Western Sahara

Western Sahara

Western Sahara, a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa, is a land of stark desert beauty and rich Sahrawi culture. Explore the coastal city of Laayoune, the largest city, with its blend of Moroccan and Sahrawi influences. Visit the Place du Mechouar, a spacious square with a monument commemorating the Green March. The desert landscape, dotted with oases and sand dunes, is perfect for adventurous activities like camel trekking or sandboarding. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, making it a great spot for fishing. Despite the political situation, the Sahrawi people are known for their warm hospitality and their traditions, such as the tea ceremony, are fascinating to experience. Western Sahara offers an intriguing travel experience for those interested in nomadic cultures and desert landscapes.

Travel Time

January
Okay
February
Okay
March
Great
April
Great
May
Great
June
Great
July
Great
August
Great
September
Great
October
Great
November
Okay
December
Okay

Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Ad-Dakhla Old Town

Ad-Dakhla Old Town, also known as Villa Cisneros, is the historical part of the city of Dakhla. It offers a unique mix of Spanish colonial architecture and traditional Sahrawi structures. Walking through the town`s narrow streets, you can explore his... more

Ad-Dakhla Old Town, also known as Villa Cisneros, is the historical part of the city of Dakhla. It offers a unique mix of Spanish colonial architecture and traditional Sahrawi structures. Walking through the town`s narrow streets, you can explore historical buildings, the old church, and the Spanish fort. The area is also home to several artisanal shops where visitors can buy traditional Sahrawi handicrafts. Despite the modern development of Dakhla, the Old Town retains its traditional charm and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Aousserd Road

Aousserd Road is a desert road that cuts through some of the most remote and pristine parts of Western Sahara, offering incredible views of the desert landscape. It`s also known for its rich birdlife, making it a popular route for birdwatchers. Trave... more

Aousserd Road is a desert road that cuts through some of the most remote and pristine parts of Western Sahara, offering incredible views of the desert landscape. It`s also known for its rich birdlife, making it a popular route for birdwatchers. Traveling along Aousserd Road is an adventure in itself, offering an authentic experience of the vast, open spaces that characterize Western Sahara. Despite the harsh conditions, the road reveals the desert`s unique beauty and the resilience of the local Sahrawi communities.

Bir Gandouz

Bir Gandouz is a small village located near the Mauritanian border, known for its role as a staging post for travellers and traders crossing the desert. Visitors can experience the traditional Sahrawi way of life, with its deep-rooted nomadic traditi... more

Bir Gandouz is a small village located near the Mauritanian border, known for its role as a staging post for travellers and traders crossing the desert. Visitors can experience the traditional Sahrawi way of life, with its deep-rooted nomadic traditions. The village is also a gateway to the Draa Valley, with its stunning landscapes and ancient kasbahs. Despite its remote location, Bir Gandouz exudes a unique charm that captivates travellers.

Boujdour Lighthouse

The Boujdour Lighthouse, perched on a rocky peninsula, is an iconic sight along Western Sahara`s coastline. Built by the Spanish in the 20th century, the lighthouse is still operational and stands as a reminder of the region`s colonial past. While ac... more

The Boujdour Lighthouse, perched on a rocky peninsula, is an iconic sight along Western Sahara`s coastline. Built by the Spanish in the 20th century, the lighthouse is still operational and stands as a reminder of the region`s colonial past. While access to the lighthouse itself is restricted, the surrounding area offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The location is especially popular at sunset when the lighthouse casts a long shadow over the rugged coastal landscape.

Cap Barbas

Cap Barbas is a coastal area located in the south of Western Sahara. It is known for its pristine beaches with golden sand and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and sunbathing. The area is also a nesting site for endangered loggerh... more

Cap Barbas is a coastal area located in the south of Western Sahara. It is known for its pristine beaches with golden sand and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and sunbathing. The area is also a nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs. This natural phenomenon is a unique spectacle that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world. Despite its remote location, Cap Barbas` untouched beauty makes it worth a visit.

Cintra Bay

Cintra Bay is a large, secluded bay located along Western Sahara`s Atlantic coastline. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for fishing, snorkeling, and marine wildlife spotting. The bay`s remote location and untouche... more

Cintra Bay is a large, secluded bay located along Western Sahara`s Atlantic coastline. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for fishing, snorkeling, and marine wildlife spotting. The bay`s remote location and untouched natural beauty make it a peaceful getaway from the more populated areas. The surrounding area is a significant breeding site for various bird species, adding to its ecological importance. The tranquility of Cintra Bay, coupled with its rich marine life, makes it a must-visit destination in Western Sahara.

Dakhla Bay

Dakhla Bay is one of Western Sahara`s premier natural attractions. This expansive lagoon on the Atlantic coast offers stunning turquoise waters and is a haven for a variety of bird species, making it a favorite spot for bird watchers. Watersports ent... more

Dakhla Bay is one of Western Sahara`s premier natural attractions. This expansive lagoon on the Atlantic coast offers stunning turquoise waters and is a haven for a variety of bird species, making it a favorite spot for bird watchers. Watersports enthusiasts also frequent the bay for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and fishing due to its favorable wind conditions and rich marine life. The surrounding area is dotted with traditional fishing villages and oyster farms, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and economy. Dakhla Bay`s combination of natural beauty and vibrant local life make it a must-see.

Dayet Srji Salt Lake

Dayet Srji Salt Lake, situated in the northern part of Western Sahara, is a seasonal salt lake that attracts a wide array of bird species during the wet season, including flamingos, pelicans, and sandgrouses. This offers a remarkable spectacle for bi... more

Dayet Srji Salt Lake, situated in the northern part of Western Sahara, is a seasonal salt lake that attracts a wide array of bird species during the wet season, including flamingos, pelicans, and sandgrouses. This offers a remarkable spectacle for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The contrast between the stark, white salt flats and the vibrant, colourful birdlife creates a unique, otherworldly landscape that is mesmerising to behold.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 23 °C 9 0
February 23 °C 10 0
March 27 °C 11 0
April 29 °C 11 0
May 31 °C 12 0
June 34 °C 12 0
July 37 °C 12 0
August 38 °C 12 0
September 35 °C 11 2
October 32 °C 10 1
November 26 °C 9 1
December 23 °C 9 0

Facts

Language
  • Arabic
Currency Algerian Dinar
Population 59733
Tourists per year 45
Tourists per resident 0.00075335241826126

Hotel

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