DAKAR.MA / Cities & places
Dakar 2027 cities: plan your stay
From the Mediterranean crossing to the final stage in Marrakech, each stop calls for a different kind of visit. Choose a city to understand its role in the rally and plan accommodation, meals and local travel.
Checked 2 November 2026
Nador
Nador is where the Dakar changes shores. The sea arrival announced for 11 January opens the Moroccan leg, followed by a transfer to Bouârfa. Plan this stop around port logistics and onward travel rather than a day of racing in the city.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗02First Moroccan stagesBouârfa
Bouârfa is the rally’s first base after the sea crossing. Two loop stages precede the departure for Zagora. For a visitor, staying in one place can simplify planning: keep the same room and organise each day from town.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗03Drâa valley & loop stageZagora
Zagora shifts the journey into the Drâa valley. Arrival from Bouârfa, a local loop and departure for Agadir create three different days. Settle in long enough to enjoy the palm grove as well, without turning every rally break into another race against time.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗04Arrival & rest dayAgadir
Agadir offers a pause in the schedule. After arrival on 16 January, Sunday 17 is announced as a rest day before the departure for Smara. Visitors can use the break to slow down, prepare for the second week and spend time by the Atlantic.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗05Saharan rally baseSmara
Smara appears repeatedly in the second week. The caravan arrives from Agadir, leaves for “Refuge”, returns and completes a loop before heading for Marrakech. That pattern matters more for planning a stay than a simple “18–22 January” date range.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗06Final stage & finishMarrakech
Marrakech closes the journey. Arrival from Smara precedes the final stage on 23 January, with an announced 22 km special. Plan a proper city stay: the end of the rally can become the start of a few days exploring the medina, gardens and Moroccan cooking.
Hotels and places to stay · Restaurants and cafés ↗The Dakar in this city
These guides cover the named stops in the announced itinerary, not every settlement along the special stages. Nador is a transit point. “Refuge” is a bivouac label with no town identified. The route approaches Dakhla without naming it as a stage town. Check detailed routes and spectator zones with the organiser.
Starting points for your own research, with no ranking or partnership implied. Links lead to the sources checked; confirm availability, prices, opening hours, parking and access for non-residents directly before booking.
Sources & checks
Checked 2 November 2026. The announced schedule may change. A named stop does not establish public access to the bivouac or an authorised viewing point.