A little packing preparation goes a long way on a multi-day Sahara desert tour. Here’s what Desert Marrakech Tours guests typically need, based on the conditions you’ll actually encounter between Marrakech and Merzouga.
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable layers for daytime heat
- A warm jacket or fleece for desert camp evenings — nights get cold even when days are hot
- A scarf or headwrap to protect against blowing sand
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (sand gets into sandals quickly)
- A swimsuit if your riad or hotel has a pool along the route
Sun & Skin Protection
- Sunscreen (the desert sun is stronger than it feels)
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
Practical Extras
- A small daypack for the camel trek into the dunes
- A headlamp or flashlight (desert camps have limited lighting)
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic toiletries and hand sanitizer
- A power bank, since charging isn’t always available at desert camps
- Cash in Moroccan dirhams for tips, drinks, or souvenirs along the route
What to Leave Behind
- Heavy suitcases — a soft duffel bag or backpack is far easier to load into a 4×4 and carry by camel
- Valuables you don’t need on the road
A quick note on layering: the single biggest mistake first-time desert visitors make is underestimating the nighttime cold. Even in summer, temperatures can drop 20°C or more after sunset in the dunes — pack for both extremes, not just the daytime heat.
