Although most travellers reach Dakhla by plane, as alternative means of transport such as trains 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 offered to you below.
Enjoy 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 escape, you will cross deserted beaches bordered by the roaring Atlantic, 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 end of the world.
Dakhla’s beaches, bordered by the ocean, are excellent terrain for horses and allow you to let them gallop at full speed for unforgettable moments. Experienced riders will love every second, but so will beginners, as the horses at the Ranch des Dunes, who receive the greatest care, adapt to all levels: both confirmed and novice riders are welcome.
Don’t wait any longer to live an exceptional moment under the guidance of a professional and caring team!
Take up or improve your kitesurfing
Dakhla, a city at the gateway to Europe nestled between ocean and desert, is renowned for its regular, consistent wind that blows 300 days a year. It is, by definition, the perfect destination to discover or improve your kitesurfing or wing foil skills, and its worldwide reputation speaks for itself.
Pleasant temperatures, sunny days, flat and shallow waters, numerous spots — so many assets that make Dakhla an unparalleled playground for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Two main options exist for experiencing exceptional gliding sensations: staying in a hotel with a private water sports 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 catering to a wide audience, as hotel and sporting options 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?
Discover the desert at the pace of a dromedary
Fancy taking advantage of the wind dying down to experience a camel ride in Dakhla? Good news: it is 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 one hump and not two, which is the criterion that distinguishes them from camels.
Dakhla, between ocean and desert, is perfectly suited to 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 Sahrawi attire (djellaba and chèche). These majestic, calm and powerful companions will take you on a journey of discovery through 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, lulled by the 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 organised at any time of day, with a special fondness for the hours when the sun sets over the ocean, illuminated by the gentle golden hues of this privileged moment.
Set off on an adventure by electric motorbike
Fond of thrills but also of the quietude of the desert? Immerse yourself in a unique experience by electric motorbike through the spectacular desert landscapes, thanks to Beecross. Set off to discover infinite dunes, wild tracks and unspoilt places, all in absolute silence, with zero emissions, for a total immersion in nature.
Whether you are a motorbike enthusiast or a novice in search of thrills, each outing is designed to offer an accessible, guided and unforgettable adventure. Experience far more than a simple ride: a true escapade 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
Glide across the sand in a land yacht
Join Surfis for a unique desert adventure in Dakhla. Their land yacht 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 thrilling sensations. Thanks to easy-to-learn techniques, you will be able to master the land yacht in just 20 minutes, whatever the wind conditions.
This activity is accessible to people measuring a minimum of 1m50.
To contact them: https://www.surfis.ma/
Reach Dragon Island by paddleboard
Dragon Island owes its name to its shape, which is reminiscent of the silhouette of a crocodile, 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 reach the island by catamaran; the crossing is pleasant, easy and accessible to all. Once you arrive in the heart of this deserted island with its silent nature, you can access beautiful beaches where you can 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 as far as the eye can see.
If you feel like disconnecting, you can hire paddleboards at most of the hotels lining the lagoon around PK25 of the lagoon. For the catamaran, contact the company Sahara Sailing (https://saharasailing.com/).
Walk through the infinite desert
Strolling through the Dakhla desert is not a simple physical activity; it is a unique experience of immersion 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, an azure blue sky: 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.
Surf 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 from those of northern Morocco. 4 spots, far from overcrowded, will delight beginners and experts alike. The best period runs from November to March, but pleasant conditions can emerge throughout the rest of the year depending on the swell forecast on the Ocean and the wind.
Depending on your needs and desires, you can take lessons or simply hire a board. Fixed nautical bases offering these services exist at the main spots, as well as mobile surf schools.
Dive into the turquoise waters of the lagoon
Even if diving is not the first thing that comes to mind in Dakhla, its crystal-clear and shallow waters are perfectly suited to it. Discovery dives and dives for certified divers are offered in order to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the lagoon, its sandy and even rocky seabeds in places. Various spots along the coast exist for practising this activity, which will delight nature lovers and adventure-seeking divers.
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!
