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
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
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.
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
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
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
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…
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
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.
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
