Trek from Chinguetti to Terjit, passing through the dunes and oases
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAfrica / Mauritania
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions2054.08 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
From Chinguetti , the holy city renowned for its precious manuscripts , you will cross the Ouarane erg for a total immersion in a sea of sand . You will then head towards the oasis of La Gueïla , before skirting the Zerga mountain range and admiring its magnificent colors . Along the way, you will pass through the Mehaireth oasis , the largest in Mauritania , where you can enjoy its vast palm groves . Your journey will finally lead you to the Terjit spring, a refreshing and welcome end to your desert crossing. You will conclude this adventure with a return to Atar , gazing at the stars and with pockets full of sand...
The highlights
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Relaxation at the Terjit spring and return under the stars of Atar
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Discover Chinguetti, a holy city and its precious ancient manuscripts
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Admire the colorful mountains of Zerga and the vast palm groves
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Some days with up to 7 hours of walking make this magnificent trek a must for trekkers. Elevation changes are generally minimal (200-300 m max). Crossing the dunes can sometimes be challenging, especially when the sand is soft. Good physical condition is required.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 22 km
Management
French
Program
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Arrival in Atar and transfer to Chinguetti
- Transportation Plane - 04h30 - 3461km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival in Atar , your guide will greet you and drive you by 4x4 to the caravan city of Chinguetti . This ancient holy city of Islam seems lost amidst the dunes. Depending on your flight schedule, you will explore the city, its libraries , and its precious manuscripts dating back to the 9th century . If your arrival is late, this visit will be postponed to the morning of Day 2. You will spend the night in a guesthouse .
Day 1 -
Departure of the trek from Chinguetti
- Transportation Car - 01h30
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 17 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, you'll meet your camel team , who will prepare and load your belongings for the start of the trek. You'll leave Chinguetti , nestled in the heart of the dunes, and make your way through this unique landscape. At midday, a picnic lunch is planned in the shade of the palm trees at the Gueïla oasis, where you can enjoy a relaxing moment and tea prepared by the camel drivers. In the afternoon, you'll continue across the endless dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The day will end with a bivouac in the heart of the dunes.
Day 2 -
Crossing the Lemghaleg erg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 25 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, you head due south to cross the vast expanse of the Lemghaleg erg , one of the world's largest sand seas , stretching for thousands of kilometers in the east of the country. The majestic, seemingly endless dunes offer a breathtaking spectacle throughout the day. After a picnic lunch along the way, you continue this timeless journey. In the evening, you set up camp near the Dakhlet Ould Mohamed Al Amin wadi .
Day 3 -
Between dunes and mountains towards El Ateg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 25 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You continue your journey along the Zerga mountain range, discovering the striking contrasts between dunes , rocky plateaus , and the acacia trees that dot the landscape. A short climb up Mount Al Ateg , an ancient pass, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire valley. At the end of the day, you set up camp in the dunes near El Ateg .
Day 4 -
Crossing the Lemoïzine plateau and exploring the wadis
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 25 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you follow your nomadic caravan to climb the rocky plateau of Lemoïzine , a spectacular landscape reminiscent of the lunar landscape. At midday, you reach the Irat wadi for a peaceful picnic . In the afternoon, you continue your trek to the Erat wadi , where you set up camp for the night.
Day 5 -
Descent towards the Mehaireth oasis and bivouac at Ichif
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 22 km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You descend from the plateau to reach the Mehaireth oasis , offering a majestic panoramic view. This oasis, the largest in Mauritania, stretches for over 10 km at the foot of the village of the same name. You enjoy a walk through the heart of the palm grove to discover its spring, a true natural treasure. A picnic in the shade of the palm trees allows you to savor this peaceful setting. In the afternoon, you continue your journey towards the Ichif wadi , where you set up camp for the night.
Day 6 -
Exploring the Terjit oasis and returning to Atar
- Transportation Car - 01h30
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today you arrive at the Terjit Oasis , a true haven of peace nestled in a deep canyon. This oasis, with its fresh, drinkable spring water flowing continuously from the rock, appears as a paradise in the middle of the desert. You are welcomed with the legendary warmth of the locals and can enjoy their traditional mint tea . A swim in the small, warm, shallow natural pool is also possible, offering a unique moment of relaxation. Dominated by cliffs and surrounded by lush greenery, the Terjit Oasis embodies a perfect harmony between natural beauty and human hospitality. After a picnic lunch and a well-deserved break, you rejoin your 4x4 vehicles for the return trip to Atar .
Day 7 -
Transfer to the airport and return flight
- Transportation Plane - 04h - 3461km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You are transferred to Atar airport to catch your return flight to Paris , marking the end of your adventure.
Day 8
Note
The route, distances, and walking times are approximate. They may be modified depending on trail conditions, weather, and the group's pace. In such cases, our experience in the field will guide us in choosing the best solution for your safety and that of the group.
Depending on your departure date, two transport logistics options are possible:
1. Via Nouakchott (9-day tour)
From October 2026 until departure on 12/12/2026 inclusive, the trip takes place over 9 days to include travel time to the desert:
- Saturday: flight to Nouakchott, arrival in the evening or at night, overnight stay at the hostel.
- Sunday: early morning transfer to Atar (5 hours drive) to join the heart of the program.
- From Monday to Friday: normal itinerary schedule.
- Saturday: mid-afternoon, return transfer to Nouakchott, overnight at the hostel.
- Sunday: airport transfer and return flight to France.
2. Via Atar (8-day tour - Direct flights)
For departures between December 19, 2026 and February 27, 2027, you will benefit from a direct flight from Paris to Atar. This option provides immediate access to the Adrar region.
- Saturday: Direct flight to Atar, welcome and short transfer to your first camp or hostel.
- From Sunday to Friday: normal itinerary.
- Saturday: Transfer to Atar airport and direct return flight to France.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will be accommodated in local hostels and in bivouacs , for a complete immersion in the local environment and culture.
- Days 1 and 7 : You will stay in local hostels located in Chinguetti and Atar. These simple establishments offer shared rooms with 3 to 5 beds, with shared showers and toilets . As local accommodation is limited, it is not possible to book private rooms.
- Days 2 to 6 : You will stay in a bivouac in the heart of the desert. A traditional Moorish tent, the khaïma , will be set up in the center of the camp for meals and socializing. You can sleep in the khaïma or opt for a double igloo tent provided at no extra charge. For those who prefer more personal space, a single tent is available. The bivouacs include 5 cm thick foam mattresses for greater comfort.
During this stay, you will be accommodated in local hostels and in bivouacs , for a complete immersion in the local environment and culture.
- Days 1 and 7 : You will stay in local hostels located in Chinguetti and Atar. These simple establishments offer shared rooms with 3 to 5 beds, with shared showers and toilets . As local accommodation is limited, it is not possible to book private rooms.
- Days 2 to 6 : You will stay in a bivouac in the heart of the desert. A traditional Moorish tent, the khaïma , will be set up in the center of the camp for meals and socializing. You can sleep in the khaïma or opt for a double igloo tent provided at no extra charge. For those who prefer more personal space, a single tent is available. The bivouacs include 5 cm thick foam mattresses for greater comfort.
Access
Go to the starting point
- From Paris: Although there are no direct flights between Paris and Atar, some airlines offer connecting flights. For example, ASL Airlines France offers flights with one stopover.
- Via Nouakchott : You can take a flight from Paris to Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital. From there, it is possible to reach Atar by land or plane, depending on available connections.
Price details
The price includes
- The regular flight departing from Paris
- Transfers and local transport
- Luggage transfers
- Accommodation in shared rooms for 3 to 5 people, in hostels and bivouacs
- Full board stay
- The local team of drivers, camel drivers and cook
- Supervision by a French-speaking Mauritanian tour guide
The price does not include
- Personal expenses
- Full board on Day 1
- Drinks
- Transportation to the airport
- Visa fees apply if you arrive in Nouakchott (approximately €55). Visas are free if you arrive in Atar.
- Drinks and tips for local teams
Options
- Individual dome tent supplement : CHF68.61 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group camping equipment
- Collective and individual kitchen equipment
Equipment to bring
- Earplugs or Hearos
- Notepad, pen, book, or deck of cards
- Small pillow (inflatable or not) for added comfort
- Dirty laundry bag
- Sleeping bag: choose a model that is comfortable at 10°C below the expected temperatures.
- Down
- Cotton sleeping bag liner
- Toiletry bag
- Towel
- Sunscreen and protective stick (face and lips)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottle (1.5 liters minimum) or hydration pack (2 liters) for regular hydration
- Multi-purpose pocket knife
- Toilet paper + lighter for destruction
- Replacement battery or power bank for camera
Clothing to bring
- Footwear: avoid high-top shoes, which are not well-suited to the sand and the Mauritanian plateaus.
- Pack lightweight shoes (low-cut hiking boots or sneakers) and sandals to alternate depending on the conditions
- Warm socks (wool or looped) for cool evenings
- Canvas trousers and/or shorts
- Swimsuit (natural pool or hammam)
- Cotton shirts or T-shirts
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Hat or cap with neck protection, and/or a shemagh (to be purchased locally if needed)
- Sunglasses (category 3)
- Windbreaker
- Cap
- Gloves
Tip : Wear socks in your sandals to avoid sand abrasion.
