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Aftout es-Sahel

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valley
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Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)

Weather…

Aftout es-Sahel is an extensive, low-lying depression in southwestern Mauritania, running parallel to the Atlantic coastline between the city of Rosso and the capital, Nouakchott. This basin is a central component of Mauritania's national water strategy, hosting a massive hydraulic project that pumps water from the Senegal River to provide a reliable drinking water supply for Nouakchott. The area also supports significant agricultural irrigation, transforming parts of the arid landscape into productive fields. Geographically, it is a mix of saline flats, coastal dunes, and seasonal wetlands that appear after periodic rains. These wetlands are vital stopover points for millions of migratory birds traveling the East Atlantic Flyway. The successful management of Aftout es-Sahel is essential for the region's food security and urban development, showcasing a major engineering feat in one of the world's most challenging desert environments.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212325272930303030302622
Rain mm23251064278612320

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The elongated agricultural basin is typically accessed by traveling via unpaved regional roads, strongly suggesting the practical use of robust vehicles with high ground clearance.
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Best season
The dry season reliably provides the most stable road conditions, whereas the wet season, although wonderfully greening the region, often renders many local dirt tracks utterly impassable.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain, forming a large agricultural depression, is largely flat and heavily cultivated, easily allowing for extensive, genuinely untaxing walks directly alongside the canals.
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What to bring
Lightweight, highly comfortable footwear is generally sufficient here; however, strictly complement this with robust sun protection and strong mosquito repellent due to irrigated zones.
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Parking
Vehicles can generally be parked quite safely at the very edges of the surrounding fields or within the tiny farming villages bordering the basin, following prior local consultation.
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Safety
Strictly respect the ongoing agricultural work, never enter cultivated fields without clear permission, and remain particularly vigilant regarding insect bites during the twilight hours.
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Time needed
A visit to this specific basin most often requires merely a few hours up to a maximum of half a day to fully absorb the highly special, tranquil atmosphere of the cultivated oasis.

Geography

Coordinates
17.50000, -15.50000

Facts

  • The depression extends over a length of approximately 200 kilometers.
  • Parts of the area are utilized for the water supply of Nouakchott.
  • Vegetation consists mainly of salt-tolerant halophytic plants.
  • During rainy seasons, temporary lakes form, attracting migratory birds.
  • The region is separated from the open ocean by sandy barriers.
  • Historically, it served as a key route for north-south transportation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MouitMouit68 km · SExplore →
Nouakchott Deepwater PortNouakchott Deepwater Port78 km · SEExplore →
National Museum of NouakchottNational Museum of Nouakchott81 km · SEExplore →
Nouakchott Wholesale MarketNouakchott Wholesale Market81 km · SEExplore →
Nouakchott Industrial ZoneNouakchott Industrial Zone82 km · SEExplore →
Nouakchott PortNouakchott Port83 km · SEExplore →
BoutilimitBoutilimit91 km · NExplore →
Bous-NordBous-Nord100 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Aftout es-Sahel?
Aftout es-Sahel is an extensive valley area known for its unique geological formations.
Can you explore the area on foot?
Hiking is only advisable in cooler temperatures and with an experienced guide.
Are there sanitary facilities nearby?
No, there is no civilization infrastructure in this area.
What should one bring on a tour?
Plenty of water, sun protection, and a satellite phone for emergencies.
Is the landscape interesting for photographers?
Yes, the lighting conditions in this valley offer spectacular motifs, especially at sunrise.
Aftout es-Sahel: where is it located?
Aftout es-Sahel is located in Mauritania.
Aftout es-Sahel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Aftout es-Sahel: why is it worth visiting?
Aftout es-Sahel is an extensive, low-lying depression in southwestern Mauritania, running parallel to the Atlantic coastline between the city of Rosso and the capital, Nouakchott.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Nouakchott Central Market — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Central Market
The central market of Nouakchott is a significant hub for regional trade.
Nouakchott — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouakchott
Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania and lies on the Atlantic coast.
Nouadhibou — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouadhibou
Nouadhibou is located on the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula and is the economic center for iron ore exports.
Kiffa-Nord — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kiffa-Nord
Kiffa-Nord is an expanding part of Kiffa.
Kiffa — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kiffa
Kiffa is a city in southern Mauritania and capital of the Assaba region.
Market Town Kiffa — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Market Town Kiffa
Kiffa serves as a central hub for trade in the eastern regions of Mauritania.
Nouakchott Wholesale Market — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Wholesale Market
This wholesale market in Nouakchott coordinates the flow of goods in the capital.
Kaedi Distribution Center — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kaedi Distribution Center
Kaedi serves as an important commercial base along the river course.
Kaédi — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kaédi
Kaédi is located on the Senegal River and serves as an agricultural hub.
Kaédi-Nord — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kaédi-Nord
Kaédi-Nord includes residential areas on the northern edge of Kaédi.
Kaedi Agricultural Center — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Kaedi Agricultural Center
Kaedi is situated along the Senegal River and is a center for local agriculture.
Gorgol — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Gorgol
Gorgol is an important settlement area in the region of the same name.
Sélibaby — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Sélibaby
Sélibaby is a city in southeastern Mauritania in the Guidimaka region.
Selibaby Trade Center — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Selibaby Trade Center
Selibaby is strategically located in the south and is a hub for cross-border trade.
Sélibaby-Est — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Sélibaby-Est
Sélibaby-Est forms the eastern part of the regional center Sélibaby.

History & landmarks

Choum — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Choum
Choum is a strategic desert outpost on the route of the famous iron ore train, serving as a gateway to the Adrar Plateau.
Nouakchott Modern Square — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Modern Square
The modern square in Nouakchott shows the younger city history.

More places

Nouakchott Deepwater Port — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
Nouakchott Deepwater Port
The deepwater port of Nouakchott is critical infrastructure for imports.
National Museum of Nouakchott — Aftout es-Sahel (Mauritania)
National Museum of Nouakchott
The museum preserves archaeological findings from various Mauritanian eras.