Visiting the beautiful Dakhla region with your young children and looking for activities the whole family can enjoy? The experiences listed below are made for you!
Discover the Desert at a Camel’s Pace
Dreaming of an unforgettable family camel ride in Dakhla? Great news: it’s possible with Ranch des Dunes… though technically on dromedaries, those magnificent desert animals often mistakenly called “camels.” Dromedaries have a single hump rather than two, which is what sets them apart from true camels.
Dakhla, nestled between ocean and desert, is the perfect setting for this unique ride. Set off on an immersive adventure through the Moroccan Sahara, swaying to the slow, soothing rhythm of the dromedary while dressed in traditional Sahrawi clothing (djellaba and cheche). These majestic, calm, and powerful companions will take you through spectacular landscapes of cliffs and ocean. A camel ride in Dakhla (or rather, a dromedary ride) is the perfect way to soak in all the serenity of the desert, lulled by the silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to everyone — younger children (up to 40 kg) can share a dromedary with an adult, making it a delight for kids and grown-ups alike!
Go on a “Vintage Safari” or 4x4 Tour
Hop aboard a 4x4 or a vintage Land Rover and head out on an adventure along Saharan trails to discover your choice of majestic cliffs with the ocean at their feet, the stunning desert, the iconic White Dune perched between sand and lagoon, Sebkhat Imlili — a wetland area of the Sahara — or even Puerto Rico beach.
The vintage safari experience is available through Dakhla Quad & Events, the go-to provider for all things motorized sports in Dakhla. They also offer quad, buggy, and motocross excursions for more experienced riders.
For a more traditional 4x4 experience, many multilingual guides in Dakhla offer half-day or full-day excursions.
Treat Your Child to a Pony Ride
Want to give your child a wonderful memory set against Dakhla’s incredible landscapes? Ranch des Dunes, an equestrian center, welcomes your child or children for pony rides in the morning or afternoon.
The kids start by preparing their ponies — brushing and tacking them up to build a connection with the animals. Then they head out for a ride around the Ranch, enjoying a fun, relaxed moment of simple pleasure amid the vastness of the desert.
You can wait for your children in the Ranch’s lounge area or follow the ride on foot if you’d like to take in the beautiful surrounding nature as well.
Feel free to contact Ranch des Dunes for more details!
Sail to Dragon Island by Boat
Dragon Island gets its name from its shape, which resembles the silhouette of a reptile — something like a crocodile, or more mystically, a dragon whose wings have flown away. It’s one of Dakhla’s most iconic sites, renowned for its turquoise waters and exceptional panoramic views.
Getting there requires crossing the lagoon, and the journey — whether by catamaran or motorboat — is pleasant, easy, and accessible for adults and children alike. Once you arrive at the heart of this deserted island with its silent nature, you can explore beautiful beaches for a swim or climb to the summit for one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the area: an unobstructed 360-degree view over the lagoon and the desert stretching as far as the eye can see.
If you’re looking to disconnect, you can contact Sahara Sailing for a catamaran trip or the hotels of the Dakhla Hospitality Group for a motorboat excursion.
Escape into the Desert by Buggy
Looking for a fun, family-friendly way to explore the desert that’s sure to take you somewhere completely new? Climb aboard a buggy (2-seater or 4-seater) and cross the endless desert, ride along cliffs with jaw-dropping panoramas, or tackle golden sand dunes.
This dynamic excursion lets you get your adrenaline pumping while visiting Dakhla’s must-see sites in an all-terrain vehicle, off the beaten path. A true sense of freedom and guaranteed thrills!
This activity, suitable for all ages, is available through Dakhla Quad & Events, the go-to provider for motorized sports in Dakhla, offering quad, buggy, and Land Rover excursions for everyone, plus motocross for more experienced riders.
Plan a Fishing Excursion
Fishing is one of Dakhla’s main economic activities, thanks to its nutrient-rich waters that attract a high concentration of fish between the lagoon and the ocean. The region is full of skilled, knowledgeable fishermen who will be happy to take you along for a more peaceful adventure, with all the patience and serenity that surfcasting or sport fishing requires.
By boat or directly from the beach, several options are available depending on your preferences and group size. Set off on a unique, accessible, and authentic cultural experience suited to everyone! A wonderful adventure to share as a family.
Surf the Atlantic Ocean Waves
Dakhla is well known for its steady winds, but less so for its beautiful waves, which rival those of northern Morocco. Four uncrowded surf spots will delight beginners and experts alike. The best season runs from November to March, though pleasant conditions can pop up throughout the year depending on the ocean swell and wind forecasts.
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can take lessons or simply rent a board. Fixed watersport centers offering these services exist at the main spots, along with mobile surf schools. Children are more than welcome to try their hand at riding the whitewater for an experience that’s as fun as it is sporty.
Enjoy Oysters and Fresh Seafood
Talha Mar, Dakhla’s flagship oyster farm and restaurant frequented by locals and travelers alike, serves the lagoon’s and ocean’s most iconic dishes: oysters, grilled fish, and seafood tagines.
The place is friendly and family-oriented, as well as thoroughly authentic. The cuisine is excellent and offers outstanding value for money. An ideal restaurant for a typical, enjoyable family lunch!
Explore the City
Dakhla, a relatively modern city formerly known as Villa Cisneros during the Spanish colonial era, sits at a cultural crossroads where several influences shape daily life: Sahrawi, Amazigh, Arab, and Sub-Saharan.
Being more modern than its northern sister cities, it may not share the same old-world charm, but it’s always fascinating to discover a new facet of our world. Soak up Dakhla’s peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in its warm, unpretentious vibe. You can visit the Maison de l’Artisanat (House of Crafts), stroll through the lively streets of a souk and local market, enjoy a fresh fruit juice, or hunt for souvenirs.
It’s best to visit Dakhla in the late afternoon when the streets come alive and shops open their doors, so you can truly feel the pulse of this city.
For beautiful souvenirs from your desert trip, a lovely Moroccan craft shop called “Souvenirs de Dakhla” welcomes you by appointment in the Kassam neighborhood.
