I went on a Spring trip to Morocco to walk in the Sahara desert for an entire week, and from that experience, here is a recommendation list of things to bring:
Small Pouch
In this little pouch, you will be able to place your technology like your phone, charger, headphones, camera etc. It will protect it from the sand so that nothing gets scratched and ruined. When taking out your items, make sure that no sand gets in the bag. Also, make sure that the fibers of your pouch are tight so that no sand filters through the pouch.
Water Pouch
When you are walking, you certainly do not want to carry a water bottle in your hands or arms. Your hands will start to get sweaty by holding your bottle or any item which will result in you spending the whole walk wiping your hands on your clothes or you could also drop it. It will become unbearable to carry around. The pouch will prevent the sweat and the drop and make it much easier for to focus and on your walk in the desert and enjoy it.
Warm clothes
Even though the temperature is very high in the desert during the day, it can get very chilly at night. With the sun gone, the temperature can drop very fast and very low. In winter, the day temperature and night temperature greatly differentiate and it is important to bring big sweaters and very warm clothing. You might even want to bring a warm blanket along with your sleeping bag. In Spring, a warm sweater will suffice to wear in the evening.
Modest clothes
Most of the deserts in the world are found in Africa and the Middle East. These regions mostly practice Islam. Whichever is the religion practiced in the region you are located in, make sure you respect it. Make sure you bring and wear clothes that do not show too much skin (that are modest), like tank tops and short shorts, but T-shirts and long sleeves with long and light pants. You don’t want to offend anyone, but respect their culture and religion by being modest.
Sunglasses
In deserts, it is obviously very sunny. You want tocover those little eyes of yours. It will prevent eye damage. If you have blue eyes, you are more susceptible to UV-induced eye damage because of your light eye color.
A mirror
This object is the first thing that you should pack in your survival kit. There is a scientific study that says that if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation in the desert, reflect the sun’s rays with your mirror and within about an hour, someone will notice and come rescue you. This may or may not happen to you, but just in case, pack it in your bag because you never what might happen.
High, closed-toed shoes
Make sure that you pack a pair of shoes that will not let sand infiltrate them. You certainly don’t want to be walking with sand in your shoes as it is uncomfortable and may irritate your skin after a while. You also do not want to be wearing shoes like flip-flops. Rubber will irritate your skin very quickly and could infect your skin between your toes. You can also get sunburned very easily and quickly on your feet.
Turban
You may have seen many times in movies that nomads wear turbans in the deserts, and thought to yourself, “why are they wearing this on their heads? Doesn’t it make them feel even hotter?”. It actually doesn’t, otherwise, they wouldn’t wear them. It protects your head from sunburns, heat strokes, and the heat. You can buy a turban or simply bring a very long, thick scarf that you can wrap around your head.
Sunscreen
This is an obvious item to bring for many, but some do forget sometimes to bring it or some never had to use any, so they do not know what it is. For those who do not know what it is, sunscreen is a lotion or spray that you rub on your skin to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Money
If you are traveling with a traveling agency or company, the path you take in the desert could or could not be a popular desert path for tourists. If it is a popular path, you might have a vendor sit out your tent once you have settled your camp for the. They usually sell cool little souvenirs or trinkets that originate from the region. You may not be into souvenirs, but if you are, a little money is always worth bringing with you.
Jokes
From my experience, jokes, charades, or any guessing games are the best way to spend time in the desert. It makes you focus on something other than your feet getting tired, your back hurting, or the heat. It is also a great way to get closer to other people that are on the trip with you if there are any. But most of all, it is super fun!
Go pro/camera
One of the best ways to remember the incredible moments spent in the deserts is to record it of course! Later on, you’ll be able to talk about your experience, but also show it to others.
If you want to go on a similar trip, then you are all set!
