PREPARING YOUR DESERT TREK WELL
SAHARA CLIMATE - WHEN TO GO TO THE DESERT?
CLIMATE AND SEASONS IN THE MOROCCAN DESERT
The sun shines almost all year round in M'Hamid El Ghizlane (rains are rare but can be violent). The temperature differences between day and night are very significant, especially between the months of October to March.
The days can be hot (up to 50° and even more!) and the nights very cold (0°). You should adapt your travel bag according to the season.
At certain times, the wind blows strong in the desert, which can cause sand tornadoes. The landscapes change and become almost unreal for a few hours.
WHEN TO GO TO THE DESERT?
It is possible to go all year round in the desert! However, the ideal period for a stay in the desert is located between the months of October and May.
The months of December and January are particularly cold at night (temperature close to 0°) and the month of May begins to be very hot.
The circuits will be adapted according to the heat, with a departure at dawn if necessary, and regular stops, especially at the hottest hours, if possible in the shade of a tamarisk or a palm tree near an oasis.
THE HIKING BAG OF A "GOOD TREKKER"
When you're lost in the middle of the desert, you might as well have a hiking bag that doesn't weigh too much but still contains the essentials to live independently for a few days. Take inspiration from our exhaustive list below to choose your business and opt for a waterproof canvas bag adapted to your size, neither too big nor too small, with padded straps so as not to injure yourself while walking.
hat with a wide brim in white or light canvas, or even better, a scarf that you can get for a few dirhams on a souk before your departure, which protects very well from the sun and the wind... This is "the accessory essential" in the desert that adorns all the heads of nomads!
closed and rather flexible walking shoes (tennis, jogger or paddling shoes) in canvas or leather, avoid plastic which can cause fungal infections
loose, lightweight cotton clothes to fold into plastic bags to protect them from sand. Avoid t-shirts with straps close to the body that make you sweat and favor sleeves to better protect you from the sun. Plan 1 or 2 spare clothes in addition to the number of days planned so as not to remain wet in the event of heavy perspiration or rain, although the 2nd option is unlikely! Otherwise, it is to fall ill suddenly safe !
small fleece jacket (for often chilly nights), or even a pair of gloves for the more chilly
lightweight windbreaker with hood
sunglasses filtering ultraviolet rays (prefer glacier-style glasses to protect you from sandstorms just in case!)
insulated water bottle
dry soap to wash yourself (water is a treasure to be consumed sparingly in the desert!)
dental floss/toothpicks (to be preferred over toothbrushes to save water)
ultra-compact microfiber towel to dry yourself or for relaxation breaks
headlamp
if you have prescription glasses that you are dependent on, bring two pairs
sanitary napkins/tampons
sun protection maximum index and non-greasy if possible (product rather not recommended because sticks in contact with the sand but necessary if you have fragile skin)
lip stick
No lotions, alcoholic toilet waters (dry out the skin, can attract insects).
In general, you should avoid all cosmetics, make-up, beauty creams, some do not mix well with the sun, which can lead to allergies or serious burns.
No contact lenses (major risk of serious damage to the cornea).
and of course the sleeping bag or duvet (thermal index - 10° sufficient) and an insulated groundsheet, it's better!
THE "TREK SPECIAL" FIRST AID KIT
Bring something to deal with the little sores that can spoil your adventure! Because there is no doctor here of course, and even if we can alert the emergency services in the event of a serious problem and bring you back to town to go home, it would be a shame to be bothered by a terrible headache or a bad toothache. !
SMALL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:
small scissors
tweezers (or splinter)
safety pins
disposable tissues
packs of compresses (2x5)
compression band (in case of sprain)
gauze bandage (in case of wound or burn)
adhesive tape (such as SPARADRAP®)
self-adhesive dressings (TRICOSTERIL® type)
dressings to relieve any irritation and blisters on the feet due to friction or pressure from shoes (COMPEED® or URGO® type)
skin antiseptic (type BETADINE® yellow small bottle, HEXOMEDINE®, BISEPTINE® spray)
light eye antiseptic (BIOCIDAN® type eye drops) and physiological tears (risk of drying of the ocular mucous membranes)
anti-irritant ointment (such as SENOPHILE®, MITOSYL® or liniment), particularly useful on an anal margin irritated by diarrhea
blanket
salt tablets to prevent dehydration
disinfection of drinking water (MICROPUR® type: 1 tablet per liter of water, wait one hour before consuming)
- mosquito coils
YOUR COMFORT MEDICINES:
a usual analgesic: paracetamol (DOLIPRANE®, DAFALGAN®, etc.). If you tolerate it, aspirin can be useful thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties (burns, sprains, etc.), choose tablets to swallow
tablets to suck in case of irritation of the throat (type LYSOPAINE®)
Avoid dissolving or effervescent drugs (drinking water problem)
No suppositories because they melt
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES:
usual long-term treatment
an antibiotic active against various infections, in particular intestinal: fluoroquinolone such as CIFLOX® or OFLOCET®, and/or amoxicillin such as CLAMOXYL® or AUGMENTIN®, and active against amoebae such as FLAGYL® in tablets
against common diarrhea (IMODIUM® type) and an intestinal disinfectant (ERCEFURYL® type)
a gastric bandage, useful in case of gastroenteritis, stomach pains. Prefer sucking tablets (type PHOSPHALUGEL®, MAALOX®)
an anti-emetic, particularly appreciated in cases of gastroenteritis: PRIMPERAN® type
NO ANTI-VENOMOUS VACCINES FOR SNAKE BITES: prefer an aspi-venom but we will have what it takes on site.