Making waves: Morocco's Dakhla is a kitesurfing hotspot - in pictures

The North African city has become a popular destination for those who enjoy the water sport

Dakhla in Morocco has become something of a kitesurfing capital for watersport enthusiasts. The city in the Western Sahara, in the south-west of the North African country, is situated on a lagoon that opens out to the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal location for the aquatic sport.

The region has ideal conditions for kitesurfers year-round, but optimum months are between April to September, with the highest winds in July and August.

Click though the gallery above to see photos of kitesurfers in action. 

"Here there is nothing other than sun, wind and waves. We turned the adversity of the elements to our advantage: that's the very principle of kitesurfing," kitesurfer Rachid Roussafi told AFP.

Roussafi founded the first tourist camp at the lagoon in the early 2000s, following an international career in the sport.

"At the time, a single flight a week landed in Dakhla," the 49-year-old Moroccan said.

Today, there are 25 flights a week, including direct routes from Europe. To get to Dakhla from the UAE, fly to Casablanca directly with Emirates and Etihad, and take an internal Royal Air Maroc or Air Arabia Maroc flight to Dakhla Airport.

Tourist numbers have jumped from 25,000 in 2010 to 100,000 today, according to regional politician, Mohamed Cherif.