LOCAL KNOWLEDGE The easiest way to get to Dakhla is by plane. There are flights from Casablanca (CAS) to Dakhla (DAK) three times per week. As Morocco's biggest international airport, most international airports have regular flights to Casablanca.
Once in Dakhla, if you have not already arranged a transfer to your chosen accommodation, then taxis are available at a reasonable price. The distance from the airport to the best kite spots is only about 25 kilometres. In order to see some of the best spots off the beaten track, a 4x4 is recommended and Kite Morocco can take you to all of these great spots. Accommodation is available in a Saharan style camp directly on the kite spot. It has electricity and running water, and both tents and bungalows are available. Rates start from £33 / €35 / $50 per night, including meals of salads, Moroccan tagines and lots of fresh fish. Dakhla has all the basics you'll need, but the town is only 25 kilometres away. There is also the option of a four star hotel located closer to town with a daily transfer. NON-KITING KICKS Dakhla is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a week full of sports action. As well as the fantastic kiting conditions there are also good waves for surfing. Fishing is popular among tourists and there is nothing better than a delicious BBQ fish dinner in the evening. 4x4 treks through the desert are also available. Dakhla doesn't have much to offer in the way of nightlife, so it's not really recommended for those looking to party. POCKET MONEY CURRENCY: Dirham (DHM) £1 = DHM12 / €1 = DHM11 / $1 = DHM8. BEER = DHM33 (but can be more expensive as it's not available everywhere). AVERAGE RESTAURANT MEAL (no alcohol) = DHM90. AVERAGE HOTEL = Single: DHM224, Double: DHM390.
SNAPSHOT Dakhla is a kitesurfer's paradise on the West Saharan coast of Morocco. Known for its consistently strong winds that blow all year round as well as the great variety, from perfect flat water to wave conditions. As a quiet and tranquil desert setting, party animals should head elsewhere.
THE KITING All levels of rider will find suitable conditions in Dakhla. A huge 50 kilometre lagoon provides the flat stuff – great for learning or for freeriders and freestylers – and the spit seems as though it was made for launching kites, while the ocean side of Dakhla offers waves that can reach up to five metres for the more advanced. There is plenty of space for safe launching all around the lagoon and as there aren't the hordes here yet, there's plenty of room for everyone to kite safely and enjoy themselves. 30 kilometre downwinders are possible through the lagoon and you can arrange for a local guide to pick you up. There are many spots to visit around Dakhla and these two are just the start of your adventure.
WATER, WIND AND WEATHER The wind blows all year round 17 - 35 knots, mainly from the north / north-east and usually blows consistently through the day and night. July and August are typically the strongest months and on average you'll be riding 7 and 9m kites in the summer, and more like 9 and 12m in the winter. The temperature stays around 20 – 28°C / 68 - 82°F all year but can drop at night, so take a few warm clothes. In the summer you'll be riding in boardshorts and a shortie is a good idea for the winter.
SCHOOLS Kite Morocco Lessons are available throughout the year from certified instructors for beginners through to advanced riders with a maximum of four students to one instructor. Learn on or rent top-of the-range North gear and the instructors will guide you to all the best spots around Dakhla. Storage is available for your equipment.
Languages spoken by instructors: English, Spanish, French and Arabic. Accredited by: IKO / FFVL.
www.kiteschooldakhla.com www.kitemorocco.com /
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Tel: +212 70408968 / +34 664 066 020
