Quick answer
- Bag size
- Small backpack
- Leave big cases in the car
- Day vs night
- Up to 20 °C gap
- Pack layers in every season
- Must-have
- Scarf + sunglasses
- For sun, wind and sand
- No need to bring
- Towels · bedding
- Provided in every tent
Need a driver? We can arrange your transfer — message us on WhatsApp.
Every evening we watch new guests arrive at the camp, and we can usually tell within a minute who packed well. It is rarely about having more things. It is about a few smart choices: layers, a scarf, sensible shoes and a small bag. This list is everything we would tell a friend before they came to Merzouga.
The golden rule: pack light and in layers
The Sahara is a place of extremes within a single day. A sunny afternoon can feel like summer, while the hour before sunrise can be cold even in May. Instead of one heavy coat, bring thin layers you can add and remove: a T-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a fleece and, in winter, a warm jacket.
Keep your big suitcase in the car or at your riad and bring a small backpack for the night. Camels and 4x4s have limited space, and you will not miss what you left behind.
Packing list by season
Use this table as a checklist. Temperatures are typical for Merzouga; nights are always cooler than you expect.
| Season | Day / night | Clothes | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 25–34 °C / 9–17 °C | T-shirts, light trousers, fleece | Scarf for windy days |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 39–43 °C / 22–26 °C | Loose cotton or linen, light long sleeves | Wide hat, electrolytes |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 23–36 °C / 8–21 °C | Layers, light jacket for evenings | Headlamp for stargazing |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–21 °C / 3–5 °C | Warm jacket, jumper, thermal top | Hat, gloves, warm socks |
Typical values; every tent at our camp has air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
Clothes that work in the desert
- Breathable, loose clothing in light colours keeps you cooler than shorts and vest tops, and protects you from the sun.
- Long trousers are best for camel rides; jeans work, but leggings or light hiking trousers are more comfortable.
- One warm layer for the evening, whatever the season.
- Modest clothing is appreciated in the villages around Merzouga: shoulders and knees covered is a good rule.
- Swimwear only if your camp or hotel has a pool; there is none on the dunes themselves.
Shoes: what really works on sand
Sand gets everywhere, so the best footwear is easy to slip off. Many guests end up walking barefoot on the dunes, which is wonderful in the morning and evening but too hot at midday in summer.
Bring sandals or slip-on trainers for the camp, and closed shoes for 4x4 tours and village visits. Heavy hiking boots are rarely necessary.
Sun, wind and sand protection
Even in winter the desert sun is strong, and the sand reflects it back at you. Protecting your skin and eyes matters more than any piece of clothing.
- Sunglasses with UV protection, ideally wraparound for windy days.
- High-factor sun cream and lip balm with SPF.
- A large scarf, buff or traditional Berber cheche: it covers your head, face and neck in sun or wind. We are happy to show you how to tie one.
- A wide-brimmed hat for daytime walks.
- A refillable water bottle; we provide drinking water at the camp.
Camera and electronics
- Your phone is enough for most photos; bring a small zip bag to protect it from sand.
- A power bank: all our tents have sockets, but tours can be long.
- For night photos, a small tripod makes the difference for the Milky Way.
- Avoid changing camera lenses in the wind; fine sand gets inside very easily.
- A headlamp or small torch for walking around the camp at night.
Health and personal items
- Any prescription medicine you take, plus a copy of the prescription.
- Rehydration salts, especially in summer.
- Basic first aid: plasters, painkillers and something for an upset stomach.
- Moisturiser and eye drops: the desert air is very dry.
- Hand sanitiser and tissues for tours and village stops.
What you can leave at home
Many guests overpack because they imagine a rough campsite. Our tents have real beds, a private bathroom with a hot shower, towels, bedding, soap and shampoo, air conditioning or heating, and Wi-Fi in the common area. You do not need a sleeping bag, a towel or a camping stove.
Forgotten items we hear about most
- A warm layer for sunrise, even in spring and autumn.
- Cash in dirhams for small purchases and tips in the villages.
- A charging cable (we have spares, but not for every phone).
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper; the desert is silent but camels sometimes are not.
Plan your desert activities
Long trousers for the camel ride, a scarf for the 4x4, light clothes you do not mind getting sandy for sandboarding: what you pack also depends on what you plan to do. Here are some of the best-rated activities around Merzouga.
Things to do in Merzouga
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Not sure what to bring for your dates? Send us a message and we will tell you exactly what the weather will be like.
Ask us before you packFrequently asked questions
What should I wear for a camel ride in Merzouga?+
Long, comfortable trousers, a long-sleeved top, a scarf and sunglasses. Bring a warm layer for sunrise or sunset rides.
Do I need a sleeping bag for a desert camp?+
Not at our camp. Every tent has real beds with full bedding, plus heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
How cold is the Sahara at night?+
In winter nights can drop to around 3 °C. In spring and autumn they are usually 9–17 °C, and in summer 22–26 °C.
Can I wear shorts in Merzouga?+
At the camp, yes. In villages and towns, covering shoulders and knees is more respectful and also protects you from the sun.
Is it safe to bring a drone?+
Drones are restricted in Morocco and can be confiscated at customs without prior authorisation. We recommend leaving yours at home.
Should I bring cash?+
Yes, bring some dirhams for tips, small purchases and village shops. Card payments are not accepted everywhere around Merzouga.
Do I need special shoes for the dunes?+
No. Sandals or slip-on trainers are ideal, and many guests go barefoot. Closed shoes are useful for 4x4 tours.
Can I leave my suitcase somewhere?+
Yes, you can leave large luggage in your car or with us at reception and take only a small bag into the dunes.
Plan the rest of your desert stay
Stay with us in Merzouga
Private ensuite tents with air conditioning and heating, dinner and breakfast, the sunset camel ride and sandboarding — all included.
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