This Mercator special week (6 days on site!) brings you along the dramatic coast of Dakhla and through a variety of stunning desert landscapes. You will test your driving skills on different terrains, fall asleep under a starry sky, take a bath at sulfur springs and enjoy a selection of delicious local food. The programme (scroll past the picture for details) consists of one day along the Dakhla peninsula, four days with substantial desert driving and one free day to let you experience other sides of Dakhla or just relax on the beach. You will also sleep two nights in the desert, one of which in the middle of the dunes. To join this programme, you need to be in Dakhla one day in advance. You can choose to fly to Dakhla and rent a car in town, or arrive by car (your own, or rented in the north of Morocco). Although we are not a travel agency and can not include these services in our package, we will be happy to advise on car rental and on booking your flight and hotel in Dakhla.
(*) Days 2, 4 and 5 of this programme can be joined by participants to the 4 days Mercator special, for a total amount of 6 participants at any time.
Check for the upcoming dates of this programme on the Mercator specials' calendar
Discover the Programme
Day 1 - White Dune, Oyster farm, first contact with sand. One of Dakhla's "must-see", this is a single white dune surrounded by the ocean at high tide, flamingos often at sight. You'll get a first impression of the area's stunning colours and views. We will then 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 2 - Sebkha of Imlili. Desert and coast trip, one day and return to Dakhla. Today you'll discover some key features of the area. 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 salt 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 3 - Free day. A day to relax, take to watersports, sail, visit the citiy of Dakhla etc. You will be autonomous, however we are at your disposal for any suggestions, indication on what to do, where, how etc …
Day 4 + 5 - 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 4, 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 5 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 4 + 5: about 380, starting from Dakhla on Day 4.
Day 6 - Back home heading north, or down to Dakhla. The plan for today depends on your initial choice. 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. This will save you a lot of tarmac and time. On the contrary, if you rented a car in Dakhla or wish to extend your stay, you can join us on our way back to town. In this case, we will be happy to have a stop-over along the Atlantic coast for a quick meal, and will arrive in Dakhla in the afternoon. Should you opt to be back to Dakhla, you will be free for dinner and for the evening, and drive about 245 km.
Day 7 - Flaying back home. If you rented a car in Dakhla and arrived by plane, you may decide to fly back home today. In this case, make sure you already redelivered the car - the majority of flights are very early in the morning!
What to expect
- You will be driving about 700 to 1000 km (depending on your start/end point) on the tarmac and in the desert around Dakhla.
- You will spend two nights camping in the desert.
- You will receive logistic support during Days 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 (if you drive back to Dakhla).
- Meals, Saharwi tea and water at meals when out in the desert are included.
- Tents, matrasses, sleeping bags, linens, pillows and towels for camping are included.
Please carefully read our Terms and Conditions, as well as our Booking and Practicalities page for further info and advice.
What not to expect
- This offer does not include services proper of a travel agency, such as but not limited to: car rental, hotel booking, purchase of flights. While we are at your disposal for advice, you will have to book/purchase these services on your own.
- Fuel, car service and any other cost related to the car you will be driving will be under your own responsibility.
- Meals at the Oyster farm, in Dakhla or not consumed in the desert are not included.
Please carefully read our Terms and Conditions, as well as our Booking and Practicalities page for further info and advice.
min. 4 people
max. 6 people
- Once confirmed by us, 280 € / person is to be paid as non-refundable deposit within 20 days.
- Balance of 120 € / person is to be paid latest 30 days before beginning of activities.
- Read Terms and Conditions carefully.