What to Pack for a Sahara Desert Tour
Clothing for hot days and cold nights
The desert has a huge daily temperature swing, so layering is everything. Bring light, breathable long sleeved shirts and trousers, which protect from the sun far better than shorts and a t shirt. Add a warm fleece or jacket for the night, the layer first timers most often forget, because even summer evenings near the dunes turn cool and winter nights can approach freezing. Closed comfortable shoes beat sandals for the camel ride and walking on sand. Pack a swimsuit too if your tour stops at a pool on the way.
Sun protection
The desert sun is intense and shade is rare, so sun protection is not optional. Bring a high factor sunscreen and reapply more often than feels necessary, since the breeze hides how strong the sun is. Add lip balm with SPF, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, or use the scarf as a head cover. A small bottle of moisturiser helps with the very dry air. Sunburn on the first day can ruin the rest of the trip, so cover up during the long midday hours and save the photos for the gentler light of sunrise and sunset.
Tech, cash and practical items
Desert camps may have limited or no electricity, so a power bank is essential for keeping your phone and camera alive. A headlamp or small torch makes moving around camp after dark much easier. Carry cash in dirhams for tips, drinks and small purchases, because cards are not accepted in the desert. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated, which matters more than usual here. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser are useful when washing water is scarce at basic camps. Keep all of this in a small daypack rather than a heavy bag.
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, valuables you do not need and anything fragile that fine sand could ruin. In winter add a hat, gloves and an extra warm layer. In summer prioritise sun protection and electrolytes, but still pack one warm layer for the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in the Sahara?
Layers. Light long sleeved clothing for the hot, sunny days and a warm fleece or jacket for the cold nights. A scarf protects your face from sand and adds warmth. Closed shoes beat sandals.
Is it really cold at night in the desert?
Yes, often surprisingly so. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset all year, and winter nights can approach freezing. Even in summer you will want a warm layer at camp.
Do I need my full suitcase at the camp?
No. Leave your main luggage at your Marrakech hotel, which most store for free, and bring only a small daypack with one night of essentials. Travelling light is much easier on the drive and the camel ride.