Suggested Itinerary (6-Day Round Trip)
- Day 1: Agadir → Sidi Ifni (165 km) — overnight in Sidi Ifni
- Day 2: Sidi Ifni → Tan-Tan → Akhfenir (270 km) — a rustic stop
- Day 3: Akhfenir → Laâyoune (240 km) — city tour
- Day 4: Laâyoune → Boujdour (190 km) — untouched beach
- Day 5: Boujdour → Dakhla (350 km) — dunes and lagoon
- Day 6+: Dakhla, kitesurfing, the White Dune, return journey
Key Distances
| Leg | Distance | Time | Petrol Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agadir → Tiznit | 95 km | 1h 30m | Frequent |
| Tiznit → Guelmim | 130 km | 1h 45m | Frequent |
| Guelmim → Tan-Tan | 125 km | 1h 30m | 3 stations |
| Tan-Tan → Akhfenir | 150 km | 2h | 2 stations |
| Akhfenir → Laâyoune | 240 km | 3h | 1–2 stations, fill up |
| Laâyoune → Boujdour | 190 km | 2h 30m | Scarce, fill up |
| Boujdour → Dakhla | 350 km | 4h 30m | Very scarce, filling up is MANDATORY |
The Full Tank Rule
From Akhfenir onwards, always fill your tank completely at every petrol station, even if it's still half full. The next refuelling point could be 200 km away. Running out of fuel in the Sahara is a serious problem.
Which Vehicle to Choose
The N1 road is tarmacked and in very good condition. A 4x4 is not necessary. A comfortable diesel SUV or saloon car is ideal. Diesel is strongly recommended for its range.
| Model | Diesel Range | Long-journey Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Dacia Duster diesel | 900 km | Adequate |
| Hyundai Tucson diesel | 900 km | Good |
| Renault Talisman | 1100 km | Excellent |
| Peugeot 508 | 1000 km | Excellent |
Checkpoints and Paperwork
Between Tan-Tan and Dakhla, expect 5 to 8 gendarmerie checkpoints. The procedure is standard: passport, vehicle papers, and sometimes the reason for your trip. Bring 8–10 photocopies of your passport to save time.
Information Form
Some checkpoints require a pre-filled form (name, passport, profession, address in Morocco, reason for travel). Prepare it on paper or on your phone to copy it out quickly.
Laâyoune and Boujdour
Laâyoune (Capital of the Moroccan Sahara)
A large, modern city with 250,000 inhabitants. Key sites include Place Mechouar, Moulay Abdelaziz Mosque, and the fish market. It has adequate hotel infrastructure and a variety of restaurants.
Boujdour
A small fishing town on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. It's known for its iconic lighthouse. An ideal logistical stop between Laâyoune and Dakhla.
Cities of the Sahara