The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, or SADR, is located in the territory of Western Sahara in northwestern Africa. Covering an area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers, the region is home to around 405,000 inhabitants.
The constitutional capital is the city of El Aaiún. Nearly the entire territory of Western Sahara is administered by Morocco. The country’s official language is Arabic. However, tourists can also communicate in many regions using English, French, or Spanish. The population of Western Sahara is predominantly made up of the Sahrawis, descendants of Arabs and Berbers. Almost the entire population of Western Sahara adheres to Islam.
Highlights of Western Sahara
One of the region’s most striking attractions is its impressive desert landscape dotted with palm-fringed oases. Much of this terrain consists of rocky deserts, with large sections also covered by sand dunes. Within this environment, visitors on camel treks through the Sahara may spot wildlife such as the fennec fox, the spiny-tailed lizard, or the jerboa.
Desert tours are particularly popular in Western Sahara and can be undertaken by jeep or camel. Multi-day expeditions through the Sahara often include meals served in traditional Bedouin tents.
The city of Dakhla in southern Western Sahara is another favored destination, especially during the winter months, when its beaches attract kiteboarders and windsurfers. The water temperature remains consistently around 25 degrees Celsius year-round.
Location and Climate
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is situated in northwestern Africa. It shares land borders with Algeria to the northeast, Morocco to the north, and Mauritania to the south and east. To the west, Western Sahara borders the Atlantic Ocean, with a coastline stretching over 1,100 kilometers.
Western Sahara has an arid, hot desert climate. Summer temperatures can soar to 45 degrees Celsius, while winter nights may drop to as low as 10 degrees. Rainfall is rare throughout the year, and coastal areas often experience fog. The region is also affected by the Harmattan and Sirocco winds.
Travel and Entry
Tourists can enter Western Sahara exclusively via Mauritania through the PK 55 border crossing. Travelers must drive 20 kilometers along a road in no man’s land to reach the checkpoint. Due to extensive minefields in the area, visitors are strongly advised to stay on the established route and avoid driving off-path to minimize the risk of landmines. Since 2002, tourists have been permitted to cross into Western Sahara without military escort. However, Germany’s Federal Foreign Office generally advises against travel to the region due to safety concerns.
If travel to Western Sahara is still planned, a travel permit is required, which can be obtained from the Moroccan embassy or consulate. Travelers should note that crossing into Morocco from Mauritania via Western Sahara is not recommended. Additionally, visitors must stop at military checkpoints within the territory.
