Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
Dakhla
A lagoon city at the edge of the Sahara.
Dakhla at a glance
- Region
- Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
- Province or prefecture
- Oued Ed-Dahab (province)
- Status
- Regional capital
- Population
- 106,277 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 10 m
- Coordinates
- 23.685, -15.958
- Postal code
- 73000
- Phone area code
- +212 528
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Dakhla (French) · الداخلة (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- Year-round; wind-sports season runs roughly April to October
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Dakhla
Dakhla lies on a narrow peninsula beside a vast lagoon with steady winds, making it one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations in Africa. Desert dunes and oyster farms complete the scene.
History
Founded by Spain in 1884 as Villa Cisneros, the town came under Moroccan administration in 1979 and is now the capital of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.
Things to see in Dakhla
- Dakhla lagoon
- Dune Blanche
- Oyster farms
- Flamingo Island
Climate and best time to visit
Saharan coast. Arid, mild and windy with almost no rainfall. Coastal fog and cool breezes keep summer heat moderate.
Best time to visit: Year-round; wind-sports season runs roughly April to October. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Dakhla
- By air
- Dakhla Airport (VIL), about 15 km from the town.
- By train
- There is no ONCF station; the journey from Agadir is long, so most visitors fly.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Fishing and aquaculture (oysters), early vegetables, wind-sport tourism and the Atlantic port project.
Food and drink
Oysters, grilled fish and Saharan tea.
Festivals and events
Wind-sport events and Sahara cultural festivals; check listings.
Where to stay
Dakhla has a full range of accommodation, from international hotels to guesthouses and, in historic quarters, traditional riads and dars. Staying inside or near the old town makes it easier to explore on foot.