Western Sahara

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Western Sahara is a disputed territory with significant security risks. Most governments advise against all travel to areas east of the defensive sand wall (the Berm) due to landmines and potential military conflict. Coastal areas under Moroccan administration, such as Dakhla and Laayoune, are generally accessible but require vigilance. Families should stick strictly to paved roads, avoid off-road driving without local guides due to unmapped mines, and check their government's latest travel advice before booking.

For families with a spirit of adventure and older children, Western Sahara offers one of the most starkly beautiful landscapes on Earth. This vast stretch of coastline connects the scorching Sahara Desert directly with the cooling winds of the Atlantic Ocean. It is not a destination for resort-style relaxation, but rather for exploring a frontier where nature rules. The climate is dominated by trade winds, keeping the coastal areas moderate compared to the searing interior, though sun protection is essential year-round.

The primary hub for visitors is Dakhla, located on a long spit of land enclosing a calm turquoise lagoon. This area is world-renowned for kitesurfing, but it also offers gentler activities for kids. Families can take boat trips to Dragon Island to spot bottlenose dolphins and migratory birds, including large flocks of flamingos that paint the wetlands pink. Just outside the town, the Ostrich Farm allows children to see these giant birds up close, while the natural thermal spring at Asmaa offers a chance to experience hot sulfur waters pumped straight from the ground.

A highlight for many is the Dune Blanche (White Dune), a massive sand formation rising directly out of the lagoon. At low tide, adventurous families can climb to the top for panoramic views of the desert meeting the water. 4x4 excursions are the standard way to explore, often including visits to Imlili, where small desert pools contain unique fish that nibble at your feet-a natural spa treatment that children often find hilarious.

Culturally, the region is distinct from northern Morocco. The local Sahrawi population is known for deep-rooted hospitality. Families may be invited to share Atay, the ceremonial tea served in three rounds-each with a different flavor profile representing life, love, and death. Men often wear the loose blue daraa robes, while women wear colorful melfh wraps. The cuisine relies heavily on fresh seafood from the Atlantic and camel meat, though international options are available in hotels. While infrastructure is improving, travel here requires patience; distances are vast, and amenities can be basic, making it best suited for teens who appreciate the wild isolation.