What to wear in the Agafay
Wear closed shoes, light long sleeves and bring one warm layer for after sunset, whatever the season. The ground is sharp rock, there is no shade, and the temperature drops fast once the sun goes. Morocco has no dress code that applies in the desert, but modest clothing is simply more comfortable in the sun and more respectful when you pass through villages.
The short list
- Closed shoes with a solid sole — trainers are fine, sandals are not.
- Light long sleeves and long trousers. Covering up beats sunscreen in this sun.
- A hat with a brim, and sunglasses. There is no shade anywhere between camps.
- One warm layer, always. Fleece in autumn and spring, a real jacket from November to February.
- A scarf. It keeps dust out on a quad and doubles as sun cover.
- More water than you think. Camps sell it, but not on the track.
What is actually a mistake
Sandals and open shoes are the most common one — the ground is loose rock and dry thorn, and camel stirrups are unforgiving. New white trainers are the second: fine dust gets into everything and does not brush out.
For quad biking, avoid loose scarves that can catch, and skip shorts. You will finish the ride covered in dust either way, so wear something you do not mind.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts in the Agafay desert?
Yes, nobody will object. But long, light trousers are more comfortable under direct sun and considerably better on a quad or a camel.
Do women need to cover up in the Agafay?
There is no requirement in the desert or at the camps. Loose, covering clothes are mainly a comfort choice against the sun, and worth having if you stop in a village on the way.
What shoes for a camel ride?
Closed shoes you can walk in. You will mount and dismount on rocky ground and walk short stretches between the camp and the camels.