Morocco Packing ListEverything You Actually Need to Bring
After 25 years guiding travellers through Morocco, I have seen every packing mistake imaginable. People who bring too much and spend the trip dragging heavy bags through narrow medina alleys. People who bring too little and spend the first day in Marrakech buying things they forgot. This list tells you exactly what you need and nothing you do not.
Morocco covers a huge range of climates and environments in a small space. In a single 10 day trip you might experience the heat of the Sahara, the cold of the High Atlas at 2,500 metres and the Atlantic ocean breeze of Essaouira. Packing smart means being ready for all of it without overpacking.
Morocco Packing List: Clothing
| Item | Why You Need It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight long trousers | Modest dress in medinas and mosques | Linen or cotton, 2 pairs |
| Long sleeve shirts | Sun protection and modesty | Light colours, breathable fabric |
| Lightweight scarf | Essential for women, useful for everyone | One large one serves many purposes |
| Warm layer | Desert nights and Atlas Mountains are cold | Fleece or light down jacket |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Medina cobblestones are uneven | Already broken in before you arrive |
| Sandals | For riads, camps and beach towns | Easy to slip on and off |
| Sun hat | Essential in the desert and on long drives | Wide brim works best |
| Swimwear | Riad pools, Atlantic coast, hammam | Modest swimwear for public areas |
Health and Toiletries
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| High factor suncream SPF 50 | The Moroccan sun is intense year round, especially in the desert |
| Insect repellent | Useful in the desert and near oases in warmer months |
| Lip balm with SPF | Desert air is very dry |
| Hand sanitiser | Not all public facilities have soap |
| Basic first aid kit | Plasters, antiseptic, ibuprofen, antihistamine |
| Stomach medication | Imodium and rehydration sachets for any dietary adjustment |
| Prescription medication | Bring more than you think you need |
| Eye drops | Useful in dusty desert conditions |
Morocco Packing List: Tech and Documents
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates |
| Travel insurance documents | Printed copy and digital copy |
| Unlocked phone with local SIM | Maroc Telecom SIM cards are cheap and widely available at airports |
| Power bank | Essential for long desert and mountain days away from power |
| Universal travel adapter | Morocco uses European round pin plugs |
| Camera | Morocco is extraordinarily photogenic |
| Offline maps downloaded | Signal is unreliable in the desert and mountains |
Morocco Packing List: What NOT to Bring
Large wheeled suitcases are a mistake in Morocco. The narrow cobblestone streets of the medinas make them almost impossible to use and most riads require guests to carry bags up narrow staircases. A medium sized backpack or soft duffel bag is far more practical.
Do not bring expensive jewellery or watches. Not because Morocco is unsafe but because they attract unnecessary attention and you will not enjoy wearing them anyway. Leave them at home and travel light.
Do not bring a full makeup kit for the desert. The sand gets into everything and the dry air means heavy makeup sits uncomfortably. Pack light and embrace the natural surroundings.
The single most useful thing you can bring to Morocco that most travellers forget is a small torch or headlamp. Medina streets are often poorly lit at night, power cuts happen occasionally in riads and in the desert camp a torch is essential. Pack one. You will use it every day.
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