Mauritanian Tour: Train, Desert & UNESCO Sites

09:00 — Nouakchott City Tour
Pick-up from your hotel. Visits include:

• Central Market
• National Museum
• Camel Market (best time: 08:00–11:00)
  At 10:30 — Departure for Adrar Region
  Starting from Nouakchott, we begin our northbound journey across the desert of the Adrar
  region.
  Several stops will be made for photography and short breaks.
  13:30 — Lunch in Akjoujt
  Enjoy a peaceful lunch stop in Akjoujt before continuing the drive.
  16:00 — Arrival in Azoueiga
  After approximately 2 to3 more hours of driving, we reach Azoueiga, home to the tallest sand
  dunes in Mauritania.
  Afternoon & Evening — Desert Experience
• Admire the stunning views of the dunes
• Relax in the serene desert atmosphere
• Enjoy tea at sunset
• Settle into your pre-set desert camp
• Dinner and campfire under the stars
  Overnight: Desert camp in Azoueiga

Morning — Departure from Azoueiga
After breakfast, we begin a 4-hour drive toward Terjit Oasis.
Midday — Arrival at Terjit Oasis
Upon arrival at The Hidden Oasis, you will explore:

• The lush palm groves
• The natural canyon
• The fresh spring water flowing from the rocks
  Lunch — At the Water Source
  Enjoy a peaceful lunch beside the natural water source, surrounded by greenery and cool
  shade.
  Afternoon — Relax & Oasis Experience
  Take time to relax, walk around the oasis, or enjoy tea under the palm trees.
  Evening — Transfer to Jemal Camp
  After the oasis experience, we drive to Jemal Camp, where you will enjoy dinner and a calm
  evening in the desert.
  Overnight: Jemal Camp

Morning — Drive from Terjit to the Richat Structure
After breakfast, we begin a 4-hour journey across the desert towards the Richat Structure, the
famous Eye of Africa.
Along the way, we pass through Mhairith, known for its peaceful palm groves and traditional
oasis life.
Midday — Explore the Richat Structure
Upon arrival, we explore this spectacular circular geological formation—one of the most iconic
natural wonders in Mauritania.
Time for photography, walking around the site, and enjoying the panoramic desert views.
Afternoon — Drive to Ouadane
After the visit, we drive 1 hour back to Ouadane, one of the oldest caravan towns in the Sahara.
Check-In & Lunch — Vasque Hotel, Ouadane
We arrive in Ouadane and check into Vasque Hotel.
Enjoy a traditional lunch and take time to rest.
Evening — Visit the Historical Town of Ouadane
we explore the ancient town, including:

• The old mosque
• Stone houses and desert architecture
• The ruins of the ancient caravan city
• The “Street of Scholars,” known for its rich history
  Overnight: Vasque Hotel, Ouadane

Morning — Drive from Ouadane to Chinguetti
After breakfast, we depart for a 3-hour journey toward Chinguetti.
We make short stops along the way to stretch, enjoy the open desert, and take photos.
Arrival in Chinguetti — Visit to the Ancient Library
Our first stop is one of Chinguetti historic libraries.
The librarian will present ancient manuscripts and share the deep history of this UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
UNESCO Walking Tour of the Old Town
We explore:

• The Old Quarter of Chinguetti
• Traditional stone architecture
• The Grand Mosque of Chinguetti, one of the oldest mosques in Mauritania and a
  masterpiece of desert Islamic architecture
  Lunch in Chinguetti
  Enjoy a traditional Mauritanian lunch in the hotel.
  Afternoon — Sunset at the Sand Dunes
  We head to the nearby dunes to relax and watch the sunset over the Sahara, with tea served in
  the Mauritanian tradition.
  Evening — Check-In
  Settle into your accommodation in Chinguetti.
  Overnight: Eden Hotel, Chinguetti

Morning — Rock Paintings & Drive Toward Atar
After breakfast, we depart Chinguetti and visit the ancient rock paintings, an important
archaeological site reflecting early Saharan history.
We continue the drive toward Atar and then to Choum, enjoying desert landscapes along the
way.
Midday — Journey to Tmeimichat
We proceed toward Tmeimichat, passing by remarkable sites like The World’s 2nd Largest Monolith – an impressive natural formation rising from the
desert
Afternoon — Arrival in Tmeimichat
Make sure prepare bellow for the Iron Ore Train journey:

• Snacks
• Protective equipment: mask and sunglasses
• Warm clothing
• Personal bags secured
  Your guide will explain boarding procedures, safety, and how to make the experience
  comfortable.
  Evening — Board the Iron Ore Train
  We board the legendary Iron Ore Train, one of the longest trains in the world.
  The journey lasts approximately 9 hours, crossing the Sahara Desert.
  During the ride:
• Enjoy panoramic desert views from the open wagon
• Experience the raw beauty of the Sahara
• Watch the sunset over the desert horizon
• At night, enjoy a breathtaking sky full of bright stars
  Important Note on Wagon Availability:
  We will always do our best to secure a place on the open ore wagon, but availability is not
  100% guaranteed.
  If it’s not possible, you have two safe alternative options:

1. Ride in the passenger wagon attached to the train, or
2. Continue by 4x4 vehicle — the car will remain with you until boarding is confirmed.
   Overnight: On the Iron Ore Train (open wagon or passenger wagon)

Morning — Arrival in Nouadhibou
After completing the Iron Ore Train experience, we arrive in Nouadhibou in the morning.
Hotel Check-In & Rest
We head directly to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy:

• A long, refreshing shower
• Time to rest and recover after the overnight train journey
• A slow, relaxing morning
  Afternoon — Free Time to Unwind
  Take the afternoon at your own pace:
• Relax at the hotel
• Enjoy a light walk
• Optional local exploration
  Evening — Visit to Cape Blanc
  In the evening, we visit Cape Blanc, known for its serene coastal views and peaceful atmosphere.
  A perfect place to end the day with cool ocean air and beautiful scenery.
  Overnight: Hotel in Nouadhibou

Morning

• Departure from Nouadhibou after breakfast.
• Scenic drive to Banc d’Arguin National Park (approx. 5 hours), a UNESCO World
  Heritage site known for its vast coastal landscapes and rich marine life.
  Lunch
• Lunch stop in Arkeiss, a small tent camp at the edge of the park.
  Afternoon
• Continue to Iwik, a traditional Imraguen fishing village where locals still fish using
  ancestral methods in harmony with nature.
  Overnight
• Overnight stay in a camp in Iwik or Arkeiss, surrounded by ocean, and silence.

Morning

• Departure from Arkeiss toward El Mamghar (approx. 3 hours).
• Birdwatching along the coast: flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds in one of
  West Africa’s most important ecosystems.
  Lunch
• Seafood lunch in El Mamghar, freshly prepared by local fishermen (around 1:00 PM).
  Afternoon
• Drive to Nouakchott (approx. 3 hours).
• Visit the Nouakchott Fish Market, a lively and authentic view of local daily life.
  Evening
• Return to hotel or proceed to the airport.
• End of the tour / flight preparation.