A typical Morocco trip takes you from busy medinas to mountain passes and a night in the Sahara. Temperatures can change by 20 °C between midday and midnight, so the secret is simple: pack light layers, comfortable shoes and a few desert essentials.
Here is the list we share with our own travelers before they arrive.
Clothes
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees (cotton or linen)
- A warm fleece or light down jacket for desert and mountain evenings
- A long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
- One smarter outfit for a nice dinner in a riad
- Swimwear for the riad pool or hotel (and for the hammam)
- Pyjamas or a warm layer for sleeping in the desert camp in winter
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for the medinas
- Closed shoes with a good grip if you plan to hike in the Atlas
- Sandals or flip-flops for the riad and the hotel
Sun and desert essentials
- Sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A large scarf or cheche to protect against sun, wind and sand
- Lip balm and moisturiser (the air is very dry)
- A small torch or headlamp for the desert camp
- A small backpack for the night in the desert: your main luggage stays in the vehicle
Health and hygiene
- Your personal medication, with the prescription
- Stomach and rehydration remedies, just in case
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and a pack of tissues (public toilets do not always have paper)
- Motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive: mountain roads are winding
- A reusable water bottle (refill it with bottled or filtered water)
Documents, money and electronics
- Passport valid for at least six months, and a copy stored online
- Travel insurance details
- Cash for small purchases: the Moroccan dirham can only be obtained in Morocco, at exchange offices or ATMs
- A bank card that works abroad (ATMs are easy to find in towns)
- Plug adapter type C/E (220 V, the same plugs as most of Europe)
- A power bank: charging can be limited in desert camps
- Offline maps and a translation app
What to leave at home
Leave expensive jewellery, a large suitcase you cannot carry through narrow medina streets, and drones: bringing a drone into Morocco requires special authorisation and they are often held at customs. Also keep some space in your bag for rugs, spices, argan oil and lanterns from the souks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specific bag for the Sahara camp?
A small backpack is enough for one or two nights: toothbrush, warm layer, power bank, torch and a change of clothes. Your main luggage stays safely in the vehicle.
Can I wear shorts in Morocco?
Shorts are fine at the beach, by the pool and on a quad in the desert. In towns and villages, long trousers or skirts are more respectful and also protect you from the sun.
Should I bring cash or use cards?
Both. Hotels and many restaurants take cards, but souks, small cafés, taxis and tips are cash only. Withdraw dirhams from an ATM when you arrive.
Planning a trip to Morocco?
Tell us your dates and wishes. Our local team will reply with a tailor-made itinerary and a free quote.
