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Despite the beautiful sunshine, you’d be mad to trek the Sahara in shorts and a T-shirt (and flip-flops?! Don’t be ridiculous). So what should you take?
We’ve broken your essential Sahara kit list down into ten simple steps.
#1 – LAYERS
Temperatures can reach as high as 50°C during the day, but plummet as low as -4°C at night, and if you’re not prepared for those fluctuations, you could end up in serious trouble. And we’re not just talking discomfort – spend a night ill-equipped in the Sahara and you could end up with hypothermia, yuck. Leggings and joggers are invaluable, while some lightweight walking trousers should also be on the list.
Thanks to the scorching temperature, it’s best not to expose much flesh, so stick to longer sleeves and trousers.
#2 – SHOES
There will be times when you can go barefoot, but you’ll definitely want supportive shoes for trekking – the sand is often far too hot to walk on.
Choose a pair of sturdy, over-the-ankle boots to keep your feet secure while trekking, as well as preventing (as best you can) sand getting down into your shoes. Socks and sandals make a nice alternative to boots (hey, it’s no fashion show in the Sahara!), and come evening you might want to don your flip-flops to kick back in.
#3 – GAITERS (MORE THAN ONE TYPE!)
We often recommend gaiters for treks where you’re encountering water, but they serve another purpose in the desert – helping to keep the sand out of your boots.
Those aren’t the only gaiters we’d recommend though – neck gaiters (or at the very least a buff) are absolutely vital pieces of kit. As you might expect, as soon as the wind gets up in any way, the air in the Sahara is full of sand, and you really don’t want it blowing into your ears and mouth
#4 – SUNGLASSES
Not only do you have very little respite from the sun (making sunglasses crucial) your sunglasses also perform another function – stopping the sand getting into your eyes. DO NOT leave home without your sunglasses, make sure they’re comfortable and that they’ve got a UV rating that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
#5 – HATS
A hat to keep the sun off your head and neck is a must, and will also help limit the amount of sand that ends up in your hair. Bring a beanie for nighttime too, as it really does get very cold.
#6 – RAIN/WATERPROOF SLEEVES
If you’re taking any tech or valuables with you, rainproof sleeves will help – not because you’re expecting rain, but – you guessed it – to prevent sand getting inside your phone or camera.
#7 – SUNSCREEN
It might seem obvious, but sun cream is absolutely essential. It’s worth bringing an SPF lip balm as well, nobody wants to kiss a chapped pair of lips, not even your camel.
#8 – HEADTORCH
Zero light pollution means the Sahara gets pretty dark at night. We say pretty, we mean “very”, like “can’t see your hand in front of your face” level dark. A headtorch (as well as a handheld) will help you see where you’re
going
#9 – POWERBANK
Unsurprisingly, electricity’s pretty hard to come by in the desert. If you want to keep your smartphone or camera going during the trek, bring a powerbank or two.
#10 – WET WIPES
With no running water, these are going to be one of the best ways to clean and refresh yourself, as well as providing a cooling, calming feeling at the end of the day. Mmm.
Packing for a Sahara trek is all about preparation and protection. With the right gear, you can embrace the desert’s extremes—scorching days, frigid nights, and swirling sands—without sacrificing comfort or safety. Whether it’s layering up for those drastic temperature shifts or gearing up to keep the sand at bay, every item on this list serves a purpose. So, as you embark on this unforgettable journey, remember that your well-being depends on what you pack. With these essentials in your bag, you’ll be ready to conquer the Sahara’s challenges and savor its unique beauty. Safe travels!
Click here for more information on our Sahara Desert Trek
