Embark on a remarkable journey across the Sahara with a tour crafted to reveal the true Mauritania Highlights. Over 7 unforgettable days, you will explore ancient caravan towns, towering dunes, lush oases, and one of the world’s most mysterious geological formations. This experience blends adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a deep connection to Mauritania’s heritage.
Begin your adventure in Nouakchott and travel north into the heart of the Adrar, where the tallest dunes of Azoueiga rise above the desert. Wander through the palm groves and cool springs of Terjit Oasis, discover the peaceful life of Mhairith, and stand at the edge of the majestic Richat Structure—the famous Eye of Africa. Continue on to the UNESCO cities of Ouadane and Chinguetti, where ancient libraries, stone architecture, and centuries-old traditions tell the story of a rich Saharan past.
Your journey reaches its peak with the legendary Iron Ore Train, one of the longest and most iconic train rides in the world. Ride across the open desert and sleep under a sky filled with millions of stars—an experience few travelers ever witness.
This immersive tour is designed to give travelers the essential Mauritania Highlights, packaged into a unique and powerful adventure that captures the spirit of the Sahara and the timeless beauty of Mauritania.
Journey Details Section
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 and 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 remarkable sites like the World's 2nd Largest Monolith, an impressive natural formation rising from the desert.
Afternoon: Arrival in Tmeimichat
Please prepare the following for the Iron Ore Train journey:
- Snacks and drinking water
- Protective equipment: mask and sunglasses
- Warm clothing
- Personal bags secured
Your guide will explain boarding procedures and safety, and help make the journey comfortable.
Evening: Board the Iron Ore Train (Passenger Carriage)
We board the legendary Iron Ore Train, one of the longest trains in the world, and travel in the passenger carriage attached to the train. The journey lasts approximately 9 hours, crossing the Sahara Desert.
During the ride:
- Enjoy desert views from the passenger carriage
- Experience the raw beauty of the Sahara
- Watch the sunset over the desert horizon
- At night, admire a sky full of bright stars
Important Safety Note:
The train ride is in the passenger carriage only. Riding on the open ore wagons is not authorized by SNIM, the national mining company that operates the railway, for safety and health reasons. Read the official SNIM warning. If seats in the passenger carriage are not available, we continue the journey by 4x4 vehicle, which stays with you until boarding is confirmed.
Overnight: On the Iron Ore Train (passenger carriage)
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.
