What You’ll Do

An adventure in the heart of the most beautiful landscapes of Mauritania. Leave for a 10-day tour to discover the natural and cultural treasures of Mauritania. From the immense dunes of the Adrar to the secret oases, including the historic towns of Chinguetti and Ouadane, listed as UNESCO world heritage sites, you will experience a true Saharan immersion. The journey will also take you to the spectacular monolith of Ben Amera, one of the largest monoliths in the world, before joining the Banc d’Arguin National Park, a natural sanctuary where desert and ocean meet in an exceptional setting. Between bivouacs under the stars, meetings with nomads, swimming in oases and discovery of Imraguen fishing villages, this circuit offers an authentic and complete experience of Mauritania.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Welcome to Mauritania

• You will be met at Nouakchott International Airport by our local team.
• Transfer to your guesthouse or hotel for a restful first night before your adventure begins.

DAY 2: The Great Dunes of Adrar

• After breakfast, departure by 4×4 towards Adrar, passing through Akjoujt, a famous Mauritanian mining town.
• After a picnic lunch, arrival at the foot of the majestic Azoueïga dunes.
• Setting up camp in the heart of the Sahara. Dinner prepared by our team and your first night under a starry sky, in a Moorish tent or an individual tent, according to your preference.

DAY 3: In the heart of the Amatlich Desert

• Morning walk along the impressive Amatlich dunes before returning to the vehicles.
• Discovery of Neolithic archaeological remains, crossing nomadic encampments, and a visit to desert schools.
• Passage through the La Gleitat oasis, the spectacular Tivoujar and Tezent passes, and then the White Valley.
• Setting up camp and an evening under the stars.

DAY 4: The Secret Oases of Adrar

• Drive to the Terjit oasis, a true haven of coolness nestled between the cliffs.
• Free time to enjoy the natural pools and palm grove before lunch.
• In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Mhaïreth oasis and meet nomadic families.
• Overnight camp in the Zarga mountains.

DAY 5: Chinguetti, the Pearl of the Sahara

• Explore Chinguetti, an ancient caravan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the old town, a historic library, and the sandy alleyways where traditional crafts still thrive.
• At the end of the day, climb the great dune to admire the sunset while enjoying Mauritanian tea.
• Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.

DAY 6: Ouadane and the Eye of Africa

• Travel along ancient caravan routes to the Tanouchert oasis, where tea is shared with nomads.
• Explore Guelb er Richat, nicknamed “the Eye of Africa.”
• Visit the ruins of Fort Agouedir, a former fortified Portuguese trading post, followed by the old town of Ouadane (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.

DAY 7: Ben Amira, the Giant of the Desert

• Drive to Fort Saganne with a stop at the rock paintings of Agrour and passage through the spectacular Amogjar Pass.
• Lunch with a family in Atar before visiting the traditional market.
• Continuing towards Choum, explore the railway tunnel and then arrive at the foot of the Ben Amira monolith, considered the second largest monolith in the world after Uluru.
• Short hike around the site and overnight camping in this exceptional mineral landscape.

DAY 8: Banc d’Arguin National Park

• After breakfast, drive to T’mémichat and then Chami before reaching Banc d’Arguin National Park.
• Check in at Cap Tafarit.
• Stroll on the beach, swim, watch the birds, and enjoy a dinner featuring local seafood, depending on the catch.
• Spend the night under the stars overlooking the ocean at the Cap Tafarit campsite.

DAY 9: Between Desert and Atlantic

• Departure for the village of Iwik.
• Depending on the season (October to March), board a lanche, the traditional boat of the Imraguen fishermen, to observe migratory birds and marine wildlife.
• Lunch on board, then drive along the coast to Mamghar before reaching the great Mahariat dune (PK 100).
• Final bivouac between the dunes and the ocean.

DAY 10: Nouakchott and Mauritanian Traditions

• Return to Nouakchott.
• Explore the capital’s main attractions: traditional markets, art galleries, the camel market, and the famous fishing port where pirogues unload their catch.
• Depending on your itinerary, transfer to the airport or to your hotel if you are extending your stay.

Attractions You’ll See