Senior travel: Dakhla
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 1 stop a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 109 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Bay promenade and viewpointStep-free: yes · about 45 minThe flattest and most paved walk in town; sand drifts and wind.
- Dakhla central marketStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minUneven floors and narrow aisles; crowded mid-morning.
- Dakhla fishing portStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minFlat concrete quay with vehicles, wet patches and uneven edges.
- Oyster farm visitStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 90 minUneven shore and sand; not suitable for most wheelchair users.
- White Dune (Dune Blanche)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 150 minSand and a vehicle or boat step; not suitable for most wheelchair users.
- Dakhla lagoon kite spotsStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 180 minSand and a beach landing; camp facilities vary. Not suitable for most wheelchair users.
- Dragon Island boat tripStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 210 minBoat and sand landing; not suitable for most wheelchair users.
Getting around in Dakhla
Dakhla is hard going on wheels. Pavements are broken or sandy, kerbs are high, and camps and boats are not built for wheelchairs. Book a hotel with a lift and use taxis door to door.
- Pavements:
- Sand drifts and kerbs; the promenade is the smoother exception.
- Getting around:
- Petit taxis are the practical step-free option, but the vehicles are small; ask a driver in advance for luggage or a folded chair.
- Hotels:
- A few larger hotels have lifts and accessible rooms on request; many small guesthouses do not.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets are rare outside larger hotels.
- Boats and dunes:
- Boat trips and dune crossings involve steps, sand and a beach landing; not suitable for most wheelchair users.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Western Sahara guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Sun and wind:
- Burn and dehydration come fast; use sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and drink often.
- Cold water:
- A wetsuit prevents cold shock and tiredness; rescue is slower than it looks.
- Food and water:
- Bottled water; choose busy places with ice on the fish.
- Vaccination and clinics:
- Routine vaccines are as advised for Morocco; check with a travel clinic before you fly.
- Medicine:
- Bring what you need; pharmacies are in town but stock is limited.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.