What to pack for the Sahara: our Erg Chigaga packing list

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Desert days are warm and nights get cold fast. Pack for both, keep it light, and protect anything that does not like sand.

This is the list we send to travellers before a trip to Erg Chigaga. It works for our 2-day trips as well as our longer treks; for treks, add the extras at the end.

Clothes: think in layers

A warm fleece or down jacket. Essential once the sun drops, in every season except high summer. From December to February, nights in the erg are close to freezing.
Light, loose, long sleeves and trousers. They protect from the sun better than shorts and a T-shirt, and they keep you cool.
A warm layer to sleep in, and a pair of warm socks.
A hat with a brim, or learn to tie a scarf the way your guide does.
Modest clothes for the villages: shoulders and knees covered in towns and homes. In the dunes, dress for the sun.

Leave heavy jeans at home: they are hot by day, cold at night, and hold sand.

Shoes

Closed shoes for the dunes. Light trainers or walking shoes. The sand is hot at midday and cold at dawn.
Sandals for the camp.
On a trek, bring walking shoes you have already worn in. New shoes and long days on sand are a bad mix.

Sun, wind and sand

High-SPF sun cream and lip balm. The sun is strong all year.
Sunglasses, ideally wraparound.
A long scarf for your head and face when the wind picks up, especially in spring.
Zip bags or a dry bag for your phone, camera and spare batteries. Fine sand gets everywhere.

Water and health

A reusable water bottle. Drink bottled or filtered water. We carry refills, so there is no need to buy plastic bottles.
Your own medication, plus plasters, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach.
Wet wipes and hand gel.
Earplugs, if you are a light sleeper.

Light and power

A head torch. The camp is dark at night, and that is how we like it.
A power bank, charged before you leave Foum Zguid.

Signal is patchy past Foum Zguid and often absent in the erg. Download maps, music and books before you go.

Your bag

Bring a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase. It fits in the 4×4 more easily, and on treks the camel carries it. Leave what you do not need for the desert at your hotel in Marrakech or Ouarzazate.

Extras for a trek

A small daypack for water, sun cream and a layer
Walking poles, if you use them at home
Blister plasters
A sleeping-bag liner, for nights under the stars

What you do not need

A tent, cooking gear or food. We take care of the camp and the meals. Tell us about any dietary needs: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergies are all fine with notice.
Lots of clothes. Two or three outfits are enough. Everyone looks dusty by the second day.

One last thing

On The Silent Sahara, phones go in a pouch from sunset to sunrise. Your guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies. It is the part most people remember.