FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN TO THE ATLANTIC
ORAN–DAKAR IN 4X4
BETWEEN DUNES AND ENDLESS HORIZONS
FROM 16/01 TO 05/02/2027
At the gates of Oran begins an adventure that leads from the Mediterranean shores into the depths of the African desert. From Brézina to Taghit via Benoud, the landscapes transform between arid *regs*, canyons carved by time, and lush palm groves. The desert then opens toward Tindouf and Zouerate, before crossing the Makteir and discovering the mysterious Guelb Er Richat, the “Eye of the Sahara.”
Further along, Chinguetti and the White Valley reveal their historic heritage and natural beauty, then the dunes of Amatlich lead to Nouakchott, gateway to the ocean. The road continues toward Saint-Louis, the Sine Saloum and its traditions, before ending at Lac Rose and Dakar, the ultimate stage of this journey.
Between bivouacs under the stars, welcoming hotels, and authentic guesthouses, every stop is an immersion in grandiose landscapes and unique cultures. More than just a raid, this trip is a true human odyssey linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
At the gates of Oran begins an adventure that leads from the Mediterranean shores into the depths of the African desert. From Brézina to Taghit via Benoud, the landscapes transform between arid *regs*, canyons carved by time, and lush palm groves. The desert then opens toward Tindouf and Zouerate, before crossing the Makteir and discovering the mysterious Guelb Er Richat, the “Eye of the Sahara.”
Further along, Chinguetti and the White Valley reveal their historic heritage and natural beauty, then the dunes of Amatlich lead to Nouakchott, gateway to the ocean. The road continues toward Saint-Louis, the Sine Saloum and its traditions, before ending at Lac Rose and Dakar, the ultimate stage of this journey.
Between bivouacs under the stars, welcoming hotels, and authentic guesthouses, every stop is an immersion in grandiose landscapes and unique cultures. More than just a raid, this trip is a true human odyssey linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
BRÉZINA
A green oasis nestled in the heart of the Ksour mountains, in the El Bayadh region of Algeria. Known for its palm groves, water springs, and mountainous surroundings, Brézina offers freshness in the middle of the desert. Its unique scenery, blending greenery and dunes, makes it a favorite stop for travelers in search of authenticity.
TAGHIT
Offers an unforgettable natural spectacle: golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, contrasting with the greenery of the palm grove and the adobe houses. Located in the southwest of Béchar, Taghit is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Sahara.” It is a destination of choice for lovers of hiking, magical sunsets, and Saharan traditions.
ZOUERAT
A mining town in Mauritania, capital of the Tiris Zemmour region. Located in the middle of the desert, it is best known for its iron deposits but also captivates with its arid landscapes, rocky plateaus, and Saharan atmosphere. Zouerate is a gateway to exploring the vast deserts of Mauritania.
CHINGUETTI
Is a silent jewel nestled in the endless heart of the Mauritanian desert. Founded in the 13th century, this caravan city feels frozen in time, as if the wind had carefully preserved its secrets among the dunes. Its narrow stone-paved streets, golden-sand houses, and square-minaret mosque tell tales of faith, knowledge, and distant journeys. The ancient libraries hold priceless manuscripts, echoes of a spiritual and intellectual golden age. In Chinguetti, every warm breath of desert air whispers Saharan legends, gently inviting travelers to lose themselves in an eternal past.
NOUAKCHOTT
The capital of Mauritania, a vibrant city where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can discover the fish market, the artisanal port, and endless beaches lined with colorful pirogues. Nouakchott is also a cultural and economic hub reflecting the diversity of modern Mauritania.
LAC ROSE – DAKAR
One of Senegal’s most iconic sites and the ideal arrival point of this journey. Located about thirty kilometers from Dakar, this lake amazes with its pink waters caused by high salinity and microorganisms. It is also a site of traditional salt harvesting and a legendary stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Between natural beauty, authenticity, and proximity to the capital, Lac Rose marks the end of the adventure with a magical and unforgettable touch.
ITINERARY
PROGRAM
-
D1 – 16/01/2027
Arrival in Oran → Overnight: Hotel
-
D2 – 17/01/2027
Oran → Brézina (441 km – paved road) → Overnight: Camping
-
D3 – 18/01/2027
Brezina → Benoud (296 km – paved road) → Overnight: Bivouac
Benoud → Taghit (180 km – off road) → Overnight: Hotel
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D4 – 19/01/2027
Taghit → Bivouac (420 km – paved road) → Overnight: Bivouac
-
D5 – 20/01/2027
Bivouac → Tindouf (430 km – paved road) → Overnight: Hotel
-
D6 – 21/01/2027
Day in Tindouf → Overnight: Hotel
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D7 – 22/01/2027
Tindouf → Zouérat (off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
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D8 – 23/01/2027
Tindouf → Zouérat (900 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
An early morning departure for the PK75 border crossing between Algeria and Mauritania. Once the entrance
formalities for Mauritania are completed, we will take the road to Zouérat. Bivouac on the way. -
D9 – 24/01/2027
Tindouf → Zouérat (900 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
During these two days on the trail, we will dedicate time to visiting the breiguattes, which include a location for
the deposit and sale of illicit products, a visit to traditional gold miners, and the discovery of the Drajmoul
monolith, which is followed by the Riche Enajim salt mine. Bivouacs. -
D10 – 25/01/2027
Tindouf → Zouérat (900 km – off road) → Overnight: Lodge
During these two days on the trail, we will dedicate time to visiting the breiguattes, which include a location for
the deposit and sale of illicit products, a visit to traditional gold miners, and the discovery of the Drajmoul
monolith, which is followed by the Riche Enajim salt mine. Bivouacs. -
D11 – 26/01/2027
Zouérat → Tourin - Makteir (190 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
After a restful night in a guesthouse, we will enter the Makteir Desert. Each 4x4 must carry at least 200 liters of
fuel. We will head into the middle of nowhere and, as the saying goes: “He who goes to sea prepares on land!”.
Resupply: diesel, water, and food.
A trip to CAP across the infinite Makteir Desert—a vast sandy plain where navigation is effortless and driving is a
delightful experience. Today, the compass will serve as our best companion. We will expand the adventure by driving
100 km across the plateau by compass, with no visible landmarks on the horizon. A real navigation!.
We will drive in a straight line on a cloud of colored sand and discover new sensations behind the wheel. Night in a
bivouac. -
D12 – 27/01/2027
Makteir (Fort de Ghallaouya) → Guelb Richat – Ouadane (160 km – off road) → Overnight: Lodge
Fort Ghallâouîya; the Trig Chouail pass and its rock engravings; Ouadane; the Guelb er Richat
(the Eye of the Desert)
Night in a guesthouse. -
D13 – 28/01/2027
Tanouchert → Chinguetti (90 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
Leaving Ouadane, we will pass between the dune chains of the Erg Ouarane and snake along the sand ridges.
A beautiful sand day all the way to Tanouchert, a palm grove forgotten in the desert.
Arriving in Chinguetti as early as possible to enjoy the town, we will visit its world-unique treasures, do some
shopping, and rest.
We will climb the last high dune by 4x4 to watch the sunset over Chinguetti. We will be able to refuel (200 liters
again!).
Night in bivouac.
WARNING: Fuel additives must be brought in large quantities. Diesel in Mauritania is really poor quality! -
D14 – 29/01/2027
White Valley in full (140 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
Then, we will traverse the dunes of the batha in the direction of Terjît. Non-stop sand is guaranteed! We will
traverse a portion of the White Valley until we reach the Tifoujar pass. Bivouac in the Tifoujar pass. It is both
speechless and miraculous. -
D15 – 30/01/2027
The dunes of Amatlich (180 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
We will depart toward the great dune of Azoueigiya, one of the largest dunes in the Amatlich dune cordon, which
begins near the El Gleïtat oasis and ends near Nouakchott. This cordon stretches for nearly 400 km. Night in a
bivouac. -
D16 – 31/01/2027
Amatlich → Nouakchott (290 km – off road) → Overnight: Hotel
On the way to Akjoujt, a mining village that extracts copper, named Fort Repoux in 1936, a contemporary gold rush
has rekindled population migrations. The route from the Amatlich dunes will be swift for around one hundred
kilometers, leading us to the town of Akjoujt in the morning, where we will refuel with diesel and conduct some
shopping. Refuel if required. Accommodation for one night at a hotel in Nouakchott. -
D17 – 01/02/2027
Nouakchott → Saint-Louis (280 km – paved road) → Overnight: Hotel
Arrival in Saint-Louis in the late afternoon through the Diama Dam. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at the
Ranch de Bango hotel, situated inside an expansive and spectacular floral garden. -
D18 – 02/02/2027
Saint-Louis → Grande Côte – Ferlo (130 km – off road) → Overnight: Bivouac
After breakfast, a horse-drawn carriage trip to the island of Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for
its colonial architecture adorned with wrought iron balconies, including the Hôtel de la Poste, which reflects the
historical significance of the Aéropostale.
After a visit to the fishermen's neighborhood, we will cross the Faidherbe Bridge and head southwest to arrive at
the Grande Côte.
We will visit the Langue de Barbarie park, a sanctuary for several birds, and continue along the coastline,
following the last stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
Lunch at the desert oasis.
After lunch, we will continue our way to Ferlo, the stonghold of the nomadic Fulani herders.
Arrival at the Koba Ecolodge in the afternoon.
Dinner and animation beside the fire.
Overnight accommodation in a ventilated shelter. -
D19 – 03/02/2027
Koba – Touba – Fatick – Toubacouta (300 km – off road) → Overnight: Hotel
Following breakfast, we will visit Fulani settlements to observe livestock farming activities. We will take a quick
visit to the village school.
After an emotional parting, we will head to Touba, the capital of the Muslim brotherhood known as Mouridism, whose
motto is dedication to their marabout and hard work.
Then, we will visit the largest mosque in West Africa, symbolizing a tolerant and open Islam. Then, we will descend
to Diakhao, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sine, and meet with the Serer ethnic group, who are still deeply
attached to their animist traditions.
We will stop in a Serer village and mingle with the locals. Then, we will cross the Saloum River via the Nelson
Mandela Bridge to arrive in Sokone in the late afternoon.
We will do the check in at the Keur Saloum hotel and, in the late afternoon, take a pirogue ride through the
mangrove swamps, a refuge for many birds.
Dinner and overnight stay in an air-conditioned room. -
D20 – 04/02/2027
Islands of Saloum – Petite Côte (160 km – off road) → Overnight: Hotel
We will travel north to Saloum.
Lunch in Palmarin and continue to Saly Portudal via the Sambadia palm forest, classified as a biosphere reserve.
Arrival in Saly and check-in at the Bougainvilliers hotel.
Dinner by the pool and folkloric entertainment with djembe and African dances. -
D21 – 05/02/2027
Saly – Lac Rose – Dakar (90 km – paved road) → Overnight: Hotel
We will depart for Lake Retba, explore the lake to locate the salt harvesters and continue to Dakar.
Then, we will visit the African Renaissance Monument and city tour.
We will take the boat to the Gorée Island, a site of remembrance that serves as a testament to a shameful chapter in
human history: slavery.
After lunch, we will visit the House of Slaves, and continue with a stroll through the narrow streets that are
immersed in history.
Finally, we will return to the mainland and take a bus to the hotel. -
D22 – 06/02/2027
Boarding and end of the raid