Many travelers pack the wrong things when they come to the Sahara. The desert is a very different place and it can trick you. People think the desert is always hot, but this is a big mistake.
The weather in the Sahara changes a lot. We have very hot days but the nights can be very cold. This extreme temperature change is why you need a good packing list. If you bring the wrong clothes you will not feel comfortable.
Also you need to pack different things depending on your tour. A simple camel trek needs a small bag. But a luxury camp or a 4×4 tour gives you more space for your things.
In this guide I will explain you exactly what to pack for Sahara desert tour. I will share a complete checklist and some pro tips from my experience as a local guide.
Understanding the Sahara Climate Before You Pack
Before you put things in your bag, you must understand the desert weather. The Sahara climate is dry and it changes very fast from day to night. If you want more details about the weather of the whole country, you can read our guide about the best time to visit Morocco.
Desert Temperatures by Season
Spring (March to May): This is a very nice time to visit. The days are warm and the nights are cool but not freezing. You can expect 25°C to 30°C in the day.
Summer (June to August): The summer is very hot. The sun is very strong. Day temperatures can go over 45°C. The nights are warm and nice for sleeping outside.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is similar to spring. The weather is very comfortable. The days are warm and the sand is nice to walk on.
Winter (December to February): Winter days are nice with sunshine, maybe 15°C to 20°C. But the winter nights are very cold. Sometimes the temperature drops to 0°C or less in the night.
Day vs Night Temperature Difference
You should know about the day and night difference. The sand does not keep the heat of the sun. When the sun goes down, the heat leaves the sand very fast.
This means the Morocco desert temperature at night drops very quickly. You can be sweating at 4 PM and shivering with cold at 8 PM.
Sand, Wind and Sun Exposure
The sun is very strong in the desert because there are no trees to make shade. You will have sun exposure all day.
Also the wind can blow the fine sand. The sand can go in your eyes and nose. You need to protect your face and skin from these things. For official weather data before your trip, you can check the World Meteorological Organization website.
Essential Clothing for a Sahara Desert Tour
Choosing the right clothes is the most important part of your preparation. You need clothes that protect you but also keep you comfortable. For general clothing advice in the country, check our guide on what should I wear in Morocco.
Lightweight and Breathable Clothing
For the day, you need clothes that let the air touch your skin. Loose cotton or linen clothes are the best choice. They dry fast and do not make you sweat too much.
You should wear long sleeves. Long sleeves protect your arms from the strong sun. It is better to have light fabric covering your skin than strong sun burning it.
Also try to wear light colors. White, beige or light blue colors are good. Dark colors like black or dark blue take the heat from the sun and make you feel more hot.
Layers for Cold Desert Nights
Because it gets cold, you must bring layers. Layers are better than one very thick jacket. You can take them off or put them on when the temperature changes.
You should bring a good fleece jacket. A fleece is light in your bag but it keeps you very warm.
If you do a winter tour, you need a warm down jacket. The winter nights in the desert are freezing. A warm hoodie is also nice to have for the evening around the fire.
For winter tours, you should also bring a thermal layer. Thermal pants and a thermal long sleeve shirt will help you sleep better in the cold nights.
Pants vs Shorts: What is Better?
Many people ask if they should wear shorts. It is better to wear long pants.
When you ride a camel, the saddle is made of rough blankets. If you wear shorts, the blankets will rub your bare legs and it will hurt. Long pants protect your legs from the camel saddle.
Long loose pants also protect your legs from the sun and the sand. Cotton or linen pants are perfect for this.
Shoes for the Sahara
You need closed walking shoes or sneakers. Closed shoes stop the hot sand from burning your feet. They also protect your toes if you walk on small rocks.
Do not bring heavy hiking boots. Heavy boots are hard to walk with in the soft sand. You will get tired very fast. Simple light sneakers are the best.
You should also pack a pair of sandals. Sandals are very nice to wear when you arrive at the camp. You can let your feet breathe after taking off your closed shoes.
Head and Face Protection
You must protect your head. A wide-brim hat is very good because it gives shade to your face and your neck.
A long scarf is also very important. In Morocco we call it a cheche or turban. The guide can help you wrap it around your head. It protects you from the sun and also you can cover your mouth and nose if the wind blows the sand.
Do not forget sunglasses. The sun shines very bright on the yellow sand and it can hurt your eyes. Bring sunglasses with good UV400 protection.
Sahara Desert Travel Essentials Checklist
- ✔ 2 or 3 breathable light shirts
- ✔ 1 warm fleece or jacket
- ✔ Comfortable long pants
- ✔ Closed walking shoes
- ✔ Light sandals for the camp
- ✔ Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- ✔ Long scarf or turban
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
You do not need many bathroom things in the desert but some items are necessary for your comfort. The dry air and sun can make your skin dry very fast.
Must-Haves:
High SPF sunscreen is the first thing. You need SPF 50 or more. Put it on your face, hands and neck every few hours.
Your lips will dry very fast in the desert wind. You must bring a good lip balm with SPF protection. Use it many times in the day.
A heavy moisturizer for your face and hands is good before you sleep. The dry air takes the water from your skin.
Bring wet wipes. Wet wipes are very useful to clean the dust and sand from your hands and face. Sometimes water is limited in the desert.
Hand sanitizer is also very helpful before eating. Bring a small towel if your tour does not give one. Most camps give towels but a small one is good for the journey.
Optional Items:
Some people like to bring dry shampoo. It is good to clean your hair fast if you do not want to take a shower.
A face mist with water is very nice. You can spray it on your face when it is very hot in the day to feel fresh.
Tech and Gadgets to Bring
We all want to take nice pictures in the desert. But the desert environment can be hard for electronics. The sand and the heat can cause problems.
Photography Gear
You can bring your camera or use your phone. The light in the desert is very beautiful for pictures.
You must bring extra batteries or a good power bank. The cold temperature in the night makes batteries lose their power very fast. Keep your phone or batteries inside your jacket near your body heat to save the power.
Charging in Desert Camps
Many people ask about Sahara desert camp electricity. Most standard and luxury camps have electricity. They use solar power.
You can usually charge your phone in the restaurant tent or sometimes in your private tent. But you should bring a universal adapter. The plugs in Morocco are the European style with two round pins.
Protecting Electronics from Sand
The sand in the Sahara is very very fine. It is like powder. It can go inside your phone or camera easily and break them.
You should bring a small plastic bag with a zip. When the wind blows, put your phone and camera inside the plastic bag. Do not change your camera lenses outside when the wind is blowing.
What NOT to Pack for the Sahara
Knowing what to leave behind is also important. Some things will just give you problems and make your trip heavy.
Do not bring heavy hard suitcases if you do a camel trek. Camels can only carry small soft bags. A hard suitcase is very difficult to transport on the sand.
Do not pack too many clothes. You will only wear comfortable things. You do not need fashion clothes or high heels in the sand.
Leave your expensive jewelry at the hotel. It is easy to lose small rings or necklaces in the deep sand. If you drop it in the sand you will never find it again.
Packing List by Tour Type
Your packing depends on how you travel to the desert. We offer different desert tours from Marrakech and other cities. Each tour type needs a different bag.
Camel Trek Overnight Tour
If you ride a camel to a simple camp, you must pack very light. The camel will carry you and your bag.
You should only bring a small soft backpack. Just pack your water, camera, a warm jacket for the night, and basic toiletries. Leave your big luggage in the car or at the hotel at the edge of the desert.
4×4 Desert Tour
If you travel inside the dunes with a 4×4 car, you have more flexibility. The car has a big trunk for bags.
You can bring a medium suitcase or a bigger backpack. You do not have to carry it on your back or on a camel. This is much easier for families or people with more things.
Luxury Desert Camp
If you stay in a luxury desert camp, you will have more comfort. You will have a real bed, a private shower and nice things.
You can bring a few more comfort items like nice clothes for dinner. But still try to avoid overpacking. The sand is everywhere and moving big bags in the sand is always hard work.
Women-Specific Packing Tips
Morocco is a traditional country. The people in the south and the desert are very traditional. It is good to respect the local culture with your clothes.
Women should wear modest but comfortable clothes. It is better to cover the shoulders and the knees. Loose long linen pants and long tunic shirts are perfect. They look nice, they are cool in the heat, and they are respectful.
A head covering is optional for tourists. You do not have to cover your hair. But a light scarf is very useful. It protects your hair from the sand and the sun, and you can use it to cover your shoulders if you visit a small village.
Winter vs Summer Packing Differences
The season changes what you put in your bag. Here is a simple comparison to help you understand what you need.
| Item | Summer (June-Aug) | Winter (Dec-Feb) |
| Jacket | Light fleece or sweater | Heavy down jacket |
| Thermal layer | No | Yes |
| Sunscreen | Yes (Very important) | Yes |
| Gloves and warm hat | No | Optional (good for night) |
| Sleeping bag | No | Provided by camp, but thermals help |
Pro Tips From a Local Sahara Guide
After living and working in the desert for many years, I have some advice for you. If you want to know more about the area, you can check our guide on things to do in Merzouga.
First, pack light. You will thank yourself later. Carrying heavy bags in the sand is very difficult. Just bring what you really need.
Bring some small cash for tips. You might want to tip your camel guide or the camp staff. There are no ATMs in the sand dunes.
Always keep your long scarf easy to reach in your bag. The wind can start blowing sand very fast, and you will need to cover your face quickly.
Drink water all the time. The dry wind makes your sweat dry very fast. You lose water but you do not feel sweaty. Drink water even if you are not thirsty to stay healthy.
Printable Morocco Sahara Packing Checklist
Here is a short list you can save or print before your trip.
- Small soft backpack
- Loose long pants (cotton or linen)
- Light long-sleeve shirts
- Warm fleece or jacket
- Closed walking shoes (sneakers)
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Wide-brim hat
- Long scarf (cheche)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wet wipes and tissues
- Personal medicines
- Power bank for phone
- Small plastic bag for camera
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cold at night in the Sahara Desert?
Yes, it gets very cold at night, especially in winter. The sand loses heat fast after sunset. In winter, temperatures can drop near 0°C. Even in spring or autumn, you will need a warm fleece or jacket for the evening.
Can I wear shorts in the Morocco desert?
You can, but it is not recommended. If you ride a camel, shorts will let the rough blankets hurt your legs. Long loose pants are much better to protect your skin from the camel saddle, the sun, and the sand.
Do I need hiking boots for Sahara?
No, heavy hiking boots are not good for the desert. They are heavy and make walking in soft sand difficult. Simple, comfortable closed sneakers are the best choice to protect your feet.
Are there showers in desert camps?
Yes, most desert camps have showers. Standard camps usually have shared showers, while luxury camps have private showers inside your tent. Water is precious in the desert, so the pressure might be low.
What bag should I bring for a camel trek?
You should only bring a small, soft backpack. Camels cannot carry heavy or hard suitcases. Just pack your basic overnight things, water, and camera. Leave your big luggage with your driver or hotel.
Is sunscreen really necessary in winter?
Yes, sunscreen is very necessary in winter. The temperature is lower, but the sun is still very bright and strong. The reflection from the yellow sand can burn your skin easily, even on a cool day.