What You’ll Do

Discover the essence of Mauritania in a single trip. This 10-day tour takes you through Mauritania’s most beautiful landscapes, from the immense dunes of the Adrar to the wild shores of the Atlantic.

You’ll discover hidden Saharan oases, the historic UNESCO World Heritage cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane, the impressive Ben Amera monolith, the unique experience of the ore train, and the exceptional ecosystems of Banc d’Arguin National Park.
Between nights under the stars, encounters with nomads, fishing villages, and vast desert landscapes, this trip offers a complete immersion in the heart of authentic Mauritania.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Nouakchott

• Welcome at Nouakchott International Airport by our local team.
• Transfer to your guesthouse or hotel.
• Check-in, free time, and your first taste of Mauritanian life.

DAY 2: Heading to the Great Dunes of Adrar

• Departure for Adrar after breakfast.
• The road crosses the desert landscapes of central Algeria, passing through Akjoujt, an iconic mining town.
• After a picnic lunch, arrival in the Azoueiga dunes region.
• Setting up camp in the heart of the Sahara.
• First evening under the stars with dinner prepared by the team.

DAY 3: The Magnificent Landscapes of Amatlich

• Morning hike at the foot of the immense dunes of Amatlich.
• Discovery of ancient Neolithic remains and passage through nomadic camps.
• Meeting with the locals and discovering life in the desert.
• Passing through oases and the spectacular passes of Tivoujar and Tezent before reaching the White Valley.
• Overnight camping under the stars.

DAY 4: Terjit Oasis and Mhaïreth

• Drive to the Terjit oasis, a true haven of greenery in the heart of the desert.
• Relax in the shade of the palm trees, swim in the natural pools, and have lunch.
• In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Mhaïreth oasis and meet nomadic families.
• Set up camp in the mountainous region of Zarga.

DAY 5: Chinguetti, the Pearl of the Sahara

• Visit Chinguetti, one of the most famous caravan cities in the Sahara.
• Discover its traditional architecture, its sandy alleyways, and a historic library housing ancient manuscripts.
• At sunset, climb the great dune overlooking the city to share a Mauritanian tea.
• Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

DAY 6: Ouadane and the Eye of Africa

• Departure along the old caravan routes.
• Passage through the Tanouchert oasis and meeting with the nomadic inhabitants.
• Discovery of the spectacular Guelb er Richat, nicknamed “the Eye of Africa,” visible from space.
• Visit to the remains of the Agueidir fort and the old town of Ouadane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

DAY 7: Atar, Choum, and boarding the desert train

• Drive to Atar with a stop at the Agrour rock paintings.
• Explore the city and its lively market.
• Pass through Choum and its famous railway tunnel.
• In the evening, board the ore train for a unique experience across the Sahara.
• Overnight on the train.

DAY 8: Nouadhibou and Cap Blanc

• Arrival in Nouadhibou.
• After a well-deserved break, explore Cap Blanc and its coastal landscapes.
• Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to observe the monk seals that frequent this part of the coastline.
• Visit the Nouadhibou Museum.
• Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 9: Banc d’Arguin National Park

• Drive to one of West Africa’s most remarkable natural areas, the Banc d’Arguin.
• Check-in at Cap Tafarit.
• Stroll along the beach, swim, and observe migratory birds.
• Dinner featuring local seafood, depending on the catch.
• Overnight under the stars overlooking the ocean.

DAY 10: Atlantic Coast and Return to Nouakchott

• Return to Nouakchott along the coastline.
• Stops in the fishing villages of Iwik and Mamghar.
• Observe flamingos and numerous other bird species.
• At the end of the day, explore the famous fishing port of Nouakchott before your transfer to your accommodation or the airport.

Attractions You’ll See