What to pack
Your suitcase stays in the van. What matters is the small bag you carry into the dunes.
On every listing that mentions luggage the rule is the same: large bags stay in the vehicle, and you take a small backpack for the night in the camp. Manzil Dades puts it plainly, only a backpack goes on the camel. Pack that bag before you leave Marrakech, because on day 2 there is little time to sort things at the roadside.
The bag for the camp night
- Warm layer. Even after a hot day the sunrise ride starts in the cold. In winter MOROCCO TRIP warns of nights at 0 to 5 °C, and Marrakech City Life asks for warm clothes for the evenings.
- Torch or headlamp. Camps are dark after dinner. At MOROCCOFIRSTGATE the toilets are outside the tents and the showers in the lodge.
- Shoes for sand. Marrakech City Life recommends shoes you can walk in on the dunes; sandals fill up quickly.
- Toiletries and a small towel. Where a listing describes the standard camp, the bathroom is shared.
- Charged phone and power bank. Do not count on a socket in the tent.
For the road
Bring cash in dirhams for three lunches, drinks, tips and the guide at Ait Ben Haddou. sahara for you writes that cards are not always accepted on the way. Keep a phone with WhatsApp working the evening before departure: MOROCCO TRIP, MOROCCOFIRSTGATE and Marrakesh Travel Services send the pickup time that way. If the Tizi n’Tichka bends worry you, pack whatever helps you with motion sickness; 3t Travel lists people prone to it as unsuitable for its two-day trip. What the cash is for is listed on prices and extra costs.
Clothes and scarves
Several listings include Berber clothing at the camp to try on: Marrakech City Life, sahara for you, MOROCCOFIRSTGATE and the MOROCCO TRIP tour to Fes. Check the inclusion list of your tour before buying a scarf at a roadside shop. For the sun on the camel and in the van, a hat and sunglasses do the same job.
Food needs
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are listed by MOROCCO TRIP, Ando Travel and MOROCCOFIRSTGATE, and on request by Marrakesh Travel Services; the MOROCCO TRIP tour to Fes adds halal. Tell the operator when you book, since dinner and breakfast are cooked for the whole camp.
Tours with a pool night
Swimwear only makes sense on a few tours.
A pool on the way
MOROCCOFIRSTGATE lists a pool on days 1 and 2; Manzil Dades stays in kasbahs with a pool and provides towels.
- 3-day Merzouga tour with camel trekMOROCCOFIRSTGATEPool on days 1 and 24.9 ★ (286) · from €71Book on GetYourGuide
- 4 days with a second night in DadesManzil DadesKasbah with a pool, towels provided4.7 ★ (155) · from €129Book on GetYourGuide
A lodge pool in Merzouga
The second desert night of this four-day tour is in a lodge with a private bathroom and a pool. The listing asks you to bring swimwear.
- 4 days with two nights in MerzougaAndo Travel LtdNight 3 in the desert lodge4.2 ★ (79) · from €161Book on GetYourGuide
Little things that helped on the road
Travellers mention help with cash machines and toilets, a guide who went the extra mile when a bag was left behind and a tent that was hot in early September. One reviewer warns of the winding road for anyone prone to motion sickness.
“We have passed three days with Khaleed our guide and Rachid our driver ! They were so lovely and fun, they helped us with all our needs (atm, toilet, avoiding scams…) ! They were young and matched the dynamic of the group. They always stayed with us, we will remember them <3 The tour was cool, …”
“The journey was very long. In our opinion, there were several stops that were not necessarily useful. Frequent guided stops with a guide to pay. Our guide didn't say anything; he referred us to other guides most of the time. Very long and winding roads – beware of motion sickness; several people …”
“It was well organized. Fun activities, good guides. The van was clean and comfortable. The only thing I didn't like was sleeping in tent in the desert. it was so hot at night. At autumn or spring must be better then early September I guess. Overall it was worth the price.”
“Ajbeli (Mohammed) was a great guide and driver. He went beyond when a piece of luggage was left behind. Very friendly and professional. The desert was the highlight of the trip. Wish I had an extra day. I went with the Luxury package. It was nice to have my own tent, private bathroom and …”
Reviews written after the desert trip, from GetYourGuide.
FAQ
Can I bring a suitcase on a desert tour?
Yes. It travels in the van and stays there during the camp night. Take a small backpack for the dunes; Manzil Dades allows nothing bigger on the camel.
What should I wear on the camel?
Long trousers, closed shoes, a warm layer for the sunrise ride and something against the sun. Sand gets everywhere.
Do I need cash on a desert tour?
Yes, in dirhams, for lunches, drinks, tips and small guide fees. Cards are not always accepted on the road.