Dragon Island surrounded by turquoise waters in Dakhla
Guide

Dakhla in Practice

To help you plan and organise your holiday in Dakhla, you will find below a set of essential practical information to guide you before your departure.

How to get to Dakhla?

The simplest way to reach Dakhla is by plane, while the development of the railway network in the region is still under way.

Dakhla has an international airport with connections to Casablanca, Paris, Madrid, Marrakech and Las Palmas, among others. Routes and frequencies vary depending on the season: check schedules with your airline or on the official website of the Office national des aéroports before booking.

Airlines listed by Dakhla airport include Royal Air Maroc, Transavia, Air Arabia Maroc, Binter Canarias and Ryanair.

Where to stay in Dakhla?

Dakhla is an ideal destination offering accommodation to suit every taste and every budget. Whatever your criteria or needs, you will find a hotel, guesthouse or apartment to rent that fits perfectly.

You can choose to stay by the lagoon, close to the kite spots, or in the town of Dakhla itself, depending on your preferences and your holiday itinerary.

Town or lagoon: allow for the journey to the Ranch

Staying near the kite spots and staying in town involve different travel plans. Ranch transfers are included from lagoon hotels in the PK25 area, with a stated journey of 5 to 15 minutes. From Dakhla town, allow about 25 minutes; a partner driver is available from 300 MAD for the return trip. Confirm the total price for your group and address.

For your budget, separate the activity from transport: a horse ride starts at €35 per person for 1h, a camel ride at €30 per adult for 1h and a pony ride at €25 per child. Packages, age requirements and other routes appear on the activity pages. Euro and dirham amounts are the Ranch’s advertised prices, not a guaranteed exchange rate.

When to visit Dakhla?

For those who love water sports, the best time to visit Dakhla runs from March to November, when temperatures are mild and winds are consistent, ideal for practising any sail-based sport.

That said, Dakhla enjoys a pleasant climate all year round: even in winter, temperatures generally range between 18°C and 24°C, making it an attractive destination in every season. Wind statistics are lower in winter, but with wind blowing 300 days a year in Dakhla, you are unlikely to miss out on water sports activities during your stay, no matter the time of year.

For those who simply wish to enjoy the desert and the breathtaking landscapes of Dakhla, it is perfectly possible to visit at any time of year.

As for surf enthusiasts, they will prefer the swell season, which runs from November to March.

In short, there is no bad time to come to Dakhla - it all depends on the kind of holiday you are looking for.

What to pack for Dakhla?

To make the most of your stay in Dakhla, pack a bag suited to a mild, sunny climate with wind and water sports in mind.

The essentials to include are light clothing for the day, a jumper or windbreaker jacket, warm layers for cooler evenings, swimwear, sandals for the beach and comfortable shoes for activities.

Important accessories include sunglasses, a cap or hat, high-protection sun cream and lip balm. If you are planning to take part in water sports, remember to bring a beach towel or poncho, a cord for your glasses and possibly a reusable water bottle.

What practical information should you know before travelling?

  • For French nationals, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Visa requirements depend on your nationality: consult your country’s official recommendations before departure. Up-to-date information for French citizens is published by France Diplomatie.
  • Check the latest health recommendations before departure and arrange insurance covering medical care and repatriation.
  • It is advisable to travel with a first-aid kit containing essential medicines (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anti-diarrhoeals, anti-emetics…), although most medications are available at local pharmacies.
  • The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). The exchange rate varies: check it before you leave. Several currency exchange offices and ATMs can be found in the town of Dakhla.
  • The spoken language is Darija, a variant of classical Arabic specific to Morocco. The language native to this region of the Sahara is Hassanya. Many people also speak French, English or Spanish.
  • The three main mobile operators in Morocco are Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi. SIM card and plan prices change regularly: compare offers on arrival or check eSIM options before travelling.

What to do in Dakhla?

Find all our Dakhla guides available as further blog articles:

Golden sand dunes beneath the blue sky of Dakhla

Official sources consulted

This information was verified on 2 September 2026. Formalities, schedules and prices are subject to change: always confirm them with the relevant official bodies before your departure.


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.

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