Located 450 kilometers northeast of the capital Nouakchott, the Adrar region is renowned for its extraordinary landscapes.  Meaning "mountain" in the Berber language, the Adrar is made up of impressive sheer cliffs and valleys where you can find a few palm groves that seem lost in the middle of the desert. We're taking you today on a discovery of the most beautiful oases of Adrar to see during a trip to Mauritania.

1. The Terjit Oasis

The Terjit palm grove is among the must-see sites during a trip to Mauritania. And with good reason, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful oasis in Adrar and one of the most important in the region.

Located 45 km south of Atar (the capital of Adrar), the Terjit oasis is home to a small village nestled between imposing sandstone mountains. But what makes the site popular is above all its source of pure water, which makes it a true paradise in the middle of the desert! The hot spring water (approximately 32°C) springs from the depths of the rock and water flows drop by drop permanently down the canyon walls. Several pools allow you to bathe in this pure water, which would almost make us forget that we are in the middle of the Sahara!

With its numerous date palms and hot springs, the Terjit oasis is definitely a jewel of greenery and freshness whose peaceful atmosphere easily contrasts with the austerity of the desert! Offering visitors and hikers a well-deserved moment of rest and relaxation.

2. The Toungad Oasis

Located at the gates of the White Valley, the Toungad oasis is one of the largest palm groves in Adrar. The Toungad oasis is divided into two parts: on one side you find its countless rows of palm trees and on the other, the village and its crops. Date harvests are the main resource of this village, locals also live from the raising of goats and market gardening activities around carrots, tomatoes and mint.

Surrounded by cliffs and dunes of ochre-colored sand, the Toungad oasis offers a breathtaking landscape. Don't hesitate to gain some height during your getaway to enjoy a beautiful view of the lush palm trees and small traditional houses.

3. The Mhaïreth Oasis

Stretching over about ten kilometers in a narrow valley, the Mhaïreth palm grove (also called M'Heirth) is also among the largest oases in Adrar in Mauritania. It is also renowned for holding some of the best dates in the region. An opportunity to taste these slightly sweet small dates in the company of locals during the traditional tea ceremony, an essential ritual of Mauritanian life. It is also by strolling through the village that you can meet the inhabitants who live in the famous tikit, ogival huts built from palm leaves or stones.

During your stay in the Mhaïreth oasis, you will also discover the canyon bearing the same name which is well worth a visit. If you are a fan of viewpoints and photography, also remember to climb to the top of the cliffs to benefit from an extraordinary panorama.

4. The Maaden Oasis

Unlike the previous oases and most of those in Adrar, the Maaden oasis is relatively recent. Indeed, it was founded in the 1970s and became, at the initiative of a Sufi scholar, Cheikh Mohamed Lemine Sidina, (spiritual leader of a Tijaniyya Sufi brotherhood, former Mayor and senator of the Moughtaa of Aoujeft in the wilaya of Adrar), a communal village founded on equality and sharing. A project driven by values of mutual aid, solidarity and community that allowed Maaden to develop. Years later, Pierre Rabhi, a major figure in agroecology in France, launched his final project there before passing away. He notably persuaded the inhabitants to abandon chemical fertilizers.

Today, the Maaden oasis is home to around 2,000 inhabitants, many of whom are Moors from various tribes. There are many vegetable gardens where carrots, beets, beans and other crops are grown. Called Maaden el Ervâne, which means "mine of knowledge", the Maaden oasis is renowned for its community projects but above all for the incredible hospitality of its inhabitants. It will surely delight all travelers seeking authenticity…

Did You Know?

The production of dates made possible by the numerous palm groves is one of the main economic sectors in Mauritania and one of the primary resources of oasis inhabitants. Each year in July or August (depending on climatic conditions), the date harvest gives rise to a great celebration called the Guetna. On this occasion, thousands of Mauritanians leave the cities and gather in the oases to celebrate and buy dates. An event not to be missed if you are passing through the Adrar region during this period!