First time to Morocco with a 4 year old
 

We are thinking about going to Morocco in September 2008 and I am starting to plan now. So, of course, I have a few questions, particularly since we are traveling with a 4 year old.
We have roughly 12-15 days, traveling from the East Coast US.
a. Should we spend the entire time in Morocco, or should we try and add another destination such as may be fly to Portugal first and spend a few days there, or may be stick to Africa and go to Tunisia? Or anywhere else?
b. What is the good itinerary? It seems that a lot of "must see" places take a long time to get to. Is the desert doable with a kid? What about a camel track?
c. How is the weather in September?
d. I heard that Ramadan is in mid-September this year - how does that affect travel?
Thank you in advance for your input.

Hi yn10,

Being the director of dar ayniwen villa hotel, I do welcome a lot of guests with toddlers and young kids, it is not a problem.
I would recommend, paticularly as you are flying from the US, to stay in Morocco the whole time. Morocco is a beautiful country with a lot of different things, mountains, oceans, desert, that is a lot to do if you want to have time to relax a bit in the same time.
It is true that there is a lot of driving if you want to visit the three atmospheres, but it can be done.
I would recommend to stay in Marrakech and then move to Ouarzazate (desert trip from there) for a while and finish by a little trip to Essaouira (Atlantic coast). Just as an idea of an itinerary.
Weather in September is at its best, but can be hot as well. On the other hand it is true that it is Ramadan and if it does not affect the everyday life, it is a special time for the country.
Hoping I have helped, and that you will have a wonderful trip!

Thank you Worldwalker for your response -
It seems like most of the flights go in and out of Cassablanca, so we will have to start there.
Also, we definitely want to spend a night in the desert - is there another way to get there besides a camel? (sorry if I sound completely ignorant) Is there a jeep option? I guess it's not a problem spending a night there with a child - ours is very flexible as he's been traveling since he was 8 months old.
Is October still Ok weather-wise for the beach? We may go after Ramadan after all, just for the reasons of flexibility and availability.
Also, a lot of people choose to get a guide or a tour company. Are there certain places that are safer wtih a guide or is it purely a matter of preference? I speak French - not a lot, but enough to get by.
Thanks a million

We went to Morocco with a 6 yo child and had a wonderful time. I agree, just do Morocco as there is plenty to see there and things are spread out, so you will need all your days there.

I HIGHLY recommend Les Nomades for the desert:

http://www.nomadsaharabivouacmerzoug...a-morocco.html

They will take wonderful care of you and you should go with the best with a young child. Not all desert trips are equal ( some are horrible where every one gets sick on them with lots of people) and you will have a guaranteed good time with Les Nomades.

Yes, there are other ways to get to the overnight, but the camel ride is very special, so you might want to rethink that. I have mobility challenges so I took a quad which was also fun ( and quick), but expensive. Les Nomades will work with you and your needs.

She is from the west so understands western needs and is extremely careful about food and everything and he is a nomad so understands the Berber perspective. Both are wonderful people.

If you go to our blog archives you can read our trip report which starts here:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/blog/8...E551E1F68.html

I have lots of pictures and info of what worked for us that might help with your itinerary. Marrakech was our least favorite place, but we loved the desert, Fes and Ait Ben Haddou area. Glad we saw Marrakech, but do not stay long there as it is a chaotic tourist trap. Also do not stay long in Casablanca. Fes medina is amazing and not to be missed. Merzouga Sahara should also not be missed.

I would be extremely careful with the food in Morocco as many get sick there and this can be a bigger problem for a young child. Bring things to wash your hands frequently even without water.

We were very careful, stayed at more high end places and did not get sick.

We have been traveling for 17 months straight and Morocco is one of our favorite places and like no where else on earth. We found it easy to do without a tour guide company. Speaking French will be a big help.

Thank you, WTnow - I'll make sure to read your blog.