Key takeaways
- Closed shoes, long trousers and a light long-sleeved top.
- Sunglasses or goggles, and a scarf to cover your nose and mouth.
- Water and sunscreen, all year.
- A warm layer for sunrise, winter and nights in the desert.
- Phone in a zipped pocket — sand gets everywhere.
Getting your clothing right makes a real difference to how much you enjoy a ride in the dunes. The desert throws three things at you — sun, sand and wind — and in winter you can add cold. The good news is that you do not need special gear. This guide explains what to wear for quad biking in Merzouga, season by season, and what to bring.
The essentials
Closed shoes
Trainers or light walking shoes are perfect. Sand will get in — it always does — but closed shoes protect your feet, give you grip on the footrests and keep you away from hot sand at stops. Sandals and flip-flops are not suitable.
Long trousers
Light, comfortable trousers protect your legs from sun and sand and from the warm parts of the vehicle. Avoid very tight jeans in summer; loose cotton or technical trousers are more comfortable.
A light long-sleeved top
The desert sun is strong even when the air feels cool. A thin long-sleeved shirt protects your arms without making you hot.
Sunglasses or goggles
Essential. When you ride behind another vehicle, fine sand is thrown into the air. Wraparound sunglasses work well; goggles are even better if you have them.
A scarf
The single most useful item. Wrapped around your nose and mouth, it keeps sand out; over your head and neck at stops, it keeps the sun off. Locals wear a long cotton scarf called a chèche — it is cheap, practical and makes a nice souvenir.
What to bring
- Water — especially from May to September.
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Phone or camera in a zipped pocket or a small bag across your body.
- No driving licence needed — you can drive our quads and buggies without one (minimum age 16).
- Any medication you might need, such as an inhaler.
Leave large bags, expensive jewellery and anything you would hate to fill with sand at your hotel.
Season by season
October to April
Days are mild to warm, but mornings and evenings can be cold — especially from December to February, when temperatures at dawn can approach freezing. For a sunrise quad or a winter sunset ride, bring a warm jacket, and consider gloves and a hat. You will take layers off as the sun warms up.
May to September
It is hot. Choose light, loose, breathable clothes in light colours, and still cover your arms and legs to protect against the sun. Drink before the ride, bring water and favour early-morning or late-afternoon rides.
Windy days
On windy days, the scarf and eye protection become even more important. Tie long hair back and close every pocket.
For a night in the desert
If you are combining your ride with a night in a camp — for example our Quad + Night in the Desert — pack a small bag with a warm layer (desert nights are cool even in summer and cold in winter), a torch or phone light, toiletries, a change of clothes and any medication. Large luggage stays behind.
Protecting your phone and camera
Sand is fine and finds its way into everything. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket while riding and take it out only at stops. A simple plastic zip bag is a cheap, effective cover. If you bring an action camera, ask your guide before fixing anything to the vehicle, and use a secure mount or chest strap.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Shorts and sandals: the most common mistake. Your legs and feet are exposed to sun, sand and the warm vehicle.
- No eye protection: riding behind another vehicle without sunglasses means sand in your eyes within minutes.
- Dark, heavy clothes in summer: they absorb heat. Choose light colours and breathable fabrics.
- Underestimating winter mornings: the desert can be close to freezing before sunrise in December and January.
- Phone in an open pocket: it can fall out on the first bump, and sand gets into everything.
None of these will ruin your ride, but avoiding them makes it far more comfortable. When in doubt, dress as if for a sunny, windy day at the beach — but with closed shoes and long trousers.
Quick checklist
- Closed shoes
- Long, comfortable trousers
- Light long-sleeved top
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Scarf (chèche)
- Water and sunscreen
- Warm layer for early, late or winter rides
- Phone in a zipped pocket
Helmets are provided on every ride — see our safety page for everything we provide and ask of riders. Then pick your ride on our Merzouga quad tours page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a quad in sandals or flip-flops?
No. Closed shoes are needed to operate the foot area safely and to protect your feet from hot sand and the vehicle.
Can I wear shorts?
Long trousers are strongly recommended: they protect against sun, sand and the warm engine area.
Where can I buy a desert scarf?
Scarves (often called a “chèche”) are sold in shops in Merzouga, Rissani and Erfoud, and many hotels can help.
Written by the Merzouga Quad team in Merzouga village, Merzouga. First published 5 October 2026.
