www.dragoman.com Dragoman Overland operates several in-depth journeys through the dune seas of the Mauritanian Sahara and the country’s Atlantic coast, all as part of longer overlands.
However, for logistical reasons a Dragoman Overland truck has become available for a unique 12-day, unscheduled expedition off the tarmac, from Nouakchott to Nouadibou and back, via the ancient Saharan ksour city of Chinguetti.
Additionally, sand conditions permitting, an exploratory foray will be attempted to the remarkable multiple concentric craters and ridges of the 50km Richat Structure – the largest geological feature to be discovered from space (during a 1965 Gemini mission). The expedition departs Nouakchott 9th December 2005.
Nouakchott is one of those unpronounceable capital cities that exist for most, only on the flight-show screens of high-flying jetliners. For Dragoman Overland travellers the city will be where they meet up with each other and their reassuringly rugged expedition vehicle for a remarkable 10-day journey.
After a visit to Nouakchott’s Marche Capital, Foire Artisanale (silver market) and national museum the route heads north towards the tranquil oasis of Terjit. By day bathe in the precious water of the oasis gorge, one warm pool and one cold, and at night camp out in Moorish tents.
Further north, the town of Atar marks the end of road and the beginning of off-tarmac exploration leading towards the ksour of Chinguetti. The settlement lies on the edge of a great dune sea and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chinguetti has a long history and is one of several towns that grew up on the tax revenues received from trans-Saharan caravans – sometimes up to 30,000 camels strong. Depending upon local conditions the Richat Structure will the next stop.
Thought initially to be an impact crater, then the product of terrestrial erosion, there’s still a deal of uncertainty regarding the origin of this remarkable 50km ‘bull’s eye’ in the desert.
From Richat the journey towards Nouadibou and the coast begins, keeping south of the iron ore railway, away from forgotten minefields between Mauritania and Western Sahara… The railway carries the world’s longest trains (over 3kms), transporting iron ore from mines at Zouerate. It may be possible to leave the truck for a while and let the train take the strain.
Whichever way travellers choose, the monumental rock monolith of Ben Amera, second only to Ayer’s Rock in size, is a key landmark along the way. Arrival in Nouadibou, allows for refreshing swimming at Baie de L’Etoile, an eclectic market experience, a surreal tour of a shipping graveyard and a one-to-one with residents of the Elephant Seal colony at Cap Blanc. Continuing, the route down the coast traverses very remote desert regions with no roads and no settlements, finally skirting Banc D’Arguin National Park. Taking account of the tides a 50km drive along the beach is a prelude to arrival back in Nouakchott and the end of a fascinating overland journey. |