Climbing Ben Amera, Conquering the Tallest Monolith in the Sahara
PUBLISHED MARCH 20, 2025
We climbed the monolith of Ben Amera, a massive granite rock formation rising 560 meters above sea level and the tallest monolith in the Sahara. Located in northern Mauritania near the border with Western Sahara, Ben Amera is a geological wonder formed through millions of years of erosion, standing as one of the most impressive inselbergs in the world. This natural colossus, composed of ancient Precambrian granite, holds both cultural and historical significance, as the surrounding area is dotted with prehistoric petroglyphs and remnants of past civilizations.
Our full ascent consisted of a rock climbing section with nine pitches rated 5C-6A, followed by a hike to reach a sub-peak, the avancima, before continuing to the summit. We then descended via the normal route of Ben Amera, completing a circuit of nearly 4.5 kilometers in 7 hours.
Climbing Ben Amera, Conquering the Tallest Monolith in the Sahara
STARTING POINT / Camp Site
EQUIPMENT / hiking boots, climbing shoes, helmet, camel bag,
backpack, 70 m ropes, harness.
ROUTE NAME / Mauritanide Voyages
DIFFICULTY / 5c - 6a + EE (Italian CAI Scale)
DISTANCE / 4.3 km total
TIME / 7 hours loop
OVERALL TIME / half day
MAX ALTITUDE / 560 mt
ELEVATION GAIN / 450 mt
CLIMBERS / Giulio, Luca
LEAD CLIMBERS / Alessandro, Dah
On February 19, 2025, just a few days after arriving in Mauritania, we set off to climb Ben Amera. We arrived at the site the day before, where the team from Mauritanides Voyages was waiting for us. They have a permanent tented camp at the base of Ben Amera, where we stayed the night before.
The local agency has developed the logistics to make rock climbing possible not only at Ben Amera but also at the smaller monoliths, Aïsha and Ben Haddad. It is the only certified agency in the country authorized to grant access and permits for climbing routes established by the French climbers Jean-Louis Lauferon and Anne Belinay in 2020.
photo by Giulio Aprin
On the morning of the 19th, we woke up around 7 AM, and by 8:30 AM, we were on our way in our 4x4 vehicle to the starting point of the climb. Less than 30 minutes later, we arrived.
Our team consisted of five: me, Luca, Alessandro, Dah, the only authorized climbing guide in Mauritania and at Ben Amera, and Sidi Ahmed Jr., his apprentice.
We set off to climb Mauritanide Voyages, a route with approximately 400 meters of elevation gain, 500 meters of developed length, nine pitches, and a mandatory 5c difficulty, to finish the loop with a 3.8 km hike back to the starting point.
photo by Giulio Aprin
By 9 AM, we had already begun the 15-minute approach hike, following the side of the monolith along a massive scree field, formed by rock debris that had fallen from its upper layers. This first section of the trek ascends diagonally, gaining about 100 meters in elevation, bringing us to approximately 300 meters above sea level.
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
From here, a prominent and wide black basalt dyke, embedded within the granite of the monolith, becomes clearly visible, offering an accessible and climbable route. The climb begins with an easy pitch, followed by three additional pitches of third-degree difficulty, making for a straightforward but engaging start to the ascent.
photo by Luca Abbate
Upon reaching the belay station, we geared up and roped in. Alessandro took the lead, followed by me and the rest of the team.
The first pitches were very easy and enjoyable, allowing us to ease into the action as a warm-up. Meanwhile, the sun to our left began rising higher in the sky, gradually warming the air.
photo by Luca Abbate
For Luca, this was his first experience of this kind. He had never climbed before, yet he threw himself into this challenge with great courage, a test that would push him along the way.
For me, it was my first multi-pitch rock climb, and certainly in an extremely remote and hostile environment like the desert—especially in the Ben Amera area, which is subject to truly extreme climatic conditions. In a way, we were both embarking on a personal first ascent.
photo by Luca Abbate
One thing was certain: I carried with me a solid foundation of knowledge—not only about rocky terrain and climbing techniques but also about the unique environment we were navigating. While I picked up new technical skills along the way, particularly in handling ropes and climbing gear, I felt well-prepared for this ascent. I moved with confidence and agility, which both surprised me and reinforced my sense of readiness.
photo by Luca Abbate
What truly stood out, however, was Luca’s determination. I knew he would push himself to the limit, but seeing him tackle the challenge head-on—despite the heavy backpacks and the filming equipment we carried—was both impressive and inspiring.
photo by Luca Abbate
After finishing the four pitches on the basalt dyke, the rock of the monolith leveled out, leading to a small ledge. From there, we traversed to the right before setting up a secure belay station to continue the route, which now turned vertical, developing back to our left along the monolith. The difficulty increased to a 5C grade, marking the point where the climb became more challenging.
By this time, the sun was already high in the sky, and strong gusts of wind began to hit the north face where we were climbing. The sudden bursts destabilized us, making the ascent even more demanding.
photo by Luca Abbate
At this point, we were at an altitude of 400 meters, and about two hours had passed since the start of the climb. We approached the first pitch of this section, which immediately proved to be extremely vertical, following a granite slab with small flakes that provided decent holds for both hands and feet. However, from this point on, we had to be even more focused and precise, carefully considering each movement. Every single step mattered as we climbed vertically.
photo by Luca Abbate
The wind began to intensify, reaching such a force that, even just a few meters apart, we could no longer communicate with our climbing partners. Gusts of around 70 km/h were strong enough to physically move and destabilize us, forcing us to slow down and climb with even greater caution. I was ahead of Luca, climbing alongside Alessandro, and as I turned back to check on Luca’s progress, I could see his apprehension but also his deep concentration. He was undoubtedly fatigued, especially in his calves, due to the constant strain on the front of his feet. Yet, with remarkable determination, calm, and patience, we managed to push through the first two pitches—made significantly harder by the extreme weather conditions.
photo by Luca Abbate
Finally, the next three pitches started to ease in steepness, becoming less vertical. These sections were incredibly long, and the bolts were placed far apart, adding to the challenge.
photo by Luca Abbate
Despite the intensity of the climb, we couldn’t help but glance around as we ascended. The starting point was now a distant speck below us, and the vast desert stretched endlessly in every direction. The other monoliths surrounding Ben Amera were visible on the horizon, rising from the barren landscape, and beyond them, an ocean of sand dunes covered the entire region. It was an environment both uniquely beautiful and incredibly unforgiving.
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
Meanwhile, the wind was not only physically destabilizing us but also overwhelming our senses. It howled in our ears, creating a constant, muffled drone, a relentless background noise that seemed to settle into our minds. This relentless wind, combined with the sheer scale of our surroundings, made the experience even more surreal, intense, and unforgettable.
photo by Luca Abbate
Finally, after five endless and exhausting pitches, where the last one was made easier by the slope that started to flatten out toward the top of the avancima, we finally reach the rock blocks. From rock climbing, we begin a section of roped trekking to stay safe, bypass these large rock blocks, and reach a higher point, sheltered from the relentless wind. Finally, we remove all the gear, put on our trekking boots, take off the helmet, and cover our heads well because, at that point, the wind was no longer the issue. We began to feel the intense heat of the sun, which was now directly above us.
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
In a matter of minutes, from the Avancima, we descend a few meters onto a plateau that has formed between the Avancima and the summit of the monolith. A vast and expansive plateau, composed of large boulders but also flatter surfaces. It is likely a place where water accumulates and where erosion has played its part over time.
photo by Luca Abbate
There, we find shelter in the shade beneath a massive boulder, a large rock that provides a brief respite. We take a moment to drink some tea, replenish our energy with a few biscuits and peanuts, and recover from the intense heat and exhaustion of the climb.
photo by Luca Abbate
Five hours had passed since our departure. The wind, the filming, and the fact that there were five of us had slowed down our entire ascent, but we were feeling good and ready for the final 10-minute trek to finally reach and conquer the summit of Ben Amera.
Standing at 560 meters above sea level, according to the latest and more accurate GPS and satellite measurements, the summit was now within our grasp.
photo by Luca Abbate
Finally, at the top of the peak. We had conquered Ben Amera (560 m), the second tallest monolith in the world and the tallest monolith in the Sahara.
photo by Luca Abbate
At this point, standing at the summit, we took in the breathtaking panorama. In the distance, we could see the famous iron ore train crossing the Sahara, approaching the small village of Ben Amera, which, from this altitude, looked almost like a miniature model.
With the heat intensifying, we quickly began our descent via the normal route, aiming to return to the base as soon as possible. We needed to replenish our energy and refuel with a proper meal after the long and demanding climb.
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
The descent did not present major technical challenges, nor was it difficult to find the route from the summit. We proceeded down the eastern face, following a steep, almost linear path descending along the vertical wall until we reached the base of the monolith.
photo by Luca Abbate
photo by Luca Abbate
Here, some granite slabs emitted dull, hollow sounds, making it clear that the outermost layers—the first "skin" of rock—were not all solid. Some of these flakes were precariously attached, serving as unreliable footholds. This required careful foot placement, as the pull of gravity pressed our weight onto the tips of our feet. Every step demanded precision to avoid slipping or dislodging unstable rock, which could have led to a dangerous fall.
photo by Luca Abbate
As we descended, the heat grew more intense. The wind, which had been a challenge during the climb, had diminished, but the relentless sun overhead made the descent just as grueling. Shade was nowhere to be found, and we endured the full force of the desert sun until, seven hours later, we finally reached the vehicle at the base.
Thanks for the wonderful adventure and the story that brought back to our memory those beautiful moments
Author
So happy we had the pleasure and chance to share together those incredible days at Ben Amera, hopefully many others in the future pushing adventure in the remotest corners of the planet.