Most packing guides for Morocco are written by people who have never slept in the desert. They tell you to bring sunscreen and a hat. True, but useless.
This is the packing guide we wish every guest received before they arrived at Umnya. Written by people who live here, for travelers who want to arrive prepared without overpacking.
The Principle: One Soft Bag
Hard suitcases do not travel well in 4x4s on desert piste. Your bag will be loaded into an SUV, onto a camel, and carried through sand. A single soft duffel or canvas weekender per person is ideal. Wheels are fine for the Marrakech portion; useless beyond.
Target: under 12 kg per person, total. You will use less than you think.
Clothing, By Season
October to November (warm days, cool nights)
- 3 light long-sleeve shirts (cotton, linen)
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 pairs loose trousers or hiking trousers
- 1 light sweater or fleece
- 1 packable windbreaker
- 1 lightweight scarf or shemagh
- 1 sun hat (wide brim)
- Swimwear (some camps have pools)
December to February (cool days, cold nights)
- 4 long-sleeve shirts (merino wool is excellent)
- 2 warm sweaters or fleeces
- 1 insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- 2 pairs warm trousers
- 1 set thermal base layer (for night walks)
- Warm hat and gloves (nights can hit 4°C)
- 1 scarf
- Swimwear optional
March to May (variable, chergui wind possible)
- Similar to October–November
- Add: 1 scarf or shemagh for wind
- Add: lip balm with SPF
June to September
- We do not recommend visiting
- If you must: ultra-light cotton/linen only, plenty of electrolyte packets, strict midday rest
Footwear
- 1 pair sturdy walking shoes — not hiking boots (too heavy, too hot). Trail runners or a light hiking shoe are ideal.
- 1 pair sandals — Tevas, Keens, or similar. For camp wear and riad use.
- 1 pair closed shoes for evenings — loafers, light sneakers.
Do not bring: flip-flops (sand gets in), heels (useless), heavy boots (overkill).
The Five Items Most Travelers Forget
After 8 years of hosting, these are the five most-requested items at our camp:
- Lip balm — the desert is dry beyond anything you have experienced. A lip balm with SPF is non-negotiable.
- Eye drops — dust, sun, dryness. Pack a small bottle.
- Reading headlamp — for nighttime in the tent. Most camps have lanterns, but a personal headlamp is liberating.
- Power bank — 10,000mAh minimum. Solar-powered camps prioritize critical systems; device charging is a guest amenity, not guaranteed.
- Insulated water bottle — keeps water cool in the sun, warm tea hot at night. Use it all day.
Skin and Body
- Sunscreen — SPF 50, minimum 100ml
- Moisturizer — face and body (desert dries everything)
- Hand sanitizer — small bottle
- Tissues or a small pack of wet wipes
- Insect repellent — light bugs in season, rarely a problem but have some
- Personal medications — in original packaging
- A small first-aid kit — band-aids, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamine, electrolyte packets
Tech and Documents
- Passport — UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, most Asian countries: 90 days on arrival, no visa needed
- Printed itinerary and reservation confirmations — Wi-Fi is unreliable, printouts save you
- Travel insurance card — with 24-hour helpline number written separately
- Credit card + some cash — keep small Euros or Dirhams on hand for markets and tips
- Power adapter — Morocco uses Type C and E (European plugs)
- Phone + charger + power bank
- Camera if relevant — phone cameras are excellent now; a dedicated camera only if photography is your reason for the trip
What Your Camp Provides (and What It Probably Does Not)
At Umnya, and most top-tier Sahara camps, provided:
- Towels (bath, hand, pool)
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap)
- Bath robe and slippers
- Bottled water and herbal teas
- Basic first-aid
- Hair dryers
- Prayer rugs (on request)
Not provided (bring your own):
- Specialized skincare
- Contact lenses and solution
- Electronic accessories (cables, adapters, memory cards)
- Your favorite coffee (we serve excellent Moroccan coffee, but if you are particular…)
- Books (limited selection)
- Yoga mats (if you are facilitating a retreat, check with venue; for individual use, many camps provide)
For Specific Travelers
Photographers
- Lens cloth (essential — sand is everywhere)
- Silica gel packets or a small dry bag
- Spare batteries (cold nights drain them fast)
- Tripod for night sky photography
- Rain cover (for dust storms, not rain)
Yoga or retreat participants
- Your personal mat (if you prefer it to ours)
- A large shawl/pashmina for savasana and cold evenings
- A journal
- Comfortable loose clothing for practice
Families with children
- Swim goggles
- A soccer ball (camp kids love visitors)
- Screen-free entertainment (cards, books)
- A favorite comfort item for each child
- Children’s medication, in case
Couples on a honeymoon
- Nice dinner outfit (one each — we do dress for dinner)
- A bottle of whatever you want to toast with (we will chill it for you; wine is not sold on site but guests are welcome to bring)
- No need to overpack — the desert is its own romance
What Not to Bring
- Drones — require permits in Morocco and are often refused over private camps
- Large electronics — laptop, tablet, anything fragile or heavy
- Professional camera equipment — unless it’s your job; phones handle the rest
- Jewelry of value — you will lose a ring in the sand within 24 hours
- High heels
- Full toiletry bag from home — travel size is more than enough
A Final Note
The Sahara rewards light packing. Most guests, by day 3, have settled into two outfits they rotate. The less you carry, the more of the desert you can carry home.
If you forget anything, Marrakech is an extraordinary shopping city. The souks sell every kind of scarf, bag, sandal, and sun hat you could want. Arriving with one bag and letting Morocco fill the rest is a legitimate strategy.
Ready to Book?
- Reserve your dates
- Private buyout inquiries
- Contact us with specific packing questions
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