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Its most immediate natural
surroundings shape the life around Walata. It is worth discovering
places like the dhar, from the top of which we have the privilege
of seeing a splendid panorama of the city that has grown up its slopes.
The oued, the bed of an old river by which rainwater reaches the city,
is equally impressive. And that's not all: traditional wells,
a belt of farmland, ancient traps for wild animals and the desert
dunes all make up the natural surroundings we can marvel at during
our stay in Walata. Furthermore, we can always get to know
these places riding on one of the camels ready for outings in the
area.
Walata's countryside
also gives us the chance to set out on adventurous routes that reveal
far more than just the desert, the rocks and the dunes. Archaeological
remains, caves, palm groves and oases form part of the Mauritanian
landscape to be found just a few kilometres outside the city.
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Seven kilometres from
Walata, in the Zouri region, there is a natural marigot (marsh)
where children bathe in summer. This small natural swimming pool
is set in dreamlike surroundings on the slopes of the Dhar Walata.
Some ten kilometres away we have the well of Bir Nasra. The nomadic
population who live in the vicinity receive visitors with great
hospitality. There is nothing as enjoyable as a drink of tea or
Zrig (a traditional Mauritanian drink made from equal parts of water
and fermented camel or goat milk, with the addition of a good helping
of sugar), in a traditional Khaima. |
