Packing List for Morocco: Medinas, Desert, and Mountains
Everything you need to pack for Morocco covering modest clothing for medinas, desert gear for the Sahara, hiking essentials for the Atlas Mountains, and tips for navigating heat and culture.
Pack loose, lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees
Morocco is a Muslim country and modest dress shows respect, especially in medinas, mosques, and rural areas. Loose linen or cotton pants, maxi skirts, and shirts that cover shoulders keep you cool while meeting local expectations. Tight or revealing clothing attracts unwanted attention.
Bring a large scarf or shawl for mosque visits and sun protection
Women should carry a scarf to cover their head when entering mosques. A large lightweight scarf also works as a sun shield, blanket, beach cover, and dust protection during sandstorms. Cotton or linen scarves breathe better than synthetic in Moroccan heat.
Pack comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for cobblestone medinas
Medina streets are narrow, uneven, and often slippery from donkey traffic and water. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential. Sandals work for cafes and riads but not for extended medina exploration. Slip-on shoes are convenient for removing at riad entries and mosque entrances.
Bring a crossbody bag with zipper closures for medina shopping
Keep valuables in a zippered crossbody bag worn across your chest in crowded medinas. Pickpocketing is more common in busy markets like Jemaa el-Fnaa. Leave passport copies, extra cash, and electronics in your riad safe. Carry only what you need for the day.
Pack neutral and earthy colors rather than bright whites
Dust, spice stalls, and narrow alleyways mean light-colored clothing stains quickly. Earth tones, navy, and olive green hide dirt and blend better in local settings. Save bright whites for beach destinations, not city exploration.
Desert and Sahara Gear
Bring a warm jacket for freezing desert nights
Sahara Desert temperatures swing from 40+ degrees Celsius during the day to near 0 degrees at night. A lightweight down jacket or heavy fleece is essential for overnight camel treks. Desert camps provide blankets but the walk from tent to tent is bitterly cold.
Pack a headscarf or turban for sand protection
A Moroccan-style cheche or tagelmust scarf wraps around your head and face to protect against windblown sand. Your guides will show you how to wrap it. You can buy one in Merzouga or Marrakech for 30-80 MAD, but having your own ensures you are prepared for the ride in.
Bring closed-toe shoes for walking on hot sand
Sahara sand reaches temperatures that can burn bare feet during the day. Lightweight boots or sturdy sneakers protect your feet during camel mounting and dune walks. Sandals fill with sand and are impractical. Shake out shoes before putting them on to remove scorpions.
Pack a headlamp or flashlight for desert camp nights
Desert camps have minimal lighting, and navigating between tents and bathroom facilities requires a light source. Stargazing in the Sahara is extraordinary with zero light pollution, and a headlamp with red light mode preserves your night vision.
Atlas Mountains Hiking Gear
Pack hiking boots with ankle support for mountain trails
The trek to Toubkal summit at 4,167 meters requires sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and stiff soles. Even day hikes in the Imlil Valley have rocky, loose terrain. Break in new boots at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Bring layers for altitude temperature changes
Temperatures drop roughly 6 degrees Celsius per 1,000 meters of elevation gain. A base layer, fleece mid-layer, and windproof outer shell handle the range from warm valley floors to cold exposed ridges. Pack a warm hat and gloves for summit attempts.
Pack trekking poles for steep mountain terrain
Collapsible trekking poles reduce knee strain on steep descents from Berber villages and mountain passes. They also help with river crossings in spring when snowmelt raises water levels. Pack them in checked luggage for the flight.
Bring a water purification method for mountain hikes
Tap water in mountain villages is not safe to drink. A UV purifier, purification tablets, or a filter bottle ensures safe hydration on multi-day treks. Bottled water is available in villages but expensive and wasteful at altitude. Carry at least 2 liters for day hikes.
Sun Protection and Health
Pack high SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently
Morocco receives intense UV radiation, especially in the desert and mountains. SPF 50+ with UVA and UVB protection is essential. Reapply every 2 hours and after sweating. Lips burn easily at altitude, so bring SPF lip balm as well.
Bring a wide-brim hat for all-day sun exposure
A wide-brim hat with a chin strap protects your face, neck, and ears from direct sun during desert excursions and mountain hikes. Baseball caps leave your neck and ears exposed. A packable hat that springs back into shape after being stored is ideal for travel.
Pack stomach remedies and rehydration salts
Traveler's stomach is common in Morocco due to new spices, different water, and street food. Bring anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration packets, and activated charcoal. Eat at busy local restaurants where food turns over quickly. Avoid tap water, ice, and unpeeled raw fruits.
Bring insect repellent for evenings and rural areas
Mosquitoes are active at dusk in oasis towns, river valleys, and desert camps. DEET or picaridin-based repellent works best. Plug-in repellent devices are useful for riads with open courtyards. Rural areas near Fez and the Draa Valley have more insects than the dry desert.
Electronics and Practical Items
Pack a European Type C or E power adapter
Morocco uses European-style round two-pin plugs at 220V. Bring a universal adapter or a European Type C adapter. Most riads have limited outlets, so a small power strip or multi-USB charger helps when sharing a room.
Bring a portable charger for long travel days
The drive from Marrakech to the Sahara via the Dades Gorge takes 10-12 hours with limited charging opportunities. A 10,000 mAh power bank keeps your phone alive for photos and GPS navigation. Charge it overnight at your riad.
Pack a money belt or hidden pouch for cash
Morocco is heavily cash-based, especially in souks, taxis, and rural areas. ATMs dispense dirhams but are scarce outside major cities. Keep large bills in a hidden belt and carry small denominations of 10 and 20 MAD notes for tips and small purchases.
Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer for travel days
Public restrooms outside tourist hotels rarely have toilet paper. Carry a small roll and hand sanitizer in your daypack at all times. Gas station restrooms along highway routes charge 1-2 MAD for entry and may or may not have paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should women pack for Morocco?
Women should pack loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees in cities and rural areas. A large scarf for covering hair at mosques is essential. Loose linen pants, maxi skirts, and long-sleeved cotton shirts are the most versatile options. Beach resorts like Essaouira and Agadir are more relaxed about dress codes. Avoid tight, low-cut, or transparent clothing in medinas and small towns.
What is the best luggage type for Morocco?
A backpack or soft-sided bag works better than a hard-shell suitcase in Morocco. Medina alleyways are too narrow for rolling luggage, and porters carry bags by hand or on carts. A 40-60 liter backpack handles a 2-week trip. If you prefer a suitcase, leave it at your first riad and carry a smaller bag for desert and mountain excursions.
Do I need a sleeping bag for the Sahara desert?
Desert camps provide mattresses, blankets, and pillows in permanent tents. A sleeping bag liner adds warmth and hygiene for 100-200 grams of extra weight. Luxury camps have full bedding. Budget camps may have thin blankets, so a lightweight sleeping bag is worth packing if you feel the cold at night.
Can I buy things I forget to pack in Morocco?
Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca have pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops selling basic travel supplies. Sunscreen and toiletries are available but may cost more than at home. Clothing is cheap and abundant in the souks. Specialized outdoor gear is harder to find. The Marjane and Carrefour hypermarket chains in larger cities carry most essentials.