Images courtesy of Nasa, Google Maps and John Spooner
Could it be the eye of a hurricane, the Jupiter’s Great Red Spot turned blue or an ammonite? There are acceptable guesses. But, what is that? 50 km in diameter, also referred to as the „Eye of Africa”, located just a little off the beaten path in Northern Mauritania, not far from the route of the endangered Dakar Rally. A mystery that has intrigued scientists, geologists and astronomists since its visual discovery by orbiting astronauts during the dawn of space travel: The Richat Structure. Initially believed to be a crater caused by a meteoric impact.
Current consensus leans towards the explanation that the geological formation is a symmetrical uplift that has been laid bare by erosion. So if you’re passing by the neighborhood on a Trans-Saharan trek with some nomads, keep your iPhone or GPS handy and have a look.
When you get there you may be just a tad disappointed. The Richat Structure is best seen from above. Way above! But, if you are just kind of adventure seeking traveler to visit this part of Africa, chances are you will find beauty and satisfaction in the stunning Mars-like landscapes and otherworldly isolation that the Sahara grants its visitors.
There are some people who live in the area, scraping by as locals have for thousands of years. And there may, or may not be, a functioning hotel. The results of our research are inconclusive, but a hotel is referenced on a few websites. So let us know if you go.