The 444-kilometer border between Morocco and Western Sahara, set by a 1904 treaty, is a faint line in the Sahara, blurred by Morocco’s 1976 annexation. You won’t find formal border crossings, as Morocco considers Western Sahara its Southern Provinces, with checkpoints like those near Tarfaya and Laayoune monitoring movement. A curious detail: the Moroccan Wall, a 1,500-km berm, divides Moroccan-controlled areas from Polisario’s Free Zone, laced with landmines, so stick to main roads.
Summer heat (June-August) is brutal, while winter (December-February) is milder but dustier. No visa is needed beyond Morocco’s requirements, but carry your passport for frequent checks. Expect delays at checkpoints during holidays.
Visit Dakhla’s coastal lagoons or Laayoune’s markets. Travel early to avoid queues, and carry dirhams, as cards are rarely accepted. Stay updated, as political tensions can heighten security. The N1 highway is safe for overland travel to Mauritania.