Rabat is gorgeous, but with only four days, stick to one spot (presumably Marrakech for the improved weather).

jenmaroc

Regarding medical care, there are prviate clinics all over where you can receive decent medical care. There are also pharmacies where you can get many medicines over the counter (like antibiotics).

UsInUk

Thanks for your response. Yes, I agree 4 days isn't long enough to experience a city/countryside let alone a country. What is your best pick (first pick) in Morocco if you had 4 days at the end of Feb or early March - Marrakesh? Desert region? We would like to do some trekking and/or camel riding, camping but unclear about how a child may handle the experience. It is very interesting and comforting to note that your mother enjoyed it. How did you plan that itinerary? Any pointers? We are still vocalising the thought about Morocco, if the trip requires additional days, we can try to add-on a day or two. We are quite open at this point. It could help to pick up a travel book, but it is hard to get information about how weather conditions will be in Feb/Mar and how the desert region can be experienced with a child. Or maybe I'm just presuming!!!

setauketli

With such a short amount of time, I would try to fly directly into Marrakesh and do things in that region.

yn10

I'd be curious to found out what did USinUK ended up doing? We are considering a much longer trip (12-14 days) in September with our son who will be almost 4 by that time. I am just starting to look around and trying to figure things out. Also, Ramadan is in the middle of September this year - how does that affect travel?
I should probably start a separate post, but it's kind of similar.

WTnow

Our 6yo looooved the desert in Morocco, but I don't think you really have time for it with only 4 days. You probably have a better shot at better weather in southern Spain, if weather is your main concern.

We are in a micro climate here that is almost always sunny and yes it will be safer for your child than Morocco is. Canary Islands will have even better weather most likely.

There are dangers taking a child to Morocco as it is not a first world country and the medical conditions will NOT be the same as a first world country. I know someone who gave birth there and was cut with NO anesthesia!!

I would not want a major medical problem there and often people get travelers diarhhea in Morocco. In the desert risks are higher because you are a long way from any care.

That said, we decided the risk was worth it for our healthy family and many families do go to Morocco. if you are healthy I imagine the odds are pretty good that you will not need major medical care. If you do, I would get to Spain or UK as quickly as possible. ( We have a doctor in Spain, so that was our plan).

With only 4 days maybe do Marrakech ( crowded and touristy) and Essouria ( maybe 2 days each). You could do a camel ride on the beach in Essouria. They have a great public hamman in Essouria too ( redone by a German lady..very pretty).

Do a lot of handwashing and be careful of the food ( hot, fresh and things you can peel yourself etc). Do not eat at stands or drink OJ, drink sealed bottled water only. Do NOT eat salads. Some end up in hospital because of the food. Stay in better riads for better chance of not getting sick.

Morocco can be very hard on people ....sense assault and it can be quite filthy, so keep that in mind. That said it is a unique, fascinating and beautiful country with sweet people and deserves more than 4 days. You do not have enough time to do the desert thing, so plan a longer trip for that. Les Nomades is the best to check out when you do:
http://www.nomadsaharabivouacmerzoug...a-morocco.html

Hope that helps!