Discovering the Eye of the Sahara: Planning an Aerial Expedition to the Richat Structure

Flying Over the Eye of the Sahara

There are places on Earth that feel almost unreal. The Eye of the Sahara is one of them.

Also known as the Richat Structure this enormous circular formation sits deep in the desert of Mauritania. From space it looks like a giant target pressed into the Sahara and for decades it has fascinated astronauts explorers and geologists. When you see photos of it the first thing you think is simple. How is that even real.

But the Richat Structure is not just a strange geological formation. The surrounding desert hides ancient cities lost trade routes and fragments of cultures that once thrived in what now feels like one of the most remote landscapes on Earth.

Standing on the ground near it would be impressive but the real way to understand the scale of the Eye of the Sahara is from the air.

Flying above it completely changes the perspective. The rings stretch out across the desert in perfect symmetry and suddenly you realise how massive it truly is.

This is exactly why an aerial expedition here makes so much sense.

It is not just about seeing something unusual. It is about exploring a landscape that very few people ever experience properly - and that is the real appeal.

Why See the Eye of the Sahara from the Air

The Richat Structure is almost 50 kilometres across. On the ground you would struggle to understand what you are looking at because the formation is simply too large. It only makes sense when you see the full pattern from above.

From the air the desert suddenly transforms. The concentric rings appear clearly and the geological layers form a perfect bullseye in the middle of endless sand.

Flying over the region also reveals something else. The desert is not empty. Scattered across this landscape are ancient settlements ruins of trading towns and routes that once connected West Africa to the wider world.

Many of these places remain rarely visited simply because they are so difficult to reach. An aircraft changes that completely.

Flying allows you to cover huge distances quickly and identify locations that would otherwise remain hidden in the desert.

The reasons for exploring the region by air are pretty clear

You get a perspective that is impossible from the groundYou can reach extremely remote areas quicklyThe photography opportunities are unbelievableAnd you can combine adventure with genuine historical exploration

For anyone who enjoys unusual places this kind of journey is about as good as it gets.

Starting the Journey in the Canary Islands

One of the most logical starting points for a flight to Mauritania is the Canary Islands.

The islands sit just off the northwest coast of Africa and have well developed aviation infrastructure. Small aircraft operations and aeroclubs are common especially in places like Tenerife Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

For a trip like this these aeroclubs are the first place to start.

Many of them operate light aircraft that are perfectly suited for long scenic flights and desert crossings. Planes like Cessnas and Pipers are common and ideal for this kind of expedition.

The key is to speak directly with the clubs and see who has experience flying toward the African mainland.

Things worth asking include

What aircraft are available for longer desert flightsWhether the pilots have experience flying in North African airspaceIf they can assist with permits and cross border flight planningAnd whether they have done similar trips before

Often these clubs know local pilots or aviation contacts in Mauritania as well which can make the process much easier.

Building a relationship with the right people here is the first step in turning the idea into reality.

Dealing with Permits and Airspace

Flying into another country especially somewhere remote like Mauritania requires some planning.

The country controls its airspace quite strictly and landing permissions need to be arranged before any flight takes place.

This means contacting the Mauritanian Civil Aviation Authority and understanding the requirements well in advance.

You will need documentation such as pilot licences aircraft registration insurance details and a clear flight plan.

It is also important to identify suitable landing strips or airports near the Richat Structure or other places you might want to visit.

Working with pilots who already understand this process is incredibly helpful. Aeroclubs in the Canary Islands often deal with international aviation rules and can guide you through the paperwork.

It might sound complicated but with the right contacts it becomes manageable.

Finding Local Guides in Mauritania

Once you arrive in Mauritania the value of local knowledge becomes obvious very quickly.

The Sahara is vast and navigating it properly requires people who know the land and understand the culture.

Local guides are essential.

They help with logistics transportation and communication and they also bring the history of the region to life.

A good guide can explain the significance of ancient trading towns point out archaeological sites and help arrange access to places most travellers would never find alone.

Finding these contacts can happen in several ways

Tourism offices sometimes recommend licensed guidesTravel communities and expedition forums often share reliable contactsCultural organisations and NGOs working in the region can also introduce knowledgeable locals

Guides who speak Arabic French or Hassaniya are particularly useful since these are the main languages used across the region.

Working with the right people turns the expedition from a simple flight into a deeper exploration of the desert.

Preparing for the Expedition

A journey like this requires proper preparation.

The desert is unforgiving and being organised makes a huge difference.

A few important things to consider

Bring reliable cameras and GPS equipmentPack light clothing for extreme daytime heat and warmer layers for the cooler desert nightsCarry plenty of water sun protection and a basic medical kitConfirm fuel availability at every stage of the flightAnd always leave a clear travel plan with someone in case of emergencies

Respecting the environment and local customs is also essential. This region has deep cultural traditions and travellers who approach it with curiosity and respect are always welcomed more warmly.

Exploring the Lost Cities of the Desert

After flying over the Richat Structure the journey does not have to end there.

Mauritania is home to several ancient desert cities that once played major roles in trans Saharan trade.

These places feel almost frozen in time.

One of the most fascinating is Ouadane. This old stone town sits close to the Richat Structure and its crumbling buildings tell the story of a trading centre that thrived centuries ago.

Then there is Chinguetti which became famous as a centre of Islamic scholarship. Its ancient libraries still hold manuscripts that date back hundreds of years.

Further south lies Tichitt where archaeological remains reveal human settlements stretching back thousands of years.

Visiting these places brings a completely different dimension to the expedition. You move from geology to history and suddenly the desert feels alive with stories.

Building Something Bigger

Trips like this rarely remain one off adventures.

Once you start building contacts with pilots guides and local communities the possibilities expand quickly.

Each expedition opens the door to another.

Sharing photographs expedition reports and stories with the people you meet strengthens those relationships. Supporting local communities and heritage projects also helps protect these remarkable places.

Over time a small network forms and suddenly you realise that what started as a single idea could become something much bigger.

For anyone drawn to remote landscapes unusual history and the thrill of exploring places most travellers never reach the Eye of the Sahara is a perfect starting point.

And seeing it from the air might just be one of the most unforgettable views on Earth.