Travel guide
What to Wear on a Camel Trek in Morocco
Trousers, layers, closed shoes and a scarf — the short version. Here is the long one, from guides who do this daily.
The one rule: long and loose beats short and tight
Everything else in this guide follows from a single fact: the desert punishes exposed skin twice — sun by day, cold by night — and a camel saddle punishes bare legs immediately. Long, loose, breathable clothing wins on every count. Shorts are the most-regretted item we see, followed closely by flip-flops.
Wear lightweight long trousers (cotton, linen or hiking fabric — jeans work but ride stiffly), and a loose long-sleeved shirt in a light colour. This is also what people here have worn for centuries, for the same reasons.
Layers: the desert has two climates a day
A 30 °C afternoon can become a 5 °C night in the same dunes. From October to April, bring a warm fleece or jumper and a windproof jacket for the evening — you will wear both at camp. From November to February add a hat and consider light gloves; watching the stars is better when you are not shivering.
In summer the nights are mild, but a light layer is still welcome once the sand releases its heat.
Feet: closed shoes, and expect sand in them anyway
Trainers or light hiking shoes are ideal — you will walk on soft sand, climb a dune for sunset, and pad around camp. Sandals fail at dune-climbing and at cold evenings; flip-flops fail at everything. Sand will get into whatever you wear; shaking it out is part of the experience.
The scarf (cheche): not a costume, a tool
The long desert scarf sold in every Moroccan souk is genuinely useful: sun protection for your neck and head, a dust shield when the wind lifts sand, and warmth at night. Buy one before the trek (they cost a few euros) and ask your cameleer to tie it properly — they enjoy showing you, and the technique matters when the wind picks up.
The small list that saves the trip
Sunscreen and lip balm (the wind burns as much as the sun); sunglasses; a headtorch for the camp at night; a refillable water bottle; and a small daypack for all of it, because your main luggage stays in town. Bring a power bank if you plan to photograph the sunrise — there are charging sockets at most camps, but not many.
Leave at home: white clothes you care about, drones (permits are complicated in Morocco), and anything you would be sad to fill with sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear leggings for the camel ride?
Yes — leggings under a loose layer work well in the saddle. On their own they offer little sun protection, so add long sleeves and sunscreen.
Is there a dress code in the desert?
No formal one — the camps are relaxed. That said, Morocco is a conservative country, and dressing modestly in the villages before and after the trek is appreciated.
What should children wear?
The same rules scaled down: long and loose, closed shoes, a hat with a strap, and one more warm layer than you think they need — children feel the night cold first.
