Dakhla Morocco Travel Guide
Cash machines are common in Dakhla city. Currency exchange offices 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 accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Smaller establishments, markets, and street vendors mainly use cash.
Tipping is customary and appreciated 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 skycaps and MAD 20-50 for housekeeping per day. For tour guides, MAD 50-100 for each person daily, 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)
A bed in a hostel/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 4-6 weeks before travel for personalized recommendations, 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 wise idea for your trip. It covers unexpected events like medical issues, 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 person per day. Prices vary based on the season and your spending habits.
Budget travelers can find good value by embracing local food and shared transportation. Mid-range visitors find comfortable options, while luxury travelers 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 increased costs during peak wind season.
Delight in local street food for authentic and budget-friendly meals. Dining places offer different tastes, from local Moroccan cuisine to international 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; large taxis for inter-city. Car rental for independence.
Rent supplies for longer periods to save money.
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.
Costs for transport to an appropriate healthcare center, sometimes in another country.
Compensation for lost goods or funds for essentials during delays.
Compare policies from reputable providers. Look for specific coverage for activities like kiteboarding if you plan to partake.
Read 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 medical issues.
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 if your flight is delayed or canceled, as much AS €600, depending on the circumstances.
While Dakhla is generally safe, it is advisable to be aware of certain warnings.
