The rings
From space.
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The Richat Structure, known as the Eye of Africa, is a huge circular geological feature on the Adrar Plateau in the Sahara, near Ouadane. It is about 40 km across, so its full shape can only be seen from the air or space. In Hassaniya rīšāt means «feathers», and locals also call it tagense, the opening of a leather water pouch. It is an eroded geological dome, pushed up by igneous rock forcing the overlying sedimentary layers upward, then cut by erosion into concentric rings, the oldest at the centre. It holds exceptional accumulations of Paleolithic stone tools. It was chosen as one of the world's 100 geological heritage sites of the highest scientific value. From space you see overlapping rings of blue, brown and grey, like a huge eye in yellow sand. On the ground the rings appear as low rock ridges with broad valleys between them, so visitors only grasp the circle with a guide to explain it. Rocks and gravel of different colours are scattered in the valleys. It is about 31 km from Ouadane in a straight line, by a desert track that needs a four-wheel drive and a guide. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of Adrar, including this area, so read the current advice before you plan.
From space.
On the ground.
From the Paleolithic.
Near Ouadane, Adrar Plateau, Mauritania
No, the full shape shows from the air; a guide explains the rings on the ground.
Yes, the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the area.