Knowing what to pack for a Morocco desert tour makes the trip far more comfortable. You will spend long hours in the car, ride a camel, walk in soft sand and sleep in a camp where nights can be surprisingly cold. Travel light: most tours allow one main bag plus a small daypack.
Clothes
- Light, loose, long-sleeved tops and trousers (sun protection and respect for local customs).
- A warm fleece or down jacket for the evening, even in spring and autumn.
- A scarf or cheche to protect your face from sun and sand.
- A hat and sunglasses.
Shoes
Closed trainers are ideal for walking in Aït Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorges. In the dunes many people prefer sandals or go barefoot, but the sand can be very hot at midday in summer.
Essentials for the desert camp
- Headlamp or small torch.
- Power bank: some camps have limited charging.
- Wet wipes, lip balm and high-factor sunscreen.
- A small overnight bag so you can leave the big suitcase in the vehicle.
Photography
Sand gets everywhere. Bring a zip bag for your phone or camera and avoid changing lenses in the wind. Sunrise and sunset are the best moments, so charge your batteries the evening before.
Seasonal checklist
| Season | Add to your bag |
|---|---|
| Summer | Extra water bottle, electrolytes, very light clothes |
| Winter | Warm jacket, hat, gloves, thermal layer |
| Spring/Autumn | Layers for warm days and cool nights |
Health and comfort
- Your usual medicines, plus something for an upset stomach and motion sickness for the mountain roads.
- Rehydration salts, especially in summer.
- Hand sanitiser and a small pack of tissues: public toilets on the road do not always have paper.
- Eye drops if you wear contact lenses, because of the dust and sand.
Money and documents
Keep your passport with you at all times, as it is often requested at hotels and sometimes at police checkpoints. Bring cash in Moroccan dirhams for lunches, drinks, souvenirs and tips: card payment is rare in villages and ATMs become scarce after Ouarzazate. A small money belt is useful for the camel ride.
What to leave at home
- High heels, heavy jeans and anything too precious to get sandy.
- Drones: they are restricted in Morocco and can be confiscated at the airport.
- Too many clothes: most guesthouses offer laundry, and you will wear the same comfortable outfits every day.
Respecting local customs
In villages and kasbahs, covering shoulders and knees is appreciated, for both men and women. Always ask before photographing people, especially women and children. A few words of Arabic or Tamazight, such as “salam” and “shukran”, will bring big smiles.
Last-minute packing check
Before leaving your riad, check three things: a warm layer in your day bag, sunglasses and scarf within reach, and your phone charged. These small details make the camel ride and the night at camp much more comfortable.
Key takeaways
- Pack layers: hot days, cold nights.
- A scarf is the most useful item in the dunes.
- Use a small overnight bag for the camp.
Once your bag is ready, choose your route: a short Zagora trip, the classic 3-day Merzouga desert tour, or one of our longer Morocco tours.
To prepare your trip, also see the official website of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
FAQ: what to pack for a morocco desert tour
What should I wear on a camel ride?
Long, comfortable trousers, a light long-sleeved top, a scarf and sunglasses. Avoid short skirts or shorts, which are uncomfortable on the saddle.
Do I need a sleeping bag in a desert camp?
No. Camps provide beds and blankets. In winter you can bring a light sleeping bag liner or an extra warm layer if you get cold easily.
Can I bring a big suitcase on a desert tour?
Yes, it stays in the vehicle. Take only a small bag for the night in the camp because you usually reach it by camel.
Is there electricity in desert camps?
Most camps have electricity or solar power with limited charging points, so a power bank is recommended.