Mauritania is one of the least visited countries in the world, home to ancient holy cities, legendary nomadic tribes, and infinite sand dunes. Traveling to Mauritania is like taking a time capsule. This trip is what traveling at its best is: going where the Wi-Fi is weak in a real Sahara experience. This unique trip takes you to a country full of hidden gems that will excite even the most experienced traveler.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Historic Towns: Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ouadane and Chinguetti.
• Geological Wonders: Spend a magical night camping among the Azouega dunes.
• Oases Experience: Relax at Tenewchert, Mheirith, and Tergit oases.
• Cultural Insight: Immerse in the traditions of Mauritania during the Nouakchott city tour.
• Encounters: Enjoy traditional Mauritanian music, tea and henna around the campfire.
• Add on: Optional journey aboard Mauritania’s legendary Iron Ore Train.

Important Notes:

• Distances: This itinerary involves long drives, but the journey is part of the adventure, showcasing diverse landscapes.

• Meals: All meals are included except in Nouakchott.

• Accommodations: Best hotel options available in the country. One night in a Luxury camp with all facilities.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Nouakchott

Welcome to Mauritania! Upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport, you will be met by our local team and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner.

Overnight in Nouakchott

Day 2 – Nouakchott to the Azouega Dunes

After breakfast, we begin our journey into the Adrar. We travel north towards Akjoujt, stopping for lunch before leaving the paved road and continuing across the desert by 4×4. By mid-afternoon, we reach the magnificent Azouega dunes. Tonight, we gather around the fire for a freshly prepared dinner accompanied by traditional Mauritanian music, tea and henna. Far from the lights of the city, the desert sky offers an unforgettable setting for our first night in the Sahara.

Overnight at a private desert camp

Day 3 – Azouega, the Desert Oases and Chinguetti

Wake up among the dunes before journeying through Tifoujar Pass and the palm oasis of Mhaireth. Stop for lunch and relaxation at Terjit Oasis, then continue through Amogjar Pass to the ancient city of Chinguetti.

Overnight in Chinguetti

Day 4 – Chinguetti to Ouadane

Explore Chinguetti’s historic mosque, sandy lanes and ancient manuscript libraries before visiting a traditional Mahdhara. Then journey across the dunes to UNESCO-listed Ouadane, explore its old ksar and enjoy dinner overlooking the ancient city.

Overnight in Ouadane

Day 5 – Ouadane to Atar

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ouadane, with time for one final walk through the old ksar before continuing south towards Atar, the principal town of the Adrar region. Explore Atar’s lively market, where local traders sell colourful fabrics, dates, spices and traditional silver jewellery. The evening is free to relax at the hotel and prepare for the journey back to the capital.

Overnight in Atar

Day 6 – Atar to Nouakchott

After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Nouakchott. The road takes us south through wide desert landscapes, with a lunch stop in Akjoujt along the way. We arrive in the capital in the late afternoon, with time to rest and refresh before enjoying dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight in Nouakchott

Guests joining the optional Iron Ore Train extension will leave Atar separately on this day.

Day 7 – Nouakchott and Departure

Visit the camel market, then continue to the colourful Port de Pêche, where hundreds of wooden fishing boats return to shore and the day’s catch is carried across the beach. Return to Nouakchott in time for your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Optional Add on

Iron Train Extension

For travellers seeking an extraordinary adventure, an optional one-day extension offers the opportunity to experience Mauritania’s legendary Iron Ore Train.

Travel from Atar to Choum, stopping at the historic Choum Tunnel and the magnificent Ben Amera monolith. After a desert picnic, continue to the boarding point and wait for the train before beginning the overnight journey across the Sahara towards Nouadhibou.

After arriving on the Atlantic coast, refresh at a hotel before returning to Nouakchott and departing the following day.

This is a physically demanding experience with basic conditions and unpredictable timings. It is recommended only for adventurous travellers who are fully prepared for the challenge.

Bahraini Dinars 95 add on cost.

Trip Cost

Bahraini Dinars 830 per person in a double room

Bahraini Dinars 993 per person in a single room

Payment Terms

• 20% upon registration.
• 30% to be paid by 25 Nov.
• 50% to be paid by 25 Dec.

Includes:

• Qaflh tour leader throughout the journey
• Airport transfers in Nouakchott
• Private air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles with experienced drivers
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Accommodation in best hotels available
• One night in a fully equipped desert camp
• Three meals daily and mineral water
• Private chef accompanying the group
• Welcome dinner in Nouakchott
• Traditional music and henna experience at the desert camp
• All activities and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
• Mauritania e-visa support

Exclude:

• Visa fees.
• Visa of Mauritania available at the Airport for a tax of 55 Euros (65 USD).
• Tip for guides and any other unspecified costs.
• International and domestic airfares.
• All services, meals, or items not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, beverages, etc.

Cancellation Policy:

In case of cancellation, the balance will be given as a credit voucher for future trips in the applicable percentage.

BHD 150 deposit is non-refundable.

All cancellations must be made in writing and will only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by the company. The following cancellation fees will apply in the event of full cancellation by the clients.

• Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure 10% of full amount.
• Between 45 days and 35 days prior to departure 30% of full amount.
• Between 34 days and 20 days prior to departure 50% of full amount.
• Less than 19 days to departure 100% of full amount is not refunded.
• No shows will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
• In certain instances, stricter cancellation conditions and fees will apply.
• In case of failure to pay according to the payment terms the company reserves the right to cancel the participation of the traveler while withholding the nonrefundable amounts according to the cancellation policy.