10 Essential Tips for Traveling to the Sahara Desert

A trip to the Sahara Desert is a bucket-list experience for many travelers visiting Morocco. The silence of the dunes, the clarity of the night sky, and the warm hospitality of the Berber nomads will stay with you forever. However, the desert environment can be harsh if you aren’t prepared.

Here are our top 10 essential tips for a safe and unforgettable Sahara experience:

1. Dress in Loose, Lightweight Layers

During the day, the sun can be intense. Loose cotton clothing covers your skin while keeping you cool. At night, temperatures drop dramatically, especially in the winter (November to February), when it can get close to freezing. Bring a warm fleece or windbreaker.

2. Protect Yourself from the Sun and Sand

A pair of good sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable. Learn how to wrap a traditional cotton scarf (called a Shesh or Turbante) around your face and head. It’s the most effective way to keep both sun and blowing sand out of your eyes, hair, and mouth.

3. Bring a Power Bank

While luxury desert camps have electrical outlets, traditional nomad camps might not, or they may run on solar power which is conserved at night. Bring a fully charged power bank to ensure you don’t run out of battery while capturing the sunset.