19-07-25
Tourz Store Team
Desert camps in Morocco offer a unique kind of magic. Spending a night under the stars, surrounded by nothing but dunes and silence, is the kind of peace a lot of people don’t realise they need until they experience it. There’s quiet, reflection, and a sense of being somewhere completely different to the rhythms of daily life. With traditional tents, storytelling around the fire, and local meals made fresh, these tours connect people not just with nature, but with a part of Morocco’s heritage that feels timeless.
But with all that beauty comes something travellers need to prepare for: the heat. July in the Moroccan desert isn’t just warm. It can get intense. And when you’re trying to sleep, relax, or explore under a sun that barely lets up, comfort matters. That’s why it’s important to know how to keep things cool when planning a desert camp visit. There are small changes and smart decisions that can make the whole experience more enjoyable.
The type of tent you sleep in makes a big difference. In the middle of the desert, materials play a role in whether you’re sweating all night or resting peacefully. Some tents just trap heat. Others help manage it.
Canvas is one of the better choices for desert camp tents. It’s breathable and offers decent insulation. Unlike thin nylon or plastic fabrics, canvas allows air to circulate inside, which helps reduce the stuffy feeling that builds up during the afternoon. Some tour camps go a step further, using layered or treated canvas to improve airflow without letting in too much light or dust.
Insulated linings or double-roof tents can also make the interior cooler, especially during the hottest part of the day. These create a barrier between the sun and the sleeping area, allowing the inside temperature to stay more bearable. Tents that use traditional Berber styles often blend function with culture, showing how locals have dealt with this problem for generations.
On the flip side, avoid metal-based or shiny roofing. These might look appealing but they absorb and radiate heat quickly. Even tents with synthetic materials can increase discomfort if not properly ventilated or shaded.
Where the tent is placed within the camp spot affects how hot it gets throughout the day. The trick is to use nature and common sense to your advantage. You can't move the sun, but you can work around it.
Here are some smart ways to place your tent for cooler comfort:
- Look for natural shade like large rocks, trees, or dune formations
- Point entrances away from direct wind to keep sand from blowing in
- Open side vents and flaps where air can flow, especially during early mornings and evenings
- Raise the tent slightly off the ground using platforms or rugs. The sand underneath stores heat, so creating a bit of space helps reduce that warmth from creeping up
- Make use of reflective coverings or extra layers for the roof area to reduce direct heat
- If the camp offers movable tents, shift their position after sunrise to chase the shade as it moves
A good example of this in practice is when travellers arrive mid-afternoon and pitch their tent beside a dune that casts a long shadow. As the sun shifts, they move to a new shaded spot. This keeps the tent from becoming a heat trap and helps everyone stay relaxed until the temperature drops in the evening.
Airflow is key, so make sure tents have a way to breathe throughout the day. Even slight winds can help pull heat out and make the inside feel much cooler.
Sometimes shade and smart tent placement aren’t enough on their own. On especially hot days, portable cooling devices can help take the edge off. They won’t replace a chilled room, but when used right, they can make desert camping feel far more manageable.
Battery-powered fans are a go-to for many. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and don’t rely on a fixed power source. The trick is choosing one that runs quietly and has decent battery life. Some options clip onto tent poles or rest beside a mat without taking up too much room. They're great at getting airflow moving during still evenings.
Evaporative coolers work well in dry climates like Morocco’s desert. These small units use water to lower the temperature slightly within a limited space. While not as strong as an air conditioner, they offer a refreshing breeze that can make a huge difference during an afternoon nap or after sunset.
Solar-powered cooling units are another smart option. Even though they might not be as powerful as other devices, they make good use of the constant sunlight. The key is setting them out early in the day to store enough energy for the evening.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of these devices:
- Use cooling devices in combination with airflow strategies to avoid trapping warm air
- Place fans facing across your sleeping arrangements rather than toward them to avoid dry eyes or uneven airflow
- Refill evaporative coolers at night when temperatures are lower and water evaporation is slower
- Recharge or rotate batteries regularly to prevent running out at the worst moment
Simple preparations like these can turn an uncomfortable setup into something you can enjoy, even during Morocco’s warmest months.
No matter how well the place is set up, the heat will still get to you if your body isn’t coping from the inside. Drinking enough water and wearing the right clothes might sound obvious, but many people forget or underestimate it once immersed in the sights and adventure.
Hydration in a desert isn’t just about drinking when thirsty. You should drink regularly throughout the day, whether or not you feel dry. That’s because thirst often hits too late. Travellers should carry water with them at all times and refill whenever the chance comes. Early mornings and evenings are perfect for sipping warm drinks like mint tea, which hydrate and also match local habits.
Clothing should help your body stay cool, not trap heat. Loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs actually help more than tank tops and shorts. Why? Because they block the sun while letting air pass through. Light colours reflect sunlight, while dark colours pull it in. Go for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen instead of synthetics.
Here’s a quick clothing and hydration checklist for staying cool:
- Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts to avoid sunburn and stay cool
- Stick to trousers instead of shorts to protect your legs from sun and sand
- Pack a scarf or light cloth you can wet and place around your neck in the afternoon
- Sip water throughout the day instead of waiting until you’re thirsty
- Limit drinks that dehydrate, like highly caffeinated tea or sugary sodas
Comfort starts with preparation. If your body is cooling itself properly, then you’ll handle the heat, enjoy more activities, and feel less worn down by midday.
The beauty of Morocco’s desert isn’t limited to what you see. It’s also in how you feel when you're out there, calm, disconnected from stress, surrounded by nature. But that presence is easier to enjoy when the heat doesn’t distract you. From choosing the right kind of tent to placing it smartly and bringing along a few reliable cooling tools, a bit of planning can go a long way.
By dressing for the climate and managing hydration, desert tours turn from something to simply endure into something you’ll actually remember fondly. The heat never disappears completely, but how you respond to it makes all the difference. When everything is in place, and you're rested and cool, you'll have the energy and mindset to soak in the magic that Morocco’s desert camps are known for.
Once you’ve experienced the stillness of Morocco’s desert, it’s natural to start thinking about other regions rich in culture and charm. If you're curious about traditions in Oman, Tourz Store invites you to discover how its landscapes and customs offer a beautiful contrast and a chance to explore even more unforgettable moments.
Tourz Store Team