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El-Beyed Crater

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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The El-Beyed Crater, more commonly referred to as the Tenoumer Crater, is one of the most striking and best-preserved impact structures in the Sahara Desert. Located in the Adrar Plateau of northern Mauritania, it is renowned for its near-well-suited circular symmetry, which remains clearly visible even from satellite imagery. Spanning approximately 1.9 kilometers in diameter, the crater was formed roughly 20,000 years ago during the Pleistocene epoch when a significant meteorite struck the Earth's surface. The rim of the crater rises about 100 meters above the surrounding desert floor, creating a prominent landmark in the flat landscape, while the interior is filled with light-colored sediments that contrast sharply with the dark crystalline rocks of the surrounding terrain. For decades, scientists debated whether the structure was of volcanic origin or the result of a cosmic impact, a question finally settled by the discovery of shock-metamorphosed rocks on site. Its extreme remoteness makes it a challenging destination for travelers, yet it stands as a profound testament to the Earth's geological history and its interaction with celestial bodies.

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	21	25	30	33	35	34	31	31	29	24	19
Rain mm	0	1	1	2	4	8	35	79	39	16	0	1

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The El-Beyed Crater (Tenoumer) is a freely accessible impact crater in the Sahara and can be visited without entry fee. An exterior visit is possible at any time, the crater rim is walkable.

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Typical hours

The crater is accessible around the clock, but the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. Typically, the intense midday sun is avoided as there is little shade.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions, with aerial shots or wide-angle views from the rim being particularly impressive. A drone can offer spectacular perspectives, if permitted.

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Time needed

For a visit to the crater, allow about one hour to walk around the rim and take photos. Those who want to explore the crater floor need additional time for the descent.

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Combine with

The crater can be combined with a visit to a nearby oasis or other geological formations in the region. The city of Zouérat is also not far and has supply options.

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Getting there

Access to the crater is usually by four-wheel-drive from Zouérat, taking about one hour. The last stretch goes over an unpaved track, a detailed map is helpful.

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Insider tip

Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is no infrastructure on site. Binoculars help to see the details of the crater better.

Geography

Coordinates

18.10000, -7.50000

Facts

Site of Acheulean stone tools
Located on the Adrar Plateau
Not of volcanic origin
Finds date back over 200,000 years
Crucial for Saharan research
Flat, circular structure

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How was the crater formed?

Through a meteorite impact long ago.

Can one climb the crater rim?

Yes, the ascent is possible, but sandy.

How long does the visit take?

A few hours for sightseeing and photos.

Is the travel difficult?

Very, only for experienced desert drivers.

Is there shade?

There is hardly any natural shade in the crater.

El-Beyed Crater: where is it located?

El-Beyed Crater is located in Mauritania.

El-Beyed Crater: when is the best time to visit?

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

El-Beyed Crater: why is it worth visiting?

The El-Beyed Crater, more commonly referred to as the Tenoumer Crater, is one of the most striking and best-preserved impact structures in the Sahara Desert.

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