Recently updated on July 27th, 2023 at 11:33 am
So you’re planning your dream trip to Morocco and you can’t wait to soak up all the incredible culture, history, food and landscapes. But first – you’ve got to pack! If you’re stuck on what to include on your Morocco packing list, we’ve got you covered. From what to wear in Morocco to all those essentials you can’t forget, here is everything to pack for your ultimate trip to Morocco.
Conservative clothing
Wondering what to wear in Morocco? As a general rule, you should always respect the conservative culture and Islamic values of Morocco by dressing modestly. You should wear long, loose-fit clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, stomach, chest and back, and avoid wearing anything form-fitting or see-through. You’ll likely find that long, lightweight clothing actually helps to keep you cool in the Moroccan heat and you’ll feel more comfortable when you blend in with the local culture.
In general, men should wear long pants and a t-shirt or button-up shirt, while women should wear long, loose tunics, dresses, skirts or pants and long tops. If in doubt, follow local cues or ask your Trafalgar Travel Director, as they’ll be able to guide you in the right direction.
Morocco clothing tips
- Part of dressing modestly in Morocco also includes avoiding any flashy jewellery, accessories, brand names and electronics. You should also cover any offensive tattoos.
- Women aren’t required to cover their head, however you will need to when visiting mosques. Some travellers choose to cover theirs out of respect for the culture and to blend in a little more easily.
- Remember that while the major cities may be a little more lenient on the modest dress code, this does not extend to the rural areas. For example, while long shorts for men may be okay in some cities, the same shorts would be considered underwear in many rural areas.
- While you’ll likely come prepared for the heat, don’t forget that it can get quite cold in Morocco, especially in the mountains and the desert at night. Bring some warm layers and a jacket so you’re prepared for anything.
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Comfortable shoes
You’ll likely do a lot of walking in Morocco, from the souks and alleyways of the cities, to the stunning mountain trails. Whatever you plan to do, you’ll need breathable walking shoes or sandals that you can wear all day. Make sure you break them in before you arrive – a nasty blister can be a real downer on your trip.
You should also bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops you can easily slip-off, as it’s custom to take off your shoes when entering homes or mosques, plus they’re handy when you’re by the pool or heading to a hammam in Morocco.
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Scarf
A scarf is an essential item to add to your Morocco packing list. This simple bit of fabric is incredibly versatile and will be useful throughout your trip. You can throw it over your shoulders or hair for more modesty when entering mosques or religious sites, use it to keep sand out of your face in the desert, wrap it around yourself for extra warmth in the chilly air conditioning or cold desert nights, dip it in water and wrap it around your neck to cool down in the heat, or even use it as a fashion accessory to dress up an outfit. You will not regret packing a scarf for your trip to Morocco!
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Swimwear
Whether you plan to spend time on the beaches of Morocco, or soak in the many beautiful riads with pools, you’ll need to bring your swimsuit. There’s nothing better than cooling off at the hotel pool or relaxing on the beach after a day of adventure. Remember, while the conservative dress standards are more relaxed at the beach, both men and women should still choose a modest swimsuit and be sure to cover up before leaving the beach.
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Day bag
Keep your hands free and bring a day bag to hold all your essentials and souvenirs on your adventures through Morocco. We recommend a cross-body bag or a fanny pack/bum bag that you can keep in front of you. The souks and streets in the cities are often quite crowded, so be sure to keep your belongings secure and out of reach from pickpockets.
Sun protection
You’ll always need to add sun protection to your Morocco packing list, no matter which season you’re travelling in. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of high SPF sunscreen. You should also bring a good insect repellent.
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Reusable water bottle
It’s crucial to stay hydrated in Morocco’s sweltering climate and you’ll find yourself guzzling tons of water. Rather than contribute to plastic waste by buying bottled water, bring your own reusable water bottle that you can refill again and again. Remember, the tap water is unsafe to drink in Morocco, so be sure to only refill your bottle with filtered water (often available at hotels) or bring a reusable water bottle with an in-built filter.
Tissues or toilet paper
Many public toilets in Morocco don’t have toilet paper. Be prepared and bring some with you on your daily adventures. A pack of tissues may just be the best thing you ever brought on your trip.
Ear plugs
Morocco is home to some of the biggest and most stunning mosques in the world, and you’ll hear the moving Call to Prayer playing out over loudspeakers five times a day. While you might appreciate the sound during the day, you may not feel the same at four in the morning, so bring some ear plugs to help you get a good night’s rest.
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Eye drops
If you plan on visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco, it’s a good idea to bring some eye drops. As the largest desert in the world, you can imagine there’s quite a bit of sand blowing around, and it will easily find its way into your mouth, nose and eyes. While you can use that trusty scarf to cover your nose and mouth, a bottle of eye drops will be handy for soothing irritated eyes.
Travel umbrella
If you plan on visiting Morocco during the rainy season (usually October to April), you should come prepared with a sturdy travel umbrella or a raincoat. For the rest of the year, an umbrella will be the perfect companion to block out the sweltering sun rays.
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Moroccan dirham
You won’t get far without some cash in Morocco. The official currency is Moroccan dirham, so be sure to stock up on some cash before you arrive in the country.
Moroccan phrasebook
While you may hear everything from English to French to Spanish spoken in Morocco, the official language is Arabic, with Moroccan Arabic spoken as the local dialect. It’s very helpful to learn a few Arabic phrases before arriving in Morocco.
Start with some common Moroccan Arabic phrases like As-salaam Alaykum (used to greet someone), Afak (please) and Shukrun (thank you). You can also bring a phrasebook along to help you connect with the locals. They’ll appreciate your efforts and you’ll have a far more enriching experience in Morocco.
Camera and extra memory cards
You’ll want to take hundreds of pictures when travelling the beautiful landscapes of Morocco, so don’t forget to bring a camera (whether a phone camera or some more serious equipment) and extra memory cards so you never run out of space. You should also bring a waterproof case for your devices to protect them from the rain and sand.
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Portable charger
This is one of the handiest things to add to your Morocco packing list. We often use our smartphones for everything from navigation and translation to photos and music, so you won’t want to find you’ve run out of battery at an unfortunate time. Bring a small portable charger in your day bag and you’ll have your phone ready to go all day.
Travel adaptor
If you want to charge your devices back at your hotel, you’ll need a plug adaptor for Morocco. The country uses a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz and has two plug types – C and E. Plug type C has two round pins and plug type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male grounding pin.
Are you dreaming of a trip to Morocco? What essentials will you add to your Morocco packing list? Let us know in the comments below!