Dakhla Morocco Travel Guide
ATMs are widely available in Dakhla city. Foreign exchange counters also operate. Exchange a small amount at the airport or an ATM upon arrival. Larger hotels may offer exchange services, frequently at less favorable rates.
Credit cards are taken in larger hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Smaller establishments, markets, and street vendors mainly use cash.
Tipping is customary and respected in Morocco.
For restaurants, a small extra payment of 10-15% for good service is common. For small cafes, round up or leave a few Dirhams. For taxis, round up to the nearest 5 or 10 Dirhams, or add 5-10 MAD for longer rides. For hotel staff, consider MAD 10-20 for porters and MAD 20-50 for housekeeping per day. For tour guides, MAD 50-100 per person per day, based on tour length and quality. For service or vehicle storage attendants, MAD 5-10 is customary.
MAD 300-600 / $30-60
MAD 100-200 (A bed in a shared room/basic guesthouse)
MAD 50-100 (Natural attractions)
MAD 600-1500 / $60-150
MAD 300-700 (Mid-range hotel/riad)
MAD 100-200 (Kiteboarding lessons)
MAD 1500+ / $150+
MAD 800+ (Luxury resort/boutique hotel)
MAD 300+ (Boat trips, private lessons)
Hostel bed/basic guesthouse: MAD 100-200
Mid-range hotel/riad: MAD 300-800
Luxury resort/boutique hotel: MAD 800-3000+
Street food/local snack: MAD 10-30
Local café meal: MAD 40-80
Mid-range restaurant meal: MAD 80-200
Fine dining meal: MAD 250+
Petit taxi: MAD 10-30. Grand taxi (shared): MAD 20-50. Airport transfer (private): MAD 150-300. Kiteboarding shuttle: MAD 50-100. Car rental: MAD 300-700.
Natural attractions: Free (transport costs apply). Kiteboarding lessons (group, per hour): MAD 250-500. Kiteboarding equipment rental (full day): MAD 400-800. Boat trip (half-day): MAD 300-600.
Focus on your health and safety in Dakhla.
No specific vaccinations are needed for entry from most countries. Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor FOR-6 weeks before travel for custom advice, which may include routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid.
Dakhla has a regional hospital (Hôpital Hassan II) and private clinics. Pharmacies are widely available. Emergency services are generally responsive in urban areas.
Travel insurance is a good idea for your trip. It covers unexpected events like health concerns, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Estimated daily costs are below. Your personal selections and negotiation skills influence the final amount.
These are approximate costs per individual per day. Prices vary based on the season and your spending habits.
Budget tourists can find good value by embracing regional dishes and shared transportation. Mid-range visitors find comfortable options, while travelers seeking luxury discover high-end vacation spots and exclusive services, especially around the lagoon.
Hostels are limited. Kite camps offer a range from basic bungalows to luxurious villas. Mid-range hotels are available in the city.
Choose kite camps for direct lagoon access and lessons.
Expect higher prices during peak wind season.
Enjoy local street food for authentic and budget-friendly meals. Eateries provide different tastes, from local Moroccan cuisine to foreign dishes.
Local cafes provide good value for money; fine dining is available in resorts.
Tourist-oriented restaurants may have higher prices.
Kiteboarding lessons and equipment rental are the main activity costs. Taxis are common for getting around the city; grand taxis for inter-city. Car rental for independence.
Rent supplies for longer periods to be frugal.
Private airport transfers are more expensive than shared options.
| Category | Budget (MAD) | Mid-Range (MAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 100-200 | 300-700 |
| Food | 100-200 | 200-400 |
| Transportation | 50-100 | 100-200 |
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. It covers unexpected medical emergencies, trip changes, lost luggage, plus personal liability.
Coverage for time spent in a hospital, doctor visits, and medications.
Charges for transport to a suitable clinic or hospital, sometimes in another country.
Compensation for lost products or funds for essentials during delays.
Compare policies from reputable providers. Look for specific coverage for activities like kiteboarding if you plan to partake.
Peruse the fine print regarding exclusions, especially for adventure sports or pre-existing health issues. Some policies offer additional benefits like travel delay coverage.
Having a policy with good medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended due to Dakhla's location and the potential need for transport to larger metropolises for serious health problems.
Affiliate partners such as World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Insubuy are good options for travelers.
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation under certain regulations, especially for flights within or from the EU.
Hold onto your boarding pass, flight booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline regarding the delay or cancellation.
AirHelp assists passengers in getting compensation for delayed or canceled flights, as much AS €600, depending on the circumstances.
While Dakhla is generally safe, it is wise to be aware of certain warnings.
