What are the best ways to visit Dakhla on a backpacker budget?

Hi there! I’m heading to Dakhla at the end of October for about two weeks as a backpacker. Without renting a car or booking pricey excursions, what are the best ways to get around and explore? I’ve heard that the small taxis only cover limited routes outside the city center, and the local buses might be tricky... Thanks to anyone who knows the area and can share their tips for nature and culture in this up-and-coming destination! Laurence

Hello,

I’m also interested in the answers you’ll get. I’m neither a surfer/windsurfer nor young...!! Cheers,

Puma2A

Good evening Laurence,

Dakhla! It’s been a long time since this city and its surroundings became super touristy, the place for all kinds of meet-ups (festivals galore), and the wild side I once knew is disappearing fast—especially with the strong winds there.

There are still some wild spots left, but they’re mostly for those with their own vehicle or who are willing to walk for hours in the sand. I don’t want to disappoint you upfront because I *love* Dakhla—its vibe, the locals, the little restaurants, the market, eating oysters—but I had an advantage: I always traveled with my car and have amazing friends there.

I think as a backpacker, you can hitchhike without any issues (I’ve picked up so many people…). You’ll make some incredible connections—people who won’t hesitate to help, even accompany you, or invite you along.

For taxis, you might want to check here: Dakhla taxis or rent an e-bike. There are at least three agencies offering e-bike rentals and tours in Dakhla.

For nature and culture, despite all the construction that’s concreted over much of the lagoon and oceanfront, you can still enjoy Dakhla’s beauty—and count the hundreds of camper vans starting to settle in at PK 25. Here’s the spot: Bivouac at PK 25

Culturally, I don’t think there’s a festival happening during your visit—unless there’s a surprise when you arrive! For reference, here’s a list of Dakhla’s festivals: Dakhla festivals

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!

Hello Partirester! Your message makes me think you’ve known Dakhla for a long time. "Dakhla has been a very touristy city and area for quite some time now..." I’ll put your comments into perspective—this city still doesn’t appear in a famous travel guide that’s especially popular for highly touristy destinations... Aside from the big complexes between wind and tide where all the sports enthusiasts gather (which I’m not part of), even though the architecture isn’t exactly pretty, it still seems pretty calm to me! I’m going to let myself be surprised! "I love Dakhla—its vibe, its people, its little restaurants, its market" That works perfectly for a short seaside vacation where I can share daily life with the locals and get to know them (including Moroccans from the north who come to this "exotic" spot). I hope there won’t be any festivals—I don’t like crowds, and I skipped the Tan-Tan Festival further north! Hitchhiking is out of the question for me!!! Thanks for your relative enthusiasm—it’s motivating! Best, Laurence (who’s going to try to buy your book ;))

hi Laurence, yes, Dakhla is touristy—I’m not excluding the kite surfers... did you know that thousands of Europeans spend their winters there and that Morocco has made it a favorite destination for years? The advertising has really taken off, especially since the new road was built... here’s the proof: https://www.biladi.ma/tourisme-a-dakhla-les-nuitees-progressent-trois-fois-plus-vite-que-la-moyenne-nationale/ So yes, it’s possible our guidebooks haven’t caught up yet, and that most lovers of the region avoid turning it into an overcrowded hotspot—because crowds mean pollution... You shouldn’t ignore that Morocco has called on investors... France is setting up shop there: https://lopinion.ma/fr/regions/sahara/dakhla--des-elus-francais-explorent-les-opportunites-dinvestissement_a75954?articleId=2e129e8d-8d43-43d7-920b-a22d3d163061 https://fr.le360.ma/politique/a-dakhla-une-delegation-de-jeunes-elus-francais-decouvre-les-grands-projets-de-developpement-de-la_I6RP3UWDNNFRJFGAO7BAEJPJ5Q/ https://ledesk.ma/enoff/raccordement-de-dakhla-au-reseau-national-edf-en-charge-de-letude/ And the new port is going to attract even more people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgYJPcw2Oo plus, the charming little fishing village is now overrun by kite surfers: https://fun-and-fly.com/spot/dakhla-lassarga/ That won’t stop you from enjoying the sunrises and sunsets over the Sahara and the Atlantic... Or making a thousand connections—with locals or fellow travelers. Yes, I know Dakhla well—I’ve spent quite a bit of time there and even worked with disabled children... A big thank-you if you buy my book! Lots of Mauritanians have family in Dakhla... I can’t say there are "cultural sites" to visit—who knows, maybe one day... If the oasis gardens are still there, check them out; they’re probably hidden behind the big tomato-greenhouse farms... Go before paradise disappears!! Happy travels!!!!

Partirester, thanks for the links—they’ve convinced me to go now! The planned economic development doesn’t seem very tourism-focused, so I’ll take the chance to enjoy a bit of quiet, peaceful living. I’ll post a trip report when I get back. See you soon, Inshallah!

Have a great trip!!! 🙂