Assaba: Dunes, Gorges and Oases

The paved Route de l’Espoir crosses the Wilaya of Assaba for almost 500 kilometres; from the road, you can admire a great variety of landscapes. In Assaba, the dune ranges span colours from ochre to pristine white. Lakes with green shores and deep gorges add to this landscape. In the gorges, springs that flow year-round wind between the palms of shady oases. Alongside these natural features, Kiffa, the regional capital of Assaba, offers a cultural focus with its renowned handicrafts. The landscape and handicrafts offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Dunes, lakes and springs

The dunes’ colours range from warm ochre to pristine white. The green lake shores create a striking contrast. Lake Lebheir is dotted with sandy islands—a distinctive feature within Assaba’s varied landscape. The springs in the deep gorges also add a feature of their own: they flow year-round and wind between the palms of shady oases. In the region, the dry colours of the dunes sit alongside green shores and springs that flow throughout the year.

The Route de l’Espoir offers a road-level perspective on the variety of landscapes in the Wilaya. Lakes, dune ranges and gorges are other natural features of Assaba. Those interested in landscapes will find several distinct aspects to consider: the colours of the dunes, the green shores and the water in the gorges.

Handicrafts in Kiffa

Kiffa, the regional capital of Assaba, is known for its handicrafts. These include Kiffa beads made from crushed glass and gum arabic, as well as leather goods, embroidered veils and incense paste. Cushions, mats and wooden beds round out the range. It thus extends from beads and leather to textiles, fragrances and everyday items. Kiffa adds a cultural dimension to trip planning that differs from Assaba’s natural features. If you are interested in crafts as well as landscapes, you can make the regional capital a focus of your trip.

Mauritania: Food and tea culture

The wider destination of Mauritania has culinary and cultural traditions found across the country; these are distinct from the specific landscapes of Assaba and the handicrafts of Kiffa. A traditional Mauritanian meal begins with dates and ends with a ceremonial mint tea ritual. Mauritanian tea culture includes three glasses of tea, prepared according to a ritual that brings people together and encourages sharing. Over tea, people talk, recite poetry, discuss history and share anecdotes.

Mauritanian cuisine is also influenced by Maghrebi and sub-Saharan African cultures. Its specialities include Mauritanian couscous and Leksour. Tiéboudienne, a rice dish with fish, is associated with sub-Saharan African culture. Popular drinks in the country include fresh camel’s milk, Zrig made with water and sugar, the hibiscus infusion Bissap, and Tajmakht made from baobab pulp. These countrywide examples provide a cultural context for a trip to Mauritania; the dunes, lakes, gorges and handicrafts of Kiffa are the specific features of Assaba.

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