The short answer
Pack warm layers whatever the month, a scarf against blowing sand, a head torch, sun cream and sunglasses, and slip-on shoes or sandals. Leave the big suitcase in the car and take a small overnight bag on the camel. Good camps supply bedding and towels, so you do not need a sleeping bag in most seasons.
In more detail
The desert swings hard from day to night. Our camp guides say it plainly: you can wear shorts in the afternoon in October and want a down jacket by evening. From November to February nights are properly cold. A fleece or down jacket, a hat and gloves earn their space in the bag.
Sand gets into everything. A cotton scarf or shemagh wrapped over your face helps on the camel and in wind. Lace-up shoes fill with sand, so slip-ons or sandals are easier, and you will want them in the tent anyway. A head torch matters: even lit camps have dark paths between the tents and the bathrooms.
Your main bag usually stays with the vehicle at the edge of the dunes, so pack an overnight bag you can carry on a camel: layers, toiletries, any medicines, a charged phone and a power bank, and some cash for tips, which the camp manager usually shares among the crew. Signal is weak and most camps have no Wi-Fi.
Good to know
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for November to February.
- Scarf or shemagh for sand and sun.
- Head torch and a power bank.
- Sandals or slip-ons.
- Small soft bag for the camel ride.