Packing for the Sahara is not complicated, but a few forgotten items can make the difference between a comfortable night in the dunes and a cold, sandy one. This checklist is based on what our guests ask us every week and what we, as local desert guides, always carry ourselves.
Bags: pack light and smart
On most desert tours your main luggage stays in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga while you ride a camel to the camp. Bring a small backpack (20–30 L) for the night with only what you need: clothes for the evening, toiletries, phone charger and a warm layer. Soft bags are easier to carry than hard suitcases.
Clothing
- Light, loose, long clothes – long trousers and long-sleeved shirts protect you from sun and sand and are respectful in rural villages.
- A warm fleece or down jacket – desert nights are cold from October to April, sometimes close to 0°C in winter.
- A scarf or cheche – the Berber turban protects face and hair from sun and wind. You can buy one in Merzouga for a few euros and your guide will show you how to tie it.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking in the gorges, plus sandals for the sand (sand is too hot for bare feet in summer).
- Swimwear if your camp or hotel has a pool (many in Merzouga do).
- A hat or cap.
Sun and health
- Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with SPF
- Good sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Reusable water bottle – we provide bottled water in the vehicle
- Personal medicines, plus basic items: plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser – water in desert camps is limited
- Moisturiser – the air is very dry
Electronics
- Power bank – not all desert camps have sockets in every tent
- Head torch or small flashlight for walking to the toilets at night
- Camera with a spare battery; a zip bag protects it from sand
- European-style (type C/E) plug adapter for Morocco
Documents and money
- Passport (hotels and camps must register it)
- Travel insurance details
- Cash in Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for tips, drinks and souvenirs – ATMs are rare after Ouarzazate and Tinghir
What you don’t need
- Sleeping bag – camps provide beds and heavy blankets
- Towels – provided in most camps and hotels
- Large amounts of food – meals are included on our tours
- Expensive jewellery
Packing by season
Spring and autumn
T-shirts and light trousers for the day, a fleece and a light jacket for the evening.
Summer
Very light cotton or linen clothes, a wide hat, lots of sunscreen. A light layer is still useful in the air-conditioned car.
Winter
Warm jacket, hat, gloves and thermal layer for the night. Days are sunny, so dress in layers.
Dress code and respect
Morocco is a welcoming Muslim country. In cities and villages, covering shoulders and knees is appreciated for both men and women. In the desert camp you can dress as you like.
Ready to go?
Now that your bag is ready, choose your adventure: the 3-day Merzouga desert tour, the 2-day Zagora trip or the 5-day adventure from Marrakech to the desert. Check also the best time to visit the Sahara. Questions? WhatsApp us at +212 606-957514.