By the Sahara Tours from Marrakech editorial team · Updated November 4, 2026
The Overnight Camp Bag
On most tours your main luggage stays in the vehicle while you ride a camel to camp. Pack a small daypack for the night with:
- A warm layer, such as a fleece or light down jacket
- Toothbrush, wet wipes and any medication
- Water and a snack
- Phone, power bank and a headlamp
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the sunrise ride back
Clothing by Season
- All year: loose, breathable layers that cover shoulders and knees, which is respectful in rural villages and protects you from the sun.
- Spring and autumn: light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the evening.
- Winter: a proper warm jacket, hat and gloves for the camp night.
- Summer: a sun hat and lightweight long sleeves.
See the best time to go for what each season is like.
Desert Essentials
- A scarf: protects your face from wind-blown sand and sun. Scarves are easy to buy in Marrakech or along the route.
- Sandals or shoes you can slip off: sand gets into everything, and walking barefoot on dunes is part of the fun.
- A zip bag for your phone and camera: fine sand is hard on electronics.
- Motion-sickness tablets: the Tizi n'Tichka pass is a long, winding road.
Cash, Tips and Extras
Carry Moroccan dirhams in small notes for lunches, drinks, toilets, optional local guides and tips for your driver and camel handler. Card payment is not always possible on the road or at the camp. Check your tour's inclusions to see which meals are covered.
Popular Tours to Pack For
Well-reviewed options for the most common desert trips.
3-Day Merzouga Sahara Tour with Camel Ride & Camp (Small Group)
Small-group round trip (max 18) with a Tinghir hotel night and an Erg Chebbi camp. Luxury-tent and private options available.
- Small group, max 18 travelers
- Sunset and sunrise camel rides
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Lunches and drinks not included
3-Day Private Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Your own driver-guide and air-conditioned vehicle, a Dades riad night and an Erg Chebbi bivouac with a one-hour camel trek.
- Private driver-guide and vehicle
- Standard bivouac camp
- Starts from Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Lunches and drinks not included
2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Journey (Small Group)
Small group (max 17) with a night in a Zagora camp among small dunes and kasbah stops on the way back.
- Small group, max 17 travelers
- Camel ride to camp
- Dinner and breakfast at camp
- Lunches and drinks not included
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your desert trip from Marrakech.