Day 0 -
Arrival in Dakhla. You can reach Dakhla by car driving from the north on Route Nationale 1. It takes one day and a half for a relaxed tour from Agadir to Dakhla, stopping about midway in small towns along the Atlantic coast. Tip: the Naila lagoon is a must-see! First get-together to catch up once the entire group is settled.
Day 1 - Sebkha of Imlili. Desert and coast trip, one day and return to Dakhla. Discover some key features of the area and get a first impression of its stunning colors and views. We'll leave in the morning around 9.30-10.00 and drive on tarmac for about one hour and a half, taking short breaks for pics of the bay and of the desert around it. We'll then move off road to reach a small Sebkha (depression with salted floor) characterised by permanent pools of salted water with fish. Pools are small, but unique and beautifully colored. The sebkha is surrounded by bushes and plants, close to three wells and a regular venue for wild animals and herders. We will have lunch there (picnic) and Saharawi tea. Depending on the timing and on weather conditions, we might eventually spend some time on the coast or head back directly to Dakhla. Participants will be free for dinner and for the evening. Total km: about 300, starting from Dakhla and returning to Dakhla.
Day 2 - White Dune, Oyster farm, sand on the Atlantic coast. One of Dakhla's "must-see", this is a single white dune surrounded by the ocean at high tide, flamingos often at sight. After a morning visit, we will head back along the peninsula to reach the Oyster farm. A long-established cooperative, it has become one of the best fish restaurant of the region. Pick your favourite among fresh oysters, baked fish with vegetables, octopus, sepia, squids or razors shells tajine, grilled lobster (notes: depending on the season and on the catch of the day, some items might not be available; lunch at the Oyster farm is to be paid separately by each participant). After lunch, we will head north again to have a first sand approach on the Atlantic coast. Return to Dakhla in the afternoon. Participants will be free for dinner and for the evening. Total km: about 100, starting from Dakhla and returning to Dakhla.
Day 3 + 4 - Planes, mountains, dunes and trees. This will be an immersive adventure with a substantial amount of off road driving and two nights camping in the wild. We will set off on Day 3, around 09:30/10:00 in the morning. You will drive on tarmac for about one hour and a half, leaving it to cross a plateau with sparse bush areas. The landscape will keep changing quickly until, around lunch time, you'll find yourself on top of a mountain. You'll get a stunning vew of the valley opening below and have a quick meal. After lunch we will head north/north west towards and into the dunes. We will set up the camp, have a barbecue with Saharawi tea and and enjoy a peaceful night in the quieteness of the desert. After a good breakfast and packing the camp, we will be ready to start Day 4 driving further north. You will drive in between the dunes looking for the best way out, testing your navigations skills. Sand will eventually turn into a harder terrain, colours will change and opportunities for great pics will not be missed. We'll stop for lunch under acacia trees and, after a relaxing pause, will continue our journey towards our final destination - an exceptionally green area with a nice surprise. We will set up the camp for the night and enjoy the place before dinner. Total km for Day 3 + 4: about 380, starting from Dakhla on Day 3.
Day 5 - Back home heading north. If you are joining us with your own car or with a car rented in the north of Morocco, you may want to start your journey back home at this point. Don't worry about packing up the camp - we will be pleased to save you time to spend on a peaceful afternoon rest midway back to the north.
