The two facts that drive the list
Everything you pack for the Sahara comes back to two realities. First, the daily temperature swing is huge: hot, sunny days and genuinely cold nights, even in summer. Second, sand gets everywhere, carried by wind and stirred up by the camels. Pack for warmth, sun and dust and you have covered the desert. The camp itself provides bedding and meals, so you do not need camping gear.
Clothing
- Light long sleeved shirts and trousers protect you from the sun better than shorts and a t shirt
- A warm fleece or jacket for the cold nights, this is the layer first timers forget
- A scarf or headscarf, the single most useful item, it blocks blowing sand, shades your neck and keeps you warm at night
- Closed comfortable shoes for the camel ride and walking on sand, leave the sandals for the pool
- A swimsuit if your tour stops at a pool or you visit a hotel on the way
Sun and skin
The desert sun is intense and there is no shade. Bring a high factor sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat or the scarf doubling as one. A small bottle of moisturiser helps with the dry air. Reapply sunscreen more often than you think, since the breeze hides how strong the sun is.
Tech and practical items
- A power bank, camps may have limited or no electricity for charging
- A headlamp or small torch for moving around camp after dark
- Cash in dirhams for tips, drinks and small purchases, cards are not accepted in the desert
- A reusable water bottle, staying hydrated matters more than usual
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser, water for washing can be limited at basic camps
What to leave behind
Do not drag your full suitcase across the Sahara. Leave your main luggage at your Marrakech hotel, which almost all hotels store for free, and take only a small daypack with one night of essentials. You will appreciate the lighter load on the long drive and when climbing onto a camel. Skip heavy toiletries and anything fragile that sand could ruin.
Seasonal tweaks
In winter, add a hat, gloves and an extra warm layer, because nights near Merzouga can approach freezing. In summer, prioritise sun protection and electrolytes for the heat of the day, but still pack one warm layer for the evening. Our best time by month guide tells you exactly what weather to expect when you go.
Ready to go
With the right small bag you are set for a comfortable desert night. The next step is choosing your trip. The classic 3 day Merzouga tour from $107 is the most popular, and our best Sahara tours guide compares the rest. For the full logistics, see how to get to the Sahara.
Pack light, book easy
Bedding, meals and the camp are included, so a small daypack is all you need.
Frequently asked questions
Layers. Days are hot so you want light, breathable, long sleeved clothing for sun protection, while nights are cold so you need a warm fleece or jacket. A scarf protects your face from blowing sand and doubles as warmth in the evening. Closed, comfortable shoes are better than sandals for the camel ride and camp.
Yes, often surprisingly so. Desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset all year, and in winter nights can fall close to freezing. Even in summer you will want a warm layer at the camp. The big daily temperature swing is the thing most first timers underestimate.
No. Leave your main luggage at your Marrakech hotel, which most hotels will store for free, and bring only a small daypack with one night of essentials for the camp. You will be glad to travel light on the long drive and the camel ride.
