Some refer to Dakhla as “the pearl of the Moroccan south” or “the jewel of the Moroccan desert,” highlighting its unique blend of desert landscapes and coastal beauty. Recognized as the second hub of global diplomacy in Morocco’s southern provinces, Dakhla is renowned for its desert sands and ocean waves. It has become a magnet for tourists worldwide, particularly those interested in desert and marine activities such as surfing and savoring unique seafood dishes.
Established in 1884, Dakhla served as the initial fishing outpost for Spanish presence in the Sahara. Situated on the eponymous bay, it lies approximately 600 km south of Laâyoune, embodying a rich historical and geographical significance within the region.
Dakhla
In Spanish times, this town was called Villa Cisneros and was almost exclusively for Spanish settlers.
In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, the city of Dakhla served as a stopover for European planes serving Latin America.
From the end of the 1970s and its return to the motherland, Dakhla has continued to develop and transform.
Today Dakhla has become a modern port, industrial, agricultural, and tourist city.
Why Visit Dakhla ?
Dakhla is a unique place famous for its beautiful beaches and great water sports. It’s a great place to kite surf, sail, and stand-up paddleboard because the wind and water are just right. Where the desert meets the ocean, there is beautiful scenery with dramatic views and an exciting vibe for people who love being outside. Dakhla has something for everyone, whether you like water sports or want to relax on the beautiful beaches.
Not only is Dakhla beautiful in its own right, but it also lets you experience the rich culture of its people. The area has Berber, Arab, and Sahrawi elements, which makes it a unique place to experience culture. The location is quiet and out of the way, making it great for people who want to get away and relax in a peaceful setting. Dakhla is a tranquil place to get away from the busier parts of Morocco. You can visit the local shops or enjoy the views of the desert.
Top Attractions in Dakhla
Dakhla Lagoon
One of the most popular places to visit is the Dakhla Lagoon, famous for its clear water and beautiful scenery. People who like to do water sports, like kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, will love this place. It’s also a peaceful place to sit by the water. The sand dunes and rocky landscapes around the lagoon make a striking difference.
Ras Dakhla, or the Cape of Dakhla
People who love nature should visit the Cape of Dakhla to see the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the desert. This scenic spot offers views that go on forever. It’s a great spot to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Desert and Sand Dunes in Dakhla
Take a fun trip through the vast desert and sand dunes surrounding Dakhla. To see the desert’s peaceful and unique beauty, take a camel ride or a 4×4 tour. What a beautiful desert sunset! This is an event that people will never forget.
Oued Eddahab Museum
If you are interested in local history, the Oued Eddahab Museum is a great place to learn about it. The museum has artifacts and displays about Sahrawi culture, history, and the animals that live in the area. These help people learn more about the area’s history and practices.
Where to Stay in Dakhla
Hotel Dakhla Ville
The Hotel Dakhla Ville is in the middle of the city and has all the modern conveniences. It’s also very close to markets and other sights. It’s an excellent choice for tourists who want a good mix of comfort and convenience, with large rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Moroccan food.
La Palmeraie Dakhla
La Palmeraie Dakhla is an excellent choice for people who want a more relaxing and beautiful experience. This eco-friendly hotel is close to the lake and has stunning views of the desert and water. There are comfy rooms, a swimming pool, and many water sports outside the door for guests.
Dakhla Attitude
The beach resort Dakhla Attitude is known for its laid-back vibe. It is a popular choice for kitesurfers and people looking for excitement. The rooms are cozy, and you can do water sports and enjoy the lake view from the resort. If you want to have fun and relax at the same time in a peaceful place, this is it.
Riad Dakhla
Suppose you want a more personal and traditional Moroccan experience. In that case, Riad Dakhla has a charming atmosphere and tastefully designed rooms. This riad is close to the city center for visitors looking for a unique place to stay. It offers personalized service, traditional Moroccan architecture, and a warm, welcoming space.
Exploring the Culture of Dakhla
Local Culture: Dakhla is a mix of Sahrawi, Berber, and Arab cultures. The wandering Sahrawi way of life has a significant impact on the area. People in Dakhla are known for being friendly and living a traditional life, which can be seen in the city’s markets, holidays, and traditions.
Food: Fish, couscous, and tagine are some of the popular seafood meals in Dakhal. Because it is near the coast, fresh fish is a typical food. It is usually eaten with Moroccan bread and local spices.
Music: Dakhla combines Sahrawi beats, Berber music, and Arabic styles. Drums, flutes, and string instruments are standard instruments used in traditional music. They are often played at neighborhood events and festivals. People in the area really like Gnawa music and Sahrawi folk songs.
Clothes: The djellaba, kaftan, and headscarves are traditional clothes worn in Dakhla. The Sahrawi people are known for their colored turbans and long, flowing robes, which they wear to stay cool in the desert. The clothes are both useful and a reminder of the area’s nomad history.
Things to Do in Dakhla
The area is known worldwide for kitesurfing. But windsurfing is far from the only tourist attraction. At the meeting point between the Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean, this region in southern Morocco consists of small natural stones of incomparable beauty to be discovered without delay.
catamaran excursion on the Dakhla lagoon
Sail through the turquoise waters of the magnificent Dakhla lagoon aboard a catamaran to observe migratory birds, pink flamingos, and even dolphins who have taken up residence there!
4×4 safari towards the dune Blanche
The white dune is a unique natural phenomenon erected in the middle of the lagoon. It is a favorite spot for fiddler crabs and flamingos. The journey through the desert plains of the Sahara offers extraordinary wild landscapes.
dragon island exploration
The panorama from the top of Dragon Island (Herné Island) offers a breathtaking 360 view of the lagoon, beaches, white sandbanks, and desert dunes in the distance. Recharge your batteries by taking a white clay bath, go shellfish hunting, and bring a picnic basket!
relaxing on portorico and puertito beaches
These wild beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and watching migratory birds. You really feel alone in the world. There is also the possibility of spending the night in a tent or bivouac.
natural pedicure session in imlili
Imlili, a wetland that appeared in the middle of the Sahara like a mirage, is one of the geological curiosities to visit in Dakhla. The natural pools are populated by fish that will be happy to get rid of your dead skin.
tour of the oyster farm and oyster tasting
Take advantage of the guided tour of the Dakhla oyster farm, followed by a good meal. On the menu: fresh oysters and seafood tajines. The restaurant is modest, and the prices are ridiculous, but the taste is guaranteed.
quad or motorbike ride
The hundreds of kilometers of beach in the Dakhla region and the desert expanses of the Sahara are ideal playgrounds for motorcycle or quad raids. A good dose of fun for adrenaline seekers in an enchanting setting.
fishing trip
The waters of Dakhla are among the wealthiest fish in the world. Surfcasting fishing can be done in the bay or in the ocean. The starfish of Dakhla is the croaker. The catches range from 3 kg to 60 kg. !
Relax at the asmaa hot spring
The sulfurous hot waters that emerge from the Asmaa natural thermal spring are renowned for their benefits for the skin, respiratory disorders, and bones, ideal after a clay bath.
sand golf Dakhla
The Rio de Oro is the first environmentally friendly golf course in Morocco. It is a nine-hole course on sandy ground, and it uses less water and has “greens” that can be watered with seawater.
walking in the city of Dakhla
Due to its isolated location, the city of Dakhla has remained protected from mass tourism and has kept its authenticity. On the markets, the displays of spices, colored fabrics, or ointments are intended for the local population.
camel expedition and night in a bivouac in the Sahara
It is a multi-day trip through the desert and the best way to learn about the Saharan culture. Bedouin people are deeply rooted in the desert and live in harmony with their environment and with a spirit of excellent tolerance.
Stay in an ecological camp
There are several ecological camps erected around the lagoon in a dream setting. Apart from kitesurfing lessons, they offer various activities: Yoga, hammam and spa, standup paddle (SUP), kayaking, trampoline, billiards, and theme nights.
ostrich farm visit
The ostrich farm located 8 km from Dakhla belongs to an entrepreneur from the region who wishes to relocate them in semi-freedom out of passion.
Visit the monk seal reserve
The Monk Seal Reserve, home to one of the world’s last colonies of monk seals, is located 400 kilometers south of Dakhla, strictly at Cap Blanc-Aguerguer.
Kitesurf in Dakhla
Dakhla is a great place for new and expert kitesurfers because the winds are usually 15 to 40 knots from the north. The best time to go is from May to September when the winds are steady. The high season is strongest from February to September in June, July, and August. The low season, with light winds, lasts from October to January. The best time to kitesurf is in the afternoon when the winds aren’t as strong as in the morning.
