GIRMauritania
Grande traversée de l'Adrâr au Tagant - Sur la trace des Ida-ou-Ali
Randonnée chamelière Adrar - Tagant 23 jours
23 days / 22 nights
4-8 people
Challenging
Détours Mauritanie
Trip Overview
This exceptional expedition retraces the legendary route of the Ida-ou-Ali, offering your clients total immersion in Saharan authenticity. The adventure begins in Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage jewel, from where the caravan ventures into the majestic expanses of Erg Warâne. The journey reveals a breathtaking succession of landscapes: imposing dune massifs with sculptural forms, sandstone plateaus carved by millennia of erosion, large fossil wadis witnessing a more humid past, buried cities steeped in history, and verdant oases with the allure of mirages made reality. After crossing the mysterious Khatt depression, a true natural corridor, the expedition penetrates the western region of the spectacular Tagant plateau. This major Saharan crossing follows the pure tradition of great explorers, orchestrating a contemplative and profound transition between different arid ecosystems, each revealing its geological and cultural secrets. An initiatory journey that transcends simple discovery to become a true spiritual quest in the heart of strikingly beautiful landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Mythical expedition following the historical traces of the Ida-ou-Ali
- Complete crossing of Erg Warâne and its spectacular dune massifs
- Exploration of lost cities and sanctuary oasis refuges
- In-depth discovery of the picturesque Tagant plateau
- Authentic encounters with traditional nomadic communities
- Guided visit of Chinguetti, ancient UNESCO-listed caravan metropolis
- Rock art sites with exceptional prehistoric paintings
- Emblematic oases of Lagueïla and Aïn El Khadra
Day-by-Day Itinerary
J1Arrival in Nouakchott
Arrival in Nouakchott
International flight to the Mauritanian capital via Casablanca, Morocco. Personalized welcome at Nouakchott airport and direct transfer to selected accommodation.
D
Maison d'hôtes Jeloua
J2Journey to the Adrâr Plateau
Journey to the Adrâr Plateau
Early morning departure towards Atar via Akjoujt, followed by 4x4 vehicle transfer to the ancient historic city of Chinguetti. Optional discovery of the old town with its centuries-old manuscript libraries and lush palm groves.
B • L • D
Eden Lodge
J3Sweet Chinguetti - Caravan Organization
Sweet Chinguetti - Caravan Organization
Official start of the camel caravan heading south to the picturesque small palm grove of Lagueïla, elegantly nestled between two dune ridges characteristic of the M'ghalig.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J4Erg Warane Crossing - Lagueïla to Hassi Irigui
Erg Warane Crossing - Lagueïla to Hassi Irigui
Following the historical traces of the Ida-ou-ali exodus, the caravan undertakes the majestic crossing of Erg Warane using a large natural corridor to reach the strategic and important well of Hassi Irigui.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J5Erg Warane Crossing - Hassi Irigui to North Kider
Erg Warane Crossing - Hassi Irigui to North Kider
Contemplative progression towards the southern fringe of Erg Warane. Fascinating exploration of perfectly formed barchans and exceptional discovery of prehistoric rock painting stations located near the tabular plateau of Kider.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J6Erg Warane Crossing - North Kider to Amoum
Erg Warane Crossing - North Kider to Amoum
Oblique march westward to reach the new sandstone plateau of Amoum, revealing remarkable geological formations sculpted by millennial erosion.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J7The Adrâr Oases - Amoum to Hassi Echig
The Adrâr Oases - Amoum to Hassi Echig
Enchanting discovery of small palm groves intimately nestled in the secret terrain folds of fractured Adrâr. Navigation through a harmonious succession of fossil wadis, tiered plateaus and undulating dune ridges.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J8The Adrâr Oases - Hassi Echig to Aïn Es Safra
The Adrâr Oases - Hassi Echig to Aïn Es Safra
Captivating alternation between valleys sometimes wide and open, sometimes dramatically embedded in the sandstone plateau, and steep rocky coasts. Remarkable discovery of particularly abundant and diversified Saharan flora.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J9The Adrâr Oases - Aïn Es Safra to Tin Demane
The Adrâr Oases - Aïn Es Safra to Tin Demane
Methodical continuation of in-depth exploration of the mysterious western oases of Adrâr, expertly navigating between imposing rocky plateaus and golden sandy expanses.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J10The Adrâr Oases - Tin Demane
The Adrâr Oases - Tin Demane
Full day dedicated to meticulous exploration of the characteristic Tin Demane plateau, privileged territory revealing numerous gazelle tracks and testimonies of Saharan wildlife.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J11Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Tin Demane to Erg Tafoujert
Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Tin Demane to Erg Tafoujert
Spectacular passage through the imposing and majestic Taffoujert dune massif, progressing towards the strategic southwest border of the Adrar mountain massif.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J12Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Erg Tafoujert to Aouinet Et Tiliski
Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Erg Tafoujert to Aouinet Et Tiliski
After total and contemplative immersion in the infinite universe of golden sands, refreshing stopover at the preserved small palm grove of Aouinet et Tiliski, perfectly wedged between the characteristic sandstone blades of the Tamga geological massif.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J13Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Aouinet Et Tiliski
Erg Tafoujert Dunes - Aouinet Et Tiliski
In-depth geological exploration of the Tamga rocky massif and remarkable discovery of guelb Raoui, emblematic rock formation with exceptional geomorphological characteristics.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J14El Khatt Depression - Aouinet Et Tiliski to Telaghza
El Khatt Depression - Aouinet Et Tiliski to Telaghza
Symbolic departure from Adrâr to approach the new Tagant region. Impressive crossing of the vast desert plain of Khatt and triumphant arrival at Telaghza, poetically nicknamed 'the blue mountain' for its characteristic mineral reflections.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J15El Khatt Depression - Telaghza to Aïn El Khadra
El Khatt Depression - Telaghza to Aïn El Khadra
Technical crossing of successive large dune ridges to finally reach the verdant and miraculous cluster of palm trees at Aïn El Khadra, whose evocative name means 'the Green Spring'.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J16Tagant Plateau - Aïn El Khadra to Na'Amiya
Tagant Plateau - Aïn El Khadra to Na'Amiya
In-depth discovery of Aïn El Khadra, water point of strategic vital importance, followed by progressive and majestic ascent onto the mythical Tagant plateau via a wide natural access valley.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J17Tagant Plateau - Na'Amiya to Ksar El Barka
Tagant Plateau - Na'Amiya to Ksar El Barka
Systematic exploration of western Tagant with its alternately sandy and rocky plateaus, revealing complex geomorphology. Moving arrival at the evocative and history-laden ruins of the abandoned ancient village of Ksar El Barka.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J18Tagant Valleys - Ksar El Barka to Kerked
Tagant Valleys - Ksar El Barka to Kerked
Spectacular crossing of the natural gate of Inichkane and panoramic crossing of the impressive geological cirque formed by wadi El Abiod. Peaceful night near the vital water point of Kerked.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J19Tagant Valleys - Kerked to Tamourt n'Naaj
Tagant Valleys - Kerked to Tamourt n'Naaj
Technical passage through the extended plain of Biliniar and wadi Akeneizir with fossil meanders. Scheduled logistical meeting with support vehicles near the strategic Moudjéria-Tidjikja road axis.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J20End of Trek - Tamourt n'Naaj
End of Trek - Tamourt n'Naaj
Final contemplative stage in the immense geological basin of Tamourt n'Naaj where collector wadis from surrounding southern plateaus harmoniously concentrate, symbolic final point of this exceptional crossing.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J21D'N'Beïka à la capitale du Tagant
D'N'Beïka à la capitale du Tagant
N’Beika est un site d’une beauté saisissante.
Nous prenons le temps d’explorer les recoins discrets de cette vallée fascinante, en nous imprégnant de son atmosphère unique.
Nous prenons la route goudronnée qui traverse le massif du Tagant pour rejoindre Tidjikja. Nous prenons le temps de découvrir cette région très spécifique.
B • L • D
Bivouac Saharienne
J22Le plateau de l'Adrar
Le plateau de l'Adrar
Nous empruntons la nouvelle route vers l’Adrâr, presque achevée.
Après la palmeraie de Rachid et la dépression d’El Khatt, le paysage devient nettement plus aride.
À Aïn Safra, nous quittons la route pour rejoindre l’Adrâr occidental et atteignons Atar en fin de journée.
B • L • D
Auberge Toiles Maures
J23Retour à Nouakchott puis vol international
Retour à Nouakchott puis vol international
Nous partons en direction de l'ouest. Nous laissons les derniers plateaux de l'Adrâr pour atteindre la cuvette de Yagref.
Les cônes de roches noires, les cordons de dunes de l'Amatlich marquent les paysages de l'Amsaga.
Puis, les vastes plaines de l'Inchiri nous emmènent sur la côte Atlantique et la capitale Mauritanie.
Un diner et une chambre sera à votre disposition pour un Day Use à Nouakchott pour se rafraichir et préparer vos bagages.
L • D
Maison d'hôtes Jeloua
Price includes
- Round-trip international flight to Nouakchott
- Selected accommodation in charming guesthouses and inns
- Full board during the entire Saharan trek
- Comfortable bivouacs under expedition tents
- Complete transport in all-terrain 4x4 vehicles
- Expert French-speaking guide and professional camel team
- Complete caravan with pack and riding camels
Price excludes
- Travel insurance and repatriation assistance
- Visa fees and airport taxes
- Tips for guides and camel handlers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment
Practical Information
Physical condition
Best season
Group size
4 to 8 participants
