Erg Warane and Chinguetti, Variations in the Sands
From the golden dunes of Erg Warane to the narrow streets of Chinguetti, a camel trek in the heart of the Mauritanian Sahara.
Duration
9 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Variations in the Sands
Our Mauritanian camel trek begins on the edges of a massif with magnificent and highly intertwined dunes, the Erg Warane.
Gradually, as we make our way through the sands, we reach the first palm groves and then the old city of Chinguetti. The old town nestles in its setting of blonde sand. For centuries, Chinguetti, like other cities, was the gathering place for caravans of pilgrims heading east toward the Holy Places.
The erudition of its scholars gave Chinguetti a respected aura throughout West Africa. South of the city, the Erg Warane continues its path westward. With our caravan, we venture into the heart of the dunes to discover the secret life present everywhere.
Toward sunset, the small mountain massif of Zarga blocks our path. The eroded sandstone offers us beautiful walks. Born of a singular history is this elongated mountain. A history that, among other things, will make our evenings memorable under the starlit vault.
This trip has a moderate level of difficulty.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
International flight to 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.
Departure towards the Adrar plateau
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 towards the somewhat surreal town of Akjoujt. Mining industry is present there and, since the Chalcolithic, Man has been extracting copper, gold and other materials.
Gradually 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.
The 4x4 vehicle transfer to join our camel team takes approximately 2 hours. The track to climb onto the main plateau of the Adrâr (dhar) is currently in very good condition. The last third takes place along the northern edge of the sandy area.
The first bivouac is established north of the Afam el Mezrougat dune massif. It is the meeting point with the Maure camel team with whom we share these few days in Mauritanie. They belong to a tribe from the east of the Adrar.
On foot on the dunes of Afam el Mezrougat and the Chinguetti wadi
On foot, we make our way into the Afam el Mezrougat dune massif. The two elb making up this massif allow us to reach the Chinguetti batha. The currently dried-up river is very tree-lined and, depending on seasonal rainfall, large areas of crops can occupy its bed. We reach the large dunes of the Warane erg on the right bank of the wadi. The bivouac is set up not far from the first palm groves that mark the beginning of the inhabited area of the Chinguetti wadi.
Organisation of Saharan bivouacs on camel trekking and camel rides
Saharan bivouacs take place under the stars whenever possible.
Each traveler sets up where they wish around the living area defined by the installation of camel saddles and the Saharan kitchen.
You have a foam mattress with a canvas cover and plastic ground mat.
You must provide, for all trips, a warm sleeping bag and a sheet to cover yourself lightly on warm nights and to shelter in case of slight sand wind and possibly mosquitoes.
If you wish to have a double tent for your comfort, we provide you with a dome tent. It must be specified when you register.
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Equipment provided by Détours Mauritanie Voyages:
Tents (2-person and/or communal) set up in case of rain and strong sand wind.
Tarps to shelter equipment. Comfortable foam mattresses with protective covers and ground mats.
Kitchen equipment and utensils (cutlery included).
Water skins or jerry cans for water transport.
Waterproof storage bags for transporting food and shared equipment.
The Aklés of the Warane erg and Chinguetti the gentle
The aklés of the northern edge of the erg Warane allow us to reach the ancient city of Chinguetti. We arrive in the town in the middle of the day.
Through the dunes and after a pleasant stop in a palm grove, we arrive in the ancient city of Chinguetti in mid-afternoon.
A visit is planned for late afternoon – old town, library (ies), palm groves and gardens.
A comfortable inn is our base for dinner and the night.
The ancient city of Chinguetti
Chinguetti was founded by the Ida Ouali around 1525, upstream from Abweyr, which has since disappeared and was itself created in 1261.
The probable etymology of the toponym shingitî would be:
well of the horse, from Soninké: si: well + n: of + gede: horse.
Chinguetti was the most active commercial center and the most important city of 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 breakup of the group, whose survivors founded another ksar in Tagant, Tidjikja.
Today only a single mosque and the memory of prosperous periods remain…
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 built from 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.
In the Heart of the M'Ghalig of Warane
Heading southwest, we face a long and beautiful series of sand mountains. These large massifs (M'ghalig), all parallel, overlook interdune valleys that have remained the traditional routes for trade caravans between north and south. It is in these areas that the rare wells are found.
The midday stop is at La Gueïla, a small palm grove that belongs to the notables of Chinguetti.
Then, heading due west, we continue our journey through the dunes.
Vegetation specific to the great ergs develops, such as Acacia raddiana, Balanites aegyptiaca and Aristida pungens.
We set up camp on one of the mighty sand massifs.
From the End of the Warane to the Sandstone of Zerga Tassiliens
M'Ghalig Warane → Tinouarderit
The massifs are still imposing and, facing us, the black ridges of the mega-dune range of Zarga begin to emerge. Tinouarderit, a small wooded wadi, marks the western part of the erg. A very shady teïchot (Balanites aegyptiaca) welcomes us for the break.
By going up the riverbed of the wadi, we access a small area of barchan dunes. Here, the Erg Warane ends its course heading west. Under the name Erg Amatlich, it reappears on the western edge of the Adrar, continuing its momentum towards the Atlantic.
The country is not empty, Mauritanie remains a great land of Nomads.
Throughout the journey, especially if grazing is good, we can catch sight of nomad tents, brown (made of wool and hair) or white (canvas), whose edges are raised as soon as it gets hot or there is no wind.
These nomads are generally welcoming but you can only visit them if you have an important reason to do so. We may have the opportunity to enter a tent to drink tea (three glasses!) and zrig, fresh or sour milk, mixed with sweetened water.
This is not frequent because, if you know local customs, you know that it is not customary to enter a tent when you are not invited and especially when the nomads encountered are not part of the family of the guide and camel drivers accompanying us.
The herds of camels, she-camels and young camels, are everywhere, as well as goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys. In the hot season, even if grazing is very green, it is a captivating sight to see all these animals being watered as they patiently wait their turn at the wells or at the oglats (group of wells).
On foot in the mega-cord of Zarga
We return to the small sandstone massif of Zarga.
Eighty kilometers long, the Zarga ridge is the now-protruding fossil bed of an ancient glacial river.
The corridor sandstones form in places a maze of streets and rock shelters where fairly rich paintings, fauna and flora are hidden.
The Zarga ridge is interesting for several reasons. Its northern tip and its average altitude make it an effective climatic barrier.
Atlantic disturbances and the African monsoon (I.T.C.Z.) are blocked in their progression towards the interior of the Adrar plateau. Rainfall is significant compared to the rest of the region, and Saharan vegetation has, in places, either Mediterranean or Sudanese characteristics.
We find there among others Boscia senegalensis, Euphorbia balsamifera, Combretum aculeatum as well as some fragrant Lavandula.
An ice deposit warehouse in Adrâr!
Thesmall Zarga mountain is an esker about a hundred meters high and approximately 50 kilometers long.
It is the result of an incredible geomorphological adventure that comes to us from the dawn of time, 440 million years ago (end of the Ordovician period).
Today, the mega-fossil ridge of Zarga marks the western end of the Warane erg. It blocks the flow of sands coming from the borders of the Chech erg.
Obstructed by this natural barrier, the Warane erg changes its name afterwards to become the Amatlich, then the Akchar before disappearing into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
And to finish in grand style, Tichilit el Ateg and its great dune
Staying on the east side of the Zarga massif, we reach the Niesle well and then, via the eastern foothills, we arrive at Tichilit el Âteg.
The highest point of the Zarga massif and the third summit of the Adrar conceals a superb overlay dune. At its foot, a wide alluvial basin shelters crops and nomads.
We take time to savour these magnificent places which mark the climactic end of this journey between dunes and rocks.
In the afternoon, we return to Atar by a rough track.
Return to Nouakchott then direct flight to Paris
We head west. We leave the last plateaus of the Adrâr to reach the Yagref basin.
The cones of black rocks, the cordons of dunes of the Amatlich mark the landscapes of the Amsaga.
Then, the vast plains of the Inchiri take us to the Atlantic coast and the capital of Mauritanie.
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, beverages
- Tips at your convenience
- All meals not mentioned in the program
- Cancellation insurance, first aid expenses, repatriation
Included
- Reception and assistance at Nouakchott airport
- Transfer then transport by 4X4 vehicle on D2, D8, D9
- Camel team for trekking assistance
- The care and management of drivers and a cook
- English-speaking Mauritanian guide experienced and trained in our trips
- All bivouac equipment, cooking and supply materials (except sleeping bag)
- Full board throughout the trip in Mauritania
- Guesthouse Jeloua in Nouakchott on a double room basis
- Comfortable guesthouse in Atar and Chinguetti in double room
- Entries into houses with manuscripts in Chinguetti
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.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Mauritania for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mauritania, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must in principle have a visa to enter Mauritania. This visa can be obtained:
from the embassy or consulate of Mauritania in your country of residence before departure,
or, depending on current conditions, upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport (visa on arrival), for a stay of up to 30 days.
It is strongly recommended to inquire with the Mauritanian authorities or the competent embassy before departure, as visa application procedures may change.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a hotel reservation or an invitation letter.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially mandatory to enter Mauritania, with the exception of the yellow fever vaccine if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic.
However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Meningococcal meningitis
Rabies (depending on planned activities)
Update of your routine vaccination schedule (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis)
Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for the entire Mauritanian territory. Consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before your departure.
Security and registration
Mauritanian authorities may require the registration of foreign travelers with local police or gendarmerie services within 48 hours of arrival, particularly outside the capital. It is advisable to inquire about the obligations in place at the time of travel.
Due to the security situation in certain regions of the country, it is recommended to consult travel advice issued by the authorities of your country of residence before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Mauritania in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for evacuation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free journey!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant should therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
