Knowing what to wear in the Agafay Desert makes a real difference to your day. The Agafay is close to Marrakech, but it is still a desert: dusty on a quad, bright at midday and surprisingly cold after sunset. Many visitors arrive in sandals and a T-shirt and end the evening wrapped in a borrowed blanket.
Here is what our guides recommend, by activity and by season, so you pack once and pack right.
The basics: what to wear in the Agafay Desert on any day
- Closed shoes: trainers or light hiking shoes. The ground is stony, and sandals let in dust and gravel.
- Long, light trousers: protect your legs from sun, dust and the heat of a quad engine.
- Breathable top: cotton or linen; long sleeves help in strong sun.
- Sunglasses: essential for glare and dust.
- Scarf or cheche: we provide a Berber scarf on quad and camel rides, but a light scarf of your own is useful.
- Warm layer: a fleece or jacket for after sunset, all year except the hottest summer nights.
- Sun cream, lip balm and a hat for daytime activities.
What to wear by activity
| Activity | Wear | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Quad biking | Closed shoes, long trousers, sunglasses, scarf (provided), light jacket | Sandals, shorts, loose long skirts |
| Buggy ride | Same as quad; a buff or mask for dust | White clothes you want to keep white |
| Camel ride | Trousers or a long skirt with leggings, flat shoes | Short skirts, flip-flops |
| Dinner show | Casual clothes, warm sweater or jacket | Only a T-shirt after dark |
| Overnight camp | Layers, warm socks, a beanie in winter | Relying on summer clothes in winter |
| Pool day pass | Swimwear, cover-up, sandals for the pool area | Skipping sun cream |
What to wear in each season
Spring (March to May)
Warm days and cool evenings. Light trousers and a T-shirt or shirt by day, and a fleece or light down jacket for sunset. The Atlas peaks often still carry snow, which makes for great photos.
Summer (June to September)
Very hot in the middle of the day: Marrakech regularly passes 35 °C in July and August. Choose loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of water. Book morning or sunset slots. Evenings are mild, but a thin layer is still useful at camps.
Autumn (October to November)
One of the most pleasant periods. Days are warm, nights cool quickly. Pack as for spring, with a slightly warmer jacket from mid-November.
Winter (December to February)
Sunny days around the high teens °C, but nights can approach 5 °C or lower in the desert. Bring a proper warm jacket, a hat and gloves for evening activities. Tents at overnight camps have thick blankets and most provide heaters from November to March. Our Agafay weather by month guide gives more detail.
Is there a dress code in the Agafay?
There is no formal dress code at camps or dinner shows. Morocco is a Muslim country, however, and when you pass through Berber villages or stop for tea with a local family, covering shoulders and knees is appreciated. This is easy to combine with practical desert clothing anyway. The UK government travel advice on local customs is a good general reference.
How to pack a small day bag: a quick checklist
- Put on closed shoes and long trousers before pickup.
- Pack sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm and a hat.
- Add a fleece or jacket, plus a beanie from November to March.
- Bring a scarf or buff for dust (helpful even with the one we provide).
- Take a refillable water bottle, wet wipes and a small torch or charged phone.
- Carry some cash in dirhams for tips and small purchases.
- Keep valuables minimal and in a zipped pocket on quads and buggies.
What to pack for an overnight camp in the Agafay
An overnight stay changes the packing list, because you will be outside at sunset, late in the evening and again at sunrise, the coldest moment of the day. Our Agafay dinner show and overnight camp uses furnished tents with real beds and private bathrooms, so you do not need camping gear, but a few items make the night far more comfortable:
- A soft overnight bag rather than a large suitcase.
- Warm sleepwear and socks; in winter, a beanie for the walk to breakfast.
- A down jacket or thick fleece for the campfire and sunrise.
- Toiletries, any medication and a small towel if you like your own.
- A power bank: charging points exist but can be limited.
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper; desert nights are quiet, but camps have other guests.
If you are still deciding on a camp, our guide to choosing an Agafay luxury camp explains the different levels of comfort.
What to wear with children
Children feel the evening cold faster than adults and tend to get dustier. Dress them in long trousers and closed shoes, bring a spare top, a hooded sweatshirt and a hat, and keep a packet of wet wipes in your bag. For young passengers on a quad, a scarf over nose and mouth helps a lot. On a camel, flexible trousers are more comfortable than stiff jeans. More family tips are in our guide to visiting Agafay with kids.
Photography tips that depend on what you wear
The Agafay is a great place for photos, and clothing plays a bigger role than many visitors expect. Earthy colours blend into the landscape, while strong colours such as red, blue or white stand out against the ochre hills and the blue sky. A flowing scarf looks great on a camel at golden hour. Keep your camera or phone in a zipped bag on quads and buggies, because fine dust gets everywhere, and wipe lenses after the ride.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wearing sandals for a quad or buggy ride.
- Forgetting a warm layer for a sunset activity or dinner.
- Wearing your favourite white clothes: Agafay dust is fine and reddish.
- Bringing a large suitcase to an overnight camp; a soft bag is easier.
Key takeaways
- Closed shoes, long trousers, sunglasses and a scarf cover most Agafay activities.
- Always bring a warm layer for after sunset; in winter, bring a real jacket.
- Dress modestly when visiting villages; there is no dress code at camps.
- Helmets and scarves are provided on our Agafay combo tours.
For an overview of the area, including how to get there, see our complete Agafay Desert guide.
