- Western Sahara's status is disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front, and the UN lists it as a non-self-governing territory
- The FCDO covers it in its Morocco advice and advises against all travel east of the berm and near the borders
- Dakhla is a world-class kitesurfing spot with reliable wind for much of the year
- Most visitors arrive by air via Casablanca or by road from southern Morocco
- Airports
- Dakhla (VIL), Laayoune Hassan I (EUN)
- Flight time
- about 5-7h from London to Dakhla, usually via Casablanca
- Best time to go
- April-October for wind on the Dakhla lagoon; October-April for milder desert travel
- Currency
- Moroccan dirham (MAD) in the Moroccan-administered areas
Western Sahara is a sparsely populated stretch of desert on Africa's Atlantic coast, between southern Morocco and Mauritania. It is one of the world's longest-running territorial disputes. After Spain withdrew in 1975, Morocco took control of most of the territory, while the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the Sahrawi people, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Today Morocco administers roughly the western four-fifths, west of a long defensive sand wall known as the berm, while the Polisario controls the thinly populated area to the east. The UN lists Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, and a UN mission, MINURSO, has been present since 1991.
For travellers, almost all visits are to the Moroccan-administered coastal towns, where Moroccan rules, currency and services apply. The best-known destination is Dakhla, whose sheltered lagoon has become one of the world's top kitesurfing spots. The FCDO covers Western Sahara in its gov.uk travel advice for Morocco, and at the time of writing advises against all travel to the area east of the berm and close to the borders, where there are landmines and the risk of armed clashes. Check it carefully before you go. For the wider region, see our Africa guide, or neighbouring Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria.
Things to do
- Kitesurf in Dakhla: a long, flat-water lagoon with steady trade winds, suitable for beginners and experts, with schools and camps all along the shore.
- Windsurfing and wing foiling: the same reliable wind makes Dakhla excellent for other wind sports too.
- The White Dune and Dragon Island: beautiful spots in the lagoon, reached by boat or 4x4 at low tide.
- Hot springs: the natural hot spring pools at Asmaa, north of Dakhla, by the ocean.
- Oysters and seafood: Dakhla's lagoon is known for its oysters, and the seafood is excellent and good value.
- Laayoune: the territory's largest city, with modern squares, a lively market and access to the coast at Foum el-Oued.
- The Atlantic coast road: a long, empty drive south from Tarfaya and Laayoune to Dakhla, with cliffs, dunes, fishing villages and shipwrecks.
- Sahrawi culture: tea ceremonies, nomad tents and the melhfa robes worn by Sahrawi women.
Where to stay
- Dakhla lagoon: kite camps and eco-lodges along the lagoon, many with on-site schools and equipment hire.
- Dakhla town: hotels and guesthouses on the peninsula, close to restaurants and the corniche.
- Laayoune: a range of mid-range business hotels in the city centre.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Most visitors fly to Dakhla or Laayoune via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, giving a total journey of roughly 5-7 hours. Some airlines have run seasonal flights to Dakhla from European cities, and a few kite operators organise packages. It is also possible to drive south from Agadir along the coast, a long but spectacular journey. British citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days without a visa under Moroccan entry rules. Expect police checkpoints on the roads, and keep copies of your passport handy.
Best time to visit
Dakhla is windy for much of the year, with the strongest and most reliable winds typically from around April to October. The climate is mild thanks to the Atlantic, rarely very hot on the coast. Inland, travel is more pleasant from October to April, when the desert is cooler.
Journalists and activists have been turned away or expelled from the territory, so travel as a tourist, avoid political gatherings and do not photograph military or police sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is Western Sahara part of Morocco?
Morocco administers most of the territory and considers it part of the country, while the Polisario Front seeks independence. The UN lists it as a non-self-governing territory whose final status has not been resolved, and international positions differ.
Is Dakhla safe to visit?
Dakhla is a well-established kitesurfing destination visited by many Europeans. The FCDO advises against all travel to areas east of the berm and near the borders, so check its Morocco advice and its map before travelling, and stay within the coastal areas.
Do I need a visa for Western Sahara?
Travellers to the Moroccan-administered areas follow Moroccan entry rules. British citizens can usually visit for up to 90 days without a visa, but check gov.uk before you go.
When is the best time to kitesurf in Dakhla?
Wind blows for much of the year, but the most consistent conditions are usually from around April to October. Winter is still kiteable on many days and is often quieter.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
