Live the authentic heart of the desert

Morocco Sahara

Suggestions

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your holiday in the desert.

Firstly, luggage: Most people who come to explore the Sahara with Hassan also plan to do other things in Morocco. They come fully equipped with many changes of clothing, spare pairs of shoes, beach towels, beauty cases and even hair dryers. There isn’t the remotest chance of most of this stuff being of any use in the desert. And anyway, there’s a real pleasure in living simply in the heart of the desert. What’s more, it’s also nice to think of the camels, who are going to have to carry it all.

You can happily leave most of your things in your hotel or guest house. So, plan on bringing a soft bag or rucksack with you to hold what you will need when on the trek (hard bags don’t work well on camels). Make sure it has strong handles because these may be used to tie your bag on the camel. Lastly, carrying a spare toilet roll is never a bad idea!

Headgear: Keeping your head covered in the desert sun is a very good idea. Most travel agencies recommend sun hats, and these are fine. Just make sure yours has ventilation and doesn’t fit tightly over the top of your head. The local headgear is, however, readily available, equally if not more effective, and… more fun.

Feet and scorpions: Travel agencies tend to recommend heavy walking boots. They do this because they want travellers to protect themselves against scorpions. The problem is that heavy boots are, well, rather heavy and hot. They are also clumsy on a camel. In addition, the chances of getting bitten on the foot while riding a camel are somewhat remote.

Light breathable boots or shoes, or the Moroccan baboosh, will be much cooler and more comfortable while riding. Although you may want to wear something heavier around camp, you may well succumb to the pleasure of walking barefoot in the desert late in the day, when the sands have cooled. As for the scorpions, you would be much better off thinking about where you put your hands, particularly when picking up clothes, folded blankets or... your boots. Above all, don’t worry - Hassan is an expert at finding scorpions before they can find his guests!