Welcome to our organizing space designed to invite and entice you to just visit Western Sahara.
Why Western Sahara, you ask? Because it’s AWESOME!
Western Sahara is full of sand and sun, waves and deserts, wildlife and fossils, fishing, and more.
Western Sahara also boasts a rich cultural tapestry across coastal towns, Bedouin communities, and desert cities.
And, because Western Sahara is the last colony remaining in Africa.
Imagine – colonialism in the 21st century!?! I would rather imagine climbing sand dunes for an afternoon tea with new friends for a truly وني بيك experience.
Saharawi people would love to invite you to visit their homeland and let you experience everything they want to preserve.
So please explore our website, visit our friends, and learn more about Western Sahara. And, if you feel moved to, take a trip there! You can go on your own, or reach out to us to participate in a solidarity delegation. Anyone with a passport and sense of adventure is free to travel to Western Sahara. The following is a basic travel guide. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please send us a message. We would love to hear about your travels – so feel free to send us your stories and recommendations.
Arrival
There are two airports in Western Sahara: Dakhla Airport (VIL) and El Aaiún / Laayoune International Airport (EUN). Both airports connect with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). You might even decide to have a layover in Las Palmas on your way to or from Western Sahara.
Climate
Sunny and dry, with little rain in the forecast.
Due to cold ocean currents and trade winds, coastal regions can be spring-like all year round. The interior desert regions can experience more extreme temperatures.
Currency and Costs
Due to the Moroccan Occupation of Western Sahara, most of the country uses the Moroccan dirham. You can take dirham out of the airport ATM once you arrive in Western Sahara. Many locations also accept credit cards.
Travelers should expect to budget $23-$67 per day for food and transportation.
Language
Saharawi people speak the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. The thought of traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language can be daunting. However, picking up a few key phrases will get you a long way.
Remember: communication is more then just words. Showing people you care and are interested in trying to communicate goes a long way.
Spanish is also spoken in Western Sahara, as well as French to a lesser extent. English is not widely spoken, but might be used in airports, hotels, etc.
Religion
The Sahrawis are Muslims of the Sunni sect. Their interpretation of Islam is quite liberal and adapted to nomadic life.
What to Wear
Saharawis dress conservatively in keeping with their Bedouin roots and the reality that the clothing is very appropriate for their desert climate.
M’lahfas, the typical dress for women, consist of long and brightly colored material that cover from head to toe. They also protect from the harsh sun and wind, and are comfortable to wear.
Men are more likely to wear pants and shirts, saving traditional garments – the deraa, a long and loose gown, tagelmusts, a cloth veil that is used as a turban, and qandrissi pants – for formal and special occasions. The distinctive colors for men are usually blue for every day and white for weddings.
In tourist towns, it is very acceptable to dress as a tourist, appropriate to the weather and with a degree of modesty.
Special Considerations
Alcohol is not served.
During COVID times, you will have to check entry requirements regarding vaccination status and/or a negative COVID test.