Dakhla
الداخلةA turquoise lagoon in the desert, a world capital of kitesurfing.
Overview
Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula about 40 km long, between the Atlantic and a calm, shallow lagoon, just north of the Tropic of Cancer. Steady winds most of the year make it one of the world's best kitesurfing spots. Summer is mild, with pink dunes, flamingos and some of the best oysters in Africa.
How to get there
Flights to Dakhla Airport (VIL) from Casablanca (about 2 hours) and some European cities. By road it is very far from the host cities.
Highlights
The lagoon
Flat, warm water for kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons for all levels.
White Dune & Dragon Island
A boat or 4x4 trip to a giant white dune falling into the turquoise lagoon.
Oyster farms
Taste fresh Dakhla oysters directly at the farms.
Desert landscapes
Drive along empty roads with dunes, cliffs and ocean views.
Local tips
- Book kite camps early for summer.
- Strong sun and wind: use high SPF sunscreen and protect your eyes.
Explore Morocco
- Chefchaouen: The blue city of the Rif mountains.
- Meknes & Volubilis: An imperial city and the best Roman ruins in Morocco.
- Ifrane & the cedar forest: Cool mountain air, alpine houses and wild Barbary macaques.
- Essaouira: A windy, artistic port town with blue boats and ramparts.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Morocco's most spectacular waterfalls, with monkeys and rainbows.
- Imlil & Mount Toubkal: Hiking in the High Atlas, under North Africa's highest peak.
- Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou: Earthen kasbahs and film-set landscapes beyond the Atlas.
- Merzouga & the Sahara: Golden dunes, camel rides and a night under the stars.
- Laayoune & the Sahara coast: The largest city of the Moroccan Sahara, between dunes and ocean.