Morocco, especially in July and August can be stifling hot, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Aside from the regular money, gadgets and Morocco Lonely Planet, there are some extra luggage items that I highly recommend taking. Today I am here to help you with ‘What to Pack for Morocco.’ This trip in 2023 is my third trip to Morocco. This culturally rich Norther African country is one of my favourites. And do you know what? Despite three trips already, I’d even go back for more!
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Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country, so women should not pack too many clothes that will reveal flesh. In other words, leave your strappy vest tops and short skirts at home, ladies! This article is mainly aimed at ladies, but for the men out there, just skip the bit about Maxi dress, high heels and tinted moisturiser! 😉 Guys, you don’t need to worry as much as the girls about clothing, but remember that you shouldn’t be wearing shorts and vest tops in and around religious places such as mosques and mosque gardens.
Of course, packing your passport and a secure money belt goes without saying!
Avoid Packing for Morocco
- Short skirts
- Shorts (ladies)
- Low cut tops
- High Heels
- A Bible (especially one translated into Arabic – this could get you arrested!)
- Heavy Make Up
Backpack or Suitcase for Morocco?
A suitcase might be OK if you are going for a luxury 5 or 7 day holiday in Marrakech and not planning to move around. However, if you plan on moving from one destination to another or even travelling around Morocco for some time then a backpack is essential. There are many dusty or rocky winding paths in the streets of Morocco (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Essaouira) and they are not really conducive to wheelie cases.
What to Pack for Morocco
So, you want to know what to pack for Morocco? Here are my recommended essential items:
1. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential item as the sun can be glaringly bright and you will struggle to see without them in some situations such as the Sahara. If you have prescription glasses, then I highly recommend prescription sunglasses – they are a good idea as they will adjust with the light to the appropriate filter for the sun strength. Seriously – these changed my life! I remember either being blinded or not being able to read prior to making this transition!
2. Sandals
Wear some comfortable leather sandals. I avoid flip flops, because I don’t think that they support the ankle well enough – there can be a lot of walking in Morocco. I prefer my Gladiator sandals. Merrell and Blacks also have some excellent walking sandals. Don’t take any that you would hate to ruin – you will be potentially walking in desert and it doesn’t do footwear much good!
The other thing to note is that Morocco is excellent for good quality leather sandals and if you are a good negotiator you can pick a nice pair up for around 100 Moroccan Dirhams (about £8-£9). If you are interested, you might want to read this article on what to buy in Morocco.
3. SIGG Water Bottle
These are so durable. The screw tops are great because they are very secure and the hole through the middle makes the SIGG water bottles easy to carry and you can also tie them to your luggage. If you are going to Morocco in the hot season (July or August) you might want to take two – go for 1.5 litres if you can, as you will drink a lot out there!
4. Scarves (to cover your head and shoulders)
A shesh is simply a piece of cloth that you can use to cover your head and/or shoulders. Plain white or a neutral colour is the best, and certainly no images of people or animals as these are not common in a Muslim country. A head scarf will be essential if you are in the desert (can protect from sand storms) and also you will need it to cover your head in some important or religious places (for example women visiting the white mosque in Casablanca). I recently picked up two scarves for £3.00 each from a charity shop in York. You can also go shopping for these on the night market when you get there!
5. Jungle Spray
You will need an insect spray for sure, many people were getting bitten a lot the last time I was in Morocco. If you want something really strong, go for Jungle formula, but be aware that it does contain DEET – I use this whenever I am in an area where I am likely to get bitten, because I am allergic to mozzie bites and really flare up with them. The thing with DEET free insect repellents, though, is that they are more eco-friendly and contain less harsh chemicals.
6. Light Trousers
Very light Cotton or linen trousers will be perfect for comfortable travel in Morocco. Another good option is plain hareem or yoga pants. Morocco is far too hot for heavy jeans (although a light pair of jeggings or soft jeans can be good – see below). Also, avoid camouflage army trousers as they may cause offence or confusion – you certainly don’t want to be mistaken for military! Army trousers can also be very heavy and uncomfortable. I recently picked up some lovely green light cotton trousers from New Look. Light trousers and cotton leggings are perfect for travelling in Morocco.
7. Maxidress and Long Skirts
Maxi dresses and long skirts are cool and comfortable, perfect for the high temperatures to be expected in the Sahara. Go for ones that are not low cut or strappy – if they are, you would need to pair them with a light jumper or shawl to cover your clevage and shoulders. I actually got a few from charity shops before I travelled. But remember that you can shop very cheaply in Morocco – just remember to haggle in the souks!
8. A good Torch
A good torch is essential for any camping or electricity cuts that may occur. The Maglite has a strong beam (for the money) and is very durable. I actually dropped my Maglite in the Atlas Mountains and it survived no problem! Other good torches to consider are Gearlite, Eveready or Shadowhawk.
9. Mosquito Net
Those mozzies like to attack at night, so don’t give them chance to get to you – sleep under a Mosquito net! Many hotels and hostels have them if necessary in that area. However, if you are camping, you will probably want to take your own. We did have them for our trek to Foum Zguid, but actually I didn’t need to use it. It depends really on your location and the time of year, but it’s good to have just in case. However, Malaria risk in Morocco is low and at the time of writing this blog there was no recommendation for anti-Malaria tablets.
10. Tinted Moisturiser
Morocco is way too hot for heavy make up – it will just slide off in the heat! I do recommend a nice tinted moisturiser. I like to use my Estee Lauder Daywear in Morocco. It is a Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturiser with SPF15. It protects you from the suns harmful rays and also will adjust to your skin tone. So, no need to worry about changing your face base if you get a tan!
11. Walking Shoes or Boots
Comfortable walking boots are essential for Morocco, particularly if you are trekking in the Atlas Mountains. Mine are Bodmin lightweight walking boots from Karrimor. Get good walking socks to go with them (these mid weight Bridgedale walking socks are perfect for hiking in Morocco). A tip is to break in your walking boots for at least a few weeks before you go, otherwise you could get blisters.
12. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for Morocco – the temperatures can easily exceed 40 in July and August. Also, get a lip salve or lip moisturiser, because the desert conditions often result in chapped lips. Go for factor 30 or above, especially if you have light skin. I like my Clinique Sun Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream SPF30.
13. Comfortable Jeans
A pair of comfortable jeans are also very practical for Morocco, but don’t get heavy denim. Get a soft and light stretchy denim jean and you will be comfortable in those. Mine are jeggings with a side zip from Dorothy Perkins.
14. Feminine Hygeine Requirements
You can get sanitary towels in Morocco, but they are not always easy to find and, girls, you won’t get what you are used to! You will find them in the big cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca of course, but it may be harder to find them in more remote areas. So take plenty of tampons and sanitary towels to Morocco. Disgusting, I know, but last time we were there, girls were selling them to the guys for Diarrhoea!!!! Ugh!
15. Antihistamines and Eye Mist
If you get itchy eyes, you will find this a problem in Morocco particularly due to the desert sands. I would recommend packing antihistamines and also a good eye mist. The eye mist will be nice and refreshing in the evening. You can pick these up from Boots for a couple of quid.
16. Comfy knickers!
It’s hot in Morocco and there is likely to be a lot of walking and trekking. So…..let’s talk about chaffing! Haha! In the heat your sweaty thighs can rub together and give you quite an uncomfortable heat rash in Morocco. It’s a good idea to take comfortable cotton knickers and cycling shorts. My aunty actually found me some great cycling short style knickers on Amazon which are perfect for Morocco.
17. Tunics
Tunics are perfect for Morocco – get a light cotton, linen or polyester tunic that covers your cleavage and shoulders and you can’t go wrong. It will be comfortable, keep your arms from getting sun burnt and not attract unwanted attention from men!
Are there any other items you would recommend to pack for Morocco? Are you on your travels in Morocco at the moment, and do you have anything else to suggest?
Further Reading on Travel in Morocco
If you enjoyed this article on ‘what to pack for Morocco’, then you might also like to read…
- Is Morocco worth visiting?
- Things to do in Marrakech
- My holiday to Morocco – The good, the bad and the ugly!
- The ultimate 2 day Marrakech itinerary
- Is Marrakech worth visiting?
- Things to do in Essaouira
- What to wear in Chefchaouen