What to Pack for the Desert

The single most common mistake guests make before an Agafay evening is packing for the temperature they feel when they leave Marrakech, not the one they'll feel a few hours later on the plateau. Desert temperatures swing dramatically between afternoon and night, far more than the city itself, and the difference between a comfortable evening and a chilly, distracted one usually comes down to a few small, easily-forgotten items. Here's what's genuinely worth bringing.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Whatever the season, plan for a temperature drop once the sun goes down — sometimes a swing of 15°C or more between late afternoon and midnight. A light top for the warm part of the evening, a warmer mid-layer, and something wind-resistant for later are far more useful than a single heavy coat. In winter months, bring genuinely warm layers; in summer, a light layer for after dark is still worth packing even if the afternoon feels blazing hot. Our month-by-month guide to visiting the Agafay breaks down what to expect by season if you want to plan more precisely around your travel dates.

Footwear for Rocky Terrain

Unlike the soft sand dunes of Merzouga or Zagora, the Agafay is rocky and uneven underfoot. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes make a real difference — sandals or open shoes are impractical once you're walking across the plateau or getting on and off a camel. A pair you don't mind getting dusty is ideal; the terrain leaves a fine layer of pale dust on everything.

Sun Protection

If any part of your visit falls during daylight hours, sun exposure on the open plateau is stronger than it feels in the city, with little natural shade. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are worth packing even for a late-afternoon arrival, since the sun remains strong right up until it starts to set.

A Light Scarf or Shawl

Beyond warmth, a light scarf or shawl is genuinely useful in the desert — for the wind that can pick up as the temperature drops, for the fine dust that occasionally lifts off the plateau, and simply as an elegant layer for photographs against the golden-hour light. It's one of those small items that earns its place in the bag more than once.

Camera, Phone and Charging

The Agafay's light at sunset and its dark skies at night are two of the main reasons to go, so bring whatever you use to capture them — and charge it fully beforehand. Power access at desert camps is often limited or unavailable, particularly at fixed camps running on generators, so don't rely on topping up once you arrive. A portable power bank is a smart addition if you're staying overnight or plan to shoot extensively.

Cash for Tips

Card payment is rarely available once you're out on the plateau, and it's customary to tip the team looking after your evening — drivers, guides and camp staff. Bringing a reasonable amount of cash in Moroccan dirhams avoids any awkwardness at the end of a lovely night.

A Few Other Small Essentials

• Any personal medication you might need, kept easily accessible rather than packed away
• A light, respectful layer for the evening if your camp or dinner setting calls for slightly more modest attire
• A small flashlight or your phone's torch, useful for camps without extensive lighting between areas
• Insect repellent, particularly in the warmer months

If you're planning your desert evening around a celebration, a proposal or any specific need — including mobility or accessibility considerations — it's worth mentioning when you book, so the right adjustments can be made in advance. Our accessible luxury travel page covers how we handle this, and our team is always reachable through our contact page if you'd rather ask directly. For the full picture of what an evening in the Agafay actually involves, see our ultimate guide to the Agafay Desert.