What to pack for the Merzouga desert
The list is shorter than people think. What matters is layers and footwear.
The one rule: layers
In the desert the gap between day and night is enormous. You can go from 30 °C at midday to 12 or 13 °C after dinner on the same day. You do not need mountain gear: you need to be able to add and remove layers.
A t-shirt, a thin long-sleeved shirt and a jumper or fleece cover most of the year. From December to February, add a coat.
What you do need
- Layers, as above.
- Closed, comfortable shoes for walking on sand. Flip-flops will not get you up a dune.
- A scarf for your head and neck: it protects from sun and wind.
- Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, in winter too.
- Lip balm. The air here is very dry.
- A power bank for your phone.
- A cloth bag or case for your camera: fine sand gets into everything.
What you can leave at home
- A sleeping bag: the tents have made beds and blankets.
- Towels: we provide them.
- Water for the night: there is water at the camp.
- A large suitcase: for one or two nights, leave it in the car or at your previous hotel and bring a small bag.
- Serious winter gear, unless you are coming in the depths of winter.
About luggage and the transfer
The last stretch to the camp is a 10-minute 4x4 drive with us. Luggage is no problem, but if you are staying one night, a small backpack makes life easier.
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Keep reading
- Luxury desert camp in Merzouga, in the Sahara Just 10 private tents, away from the crowded camp area. From €100 a night, with half board, a sunset camel ride and the 4x4 transfer included.
- Merzouga guide The questions we get on WhatsApp every week, answered properly. Written by people who live here, not copied from another website.
- Our luxury tents in the Merzouga desert Ten private tents, from €100 to €425 a night depending on occupancy. All with their own bathroom, a hot shower and air conditioning and heating.
- Frequently asked questions about sleeping in the desert The questions we get on WhatsApp every week, answered.