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Western Sahara is located in northwest Africa, west of the Sahara Desert and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Bordering Morocco, Mauritania, and Algeria, it is a disputed region claimed by Morocco. Western Sahara was once a Spanish colony.
The Western Sahara people favor the color blue, and both men and women cover almost their entire bodies in a single piece of blue cloth, earning them the nickname "Blue Men." In cities, nobles, religious scholars, and administrators often wear white robes.
Taiwanese female writer Sanmao wrote a book called "Stories from the Sahara". In Sanmao's writing, Western Sahara is a holy land on earth full of holy love and infinite memories.
It has a tropical desert climate with lack of rain, drought and sweltering heat, making it suitable for travel all year round.
Laayoune
Sanmao's former residence in Laayoune is where Sanmao and Jose registered their marriage at the court in Laayoune, the capital of Western Sahara, and lived together for three years. Sanmao lived here for three years from 1973 to 1976, and wrote books such as "Stories from the Sahara", "Notes of a Scarecrow", and "The Crying Camel".
Opening hours: All day
Admission: Free
Western Sahara is a disputed territory on the northwest coast of Africa. Formerly Spanish Sahara, Spain withdrew in 1975; since then Morocco has controlled much of it, though the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (backed by the Polisario Front) claims independence. The region is culturally Sahrawi (nomadic traditions, desert heritage), with colonial layers (Spanish) and modern tensions. Sites like Tichla Fortress, colonial architecture, lighthouses, and local culture reflect that history.
Western Sahara lies between Morocco proper to the north, Mauritania to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Main towns under Moroccan administration include Laâyoune and Dakhla. To get there: fly into Laâyoune or Dakhla (from Morocco or via regional hubs), or drive via Morocco. Within towns, taxis (petit/regular and shared) are common, walking in town centers is possible, but distances between sites often require car or 4×4. Shared / collective taxis connect towns. Rentals are available in main towns.
Most natural sites (beaches, dunes, coast) are free or have no formal entrance fee. Some historical sites may have small fees, but many colonial relics are publicly accessible. Organized tours for desert excursions or kitesurfing will have their own costs. Usually tickets/tour bookings are done offline (via local tour operators, hotel desks). There is no standard centralized system for tickets like in better-developed tourist attractions.
For basic travel (beaches, sightseeing in towns), no advanced booking needed. For specialized activities (desert camps, multi-day 4×4 tours, kitesurfing schools, flights into remote areas) booking a few days to weeks ahead is advisable, especially in high season (November-March).
If you want to see just one main town (e.g. Laâyoune) + coastal beaches, 2-3 days. To include Dakhla, desert excursions, and remote sights, at least 5-7 days is good. For immersive trips (e.g. multi-day desert treks), 10+ days.
Guided tours are available, especially in towns and for desert excursions; often in French, Spanish, Arabic; occasionally English via tour operators. Audio guides are less common, especially in remote areas. Many guides are local, sometimes multilingual.
A suggested itinerary might be: arrive in Laâyoune (1-2 days) → travel down to Boujdour (coastal road) → explore Côte Aftissat and wetlands → proceed to Dakhla (2-3 days) for beaches, water sports → possibly inland desert excursion or camps → return via coastal route or via flights depending on infrastructure. Adjust based on time and interest (nature vs adventure vs relaxation).
No large‐scale light shows are known. Night tours in desert camps (stargazing, campfires) are common. Occasional cultural events & festivals might occur, but they are less predictable and depend on local scheduling and security.
Western Sahara is generally *not* crowded. Some areas like Dakhla see more tourists especially among water sports enthusiasts. Least crowded times are during the off-peak season (summer inland especially, or outside November-March). Also weekdays are quieter than weekends/festival times. Remote sites are almost always quiet.
Major towns (Laâyoune, Dakhla, Boujdour) have hotels, restaurants, shops, basic services. In remote/desert areas, facilities are minimal: bring food, water, camping gear. Some tour operators/camps provide rest stops, meals. Public toilets less common in remote locations.
In towns, yes to some degree (though infrastructure may not always be perfect). Walking on flat terrain, beaches in towns are feasible. Remote dunes, desert excursions, off road travel are more challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Planning ahead, using guides and suitable transport makes it safer. Children should be supervised in desert, heat, and during travel through remote areas.
Cash is very important—small bills especially. In towns and hotels larger transactions may accept cards, but many local shops, taxis, food stalls expect cash. Mobile payments less common in remote areas. Ensure you have enough local currency (Moroccan Dirham in many areas under Moroccan control) and small denominations.
In main towns (Laâyoune, Dakhla) you’ll find cafes and restaurants serving Moroccan-style cuisine, seafood (especially in coastal towns), street food, small local eateries. In remote areas, meals are often arranged through lodging or tours.
Yes: since this is a Muslim-majority region, halal food is standard. Vegetarian options are available in towns (tagine with vegetables, couscous, legumes, salads), though vegan might be more limited especially in remote spots. Bring snacks if you have dietary restrictions.
In Laâyoune and Dakhla there are hotels, guesthouses, resorts (especially in Dakhla for kitesurfing tourists). In more remote areas, camps or desert lodges, possibly more basic. Booking ahead helps for higher comfort.
You’ll find local crafts in towns: Sahrawi textiles (melhfa, traditional cloths), jewelry, pottery, items made from camel leather, artisanal goods. Small shops or market stalls. Expect bargaining.
After visiting main towns or key coastal areas: you can fly out (from Laâyoune or Dakhla) if flights are available; or drive by road to neighboring Moroccan regions or into Mauritania (depending on border & permissions). Shared taxis or private 4×4 can cover remote segments. Always check border/permit conditions.