Although most travellers reach Dakhla by plane, as alternative means such as rail are still being developed in the region, this is no reason not to reduce your harmful emissions and carbon footprint on the ground as much as possible by choosing activities with a limited environmental impact.
Which activities are the most eco-friendly in Dakhla? A non-exhaustive list is proposed below.
Enjoying a horse ride at any time of day
Tempted to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Sahara at the pace of a beautiful Arab-Barb horse? Join the Ranch des Dunes in Dakhla for an unforgettable ride with zero emissions!
During your horse riding excursion, you will cross deserted beaches bordered by the roaring Atlantique, flat-topped natural mountains, impressive cliffs, beautiful dunes, the renowned lagoon with its white sand and colourful kitesurf sails, as well as the majestic desert stretching as far as the eye can see, transporting you to the other side of the world.
Dakhla’s beaches, bordered by the ocean and excellent terrain for horses, allow you to set them off at a full gallop for truly memorable moments. Expert riders will relish the experience, but so will complete beginners, as the horses at the Ranch des Dunes, who are given the greatest care, adapt to all levels of rider: experienced and beginner alike are welcome.
Don’t wait any longer to live an exceptional moment guided by a professional and caring team!
Learning or improving your kitesurfing
Dakhla, a city at the gateway to Europe situated between ocean and desert, is known for its regular and consistent wind blowing 300 days a year. It is, by definition, the perfect destination to learn or improve your kitesurfing or wing foil, and its worldwide reputation speaks for itself.
Pleasant temperatures, sunny days, flat and shallow waters, numerous spots… so many assets that make Dakhla an incomparable playground for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Two main options exist for experiencing exceptional thrills on the water: staying in a hotel with a private watersports centre directly on the lagoon, or contacting a mobile school that provides transport to and from your accommodation and takes you to discover different spots. Dakhla has the advantage of being suited to a wide audience, as hotel and sporting offerings exist for all tastes and all budgets.
So are you ready to take the plunge and come and discover what gliding in Dakhla has to offer at its purest?
Discovering the desert at the pace of a dromedary
Keen to take advantage of a break in the wind to experience a camel ride in Dakhla? Good news: it’s possible with the Ranch des Dunes… but on dromedaries, those magnificent animals emblematic of the desert that are regularly and mistakenly called “camels”. Indeed, dromedaries have a single hump rather than two, the very criterion that distinguishes them from camels.
Dakhla, between ocean and desert, lends itself perfectly to this unique outing. Set off on an immersive adventure through the Moroccan Sahara, at the slow and soothing pace of the dromedary, dressed in traditional Saharawi attire (djellaba and chèche). These majestic, calm and powerful companions will take you in search of spectacular landscapes between cliffs and ocean. A camel ride in Dakhla (or rather a dromedary ride) is the ideal opportunity to experience the full serenity of the desert, lulled by silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to everyone; you can choose to do it in a small group or with a larger party. Whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, this moment will delight young and old alike!
These rides can be arranged at any time of day, with a particular fondness for the hours when the sun sets over the ocean, illuminated by the soft golden colours of that precious moment.
Setting off on an adventure by electric motorbike
Love thrills but also the quiet of the desert? Dive into a unique experience by electric motorbike through the spectacular desert landscapes with Beecross. Set off to discover endless dunes, wild tracks and unspoilt locations, all in complete silence, with zero emissions, for total immersion in nature.
Whether you are a motorbike enthusiast or a complete novice in search of a rush of adrenaline, every outing is designed to offer an accessible, guided and unforgettable adventure. Experience far more than a simple ride: a true escape, combining adrenaline, exploration and respect for the environment, at the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
To find them, follow this link: https://share.google/5oFQWVZwAwoBG2J2C
Sand yachting across the dunes
Join Surfis for a unique desert adventure in Dakhla. Their sand yachting excursions combine the pleasure of sailing with the excitement of off-road racing. Their experienced team will guide you through a memorable journey, full of adrenaline and thrills. Thanks to easy-to-learn techniques, you will be able to master sand yachting in just 20 minutes, whatever the wind conditions.
This activity is accessible to people measuring at least 1m50.
To contact them: https://www.surfis.ma/
Reaching Dragon Island by paddleboard
Dragon Island owes its name to its shape, which is reminiscent of a crocodile’s silhouette, or, more mystically, of a dragon whose wings have taken flight. It is one of the most iconic sites in Dakhla, both for its turquoise waters and its exceptional panorama.
When the wind dies down, the lagoon becomes exceptionally flat, making it possible to reach the island by paddleboard for a sporting and refreshing adventure. It is also possible to travel to the island by catamaran; the crossing is pleasant, easy and accessible to all. Once you have arrived at the heart of this deserted island with its silent nature, you can access beautiful beaches where you can take a swim, or climb to its summit to enjoy one of the finest viewpoints in the area: an unobstructed 360° view over the lagoon and the desert stretching endlessly into the distance.
If you want to disconnect, you can hire paddleboards at most of the hotels lining the lagoon around PK25. For the catamaran, contact Sahara Sailing (https://saharasailing.com/).
Walking through the infinite desert
Strolling through the desert of Dakhla is not simply a physical activity; it is a unique experience immersed in an incomparable natural environment. Setting off into the silent and soothing desert invites you to slow down, to reconnect with yourself and with nature, and to live in the present moment. Golden dunes, cliffs worn smooth by the wind, a sky of deep azure blue: an incredible setting that simply asks to be contemplated.
You can explore independently, but certain local operators, such as Palais Rhoul, offer organised and guided excursions through the iconic and grandiose landscapes of Dakhla for an authentic, serene and convivial adventure.
Surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Dakhla is a destination very well known for its consistent wind, but less so for its beautiful waves, which have nothing to envy those of northern Morocco. 4 spots, far from overcrowded, will delight beginners and experts alike. The best period runs from November to March, though pleasant conditions can emerge throughout the rest of the year depending on the swell forecast for the Ocean and the wind.
Depending on your needs and wishes, you can take lessons or simply hire a board. Fixed watersports bases offering these services exist at the main spots, as well as mobile surf schools.
Diving into the turquoise waters of the lagoon
Although diving may not be the first thing that comes to mind in Dakhla, its crystal-clear and shallow waters lend themselves perfectly to it. Introductory dives and dives for certified divers are offered in order to discover the rich marine biodiversity of the lagoon, its sandy floors and even rocky areas in places. Various spots along the coastline exist for practising this activity, which will delight nature lovers and adventurous divers alike.
Two professional operators can accompany you on this underwater adventure: Mayorça Scuba Diving Center and Dakhla Diving Club. Do not hesitate to contact them for more information!
