An Australian family of four — two children aged 8 and 11 — spent four nights at La Petite Kasbah in Zagora as part of a two-week Morocco trip. This is their account of the camel trek, the overnight desert camp, the palm grove walk with a local guide, and an unexpected wedding invitation on the final day.
When we decided to take our kids (ages 8 and 11) to Morocco, we had no idea it would become the most memorable family trip we've ever taken. Here's our story.
Planning the Trip
We wanted authentic experiences, not tourist traps. After extensive research, we planned: 3 days Marrakech, 2 days Ouarzazate, 4 days Zagora (La Petite Kasbah), 3 days Essaouira, 2 days back in Marrakech.
Arriving at La Petite Kasbah
The drive from Marrakech to Zagora was long (7 hours) but spectacular. When we finally arrived at La Petite Kasbah, travel fatigue melted away. The riad sits in a palm grove — instantly peaceful. Fatima welcomed us with mint tea and homemade cookies. Our two rooms were beautifully decorated with traditional Moroccan tilework and comfortable beds. The kids loved the pool.
Desert Adventures
On our first full day, we did a camel trek through the Amezrou palm grove and spent the night at a desert camp at the Tinfou dunes. Our 8-year-old was nervous at first but ended up loving it. Watching the sunset from the dunes while riding camels — honestly, I got emotional. The overnight camp was magical. Berber music around the fire, incredible tagine dinner, and a sky full of stars. Our 11-year-old said it was "better than any video game" — high praise from an 11-year-old.
Palm Grove Exploration
We spent a morning walking through the palm grove with a local guide. He taught us about date varieties, showed us ancient irrigation channels, and let the kids climb palm trees (supervised). The peace and beauty of the oasis was such a contrast to our busy Australian life. We saw local farmers working, kids playing, donkeys carrying loads — real life, not staged for tourists.
Fatima's Cooking
The food at La Petite Kasbah deserves special mention. Fatima's cooking was phenomenal. Fresh bread every morning, different tagines each evening, and her couscous on Friday was incredible. She even taught us how to make mint tea properly — now it's become a family ritual at home.
The People
What made La Petite Kasbah special wasn't just the place — it was the people. Brahim organised our desert tours with such care. Yassine helped us with everything from laundry to recommending less-touristy places. They treated our kids like their own grandchildren. By day three, the kids were teaching them Australian slang and the staff was teaching them Berber words.
Unexpected Highlight
On our last day, there was a local wedding in the village. The staff asked if we'd like to see the celebration. We felt honoured to witness this — the music, dancing, colourful traditional outfits, and overwhelming hospitality of the bride's family who invited us to join the feast. Our kids still talk about the wedding more than anything else from the trip.
What We Learned
Slow travel worked better than rushing. Four nights in one place — rather than moving daily — gave the children time to settle in and make genuine connections with the staff and the oasis environment. Authentic guesthouses gave us something that hotel ratings cannot measure: the feeling of being welcomed into a household rather than processed through one. The desert silence, which we had not anticipated, turned out to be one of the most restorative parts of the trip. Family bonds strengthen through shared adventure in a way that no amount of comfortable, familiar travel replicates.
Practical Tips for Families
For families considering Zagora with children: base yourself in one place for at least three nights rather than moving daily. Children adapt to new foods more readily than parents expect — encourage trying everything at the breakfast table. The desert excursions are guided and safety-conscious throughout. Bring warm layers — the temperature swing between midday and midnight surprised us significantly. Withdraw cash in Marrakech before heading south; it is essential once you leave the city. Book accommodation that genuinely welcomes families rather than merely tolerating them — the difference is felt immediately on arrival.
Would We Return?
Absolutely. In fact, we're already planning our return trip. We want to explore the Atlas Mountains more, spend time in Fès, and definitely return to La Petite Kasbah. The kids have asked if we can spend the whole vacation there next time — they loved it that much.
Final Thoughts
La Petite Kasbah wasn't just accommodation — it became our Moroccan home. The warmth, authenticity, and care we experienced there set the tone for our entire trip. If you're considering Zagora, don't hesitate. Choose a place like La Petite Kasbah where you'll experience real Moroccan hospitality, not just a bed for the night. Our family will forever treasure these memories.
— The Johnson Family, Sydney, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Petite Kasbah suitable for families with young children?
Yes — the Johnson family from Sydney travelled with children aged 8 and 11 and describe it as the most memorable family trip they have taken. The pool is safe and accessible, the breakfast accommodates children's preferences, and the camel trek is appropriate from age 6. The overnight desert camp is best suited to children aged 10 and above given the long drive and cold desert nights.
What did children enjoy most at La Petite Kasbah Zagora?
Based on the Johnson family's stay: the camel trek and overnight desert camp were the defining experiences for both children. The palm grove walk with a local guide — learning about date varieties and the ancient irrigation channels — was a close second. An unexpected invitation to a local village wedding on the final day was described as the single most talked-about moment of the entire trip months later.
Is Morocco safe for children?
Yes — Morocco is safe for families with children when travelling with a trusted local operator and staying at family-run accommodation. The Johnson family — two adults with children aged 8 and 11 — travelled through Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Zagora, and Essaouira over two weeks without incident. Desert excursions are guided throughout and safety-conscious. La Petite Kasbah's Brahim and Rhizlane have hosted families consistently and configure activities appropriately for children's ages.
How do children adapt to food in Morocco?
Better than most parents expect. The La Petite Kasbah breakfast — honey, eggs, fresh msemen, amlou, fruit — is accessible and appealing for children of all ages. The tagine dinners are mild and flavourful rather than heavily spiced. Fatima, the riad cook, adapts meals for children's preferences. The Johnson family found their children tried and enjoyed everything on the table by day two.
Is La Petite Kasbah good for a two-week Morocco family trip?
Yes — four nights at La Petite Kasbah in Zagora works well as the desert south anchor of a two-week Morocco family itinerary. The Johnson family combined it with Marrakech (3 nights), Ouarzazate (2 nights), Essaouira (3 nights), and a return to Marrakech. Zagora as a four-night base gave the family time for the camel trek, overnight camp, souk, and palm grove without daily packing and moving.
Stay at La Petite Kasbah — rated 9.3/10 by guests including families from across the world. Locally owned by Brahim and Rhizlane in the Amezrou palm grove, Zagora. Book directly at hotelzagora.com.
