What to Pack for a Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco

Layers, always layers

Desert days can be hot even outside summer, and desert nights drop fast once the sun sets — sand has almost no ability to hold onto heat, so the swing between the two can be dramatic even within a single evening. A light long-sleeve layer for sun protection during the day, a warmer fleece or jacket for after dark, and a scarf or shemagh that doubles as both sun and wind protection cover most conditions you'll actually meet. See our best-time-to-visit guide for how much colder to expect by season.

Sun protection that actually works

A wide-brimmed hat beats a cap in open dunes, since there's no shade anywhere to duck into and a cap leaves your ears and neck exposed. Sunscreen matters more than usual given how much reflected sun comes off pale sand from below as well as above, and sunglasses with real UV protection aren't optional — the glare off the dunes at midday is intense enough to give you a headache within the hour if you skip them.

For the camel trek and camp

Closed shoes you don't mind filling with sand — it happens regardless of footwear choice, so don't bother hunting for the mythical sand-proof boot — plus a change of socks, and a headlamp or phone flashlight for moving around camp after dark, since desert camps generally run on limited generator or solar power rather than a lit path to every tent. See our camel trekking guide for what the trek and camp night actually involve.

The small stuff people forget

A portable phone charger or power bank, since camp power is limited and shared among everyone staying that night. Wet wipes, since running water at camp is basic at best. And a dust-resistant bag or cover for cameras and phones — fine Sahara sand finds its way into any zip, seam or lens left open, and it travels further than you'd expect on even a still night.

If your route also crosses the High Atlas beforehand, layer for the mountain pass too — the Tizi n'Tichka can be properly cold at altitude even on days when Merzouga itself is warm, so don't pack everything warm at the bottom of the bag assuming you'll only need it once you reach the dunes.