TERJIT OASIS
Terjit (Arabic: ترجيت) is an oasis 45 km by road south of Atar, the capital of the Adrar Region deep into the Sahara Desert of Mauritania.
The Terjit Oasis nestles in a gorge on the western edge of the Adrar plateau covered by a rich palm grove stretching a few hundred meters alongside a stream which emerges from a spring. Terjit is part of the commune of Maaden in the Aoujeft Department
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TRAVEL
Chikali local guide | Atar
Atar to Terjit: about 1 hour driving
The Terjit Oasis was known to the locals as paradise in hell.
For hundreds of years it had been a place of rest and shelter for caravans and insanely brave lone wayfarers who decided to travel through the vast Sahara Desert.
A small valley that stretched no more than a few hundred meters provided weary travelers with rest, enjoyment, and deliverance, albeit briefly, from the sweltering heat and hot winds. Here one could plunge into a pond filled with clear cold water from artesian sources, replenish drinking water before continuing their journey, and treat themselves with fresh fruits from the palm grove.
The photo below shows you the Terjit village at the bottom and the junction where the paved road N1 called Route d'Aoujeft meets the sand road that takes you to the valley at the top. The Terjit Oasis lies right behind where the shot has been taken
To date about 300 people live in the village, where there are few buildings and huts, including an elementary school and some shops.
The livelihood for the people of Terjit is certainly the cultivation of palm trees and its precious fruits: dates.
In the days of the nomadic desert tribes, one of the most difficult tasks was to find a resourceful plot of land that was conducive to life.
In the mid-17th century the first tribe who settled in Terjit Valley was Awlad Khaylan (اولاد قيلان).
At that time the oasis was small but insidious, inhabited by many wild animals. Wolfs, deer an other species were dominant in the Terjit green lung keeping humans away from entering it.
The new inhabitants though were afraid to enter the forest so they called the Smasid (السماسيد) from Oujeft (اوجفة), the neighboring tribe to help in the mission.
The two tribes so decided to join their forces and try to take over the Terjit Oasis, but none had enough courage to do it, so each tribe sent its own man forward to conquer the forest.
The man sent by the Smasid tribe, Mohamed Alhajaj, the fifth grandfather of the actual owners of the Oasis, succeeded in the heroic quest.
He had the brilliant idea of setting fire to a small portion of the forest, and pushing the smoke into it, so that the animals would rather die or run away.
In that same period some problems occurred between the two tribes but the Smasid managed to take over the place and they planted other palm trees.
Today Terjit Oasis is also a place of repose for the wealthy residents of nearby towns who come here for the weekend to enjoy the coolness in the shade of spreading palms, fresh air, and for a peaceful refresh in the ponds.
Walking towards the end of the palm grove, where the source of water rises, in total peace you can hear the incredible symphony that the drops of water, falling from the surrounding rocks into the stream, make.
Although tourism is almost non-existent, Terjit has always been a pilgrimage destination even for adventurous travelers.
Tourists can find a guest house in the Terjit Village or they can camp with their own equipment, respecting the quiet and preserving the nature.
Today the Terjit land is still owned by the Alhajaj family, precisely by Jamal and his brothers.
Photo credits: Giulio Aprin – Fedora Ginanni
So special place with a special story
Thanks for telling us about it ❤️
Author
Thank you man for helping with some historical information! Miss you brother! can’t wait to be back to spend time together
You’re welcome brother it’s a pleasure to meet you 🎉
I miss you too bro 😉♥️
Surprising pictures, wonderful writings, and accurate information
Many thanks for visiting Mauritania and publishing pictures of some of its places and your writing about it.
Author
One of the most beautiful experience I have ever had, I can’t really wait to be back soon! Mauritania deserves more tourism
Loving your travels, photos and stories.
Author
Thank you very much Justine!
Jeez! You’re dope, mate!!!!
Author
Hey Dominika!!! thank youuuu so much
very interesting, i learned so much!
That was a beautiful an interesting read… Great work Giulio 👏🏼
Author
Appreciate it a lot Kuntal, thank you for your feedback
A quick question – is there any public transportation from Nouakchott or Atar to Tergit? Thanks!
Author
there are minibusses from Nouakchott to Atar, from Atar to Terjit is a little bit complicated but you can always find a lift! Terjit is about 30 mins drivr from Atar.
Bare in mind minibus companies are private but work as public transportation more or less. costs is between 11 to 13 euros Nouakchott-Atar.
Fabulous dream oasis. I visited there in my young adulthood about 30 years ago when I was living in Nouakchott (working for UNDP/PNUD). We drove along the beach past the Imraguen and their dolphins towards Nouadhibou, then detoured to Chinguetti and its ancient manuscript library. A stop in Terjit was enchanting. As I dipped in the pool, drops of water an an occasional date descended. Later, a visit to Atar.
Author
Hey Francis, it made me very happy reading of your beautiful testimony and story from 30 years ago! how cool and amazing, it must have been even more unique, remote and unknown.
Terjit is so far one of the most beautiful and unique oasis on earth in my opinion, are you planning to go back to Mauritania one day?