If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, your head is probably already full of various checklists, like all the places you should visit and all the items you have to pack. However, if you’ve just started planning your trip, you probably haven’t even thought of that second part yet. Although you should start thinking about it, so you don’t miss anything. Packing for a trip is always challenging, especially when going to a place you’ve never been before that’s as exotic as Morocco. To help you out, we compiled a list of some of the most important things you should pack for Morocco and, more precisely, everything you should pack for your desert trip in Morocco.

Planning Your Sahara Trip

If you’re going to Morocco, you don’t want to miss out on a journey to the Sahara – it’s one of the main attractions this country has to offer. A camel ride to the top of the dunes to see the sunset, dancing to Berber music around a bonfire on a chilly night beneath the stars, and spending the night in a nomad tent at the base of the dune are unforgettable experiences. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the tranquility of this harsh but beautiful environment, the sun blazing over your head, and the warm sand dunes below your feet.

Things You Should Pack for Your Desert Trip in Morocco

When going into the desert, it’s essential to be prepared. It would be best to have the following things at your hand at all times:

#1 Water

It should go without saying that water should be at the top of your packing list when going to the Sahara Desert. Carrying a lot of water is crucial due to the extremely high risk of dehydration during the scorching desert days. It’s also wise to keep a backup water supply in your car, just in case.

#2 The Right Clothes

The next thing you need to consider when planning what to pack for your trip to the desert in Morocco is what to wear. For starters, you’ll need lightweight, UV-resistant clothing. Even though it will be scorching hot outside, you should wear long sleeves made from breathable materials.

If you’re planning a longer trip that might involve staying in the desert camp overnight, you should invest in clothing made specifically for the desert. Aside from anti-UV technology, this type of clothing is also sand-resistant. Moreover, avoid wearing skirts or shorts at the bottom that won’t adequately cover your legs. Also, avoid wearing leggings and pants, which hinder proper sweat ventilation.

#3 A Big Hat

You will need a hat that protects your head from the harsh desert weather since you will be in the sun all day during your trip to the Sahara Desert. Your standard baseball cap won’t do. Instead, pack a wide hat to shield your eyes from the sun and your neck from sunburn. The wider the hat, the better.

#4 Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have when visiting Morocco, even if you only plan to stay in Marrakech the whole trip. However, going into the desert without sunscreen is a death wish (not really, but it is awful for your skin). Make sure you bring enough sunscreen for you and your companions in case any of them forget to pack their bottles. Don’t forget to reapply it regularly to avoid sunburns. Finally, many people fail to bring SPF chapstick, and their lips get sunburnt.

#5 Sunglasses

Sunglasses are necessary if you want to take in the beauty of the desert horizon without endangering your eyes. However, make sure to bring a pair that is not highly delicate or that you value much. This is because sand grains carried by the wind can easily damage the lenses. Also, going on a hike in the desert during a storm is not advised. If you must, acquire a full-face mask like those used for winter sports since it will provide you with efficient protection.

#6 Toiletries

You shouldn’t forgo your usual hygiene practices just because you’re traveling to the desert. Make sure you pack all your hygiene products, such as face wash, a toothbrush, some toothpaste, dry shampoo, and body lotion.

#7 Maps and GPS

Wandering the Sahara Desert without a tool to aid you in navigating such hostile terrain would not be a good choice. Having applications on hand like Google Maps will be a terrific option if you have an internet connection. However, it’s best to have offline maps downloaded onto your phone in case of service disruptions, which are very frequent in the desert. If you don’t want to go through all that trouble, hiring a local guide can ensure you won’t get lost even without GPS.

#8 A Powerbank

When you go on a trip to the desert, you’re most likely going to be without electricity for a day or two, as you may already be aware. The camp may or may not have electricity, so bring a power bank to charge anything you might need.

What To Do With Your Valuables Back Home

When traveling to Morocco, one of the questions you might have is about the security of your belongings back home. Well, if you’re planning a trip that lasts more than three days (which you most likely are), one option is to keep your valuables safe by placing them in a storage unit. It’s a great and secure option for both short-term and long-term trips. Moreover, once you go home, you can use the storage unit for your other belongings that may not fit inside your house.

Now You Know What To Pack for Your Desert Trip in Morocco

Although we covered some of the essential things you should pack for your desert trip in Morocco, this is by no means everything you should pack. Some other things you need to bring are food, travel accessories, personal documents, money, a lighter, and a first aid kit. You can never be too prepared!