Private Tour
Private Tour To Imlili Natural And Human History
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the nature, history and culture of the desert around Dakhla, with focus on the truly unique Sebkha of Imlili. Come with us for a mildly intense, low-paced adventure during which we'll search for the tracks left by desert animals, look for desert birds, explore the geology and evolution of a spectacular and fragile ecosystem, learn about the ancient and recent history of the site, look for fossils and neolithic tools, and experience highlights of the local culture. Wondering why Imlili is so important? Our guide will tease you offering small clues throughout the first part of the journey, building up a climax that will eventually be resolved once at the sebkha and will be further complemented with observations on the way back.
Important note: The Sebkha of Imili is a unique and fragile ecosystem to be visited with respect and care – we will not allow our guests to “feed the fish”, nor to bath or have “fish pedicure” (also as per local rules).
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Overview of the Dakhla Bay. About 30 minutes into our journey (depending on the location of your hotel), we will stop at a high-ground vantage point for a stunning view over the Bay of Dakhla, the White Dune and the so-called "Secret Spot" (which, time permitting, we will visit on the way back to your hotel). The "Secret Spot" is one of the most important wetlands of the Dakhla bay, with an incredible variety of plants (including some living in the water!), birds and marine animals. This brief pause will provide the first important clues on the natural history of the region and of the Sebkha of Imlili, in particular. After this brief stop we will continue along the coastal road for about 40 minutes, passing by the village of Argoub and overlooking the bay of Dakhla for its entire length.
While everyone goes straight to the sebkha of Imlili, the desert around it truly deserves to be explored. We will therefore follow a longer itinerary and visit different sites chosen for their botanic, geological and historical value (not to mention the amazing landscapes, ranging from rocky cliffs to barren ground dotted with bushes and acacia trees!). Depending on season and recent weather conditions, we may be lucky enough to see dozens of flowering plants or spot desert and migratory birds. We will also look for traces of prehistoric (Neolithic) and recent human presence, and go further back in time identifying different fossils found within and around rocks.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Water is provided throughout the time in the field. Please bring your own refillable bottle to help us reduce plastic waste (thank you!).
A warm and tasty Saharawi tea is offered, if lunch is under a Saharawi tent.
Air-conditioned vehicle
A simple but tasty, home-made pic-nic is included. This is usually planned under a Saharawi tents, unless conditions require otherwise. Please let us know in advance about any dietary restriction!
Pickup points
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Private Tour To Imlili Natural And Human History
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable experience by someone who knows the secret paths untraveled!
Christian A,,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic and best thing one could do in Dakhla. You’re in great hands and you’ll be amazed at everything! Martina is an expert at doing this and will make you feel at home. What I appreciated the most is that she knew the secret paths. A lot of these tours pump you out somewhere that’ll just get over touristy. Martina on the other hand is within the world of academia (and gelato) and will be able to open your eyes to the history, biology, culture, geology, and everything. I guarantee you’ll go places no one goes to in Dakhla.
Exceptional trip with Martina
Curious05456604247,,Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful day off the beaten track and tourists. Martina is passionate and exciting and has given us many explanations with patience and kindness Lunch in the tent was perfect. I recommend
Not to be missed
julienastier,,Sep 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day off the classic circuits. Martina passionately transmits to us the riches of the region, its history, its landscapes, its fauna, its flora... slopes, homemade picnic, Saharawi tea, at the top.
Exceptional!
Mohamed C,,Apr 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unmissable experience in Dakhla if you want to explore the region off the beaten track in the company of a naturalist guide who is as professional as she is generous. Martina is a nature enthusiast who loves to share her passion. Between Neolithic fossils, natural and human history of the Sahara, exceptional site of the sebkha of imlili and Sahrawi tea prepared before your eyes under a tent in a bivouac in the middle of nowhere, you will know everything or almost everything about Dakhla, its bay and the surrounding desert.
A great experience
C5947JYmartinf,,Mar 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martina did a great job as my personal tour guide for a day. It was very interesting to listen to her competent and detailed explanations about the history of the area and things that we discovered in the nature during this day. Her tour differs slightly from those of other providers with a focus on the beauty of nature. Based on my experience I can highly recommend her.
Top top top!!!
V4731LJcarolines,,Jan 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.002 wonderful days discovering the beauties of Dakhla. Martina brings us her perspective on this beautiful region by sharing with us her extensive knowledge and a different approach to this environment. You definitely won't find a better guide in Dakhla!!
A fun adventure!
604wanderer,,Dec 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful day with Martina, she is one of those rare guides who makes a tour feel more like catching up with an old friend. Enthusiastic, attentive and knowledgable, a day with her is a day well spent. Hopefully I can join another tour with her someday!
Fantastic excursion
484emmanueller,,Aug 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a one day tour with Dakhla Rovers to Imlili with Martina and it was an unforgettable day for us and especially for our 10 years daughter! The preparation of the day trip by Martina was perfect. Martina is very professional, very open and passionate by environment, history and nature preservation. We learned so much during that day! Everything was perfect, the explanations, the itinerary, the home-made food and traditional tea in the middle of the desert under the tent, with the visit of a baby camel.
Excellent trip to Imlili and surrounding area
X6831TKstefanw,,Jul 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martina was an excellent guide on our day trip to Imlili and the surrounding area. She has an excellent knowledge of the entire Dakhla area. As a doctor of marine biology, she is not only able to explain the plant and animal background in a clear way, even for non-experienced visitors, but also the historical context around the Western Sahara. She responded very flexibly and professionally to our wishes and managed to inspire all participants of the tour. I can highly recommend this tour to Imlili. Dakhla Rovers and Martina are our primary contact point when we go to Dakhla.
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Operated by Dakhla Rovers Sarl