Western Sahara🇪🇭 | best national parksYour Guide to the Best national parks in Western Sahara

How many to visit: I advise two parks at most, and one is fine. Distances here are measured in half days on a bus, and a single well-done visit with a local guide gives you more flat light on the lagoon and more birds than three rushed ones. You get time to sit still while flamingos feed in the shallows.

Choosing a kind: Coastal wetland and dune parks are the realistic option for most people. If you want birdwatching and photography, pick the lagoon environments in winter. If you are after desert solitude, choose a dune and open-plain area with a hired 4x4 and driver, which is costly but gets you silence and a sky with almost no light pollution. The eastern territory beyond the sand wall is not a backpacker option, so skip it.

What it costs: Expect US$30 to 55 a day on the ground (MAD 300 … read more 👉

How many to visit: I advise two parks at most, and one is fine. Distances here are measured in half days on a bus, and a single well-done visit with a local guide gives you more flat light on the lagoon and more birds than three rushed ones. You get time to sit still while flamingos feed in the shallows.

Choosing a kind: Coastal wetland and dune parks are the realistic option for most people. If you want birdwatching and photography, pick the lagoon environments in winter. If you are after desert solitude, choose a dune and open-plain area with a hired 4x4 and driver, which is costly but gets you silence and a sky with almost no light pollution. The eastern territory beyond the sand wall is not a backpacker option, so skip it.

What it costs: Expect US$30 to 55 a day on the ground (MAD 300 to 550) covering a simple room, local meals and shared transport. Entry is often free or a nominal fee. A half-day boat or guided outing typically costs MAD 300 to 600 (US$30 to 60) per person in a group. A private 4x4 with driver runs about MAD 1,500 to 2,500 (US$150 to 250) a day, so split it with others. Carry cash, since ATMs are only in towns, and you get the benefit of bargaining directly with operators.

Safety and conduct: Stay west of the berm and off unmarked tracks, because mines remain in the east and old military zones. Carry at least 3 liters of water per person, plus a hat, sunscreen and a windproof layer. Cell coverage drops quickly outside the towns, so tell your host where you are going. The territory is politically sensitive, so avoid commenting on sovereignty and ask before photographing police, military posts or local people. Dress modestly in towns. The reward is welcoming tea in a Sahrawi tent and a calm, unhurried welcome.