Located at the mouth of the ‘River of Gold’ or Oued Ed-Dehab, Dakhla is known as the “Pearl of the Sahara” for its breathtaking beauty that makes for an unforgettable experience.
Dakhla is a medium-sized city with a population of over 100,000. It is located on a peninsula spanning 40 kms from the main coast and is surrounded by waters from the West, East, and North, creating a lagoon area which has become an attraction for kite surfing and wildlife.
Getting to Dakhla is made easy by way of different methods of transportation at your beck and call ranging from flights, to bus trips, and car rides.
Flights are regularly provided with Royal Air Maroc connecting Dakhla Airport with Casablanca and Agadir. International flights are also available to Paris Orly and other destinations abroad. This is made easy by the efficiency of Dakhla Airport, which is of international standards and was designed to accommodate 300 thousand travelers yearly on 2600 m2.
Bus trips are provided by companies such as CTM, Supratours, and Satas. As for those planning on making it a road trip, the scenic nature of the ride allows for a unique driving experience marked by the golden sand dunes once you reach the Sahara. The New York Times named Dakhla the top tourist destination in 2012, and the city has continued to experience significant expansion in terms of all of its attractions, services, and facilities.
This has made it a destination that hosts many conferences and international forums, welcoming important figures and creatives, making it a hub of creativity and intersection. In fact, the region’s beauty was a muse to the author of “The Little Prince,” sparking his imagination in writing the book during his stay.
The safe and secure haven that Dakhla provides is unparalleled in terms of experience, providing stimulation and newfound sensation for all your senses. This is better explored in the myriad of activities and attractions available in Dakhla.
Relax your senses
Dakhla’s golden sands with long white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and ochre-colored mountains with resorts and hotels nestled in between the mountains and dunes, allows for a grounding experience pulling one’s mind away from all distraction and bringing it into a place of complete relaxation.
This allows for a tourism experience of rest and discovery, between land and sea, and the opportunity for Zen and peace all whilst experiencing the different activities possible.
Exploring Historical Monuments
Historic Lighthouse: take a trip to the historic lighthouse at the west of Dakhla, which is a remarkable landmark known for its black-and-white ring pattern.
Lady of Mount Carmel Church: With its Spanish architecture, the cathedral was built by the Spanish colonial administration in the 1950s and is unique for its desert architecture combining domes, straight lines, and curves, making it a marvel.
Traditional Villages: a few kilometers off the main town, you can explore the historical background of the region entailing the rich culture and traditional lifestyle of the region. Tafraout and Boujdour are examples of villages with unique architecture and local markets.
Sea-going Itinerary
Dakhla is situated between the sands of the Moroccan Sahara and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With winds that counteract the heat of the Sahara, this combination results in sunny conditions throughout the year. It creates in the city a mild environment that is perfect for beach lounging and other relaxing aquatic activities.
For those looking for an action-packed vacation, Dakhla is famous for its winds and waves that are perfect for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing. Lassarga and Oum Labouir are particularly renowned for these activities.
Dakhla’s beauty doesn’t cease here, as one of its famous “must-see” experiences is the marvel of the “White Dune” which is a white crescent shaped sand dune surrounded by sea, painting an image of beautiful contrast between the white, fine sand, and the glittering clear waters. It is another optimal spot for kitesurfing but is also inviting to those craving a refreshing swim. It can be accessed through water or by land in 4x4s driving through huge dunes to reveal the oasis of beauty.
More activity-driven experiences in this city include cycling on Electric ATVs through the desert. Using electric mountain bikes makes for an experience where one can admire the lunar landscapes. It is accommodating to all experience levels and is advantageous in reducing the pedaling efforts needed when climbing over dunes as the engine does its job so you can explore without wearing yourself out.
Hiking and trekking are encouraged for those uninterested in cycling, with trekking excursions made comfortable by 4x4s helping you explore and take in more and more of the unique scenery with nature as a backdrop. Such trekking options are offered by groups such as Ocean Vagabond who offer a variety of excursions in the region suitable and mindful for all travelers.
You can even learn how to sail or about sailing, as the captains will assign you tasks which will give you a taste of the responsibilities and skills required to be a successful sailor, all while taking in the picturesque scenery.
Fishing is a popular activity in the region due to the “Lake Valley of Gold,” which is known for its richness in fish, with Corbin being the most abundant. Those interested in coastal fishing with fishing rods can catch fish that reach two meters in length and weigh up to 80 kilograms!
The region’s natural habitat and wildlife offer great opportunities, with excursion options open to those interested in wildlife watching through safaris tailored to learning about the myriad of different animals and species that have found a home in the desert, an atypical environment. These species include, among others, the Arabian Oryx and the Dama gazelle, which both live in the middle of the desert and among the dunes.
Being home to thousands of migratory species, including the rare monk seal, Dakhla’s coastline has earned the nickname “The Coast of the Seals.” The coast is also home to up to 600,000 different species of migratory birds, including cormorants, pink flamingos, Edwin’s gulls, and gannets. Humpback Dolphins, turtles, and sea rays can also be observed from points such as Punta Sarca which is on the northern side of the city.
Oyster Farms
The region’s biggest exporter, the lagoon being a protected space makes for great conditions and quality of oysters! which are harvested by hand, putting a lot of thought and care into the process. Dakhla’s waters are among the most populated with fish in the world, allowing croaker fishing as well.
The Ostrich Farm
An initiative by a member from the region, the ostrich farm is an attempt at relocating this species to semi-freedom. Home to 460 ostriches, the farm is divided based on the different age groups of the species with the younger ones living in habitats taking the form of greenhouses.
The region’s unique flora and fauna reserves attract all kinds of species, notably marine mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Sebkhet Imlili
About 100 km south of the City of Dakhla, an unexplainable wonder of an ecosystem, the Sebkhet Imlili wetlands consist of a group of 160 deep saltwater ponds encompassed by white sand dunes. They’re the perfect sight of undisturbed nature embodying the image of a true oasis.
The uniqueness of this saltwater lies in the shocking species of fish finding the saltwater a home. The pools of water are surrounded by bushes and plants, making it a regular spot for animals and herders.
The Imlili excursion is a great example of a fun experience.
Ecological Tourism
Dakhla-Oued Deheb is involved in development initiatives that include phosphate production, infrastructure renovation, and large-scale renewable energy projects, all of which are part of a plan to turn the area into an economic hub. Because of this, the region’s tourism authorities are sensitized to ecological and sustainable issues and have taken steps to integrate sustainability into every facet of the visitor experience.
The region has many eco-resorts and eco-hotels through eco-lodges focusing on responsible tourism and providing the perfect all-inclusive experience while being mindful of the surrounding environment and nature. This allows for a true grounded connection, elevating the natural elements of one’s stay.
Sand Golf
Sand golf is another activity unique to the region and sure to shape your experiences whilst meeting international ecological criteria. 15 mins away from Dakhla’s center is Rio de Oro golf club which is Morocco’s first ecological golf course and was created in 2016.
Between sea and desert, it extends over 34 hectares and is famous for its sand fairways. Its architecture differs from the classical golf courses in the sense of combining sand, stones, and earth, covered with a natural lawn, and irrigated with seawater. Composed of nine holes, it can be adapted to all player levels — from golf academy types to accommodate beginners — making it suitable for all age categories.
If you want to unwind after a busy day, you have a lot of options. One of the first is to visit one of the golden beaches, Pk25, which is renowned for its peace and quiet.
Famous beaches include “the king’s private beach,” a lengthy stretch of sand with a stone wall and a nice walking path.
Porto Rico, a small, peaceful community 60 kilometers from Dakhla, is accessible to anyone wishing to unwind in the sun. Meanwhile, Puertito Beach, located to the south, is also quite lovely and deserving of a visit. A bonus of bay views is the chance to see the well-known “Dragon Island,” a sight renowned for its breathtaking beauty.
Vision Under the stars
At the surf camps, you can have a contemporary experience sleeping in traditional desert tents, perfect for those who wish to disconnect from society, meditate, and regain their sense of balance.
Away from the bustle of daily life, the area offers visitors an unmatched peace and quiet. This is further enhanced by the camping experiences that many surf lodges and groups offer, which make it possible to spend a warm night under the starry sky.
Self-care
Lagoon, waves, winds, and seclusion provide the ideal environment for mental and spiritual retreats. This is reflected in the new yoga and pilates centers in Dakhla, which offer an environment for physical and mental growth while visiting.
Asmaa Hot Springs
Experience healing your body and soul by bathing in the Asmaa hot springs consisting of sulfuric waters reaching 38 degrees Celsius, benefitting your bones, skin, and respiratory system.
Gastronomic Delights
While in Dakhla region, you may enjoy dining in a range of restaurants that will both satisfy your palate and your intellect, offering both traditional and exotic cuisines!
Delights, treats for fine gourmets are abundant with a setting of terraces giving way to a panoramic view of the ocean on the horizon. Sahrawi tea is also served at any time, symbolizing the hospitality of the people – nothing better than a warm welcome that entertains your senses in every way!
El Massira Municipal Market
Fresh fish and octopus could be further found at el Massira Municipal Market with shellfish and varied fish stalls of great cleanliness, allowing you to enjoy a range of fish weighing more than 18 kg at times without worrying about unhygienic conditions.
Dakhla Souq
The souq allows you access to local specialties and goods including : Melhfa, a light fabric used by women in the Sahara to cover themselves which can bring you freshness.
You can find Sahrawi tea at the souk as well as acacia sap to sweeten the tea, and “Al Aych” a widely consumed form of cereal in the region, so you can attempt to replicate the goods you’ve tried back home!
Overall, the region offers a unique experience where one gets to truly explore the intricacies of nature.
