Practical · 4 min read
Sand gets everywhere, the sun is stronger than it feels at 40 km/h, and the temperature swing between sunrise and midday is enormous. None of it matters if you turn up dressed for it. Here is the list we send people on WhatsApp.
Closed shoes are the only genuinely non-negotiable item. Trainers are fine; sandals and flip-flops are not, because the footrests and the hot exhaust are both unforgiving.
You do not need to buy riding gear for one afternoon.
Sunrise rides start at 2–8 °C and the wind chill at riding speed makes it feel colder. Layer: thermal or long-sleeved base, fleece or jumper, windproof jacket. You will take a layer off within an hour of the sun rising.
Counterintuitively, cover more, not less. Loose long sleeves and long trousers in light cotton keep you cooler than bare skin in Saharan sun and stop you burning at speed. Drink before you ride, not just after.
Fine sand is the enemy of lenses and charging ports. Bring a zip bag or a pouch and only take the camera out at stops. Phone in a zipped pocket, never loose in a jacket — we have dug more than a few out of a dune.
Your guide will happily take photos and videos of your group with your phone at every stop, and knows exactly where to stand.
Frequently asked questions
You can, but you should not. The exhaust is hot, the sun is strong and sand at speed stings. Long trousers every time.
No. We provide a helmet for every rider on every tour.
Yes — you pay at the end of the ride, in euros or dirhams.
They will get dusty, not damaged. Everything shakes out.
Send us your date and group size on WhatsApp. We usually reply within a few minutes.
