With young children, a good plan depends on their ages, travel time and the chance to take a break. Here are nine ideas in Dakhla, with questions to ask before booking. Confirm the conditions of activities outside the Ranch with each organiser.
Planning a family outing
| Activity | Age or condition | Duration | Parents’ role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pony ride at the Ranch | Ages 3+, up to 45 kg | 1h total, including 45 min riding | Walk alongside or wait in the rest area |
| Pony lessons and packages | Ages 5+, tell us the child’s build | Separate sessions | Arrange the programme with the Ranch |
| Camel ride at the Ranch | State children’s ages; adult + child: 120 kg combined maximum | 1h or 1h30 | A shared mount is possible |
| Boat or fishing | Confirm age, equipment and conditions | Depends on the outing | Ask about supervision and breaks |
| 4x4 or buggy | Confirm age, seats, belts and capacity | Depends on the route | Ask about travel time and breaks |
| Surfing | Confirm age, water confidence and conditions | Depends on the lesson | Arrange supervision with the school |
With a small child: a daytime pony ride keeps you nearby and the outing short. If you prefer to share an activity, compare camel rides and give each person’s age and build. Allow time for transfers, water and a break; two activities may not be close together.
Discover the desert at the pace of a dromedary
For a shared outing, the Ranch camel rides offer 1h and 1h30 routes. An adult and child can ride together up to a combined weight of 120 kg. Children under 3 ride free with an adult; give their age so the team can confirm the arrangements.
The adult-and-child price is €40 for 1h or €50 for 1h30. Choose the shorter option if you are unsure how your child will manage. The activity page details routes, transfers and sunset departures.
Set off on a “Vintage Safari” or 4x4 tour
Climb aboard a 4x4 or a vintage Land Rover and head off on an adventure along Saharan tracks to discover, as you choose, the majestic cliffs and the ocean that borders them, the beautiful desert, the iconic White Dune nestled between sand and lagoon, Sebkhat Imlili - a Saharan wetland - or the beach at Puerto Rico.
The vintage safari is on offer at Dakhla Quad & Events, the go-to reference for all things motor sports in Dakhla. This company can also arrange quad bike, buggy or motocross excursions for the more experienced.
For a more traditional 4x4 experience, many multilingual guides in Dakhla offer half-day or full-day excursions.
Accompany your child on a pony ride
The pony ride is for children aged 3 and over, up to 45 kg. Allow about an hour: grooming and preparation, then a 45-minute ride near the Ranch. The guide leads the pony; parents can walk alongside or wait in the rest area.
Rides run in the morning or afternoon and cost €25 per child. Packages combining lessons and rides are available from age 5 for several sessions during your stay. Give ages and builds before choosing; a horse ride for parents will not necessarily follow the same route.
Reach Dragon Island by boat
An outing to Dragon Island offers a change of scenery if the trip suits your family. Before booking, ask about minimum ages, life jackets for each child, actual time aboard and breaks. Landing and swimming should not be treated as guaranteed.
The contacts listed are Sahara Sailing and Dakhla Hospitality Group. Confirm sea conditions, tides and cancellation arrangements directly with the organiser.
Escape into the desert by buggy
A buggy may appeal to families seeking a motorised outing, but suitability depends on each person’s age, height and seat. Ask about the vehicle, equipment, passenger requirements and planned stops before booking.
Dakhla Quad & Events is the contact listed in this guide. With a toddler, do not assume that a four-seater is suitable: confirm the conditions and compare it with a shorter outing.
Plan a fishing excursion
Fishing is one of the main economic activities in Dakhla, thanks to its nutrient-rich waters that attract a high concentration of fish between lagoon and ocean. The region is full of skilled and knowledgeable fishermen who will be delighted to take you out on a calmer adventure, with all the patience and serenity that surfcasting or sport fishing demands.
By boat or directly from the beach, several options are available depending on your preferences and the number of people interested. Embark on a unique, accessible and authentic cultural experience suited to all - a wonderful adventure to share as a family.
Surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Dakhla is a very well-known destination for its consistent wind, but less so for its beautiful waves, which are every bit as impressive as those found in northern Morocco. 4 far-from-crowded spots will delight beginners and experts alike. The best period runs from November to March, though pleasant conditions can arise at other times of year depending on the swell forecast in the Ocean and the wind.
Depending on your needs and wishes, you can take lessons or simply hire a board. Fixed watersports centres offering these services exist at the main spots, as do mobile surf schools. Children can absolutely take part in a beginner’s session in the white water for an experience that is as much fun as it is sporty.
Taste oysters and seafood
Talha Mar, an oyster farm and landmark restaurant in Dakhla frequented by locals and travellers alike, offers guests the chance to savour the most emblematic dishes of the nearby lagoon and ocean: oysters, grilled fish and seafood tagines.
The setting is convivial and family-friendly, as well as wonderfully authentic. The cuisine is excellent and outstanding value for money. The ideal restaurant for a typical and enjoyable family lunch!
City tour
Dakhla, a relatively young city formerly known as Villa Cisneros during the Spanish colonial period, sits at a cultural crossroads where several influences make themselves felt at a societal level: Saharawi, Amazigh, Arab and sub-Saharan.
Being more modern than its northern counterparts, it lacks the same old-world charm, but discovering a new facet of our world is always worthwhile. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Dakhla and immerse yourself in its simple, warm ambiance. You can visit the Maison de l’Artisanat, wander through the lively streets of a souk and local market, savour a fresh fruit juice, or hunt for souvenirs.
It is recommended to visit Dakhla in the late afternoon, when the streets come alive and the shops open their doors, to best feel the pulse of this city.
To take home beautiful souvenirs from your desert journey, a wonderful Moroccan craft shop called “Souvenirs de Dakhla” opens its doors to you in the Kassam district upon request.
A guide from Ranch des Dunes. Revision of 9 September 2026: decision guidance, consistency of Ranch offers and conditions to confirm. External operators’ availability was not rechecked on this date.
