The Guetna, the festival of desert fruits
In the height of the 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 came to Mauritania, you read a book about Mauritania: you heard about the Guetna festival!
Very few visitors have had the opportunity to experience this important period in 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 the meetings of occasional inhabitants, visitors, relatives, neighbours – people move a great deal from one palm grove to another during the guetna to try to enjoy all the festivities. Those who have travelled with us to Adrar know these seemingly abandoned hamlets around the palm groves. Since we have been going to Mauritania (1994), our friends in Adrar have been encouraging us to visit them in summer, and inviting us for this famous guetna; always with a touch of mystery in their voices…
This stay is scheduled during the theoretical rainy season ("hivernage"): showers and swollen wadis could enhance the programme.
So this year - to mark our return - the desire is too strong, we set off to brave the heat – but the oases are cooler than the erg – to share in the date harvest festivities.
Traditionally the nomads "emerged" from the desert to come and take their date cure in their oases. Leaving a few herders in the bush with the herds, thus escaping the hottest temperatures. The nomadic tribes came to enjoy their due before it risked disappearing.
To control the harvest therefore, a source of revenue, but also a time of family and tribal gatherings, weddings, exchange of news from all corners, maintenance of political patronage, etc. The three main components of this journey are the palm trees, the tea, and the 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 late in the day 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 the city, we reach our hotel in the middle of the night for well-deserved rest.
Heading towards the Adrar, Atar then Wadane
After leaving the city and its suburbs, we take the beautiful asphalt road that runs 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. A mining industry is present there and, since the Chalcolithic, Man has extracted 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 ridge 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 this day, good but it can be degraded by rains that occur in late summer.
It runs along the edge of the cliff. To the south, the small Herrour massif sketches a slight relief. Between sands and rocks, we head towards the ksar of Wadâne, the last settlement before the great solitudes of the Mauritanian borders.
Climate in summer
Intentionally, we will head directly to Wadâne where temperatures are the lowest in the country and the Adrâr.
However the sand will be hot, we will spend most of the time in the shade of date palms. Gusts of easterly wind (Irifi) are possible. We often drive at night, or at the "ends of the day".
Temperature in July and August in Adrâr: average of highs 41°, average of lows 34°. The very dry atmosphere makes the heat bearable.
Note that we regularly experience temperatures at this level in March or April during our treks in the region.
Transport: in air-conditioned vehicle; treks will be organized depending on locations and times.
The guetna in the wadi of opulence and knowledge, Wadane, Tin Labe
This journey will be marked by the travels of Odette du Puigaudeau and Marion Sénones, who traveled by camel in the summer of 1934 between Atar, Chinguetti and Wadane. Their adventure is recounted in Odette du Puigaudeau's book "La grande foire aux dattes" (1936), unfortunately out of print; a reissue should be forthcoming. Here are two extracts:
p. 12: « … And then, really! You don't know the Sahara if you haven't seen it at its peak, that is to say in 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 lougans and the palm groves would have disappointed you. Whereas now, you will find in these same qsour a picturesque life, teeming, 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 palm trees] raised their green crowns against a blinding sky, intertwined their leaves around bunches of cherry-red, amber-yellow or dark brown fruits, more or less ripe, and wove on the sand the open-work wickerwork of a light shadow. Everything comes from them: rest, pleasure, health, the hedge of the lougans and the dwellings of men, these huts laid 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 Erg Warane stretch out.
We rejoin our nomadic caravan heading towards the Tanouchert palm grove.
We head westward. Sand is very much present and to the south the dunes of Warane appear on the horizon, at this location, 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 now catch sight of a cluster of palm trees set in a frame of dunes. The oasis of Tanouchert is there, mysterious.
The palm grove of Tanouchert extends along the edge of the Warane erg. Large sand dunes dominate it. We reach it after a lovely walk.
During the afternoon, we discover what makes our hosts' wealth. The date palm cultivation, as well as the strategic position of this water source, are equally fascinating things.
In the evening, we stay to sleep in traditional huts.
From Tanouchert to El Kheouiya Semi-Nomadic Camp
Following an unchanging ritual, the animals are loaded with precision even though we have the impression that everything is put haphazardly on the backs of these animals.
The caravan sets off with the objective of 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 remnant of a subglacial deposit outcrop.
In Adrâr, we have two similar geomorphological features, this one which is called Herrour, and a very beautiful one too 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 journey.
The semi-nomadic camp of El Kheouiya is settled there during major droughts. The camp has been organizing itself for several years: development of goat and camelid herding (from 2 camels in 1993, now a herd of over 70 animals), creation of a school in 1994, establishment of a small palm grove associated with gardens in 1999 and, now, a few permanent structures.
«But we stay under the tent» Atfeil, the camp's leader, assures us …
The bonds we maintain with the various families of the camp are close and genuinely friendly.
Chinguetti, the Pearl of the Mauritanian Desert
By 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 venture a few kilometers to visit the village of some of our camel herders.
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 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 the 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 many dead ends, their low and dark houses made of local materials, their near 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
Starting from Chinguetti, we cross a good track winding between brown sandstone slabs. Then, by 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 crack 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, very much in competition with each other…
The track climbs the plateau and then, after a few kilometers, we reach the paved road. This road axis allows you to connect the Adrâr region to the Tagant region and its capital Tidjikja.
A nice descent allows us to access the Tergit oasis.
We quickly leave the palm grove and the dark barrier of the Adrâr begins to emerge. We pass through the village of Aïn Ahel Taya and the large alluvial plain of Yagref.
Progressively the landscape changes. We now drive through the Amsaga region.
In the distance, to the east, the dark barrier of the Adrâr begins to fade.
We continue our journey across the large sandy plains of Inchiri. Very quickly, we reach the outskirts of the Mauritanian capital.
We settle into the hotel.
International flight to Paris
Following your flight schedule to France, we will 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 discretion
- Cancellation insurance, first aid costs, repatriation
Included
- Welcome and assistance at Nouakchott Airport
- Transfer then 4x4 vehicle transport
- Camel team for assistance during hiking
- The full handling of a driver and a cook
- All camping equipment, kitchen and supplies materials
- Full board throughout your trip in Mauritania
- 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:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
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
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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
