Dakhla

Laayoune \| Dakhla \| Gulf of Cintra \| Western Sahara Gallery
Dakhla must rate as one of the world's most understated tourist destinations. Although the town is nothing much in itself, it is approached past some of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes, endless miles of perfect, empty beaches. Only in the last few miles do you come across the campervans parked along the coast, staring out at the perfect ocean with kite surfers galore... We only went there the first time as a stopover on our way across the Sahara to Mauritania and Mali, but although it is a long way from Europe it is almost worth the journey in its own right. Only one decent hotel, but how many do you need? All through Western Sahara you come across weird things, like the Identikit towns complete with electricity, satellite TV, mobile phone masts, schools, playgrounds, a grid of roads, street lamps and services ready for expansion, absolutely complete...except for the total absence of any population! But Dakhla takes top prize for the inflatable Santa Claus (an essential Saharan accessory) and the first, and only, place I have ever seen a camel neatly tethered by a parking meter! Return to Sahara Itinerary 2005► Return to Sahara Itinerary 2008►