Planning your first luxury desert camping experience in Morocco is incredibly exciting, but it also raises an important question: what do you pack for a stay in the Sahara? At Desert Luxury Camp, we’ve hosted thousands of guests at both our luxury desert camps in Morocco. While the landscapes may be remote and wild, your experience with us is luxurious, thoughtfully curated, and, most importantly, comfortable.

Still, the desert is a unique environment, and it helps to arrive prepared. This Sahara packing list will walk you through what to pack for your stay, what not to bring, and the Morocco desert essentials that will make your escape effortless. Whether you’re heading out on a honeymoon, a solo adventure, or simply looking to disconnect in style, this is your expert-backed travel checklist for the desert.

Scroll down to get started! And if you have any questions for our team, please just get in touch for the answers you need.

What to Pack for the Sahara: Clothing Essentials for Comfort and Style

Dressing for the desert is about light layers and light colors for Summer, breathable fabrics, and practical comfort, and all while respecting the local culture during your journey. Days in the Sahara are warm and sunny, while evenings can be surprisingly cool, so layer up with loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton or linen to ensure you stay comfortable.

Long sleeves and trousers are not only great sun protection but also help shield you from sand and wind. Evenings call for an extra layer or two. A light sweater, fleece, or packable jacket will keep you comfortable when the temperature dips after sunset.

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and a scarf or shemagh are true desert camping must-haves. You’ll appreciate their function as much as their flair, especially during camel rides or sunset walks over the dunes.

Our blog What are the Best Clothes for the Sahara Desert is another must-read resource on this topic, so be sure to check it out when you have finished here.

Pro Sahara packing tip: try to pack light. Soft-sided bags or duffels are much easier to transport than bulky suitcases, especially when your journey includes off-road travel. However, you will arrive at your preferred camp in a 4×4 vehicle, so even if you have a bulky suitcase, it’s okay! And when visiting towns or villages en route to camp, it’s respectful to dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and knees, something that is always appreciated in rural Morocco.

Footwear Tips: The Best Shoes for Morocco’s Sahara Desert

The right footwear can make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment. You won’t need hiking boots, but you will want something sturdy. Closed-toe shoes like breathable sneakers or walking shoes are perfect for camel rides and wandering through the dunes. A pair of lightweight sandals or flip-flops will serve you well when relaxing around the camp — but don’t wear them during a camel ride as they will almost certainly fall off!

If you’re visiting in the cooler months and feel the cold easily, consider packing a warm pair of socks to keep your feet extra toasty at night. But also keep in mind that our tents have air conditioning units that provide cool and warm air, so it’s easy to create the perfect temperature in your accommodation.

If you’re finding this new information helpful, we think you’ll love our blog Things I Wish I Knew Before My Sahara Desert Tour.

Smart Travel Gear and Accessories for Morocco Desert Glamping

There’s no need to overpack when you’re preparing for a desert trip, but a few carefully chosen items will enhance your comfort. Bring a refillable water bottle or canteen. We always provide fresh drinking water at camp, but having your own bottle is useful on excursions. A small backpack or crossbody bag helps when carrying water, sunscreen, or a camera on daytime outings.

Our camps have ample access to electricity, so lighting and charging devices aren’t an issue. Even machines for sleep apnoea are fine to use with our electricity supply while sleeping. However, we aren’t connected to a power grid, so consider packing a power bank if you want added peace of mind. Having a small flashlight or headlamp is often helpful if you’d like extra light after dark, too.

If you’re planning on packing a hairdryer, we recommend that you think again. These appliances use too much power, which is why we don’t provide them ourselves. Our camps’ electricity supply comes from solar panels, so there’s not an infinite supply. In fact, during the shorter days of winter, we switch off the electricity from around 11 pm to midnight to help preserve it.

Looking for even more information about both of our locations? Read our Erg Chigaga Travel Guide and Erg Chebbi Travel Guide and get to know both destinations better.

Toiletries and Personal Items to Pack for Morocco Desert Trips

You don’t need to bring your entire bathroom cabinet, but there are a few personal items we recommend for your Morocco desert travel tips list. Sunscreen with SPF 50 and SPF lip balm are essential in the desert sun. A hydrating moisturizer and face mist can also help soothe skin after long days in the dry air.

We provide basic natural toiletries and towels for your convenience, but you’re welcome to bring your own favorites. Just keep the “traveling light” mantra in mind! And, of course, don’t forget any medications or first-aid items you may personally require.

Are you already inspired to take a desert adventure? Read our blog What to Expect From Your Stay at Our Erg Chebbi Desert Luxury Camp? and find out what it’s like staying with us near Merzouga.

Extras That Make Your Morocco Desert Trip Even Better

Some additions go beyond the basics but add a lovely touch to your time in the Sahara. Bring a good book or journal — you’ll have moments of quiet and reflection that are perfect for reading or writing. If you’re visiting our Erg Chebbi desert camp, pack your swimsuit! Our camp here has an incredible tented swimming pool for cooling off and getting some lengths in.

Celebrating something special? Our Morocco honeymoon packages are bespoke, so we can work with you to create a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you want to present a gift, a handwritten note, or an equally meaningful surprise, we can help create the perfect setting for a special moment.

Stargazing is a highlight of any visit to Morocco’s Sahara Desert. We offer the exciting opportunity to join guided stagrazing experiences with the use of a telescope, but if you’re interested in astronomy, having your own lightweight binoculars allows you to enjoy a closer look at the sky whenever you please, as well as desert wildlife!

What Not to Pack for a Desert Trip in Morocco

Overpacking is the most common mistake we see. Here’s what not to pack for the desert:

• Heavy suitcases or hard-shell luggage: Soft bags are easier to handle in the sand. This is why you should avoid luggage with wheels, too!
• Valuables: There’s no need to bring expensive jewelry or high-end electronics.
• Formalwear: You won’t need heels or dressy clothes in the desert.
• Too many gadgets: Wi-Fi is limited, and the desert is a wonderful place to unplug.
• Strong perfumes or colognes: These can attract insects and overpower the natural scents of the desert.

Remember, we provide comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, delicious meals, lighting, electricity, and personal service — so you can leave much of your usual travel gear behind.

Pack Light, Travel Smart, and Let Morocco’s Desert Do the Rest

With the right preparation, your journey into the Moroccan Sahara will be seamless, comfortable, and extraordinary. This Sahara packing list is about preparing for your trip with intention, so you can relax and fully enjoy the moment.

Whether you’re headed to the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi or the untouched wilderness of Erg Chigaga, Desert Luxury Camp takes care of the details. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure — and maybe a sweater for stargazing!

Find out more about our luxury desert camps in Morocco to see which of our locations makes the best fit for you. Have any questions for us? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’re here to help however we can.