The Guetna, the festival of desert fruits
In the height of Saharan summer, the Guetna transforms sleeping palm groves into theaters of celebration.
Duration
9 days
Ideal seasons
Jul, Aug
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
You have come to Mauritania, you have read a book about Mauritania: you have heard about the Guetna festival!
Very few visitors have had the opportunity to experience this important period of Mauritanian life.
"Adrar T'mar", the Adrar of dates, its palm groves, its qsour are renowned throughout the country, and far beyond.
To see or revisit the palm groves, but this time animated by encounters with occasional residents, visitors, relatives, neighbors – there is constant movement from one palm grove to another during the guetna to try to enjoy all the festivities. Those who have traveled with us in Adrar know these hamlets that seem abandoned, around the palm groves. Since we have been going to Mauritania (1994), our friends from Adrar have been urging us to visit them in summer, and inviting us for this famous guetna; always with a hint of mystery in their voice…
This stay is scheduled during the theoretical rainy season ("hivernage"): showers and flooded wadis may enhance the program.
So this year - to mark our return - the desire is too strong, we leave to brave the heat – but the oases are cooler than the erg – to share in the date harvest festivities.
Traditionally the nomads "came out" of the desert to come and enjoy their date cure in their oases. Leaving a few herders in the bush with the herds, thus escaping the most intense heat. The nomadic tribes came to enjoy their due before it risked disappearing.
To control the harvest therefore, a source of income, but also a time of family and tribal gatherings, marriages, exchange of news from all horizons, maintenance of political clientelism, etc. The three main components of this journey are palm trees, tea, and encounters…
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
International flight from Europe to Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital
Paris Aéroport → Nouakchott
Indicative flight proposal: Royale Air Maroc.
We depart in the late afternoon for the Mauritanian capital via Casablanca in Morocco. Once formalities are completed, we welcome you in the hall of the Nouakchott airport terminal.
By a short transfer into town, we reach our hotel in the middle of the night for well-deserved rest.
Towards the Adrâr, Atar then Wadane
After leaving the city and its suburbs, we take the beautiful paved road that heads northeast towards the mining town of Akjoujt.
The Trarza region and the Atlantic coast are now behind us, the vegetation changes and becomes increasingly Saharan.
The vast sandy plains of Inchiri lead us to the somewhat surreal town of Akjoujt. Mining industry is present there and, since the Chalcolithic, Man has been extracting copper, gold and other materials.
Progressively the landscape changes. You are now driving in the Amsaga region.
In the distance, to the east, the dark barrier of Adrâr begins to take shape. You pass the great alluvial plain of Yagref and the village of Aïn Ahel Taya. The road crosses the first escarpment of Adrâr.
We leave the town of Atar to head towards the main cliff of the Adrâr. The track to climb onto the plateau (dhar) is, to date, good but it can be degraded by the rains that occur in late summer.
It runs along the edge of the cliff. To the south, the small Herrour massif forms a slight relief. Between sand and rocks, we head towards the ksar of Wadâne, the last town before the great solitudes of the Mauritanian borders.
Climate in summer
Deliberately, we will head directly to Wadâne where temperatures are the lowest in the country and in the Adrâr.
However the sand will be hot, we will spend most of the time in the shade of date palms. Gusts of east wind (Irifi) are possible. We often drive at night, or at the "extremities of the day".
Temperature in July and August in Adrar: average of highs 41°, average of lows 34°. The very dry atmosphere makes it possible to withstand the heat.
Note that we regularly experience temperatures at this level in March or April during our hikes in the region.
Travel: in air-conditioned vehicle; hikes will be organized according to locations and times.
The guetna in the wadi of opulence and knowledge, Wadane, Tin Labe
This journey will follow in the footsteps of Odette du Puigaudeau and Marion Sénones, who traveled by camel in the summer of 1934 between Atar, Chinguetti and Wadane. Their adventure is documented in Odette du Puigaudeau's book "La grande foire aux dattes" (1936), unfortunately out of print; a new edition should be forthcoming. Here are two excerpts:
p. 12: « … And besides! You don't know the Sahara unless you've seen it at its peak, that is to say during the dry season, smoking with hot sand under the gusts of the east wind. You wanted to pass through the Adrar last winter: the qsour in ruins abandoned to the serfs who cultivate the cereal fields and the palm groves would have disappointed you. Whereas now, you will find in these same qsour a picturesque, teeming life, a crowd of people of all kinds, of all tribes, come from the four corners of the earth! »
p. 67: « in this mid-July, they [the palms] raised their green crowns against a blinding sky, interlaced their leaves around clusters of cherry-red, amber-yellow or dark brown fruits, more or less ripe, and wove on the sand the openwork basketry of a light shadow. Everything comes from them: rest, pleasure, health, the hedge of the fields and the dwellings of men, these huts placed on the sand like overturned baskets. They are the ornament and the wealth of the Adrar. »
Camel trek to the lost oasis of Tanouchert, one night with the nomads
Wadane → Amadel Guibli
We leave the old caravan city of Wadâne heading towards the golden sands. We drive easily through this sandy and gently undulating landscape. To the south, the dunes of the Warane erg develop.
We rejoin our nomadic caravan which heads towards the Tanouchert palm grove.
Amadel Guibli → Tanouchert
We are heading westward. Sand is very present and to the south the dunes of Warane are visible on the horizon, at this place, impenetrable, they are called Marmat.
Gradually the steady pace of our caravan brings us closer to a small mountain range that blocks our horizon.
We can now see a cluster of palm trees set in a crown of dunes. The oasis of Tanouchert is there, mysterious.
The Tanouchert palm grove extends along the edge of the Warane erg. Large sand dunes dominate it. We reach it after a lovely ride.
In the afternoon, we discover what makes our hosts wealthy. Date cultivation, the strategic position of this water point are equally fascinating things.
As evening falls, we stay to sleep in traditional huts.
From Tanouchert to the El Kheouiya Semi-Nomadic Camp
Tanouchert → El Kheouiya
Following an unchanging ritual, the animals are loaded with precision even though we get the impression that everything is piled haphazardly on the backs of these animals.
The caravan sets off with the objective of reaching a relief bordered by elongated dunes.
We climb onto this ridge that stretches from north to south and descends into the dunes of the erg Warane. This esker is the remains of a subglacial deposit standing out.
In Adrâr, we have two similar geomorphological features, this one which is called Herrour, and a very beautiful one as well which, further to the west, is the mega-ridge of Zarga.
We reach the semi-nomadic camp of El Kheouiya. Established on the banks of a major wadi, our hosts have left their mark on our history.
The semi-nomadic camp of El Kheouiya is settled there during major droughts. For several years now, the camp has been developing: livestock farming of goats and camelids (from 2 camels in 1993, there are now more than 70 animals), creation of a school in 1994, development of a small palm grove associated with gardens in 1999, and now, some permanent structures.
"But we, we stay under the tent," Atfeil, the camp leader, assures us…
The bonds we maintain with the different families of the camp are close and deeply friendly.
Chinguetti, the Pearl of the Mauritanian Desert
El Kheouiya → Chinguetti
Along the edge of the Warane erg, following in the footsteps of Odette du Puigaudeau who made this journey by camel in the summer of 1934, we approach Chinguetti.
This famous city will reveal some of its secrets to us, thanks to our friends, companions of our usual camel treks in the region. We visit this ancient city and its gardens; we may travel a few kilometers to visit the village of some of our camel handlers.
The ancient city of Chinguetti
Chinguetti was founded by the Ida Ouali around 1525, upstream from Abweyr, which has now disappeared and was itself created in 1261.
The probable etymology of the toponym shingitî would be:
horse well, from Soninké: si: well + n: of + gede: horse.
Chinguetti was the most active commercial centre and the most important city in the Western Sahara. It was considered by Mauritanians as the 7th holy city of Islam with its 11 mosques, its 100 wells and its circle of scholars.
In 1675, a massacre perpetrated by part of the Ida-ou-Ali led to the breaking up of the group, whose survivors founded another ksar in Tagant, Tidjikja.
Today only a single mosque remains and the memory of prosperous periods…
The main tribes that make up its population are the Ida-ou-Ali, the Laghlal and the Oulad Gheilan.
With their narrow and winding streets, their numerous dead ends, their low and dark houses made of local materials, their almost total absence of squares and communal spaces, Chinguetti and Wadâne have the structure of old ksour densely huddled around their mosques.
Towards the Western Adrâr and the Great Palm Groves
Chinguetti → Mhaireth
Departing from Chinguetti, we cross a good track winding between brown sandstone slabs. Then, via a steep track which allows access to the main plateau of the Mauritanian Adrâr, we reach the enclosed valley of Mhairet.
The people of Atar have their palm trees in this oasis, hidden in the fissure of a wadi. A striking contrast awaits the traveler, between the harshness of the plateau and the welcome of the palm trees and water that one discovers from above.
We will be able to hike in this wadi invaded by beautiful dunes, containing several gueltas. We will have the opportunity to compare the different varieties of dates from the main towns on the Adrar plateau, which are in fierce competition…
Mhaireth → Tergit
The track climbs the plateau and then, after a few kilometers, we reach the paved road. This road axis connects the Adrâr region to the Tagant region and its capital Tidjikja.
A lovely descent allows us to access the Tergit oasis.
We quickly leave the palm grove and the dark barrier of the Adrâr begins to take shape. We pass through the village of Aïn Ahel Taya and the large alluvial plain of Yagref.
Progressively the landscape changes. We are now driving in the Amsaga region.
In the distance, to the east, the dark barrier of the Adrâr begins to fade away.
We continue our journey across the large sandy plains of the Inchiri. Very quickly, we reach the outskirts of the Mauritanian capital.
We settle in at the hotel.
International flight to Paris
Nouakchott → Paris Aéroport
Following your flight schedule to France, we transfer you to the Nouakchott-Oumtounsy international airport.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flight Paris - Nouakchott - Paris
- Visa fees upon entry to Mauritanian territory
- Personal expenses, drinks
- Tips at your convenience
- Cancellation insurance, first aid costs, repatriation
Included
- Welcome and assistance at Nouakchott Airport
- Transfer then transport in 4x4 vehicle
- Camel team for assistance during trekking
- The complete management of a driver and a cook
- All camping equipment, cooking and supply materials
- Full board throughout your trip to Mauritanie
- Comfortable guesthouse in Chinguetti in double room
- Simple guesthouse in Wadâne on a double room basis
- Jeloua Guest House in Nouakchott
- Entries into houses with manuscripts in Chinguetti, in Wadâne
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Mauritanie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Mauritanie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent en principe être munis d'un visa pour entrer en Mauritanie. Ce visa peut être obtenu :
auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Mauritanie dans le pays de résidence avant le départ,
ou, selon les conditions en vigueur, à l'arrivée à l'aéroport international de Nouakchott (visa on arrival), pour un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours.
Il est fortement recommandé de se renseigner auprès des autorités mauritaniennes ou de l'ambassade compétente avant le départ, les modalités d'obtention du visa pouvant évoluer.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement ou une lettre d'invitation.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucune vaccination n'est officiellement obligatoire pour entrer en Mauritanie, à l'exception du vaccin contre la fièvre jaune si vous arrivez en provenance d'un pays où cette maladie est endémique.
Cependant, plusieurs vaccinations sont fortement recommandées par les autorités sanitaires :
Hépatites A et B
Typhoïde
Méningite à méningocoque
Rage (selon les activités prévues)
Mise à jour du calendrier vaccinal habituel (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite)
La prophylaxie antipaludéenne est recommandée pour l'ensemble du territoire mauritanien. Consultez un médecin ou un centre de vaccinations internationales avant votre départ.
Sécurité et enregistrement
Les autorités mauritaniennes peuvent exiger l'enregistrement des voyageurs étrangers auprès des services de police ou de la gendarmerie locale dans les 48 heures suivant l'arrivée, notamment en dehors de la capitale. Il est conseillé de se renseigner sur les obligations en vigueur au moment du voyage.
En raison du contexte sécuritaire dans certaines régions du pays, il est recommandé de consulter les conseils aux voyageurs délivrés par les autorités de votre pays de résidence avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Mauritanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
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Explorer'Annulation
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Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required and is issued upon arrival at Nouakchott Airport or at the consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. The security situation requires heightened vigilance. Before booking your trip, please check with the consulate or embassy of your destination for entry requirements applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 180 and 300 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-800 euros return) are additional. The desert, the Sahara train and the beaches offer unique experiences.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Adrar
Craftsperson of journeys in the heart of Mauritania, based in Atar
Mauritania is a country that reveals itself with respect and patience. My role is to help each traveler approach it in the best conditions, with confidence and curiosity.
— Isselmou
