Desert & day trips
What should you pack for a Sahara desert tour from Marrakech?
- Nights
- Cold — bring layers
- Sun
- Hat, SPF, sunglasses
- Sand
- Scarf/headscarf
- Bag
- Small overnight bag
Quick answer
For a 2–3 day Sahara tour, pack warm layers for surprisingly cold desert nights, strong sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF), a scarf or headscarf for sun and blowing sand, closed shoes, and a small soft overnight bag for the camp (your main case can stay in the vehicle). Add cash, a power bank, and any medication.
Clothing and sun protection
The desert swings from hot days to genuinely cold nights, even freezing in winter, so layering is the golden rule: breathable long-sleeves and trousers for sun cover by day, plus a fleece or warm jacket and a hat for the evening. Bring a scarf or chèche you can wrap over your face against blowing sand on the camel ride, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and closed, sturdy shoes for the dunes (sand gets everywhere in sandals).
Practical kit
Camps are simple, so pack a small soft overnight bag with essentials and leave your main luggage in the vehicle. Include cash in dirham (few card options en route), a power bank or car charger (electricity at camps is limited), a head torch, any personal medication, wet wipes/hand sanitiser and a reusable water bottle. A light daypack, a camera and a small first-aid kit round it out. Check exactly what your desert tour provides — most include blankets and meals. See our packing guides for more.
Related questions
Is it cold in the Sahara at night?
Yes — desert nights are much colder than the days, dropping sharply after sunset and near or below freezing in winter. Always pack warm layers, a hat and a jacket even if the daytime is hot; camps usually provide thick blankets too.
What shoes should I wear for a desert tour?
Closed, sturdy shoes or trainers keep sand out and protect your feet on rocky ground and dunes; sandals fill with sand fast. Some people bring flip-flops for around the camp. For the camel ride, closed shoes are more comfortable.
Do I need to bring my whole suitcase to the desert camp?
No — pack a small overnight bag with just what you need for the camp and leave your main case in the tour vehicle. Camps are reached by camel or 4x4 over sand, so a light, soft bag is much easier to carry.