Wedged between Morocco to the north and Mauritania to the south, the disputed territory of Western Sahara flies far beneath most travelers’ radars. Its untouristy, ends-of-the-earth vibe is the major selling point for this swath of North Africa along the Atlantic coast. Things to do in Western Sahara include exploring the bustling coastal cities of Laayoune (El Aaiún) and Dakhla—where the beaches are known for their excellent windsurfing—and venturing into the dunes of the Sahara Desert that sit east across the vast stony expanse known as the hamada.
Avoid taking excursions and wildlife safaris into the Sahara Desert along the eastern border of Western Sahara in July and August, when severe temperatures and lack of rainfall make travel uncomfortable. Kite surfers can take advantage of coastal winds year-round, though October is the most popular month for the sport.
Most visitors fly into Laayoune or Dakhla and take cars or taxis, or drive south into Western Sahara from Morocco. Getting around by car or public transportation is a viable option along the coastline, but moving east through the hamada to the Sahara Desert can be dangerous. This is especially true as you approach The Berm, a wall of rock and sand that separates the Moroccan- and Sahrawi-held areas where land mines are buried.
Western Sahara can appear barren, but the coastline, inland hamada, and desert are vibrant ecosystems that attract wildlife enthusiasts. You'll find Atlantic humpback dolphins off the coast, while the Imlili wetlands near Dakhla are home to birds and fish. Desert species like fennec foxes and sand cats roam the dunes.
