The single biggest thing to understand about a Merzouga / Erg Chebbi desert trip is the temperature swing: it can be 30°C+ (86°F+) in the afternoon sun and drop close to freezing once the sun is down, especially outside the summer months. Pack for both, and you'll be fine.
Clothing
- Layers — a light long-sleeve shirt and loose trousers for sun protection during the day, plus a warm fleece or jacket for the evening and night.
- A scarf or light shesh/turban — genuinely useful, not just for photos: it protects your face and neck from sun and blowing sand, especially on the camel trek.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking on the dunes (sand gets everywhere, but closed shoes keep the worst of it out), plus something easy to slip on and off at camp.
- A hat with a brim, and sunglasses — desert sun and light-colored sand reflect a lot of glare.
Essentials
- Sunscreen — high SPF, reapplied more than you'd think you need.
- A headlamp or small flashlight — desert camps generally run on generators or solar power with limited lighting after dark.
- A portable phone charger / power bank — outlets at camp are limited or nonexistent.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer — water for washing up is limited at camp.
- A basic first aid kit — plasters, any personal medication, and rehydration salts if you're prone to dehydration.
- Small cash (dirhams) — for tips to camel handlers and camp staff.
Nice to Have
- A camera or phone with a wide-angle lens — the sunrise and sunset over the dunes are the whole point.
- A light daypack for the camel trek, so your main luggage can stay at the vehicle.
- Earplugs, if you're a light sleeper — desert camps are usually very quiet, but it's a shared environment.
What You Can Leave Behind
Leave the heavy suitcase in Marrakech or Fes if you can — most desert routes involve a long drive with stops, and a smaller overnight bag makes the whole trip easier. Formal clothing, hair dryers, and anything valuable you're not comfortable getting a little sandy are all safe to skip.
Planning a Sahara trip and want the full route and logistics handled? Moh runs private Merzouga tours from Marrakech and Fes.
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