Packing right can make or break your desert bivouac experience near M’Hamid El Ghizlane. The Sahara is a land of extremes — hot days, cold nights, fine sand that gets into everything, and long stretches with no shops nearby. Here’s a practical, tested packing list for a one-night or multi-day camel trek and bivouac in the dunes.
Clothing: Layer for Hot Days and Cold Nights
- Loose, breathable long-sleeve shirts and long pants (light colors reflect heat and protect against sun and sand)
- A warm fleece or jacket for the evening and night — temperatures can drop 15–20°C (27–36°F) after sunset
- A shesh or turban to protect your head, neck, and face from sun and blowing sand
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes or boots, plus sandals for camp
- Warm socks and a hat or beanie for cold nights, especially November–February
- Sunglasses with good UV protection
Essential Gear
- A good sleeping bag rated for cold nights (most camps provide blankets, but your own bag adds comfort and hygiene)
- A headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries — camps have no electric lighting
- A reusable water bottle (2–3 liters of capacity is ideal)
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- A basic personal first-aid kit with any medication you need
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer, since running water is limited at camp
- A power bank, since charging outlets are not available in the desert
- A camera or phone with extra storage — the stargazing and sunrise views are worth it
What Not to Bring
Leave heavy suitcases at your riad or hotel in M’Hamid — a soft duffel bag or backpack is much easier for your guide to load onto a camel or into a 4×4. Skip valuables you don’t need, excess electronics, and anything fragile that sand and travel could damage. There’s also no need for a tent of your own; nomad-style tents and bedding are provided as part of every trek and bivouac package.
Quick Packing Checklist
- Long-sleeve shirts, long pants, warm layer
- Shesh/turban, sunglasses, sun hat
- Sturdy shoes and camp sandals
- Sleeping bag (optional but recommended)
- Headlamp, power bank, water bottle
- Sunscreen, lip balm, basic first-aid kit
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, small toiletries bag
- Camera or phone for sunrise, sunset, and stars
Not sure what kind of trip suits you best? Have a look at our Sahara desert tours and bivouac packages from M’Hamid, and we’ll help you plan the right itinerary — and pack list — for your dates.