October 8, 2025 – Crossing Western Sahara
Good day. Today is a big distance if we can make it. We’re leaving from Laayun in Western Sahara, and although there isn’t a formal border crossing, most larger towns have police stops to check passports. The officers are friendly and generally just wish you a safe journey. You need to be prepared for long stretches with few towns and carry enough supplies in case of a breakdown.
The Long Road to Boujdour
The drive spans about 520 km with very few towns along the way. Our only stop was Boujdour, a fun little town, but otherwise it was a long drive over mostly rocky terrain with occasional sand blown onto the road. Large trucks can appear suddenly, so attention is required. Along the coast, small cabins appear every few kilometers, likely housing military personnel to guard the area. People also fish along the coast in remote spots, showing how isolated some stretches truly are.
Approaching Dakhla Peninsula
As we approached Dakhla, we encountered the peninsula’s long stretch of road. The city emerges around 30 km into the peninsula, and the coastline features an amazing kite surfing area with over 100 kite surfers enjoying the wind and water. The roads leading to Dakhla were in good shape, but within the city, pavements and sidewalks are under repair as infrastructure improvements are ongoing.
First Impressions of Dakhla
Dakhla feels somewhat desolate during the day. Streets are quiet, and there is little activity, but in the evening, markets and squares come alive. Shops and vendors set up everything from clothes to shoes, creating a lively atmosphere that disappears again by the next morning. Staying an extra night was helpful as we were waiting for our electronic visas for Mauritania.
Unexpected Challenges
Along the way, I received an unexpected speeding ticket when approaching Dakhla — signs reducing speed from 100 to 60 km/h appeared quickly, and I ended up going 76 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. A $15 fine wasn’t too bad, and it served as a reminder to pay close attention. We also used the hotel’s help to print out our Mauritanian visas, which is an essential part of traveling through these coastal countries in Africa.
Reflections on the Day
It was a long day of driving across remote desert roads, punctuated by the sudden arrival of a city, kite surfers along the peninsula, and bustling evening markets. The main logistical concern in coastal Africa remains visas, but navigating them is part of the adventure. Thanks for coming along, and we’ll continue the journey next time.
