What to pack for the trip to the Sahara desert of Morocco? I receive this question so often that I decided to make a list of items to bring with you to this sandy trip.
Summer season
In Morocco, in the hot season (June-October), it can get boiling. The temperature sometimes jumps to +50 C; it gets a bit cooler at night. However, most desert tours arrive there in the evening and leave early in the morning, so you will not stay in the sun all day. If you are going to the Sahara desert by car, plan the trip so you don’t need to spend the whole day in the sun.
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Don’t worry about getting cold at night if you go to the Sahara desert in the hot season. You will not even need blankets. You can even sleep under the stars outside your tent if you are adventurous.
I tried myself the shared 3 and 2 days tour to the Sahara desert and loved it! Loved it so much that now offering everyone to have the same experience by booking the corresponding trip. Here you can read my story about the three days shared tour to Sahara desert (I also made a short video) and here you can book it.
Pants
In the summer season, don’t even think about wearing jeans. It’s too hot! In general, jeans are the worst fabrics to wear during the summer in Morocco. For the desert trip, it is best to wear loose-fitting light pants. If you choose shorts, ensure you have long pants for the camel ride. The camel’s fur is scratchy and rough.
Tops
You will sweat a lot, so take a top that allows your skin to breathe. A sleeveless top during the trip is excellent. Although for the camel ride in the Sahara desert is better to wear long sleeves. Otherwise, the sun can burn your arms. A linen shirt or any linen apparel is an excellent option for the Sahara trip.
cold season
In the cold season (November-April), at night can get cold. During the day, the temperature will be around +20/25 C; at night can drop even bring your jacket or a warmer hat.
The nights of December and January can be freezing. Woollen socks and longer pyjamas can save your sleep. Light gloves are also handy in the early morning when you have a sunset camel ride. If you have a warmer windproof jacket, bring it with you to the Sahara trip. It will save you from sand storms and wind.
Shoes?
In the summer, we all love flip-flops and loose sandals. However, wear comfortable, well attached to your leg sandals or sports shoes in the desert. One of the reasons, on the camel saddles, there are no stirrups, so you will risk to loos your flip-flops. Then, it is not easy to walk in the dunes, and your feet will steadily sink in the sand.
By the way, sneakers or converse shoes is not the best option. Your feet will sweat a lot. Instead, take a pair of breathable shoes.
Something more stylish?
Many of you are dreaming about beautiful photos in the dunes Sahara desert. Especially ladies, dressed in bohemian clothes, posing in the dunes or on the camel. However, you often arrive on a camel at the main desert camp right after sunset, especially in group tours. You might not have enough time to change and return to the dunes.
My advice is, to wear your photoshoot dress for the camel ride and some light pants under it. You can remove your pants in the dunes and stay with the dress. Alternatively, wake up early and do the photoshoot before breakfast.
I am so in love with kimonos. They are light and looks gorgeously in the pictures. If you have a kimono at home, take it to the desert trip. The kimono will protect you from the sun and will give you a bohemian touch to your pictures.
Scarf, Shawl or hat is a must!
To protect yourself from the sandy desert winds, bring some bigger scarf, summer hat or Shawl for a winter. In Morocco, you can also buy the traditional Berber nomad Touareg turban/scarf called “shesh”. These scarfs can be bought different sizes and quality.
Here is my video how to tie your Touareg Turban “shesh”:
In the desert, ask your camel guides to bind the turban in the proper way. Not only protects from the wind but looks great in the pictures! Also, you can use this scarf as a blanket or pillow. You can buy the nomad scarf on the way, as the bus often stops at local shops.
Other items to take:
- Flashlight – handy if you want to climb the dunes at night or to use the bathroom. In budget camps, there is usually a shared toilet next to the camp area.
- A power bank – more budget camps have limited access to electricity. Even though there is no reception in the desert camps, you will still need your phone for pictures or as a flashlight.
- Sunscreen – even in the cold season, the sun can be intense. Put sunscreen before the camel ride or cover your face with a scarf.
- Enough water to drink (at least 2 litres each).
- Wet wipes to refresh before going to sleep, and remove sand.
- Small backpack for the camel ride. You don’t need to bring all your belongings to the desert camp as you will stay there only overnight. Take only the most important things and put them in a small bag or backpack.
- The bump or runner’s belt is my must-accessory anywhere I go. You can keep there your phone and money. Very useful for the camel ride when you want to take pictures.
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