Pack light layers for the cities, one warm layer for desert and mountain nights, clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and shoes that survive cobblestones. Morocco forgives forgotten items — souks sell everything — but these lists come from our own repeatedly-repacked bags.
The core list (any season, any route)
- Light, breathable trousers/skirts and tops — linen and cotton beat synthetics in the heat
- One warm layer (fleece or wool) — even summer desert-adjacent nights cool fast
- A scarf — sun, sand, wind, modesty at religious sites: the single most useful item
- Walking shoes with real soles — medina lanes are cobbles, ramps and surprises
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — pharmacy sunscreen in Morocco is pricey
- A power bank — desert camps and long bus days have no sockets
- Cash wallet with dirham space — Morocco still runs on cash (see the Morocco guide for budgets)
What extra do you need for a desert night?
- Head torch — camp paths are dark once the generator dies at ten
- Warm hat and socks (October–April) — dune nights approach 0°C in deep winter
- The scarf again — wrapped Tuareg-style against wind-blown sand; any camp will teach the knot
- Small daypack — the big bag stays at the hotel in Merzouga; only essentials ride the camel
- Wet wipes — standard camps have no showers; comfort camps do
What do women travellers actually wear?
Whatever covers shoulders and knees comfortably — loose trousers, midi skirts and dresses, t-shirts over strappy tops. Not a legal rule, a social frequency: dressing to it cuts the street attention noticeably (more in the honest safety guide). Swimwear is normal at pools and beach resorts; a cover-up handles the walk there.
What should you leave at home?
- Drones — effectively banned; confiscated at the airport without a rare permit
- Heels and white shoes — one medina day retires both
- A jacket “just in case” beyond your one warm layer — souks sell wool djellabas for less than airline overweight fees
- Full-size toiletries — pharmacies are everywhere and good
What plug adapter does Morocco use?
Type C/E, 220V — the standard European two round pins. UK and US travellers need an adapter; EU travellers do not.
What shoes work for the dunes?
Closed trainers you can empty, or sandals you do not mind filling — sand gets everywhere regardless. Many people climb the dunes barefoot in the cool hours; the sand is kind.
Is it better to buy clothes in Morocco?
For warm layers, genuinely yes — a wool djellaba or camel blanket from a souk costs less than packing errors and doubles as the souvenir. Technical gear (hiking boots, proper rain shells) bring from home.
Can you do laundry on the road?
Every riad arranges same-day laundry for a few dirhams per item, and pressing services hide in every medina. Pack for one week regardless of trip length.
Walking deeper than a camp night? See packing for a Saharan trek. The rest of the prep lives in the Plan Your Trip hub.
Bag packed? The dunes are the reward.
The complete Sahara guide