You’ve come to enjoy the beautiful region of Dakhla with your young children and you’re looking for activities the whole family can enjoy? The experiences listed below are made for you!
Discover the desert at the pace of a dromedary
Fancy an unforgettable camel ride experience as a family in Dakhla? Discover the Ranch des Dunes dromedary ride, featuring these iconic desert animals so often mistakenly called “camels”. Dromedaries have one hump, not two.
Dakhla, caught between ocean and desert, is the perfect setting for this unique ride. 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 to discover spectacular landscapes between cliffs and ocean. A camel ride in Dakhla (or rather, a dromedary ride) is the ideal opportunity to feel the full serenity of the desert, cradled by silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to all; younger children (up to 40 kg) can share a dromedary with an adult, making it a moment that will delight both little ones and grown-ups alike!
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
Want to give your child a beautiful memory set against the incredible landscapes of Dakhla? Ranch des Dunes, an equestrian centre, welcomes your child or children for pony rides in the morning or afternoon.
Children prepare their ponies by grooming and tacking them up, building a bond before they set off. They then head out for a ride around the Ranch for a fun, relaxed and joyful moment of pure pleasure in the middle of the vastness of the desert.
You can wait for your children at the Ranch in the relaxation area, or follow the ride on foot if you feel like it and wish to enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature yourself.
Don’t hesitate to contact Ranch des Dunes for more details!
Reach Dragon Island by boat
Dragon Island takes its name from its shape, which is reminiscent of a reptile such as a crocodile, or more mystically, 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.
To get there, you must cross the lagoon, and the journey - whether by catamaran or motor boat - is pleasant, easy and accessible to all, adults and children alike. Once you arrive at the heart of this deserted island in its silent natural setting, you can explore beautiful beaches where a swim is perfectly possible, or climb to the summit to enjoy one of the finest viewpoints in the area: a clear 360° view over the lagoon and the desert stretching as far as the eye can see.
If you fancy switching off completely, you can contact Sahara Sailing for the catamaran, or the hotels of the Dakhla Hospitality Group for a motor boat.
Escape into the desert by buggy
Fancy discovering the desert through an experience that is accessible to the whole family, fun and unlike anything at home? Hop aboard a buggy (2 or 4 seats) to cross the endless desert, drive along cliffs with breathtaking panoramas, or climb golden sand dunes.
This dynamic excursion lets you get your fill of adrenaline while visiting unmissable sites around Dakhla, in an off-road vehicle that takes you well off the beaten track. A sense of freedom and powerful emotions are guaranteed!
This activity, suitable for all, is available at Dakhla Quad & Events, the go-to reference for all things motor sports in Dakhla, offering quad bike, buggy and Land Rover excursions for everyone, as well as motocross for the more experienced.
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.
