Terjit (or Tergit) is a lush green oasis settlement in Saharan Mauritania. It is very peaceful.

Understand

The Terjit spring

Terjit is 45 km (28 mi) south of Atar and popular with tourists in Mauritania. It nestles in a gorge on the western edge of the Adrar Plateau with the palm grove stretching a few hundred metres alongside a stream that emerges from a spring. Historically, it has been used for religious ceremonies, especially wedding ceremonies, as well as the coronation of a few African princes.

Get in

By bus

There are buses from Nouakchott or Akjoujt that go to Aoujeft/Oujeft and pass through Terjit. Alternatively, you can get a ride from Atar to the police checkpoint “Ras Darf” (junction from the N1). There you wait until someone drives in the direction of Terjit/Aoujeft and gives you a lift.

By road

Terjit is 11 km from National Highway 1. The distance to Atar is approximately 45 km.

See

Panorama over Terjit

The picture-perfect oasis and its location in the deep valley is the attraction. Entrance fees must be paid for the rear (eastern) part of the oasis (200 ouguiya, as of 2023); however, only once per visitor, even if they enter multiple times.

Do

Nothing. Relax. You're in a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.

In the palm grove of the oasis you can escape the heat of the desert and feel like you are in a paradise. There are picnic areas and a natural pool where you can swim (it is too small and shallow for swimming).

Several hikes can be done around Terjit, provided you are armed against the sun, sure-footed and have a little experience with finding your way in the mountains and a sense of direction. Getting lost could be dangerous. There are two paths that run west from the southeast end of the oasis on the northeast and southwest escarpments, respectively. The northern path leads back from the plateau into the oasis at about the height of the Auberge "Chez Jemal". The southern path is a little further and leads to the road towards Aoujeft, on which you walk again for about a kilometer to the entrance to the oasis.

Buy

The shopping options are very limited. There are a few shops where water, biscuits and cans of sardines can be purchased. Sometimes the owner has to be called to open the store. Better bring a few more supplies with you.

Dates are harvested locally and can be purchased directly from the producer at reasonable prices.

Eat

The auberges also offer food for 200-500 ouguiyas (as of 2023).

Sleep

You can stay in one of these

There are tents in the palm groves that you can pay to stay in.

There are several auberges where you can pitch your own tent or small cabins can be rented. The most well-known are:

• Auberge des Caravanes: small huts with mosquito nets can be booked, good showers and toilets, 700 ouguiyas (as of 2023).
• Chez Jemal

Stay safe

• Protect yourself against mosquito: they can carry malaria.
• Get sun protection.
• It is easy to get lost walking in the desert or the mountains.

Go next

• Azougi
• Chinguetti
• Back to Atar