Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Nouakchott
Welcome to Mauritania. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit to the Port de Peche — one of the world’s most colorful and authentic working harbors. Watch the sunset over the Atlantic. Traditional Mauritanian welcome dinner. Overnight in Nouakchott.
Day 2: Nouakchott → Atar — Desert Journey
Early morning departure through the changing landscapes of Mauritania: coastal dunes, Sahelian scrub, and finally the rocky desert of the Adrar. Stop at Akjoujt for mint tea. Arrive in Atar in the late afternoon. Explore the market. Overnight in Atar.
Day 3: Terjit Oasis — Desert Paradise
Full day at Terjit Oasis — one of the Sahara’s most beautiful spots. A narrow canyon with a permanent spring creates a microclimate of palm trees, birdsong, and cool pools. Spend the day swimming, hiking the canyon walls, or simply relaxing in the shade — a true oasis experience. Picnic lunch. Return to Atar for the evening. Overnight in Atar.
Day 4: Chinguetti — The Seventh Holy City
Drive through the trackless desert to Chinguetti, the legendary “City of Libraries.” Visit the ancient family libraries where manuscripts — some a thousand years old — are kept in leather-bound collections passed down through generations. Tour the 13th-century stone mosque. Climb the highest dune for panoramic views of the city being slowly swallowed by the Sahara. Camel ride at sunset. Overnight in Chinguetti guesthouse.
Day 5: Chinguetti → Ouadane — Caravan Routes
Sunrise photography of the dunes. Then depart for Ouadane, following one of the old caravan routes. Ouadane sits on a dramatic hilltop — a ruined city that was once a thriving center of trade in gold, salt, and dates. Explore the ruins, visit the museum, and absorb the atmosphere of a city frozen in time. Overnight in Ouadane guesthouse.
Day 6: The Eye of the Sahara & Zarga Mountains
Morning excursion to the Guelb er Richat — the Eye of the Sahara. Walk the concentric rings of this 40km-wide geological formation that has fascinated astronauts and scientists alike. Picnic lunch at the site. Afternoon: explore the Zarga Mountains — dramatic black peaks rising from golden sand. Visit remote nomadic camps to share mint tea and stories. Overnight in desert camp.
Day 7: Desert → Nouakchott
Long but scenic drive back to the capital, retracing the desert route with new eyes after your Sahara immersion. Stop at villages and oases along the way. Arrive in Nouakchott by late afternoon. Farewell dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic. Overnight in Nouakchott.
Day 8: Departure
Morning at leisure — last chance for Mauritanian silver, leather, and carpets. Transfer to the airport for departure.
