Under 6 Years Old — Pillion with a Parent
Children under 6 are warmly welcome on Agafay excursions, but they ride pillion with a parent or guardian on a larger, more stable quad. The adult controls the vehicle while the child sits securely in front or behind depending on age and size. Speed is kept gentle for family groups. Young children often find this one of the most exciting things they have ever done — the novelty of the desert landscape, the vibration of the quad, and the shared adventure with a parent create vivid memories at any age. Our guides position families at the front of the group so they set the pace for everyone.
Ages 6 to 13 — Pillion or Their Own Small Quad
From age 6, children can ride pillion or, depending on their size and confidence, operate their own small quad with an instructor riding alongside. We assess each child individually during the pre-ride briefing. A physically confident 10-year-old with bike-riding experience will have a very different experience from a cautious 8-year-old encountering motorised vehicles for the first time — and our guides adjust accordingly. All children in this age range receive full-face helmets, goggles, and a thorough briefing before the session begins. Routes and pace are always adjusted to suit the youngest or least experienced rider in the group.
Ages 14 and Above — Independent Riding
From approximately 14 years of age, with parental or guardian consent, young riders can operate a full quad independently. The same pre-ride safety briefing applies, and automatic quads (no gears, no clutch) mean that technical skill is not required — just the ability to steer, throttle, and brake. Many teenagers describe this as a highlight of their entire Marrakech holiday. The freedom of riding your own machine across Agafay's dramatic terrain, with the Atlas Mountains in the distance, is the kind of experience that is genuinely hard to match. Guides remain with the group throughout, setting the route and keeping pace appropriate for all riders.
Planning a family excursion? Tell us your children's ages on WhatsApp and we'll design the perfect day for your group.
Chat on WhatsAppSafety Equipment and Briefings for Children
Every rider receives a full-face helmet and protective goggles before mounting a quad. For young children, we also provide bandanas for dust protection and ensure that closed-toe shoes are worn. The pre-ride briefing is extended for families to cover pillion positions, correct hand-hold technique, and what to do if the quad needs to stop. Children are never allowed to ride solo until our guides are satisfied with their comfort level during the briefing demonstration. Parent involvement is encouraged throughout — our guides love working with families and take particular care to ensure younger riders feel confident and safe.
Alternatives for Very Young Children
If your child is below the minimum for any form of quad riding and you prefer not to use the pillion option, camel rides are available for all ages with no minimum. Very young children can sit in front of a parent on a camel or ride their own gentle camel with a handler walking alongside. Many families combine a camel ride for the youngest members with quad biking for older children and adults — the variety keeps everyone engaged and means nobody misses out. See our guide to first-time camel riding for what to expect.
Tips for Planning a Family Desert Excursion
Book morning or late-afternoon sessions to avoid peak midday heat, especially in summer. Choose automatic quads for all inexperienced riders — there are no manual options available in our fleet. Bring sunscreen, water, and a light layer for the return journey if booking an evening tour. Tell us your children's exact ages when you message us on WhatsApp — we will design the itinerary around your family's needs rather than asking you to fit into a standard template. For a full overview of age requirements across all activities, see our complete age guide for Marrakech excursions.