Venturing into the Sahara for an overnight camping excursion is one of the highlights of any Morocco trip. But spending a night in the desert sands of Merzouga is very different from ordinary camping. For first-timers, understanding how to prepare can help you make the most of this bucket-list 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Here are essential tips to prepare for your Merzouga desert escape so you can fully enjoy the experience.
Pack light and layer up.
Travel light on a desert tour. Bring essentials like toiletries, a camera, sun protection, and medications in a small bag. For clothing, lightweight layers best adapt to the extreme temperature shifts between scorching daylight and frigid nights.
Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or linen rather than synthetics. Bring items like a scarf, hat, jacket, and wraps that pack compactly, protect you from winds, and chill when the sun goes down. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must.
Load up on water and snacks.
The desert air dehydrates you faster than expected. Bring a reusable water bottle and hydrate continuously throughout the tour. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that dry you out more.
Pack high-energy snacks like nuts, protein bars, and dried fruit to fuel the meals provided.
Prep Your Skin and Eyes
The Sahara sun is intensely bright and hot, even in winter. Use a high SPF sunscreen of at least 30 and apply liberally and often to prevent painful burns. Cover up with light layers, a hat, and sunglasses.
Barrier creams protect cracked lips and dry skin patches. Bring moisturizer for nighttime use as the cold air strips moisture. Lubricating eye drops relieves eye strain and irritation from sand, dust, and sunlight.
Respect desert etiquette.
Learn basic desert etiquette to preserve yourself and the fragile environment safely. Stay with your group, tread lightly, and leave no trace. Listen to your guide’s instructions and conserve water. Enjoy the peace, beauty, and isolation of Merzouga’s magnificent dunes.
Contact Discover Sahara Tours, renowned travel planners, today to start crafting your authentic Marrakech itinerary!
