Western Sahara is a region known for its vast desert landscapes, ancient history, and cultural heritage.
- Laayoune: Begin your journey in the capital city, Laayoune, where modernity intertwines with traditional Saharan customs. Explore its lively markets, taste local cuisine, and experience the culture of the region.
- Dakhla: Visit the coastal city of Dakhla, renowned for its beaches, azure waters, and excellent kitesurfing conditions. Relax on white sandy shores, indulge in fresh seafood, and witness sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Smara: Immerse yourself in the history of Western Sahara by exploring the ancient ruins of Smara. Discover archaeological sites dating back centuries and learn about the region’s nomadic past.
- Phosphate Mines of Bou Craa: Venture into the heart of the desert to witness one of the world’s longest conveyor belt systems. The immense phosphate mines of Bou Craa mesmerize visitors with their sheer size and the stark contrast they create against the desert landscape.
- El Mchawar: Embark on a camel trek through the El Mchawar oasis. Admire its palm groves, natural springs, and traditional mud-brick settlements, while immersing yourself in the Berber culture that thrives in this oasis.
- Sidi Ifni: Explore the coastal town of Sidi Ifni, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and art scene. Relax on its beaches, wander through colourful streets adorned with murals, and visit local art galleries.
- Ad-Dakhla Bay: Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the beauty of Ad-Dakhla Bay. Take a boat trip to explore its various islands and witness an abundance of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and the elusive Houbara bustard.
- Aousserd: Delve into the remote desert landscape and visit the small town of Aousserd. Here, you can witness traditional Sahrawi handicrafts being made, take part in cultural exchanges, and experience the vastness of the Sahara Desert.
- Tifariti: Discover the artistic side of Western Sahara in Tifariti, an abandoned town turned open-air museum. Admire the murals depicting the region’s struggle for independence and gain insight into the Sahrawi people’s ongoing fight for self-determination.
- Lagouira: Explore Lagouira, a ghost town near the Mauritanian border. Once a colonial trading outpost, this now abandoned town offers a haunting glimpse into its past, with decaying buildings and remnants of its once-thriving economy.
Off the beaten path
- Smara Sand Dunes: Step off the tourist trail and venture into the Smara Sand Dunes – an untouched desert paradise of towering golden dunes. Traverse the undulating terrain, witness the silence of the desert, and camp under dazzling starlit skies.
- Bir Gandouz: Explore the remote village of Bir Gandouz, situated deep in the desert. Experience the Sahrawi nomadic lifestyle and participate in traditional activities, such as camel racing and desert camping.
- Gueltat Zemmour: Journey to Gueltat Zemmour and discover a scenic oasis hidden within the barren landscape. This lesser-known oasis dazzles visitors with its vegetation, springs, and a peaceful ambiance that invites deep relaxation.
- Smara Rock Art: For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, head to Smara to discover ancient rock art sites that showcase the region’s history. Admire intricate petroglyphs and let your imagination run wild with the stories they tell.
- Ras Nouadhibou: Cross the border into Mauritania and explore the peninsula of Ras Nouadhibou. This biodiverse nature reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers and offers an opportunity to witness the convergence of Atlantic and Mediterranean waters.
- Boujdour Beach: Unwind on the shores of Boujdour Beach, a serene coastal paradise away from the crowds. Enjoy the tranquility, soak up the sun, and indulge in peaceful walks along the shore.
- Assa: Experience the nomadic way of life in Assa, a remote village renowned for its camel market. Witness the atmosphere as Sahrawi nomads come together to trade and showcase their prized desert companions.
- Tindouf Refugee Camps: Gain a deeper understanding of Western Sahara’s political landscape by visiting the Tindouf Refugee Camp
