The Adrar by 4x4 + 1-day camel trek

The Adrar by 4x4 + 1-day camel trek

The Adrar region is located in the geographical and historical heart of Mauritania. Adrar is a plateau that overlooks a largely flat desert region. In the Berber language, the word “adrar” means “mountain.” On this 4x4 expedition, you’ll discover the region’s diverse landscapes and its people.

Highlights: Nouakchott – Chinguetti – Ouadane – Terjit – Tiffoujar – Azoueiga – Campsite.

YOUR TRIP

J 1 NOUAKCHOTT - AZOUGUI - ATAR

Arrival on the flight from Casablanca around 1:45 a.m., followed by a 30-minute transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, departure for the town of Atar. Picnic en route or in Atar.

Visit the stromatolite site at Gsseir Tourchane, the beautiful Tinzak Pass, and the lovely Azougui palm grove. Overnight stay at the Auberge du Bonheur in Atar.

Duration: 5–6 hours; distance: 430 km; overnight stay at the inn.

J 2 ATAR - OUADANE

Early morning departure. We leave Atar and head due east along the track toward the ancient historic city of Ouadane. Passing through the Ebnou Pass, a short detour to the left allows us to enjoy the Amogjar Pass and the ruins of Fort Saganne.

The afternoon is devoted to visiting the old town (the ruins of the fortified city). Overnight in Ouadane at a campsite.

Duration: 2.5 hours, distance: 200 km, and overnight at an inn.

J 3 OUADANE - TANOUCHERT - CHINGUETTI

We leave Ouadane behind us. We drive westward across the sand to reach the beautiful little palm grove of Tenochert, half-buried under the dunes of Maarmat. We then cross the lovely Herour esker to reach Legneyba. Then we follow the base of the Erg Ouarane, passing through interdune valleys (teyaret) to descend into the Chinguitti wadi. We pass just before the beautiful palm grove of Ntkemekemt, which stands north of Abweir, “little well,” a highly symbolic site where the buried ruins of the first city of Chinguitti are located.

Visit one of Chinguitti’s largest ancient libraries, the mosque, and the ruins surrounding it.

Duration: 3 hours, distance: 90 km, and overnight stay at an inn.

J 4 JOURNEE MEHAREE

This day-long hike gives you the chance to get up close to the camels and experience the life of a camel herder on a camel trek around Chinguetti. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the desert, as well as an evening meal featuring a traditional flatbread.

Overnight in a campsite.

Duration: 3 hours of hiking (1.5 hours in the afternoon) & overnight in a campsite.

J 5 CHINGUETTI – ZARGA - M’HEIRETH - TERJIT

We get back in the 4x4s and head due west toward Mount Zarga to have tea in front of the beautiful Tichilit El Ategue dune. Then a sandy track, rough in places, leads us to one of the most beautiful and largest palm groves in Adrar: M’heireth. We’ll take a stroll and have a picnic before continuing on to the beautiful Terjit palm grove with its warm spring. We’ll visit the spring and set up camp.

Swimming is possible before setting up camp.

Duration: 3.5 hours & overnight camping.

J 6 TERJIT - TIMINIT - MADENE

Leaving from Terjit, we take the paved Atar-Tagant road to Aoujeft and the Timinit oasis. We’ll take a short walk to the palm trees. We’ll have a picnic in the Waghchedah area, and in the afternoon we’ll continue on to the village of Meaden.

Duration: 2.5 hours, distance: 60 km, and overnight camping.

J 7 MEADEN - AZOUEIGA

From the village of Meaden, we descend into the Vallée Blanche (Oued Blanc) to admire the beauty of the valley, from Chatou Sghir to Chatou El Kebir, passing through the beautiful palm grove of Toungad and its splendid guelta. We then leave the beautiful Vallée Blanche behind and head toward the stunning Tifoujar Pass, which rises at the end of an impressive sandy canyon.

From Tifoujar, we head due south to reach the Gleitat palm grove, before continuing on to the beautiful Azoueiga palm grove. We camp facing the majestic dune.

Duration: 3 hours, distance: 40 km, and overnight camping.

J 8 AZOUEIGA - NOUAKCHOTT

Departure in the morning for the return trip to Nouakchott. Lunch en route.

Transfer by 4x4; 6 to 7 hours by road; distance: 370 km.

Tour of Nouakchott. Dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to the airport at midnight.

J 9 NOUAKCHOTT – CASABLANCA on the return flight at 2:45 a.m.

  Fiche Technique de Adrar en 4x4

                     Departure dates and prices (Flights: Paris, Nouakchott, Paris)