Western Sahara

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Quick Facts

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Local name

As-Ṣaḥrā' al-Ġarbiyyah

Capital

El Aaiún (disputed)

Government

Sovereignity unresolved

Nationality

Population

267,000

Religions

Islam

Languages

Arabic

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Calling Code

+212

Time Zone

UTC+0

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Introduction

camels along desert highway

© All Rights Reserved wouterrr

Sparsely populated – an obvious consequence of its desert-dominated landscape – the contentious land of Western Sahara has been a matter of serious debate and conflict for decades. When Spain relinquished its colonial hold on the territory in 1975, neighbouring Morocco and Mauritania divided up the land between themselves, ignoring the protest of the Polisario Front, a party dedicated to the national emancipation of the Sahrawi people. To this day, the matter remains unresolved and a point of bitter division, with thousands of Moroccan troops defending their claim and occasional insurgencies led by the Polisario Front.

For these reasons, Western Sahara is hardly a holiday destination. It has been hard for journalists and human rights delegates to travel there – let alone tourists.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Western Sahara is divided into 4 provinces (wilayas)^[1]

• Boujdour Province
• Es Semara Province
• Laâyoune Province (El Aaiún)
• Oued el Dahab Province

Cities

• Boujdour
• Bir Lehlou, the temporary capital, as designated by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Dakhla
• El Aaiún (Laâyoune)
• Smara

Sights and Activities

Driving

Driving? Yes, to leave the state as soon as possible. Most of the country is mined, the landscape is impressive but monotonous and after all, it is a very popular route from Europe towards West Africa. Still, if you like desert landscapes and good tarred roads, this is the country for you. Roads from Morocco towards Mauritania are now paved almost all the way and a few inland roads are paved as well.

Desert shipwrecks

The coastal area has a number of shipwrecks on the beaches where the Sahara starts immediately. There are quiet a few and for a quick impression visit this website.

Other sights and activities

The Longest Conveyor Belt in the World!

Events and Festivals

Weather

The Western Sahara has a desert climate with generally hot, dry and sunny conditions.
Temperatures along the coast are somewhat tempered and generally are between 25 and 30 degrees Celcius during the day and between 15 and 20 degrees at night. Inland, temperatures during summer (June to September) can be much higher, averaging around 40 degrees Celcius, but close to 50 degrees is possible. With winds blowing directly east from the Sahara, also the coast gets its fair share of hot days above 40 degrees. Inland, winter nights can be rather chilly, especially in the north along the border with Morocco.
Rainfall is sparse and unreliable but usually summers are virtually rainless while most of the rainy days are between November and March, but only a few each month.

Getting There

By Plane

Hassan Airport (EUN) near El Aaiún receives most international flights, mainly from Agadir and Casablanca in Morocco (Royal Air Maroc and Regional Airlines) and to and from Las Palmas and several other seasonal flights from cities in Spain. Air Algérie has flights as well. Other than that there are not many options. Infrequent flights connect Dakhla with Agadir and Casablanca as well.

By Car

The route from Morocco to West Africa travels through the Western Sahara and is getting more and more popular now that almost the entire road is paved all the way to Mauritania. You don't need a 4wd car to get you there, a regular car will be fine. Be sure to have you papers and insurance in order though. You can take rental cars from Morocco to Western Sahara and as Morocco treats the region as domestic part of the country, there are no formal designated borders.

By Bus

Buses travel between both Dakhla and Laayoun towards Moroccan cities like Agadir and Casablanca, but it takes a long time to get there and flying is preferable. CTM has buses on these route, stopping in Tarfaya, Tan Tan, Goulmime and a few other places en route.

By Boat

There are no boats between Western Sahara and other countries.

Getting Around

By Car

The main roads along the coast is paved all the way from Morocco to Mauritania and in a good shape. Don't wander of this road or several other major roads, as there is always the risk of landmines. Rental cars are available at the international airport or in Dakhla and El Auin. Most visitors travelling around by car though have brought there own car from Europe or rented a car in Morocco. Check policies before entering though. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit.

By Bus

Buses like at least Dakhla and El Auin on a daily basis. Minibuses and shared taxis also ply the main routes between cities and towns, but as there are few people living in the country, there is not always sufficient demand.

By Boat

The only boat that you are likely to take will be a local fisherman's boat, but other than that there are no services.

Red Tape

As Morocco considers the Western Sahara as its territory and there aren't even official border controls with the country, the same regulations apply:

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days:

Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Republic of Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guinea (Conakry), Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore (up to one month only), Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela. (Source: Consulate-General of Morocco in New York)

Permissions to extend a stay must be requested from the nearest Police Precinct in Morocco.

All others are required to obtain visas of single or double entries, and a stay of up to 90 days.

Money

See also Money Matters

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One dirham is equivalent with 100 santimat (singular: santim).

• Banknotes 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dirham
• Coins 1, 5, 10, 20 santimat; ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Most travellers won't have any trouble travelling in Western Sahara. The main thing to remember is not to wander of the main roads, because mines are still a severe risk, despite recent clearing of areas.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post