Coming from the west, after crossing the endless regs outlined with ribbon-like sand of the Inchiri, then the scattered massifs of the Amsaga, the Adrar distinguishes itself by towering, sheer cliffs that stretch between the Kediet ej Jill to the north and the depression of the Khatt méridional to the south, spanning nearly 600 km.

This series of sandstone plateaus (quartzitic sandstone) belongs to the south-western extremity of the Arawane-Taoudeni basin. To the east, the plateau disappears beneath the formidable dunes of the Maghteir and Wârane.

These two immense ergs are the western continuation of the Erg Chech, which originates at the south-western borders of the Grand Erg Occidental in Algeria, and they conclude their journey in the Atlantic Ocean, having once again changed their name: the Akchar and the Amatlich. These dune complexes form part of the great sand massifs that develop in a crescent across the entire north-western stretch of the Saharan Africa.

The western part of the Adrar is formed by extensive faults of tectonic origin that cut through the plateaus, followed by an important hydrographic network. Countless palm groves and settled villages dot the borders of the oueds. Date palm cultivation and market gardening are the principal activities of the Maure tribes living there. The Sahara is generous in these parts. Goat herding is also very much in evidence. Living under tents on the austere surrounding plateaus, the nomads are camel herders. Here, the complementarity between nomadic and settled groups reveals its full strength.