A 7 days in Mauritania itinerary takes you from the Atlantic capital to the UNESCO-listed caravan towns of the Adrar, and on to the bird-filled coast of Banc d’Arguin National Park. This guide follows each day of our 7-day Mauritania expedition: Nouakchott, Atar, Ouadane, the Richat Structure, Chinguetti, Terjit Oasis and Banc d’Arguin. Please note that distances and driving times are approximate and can change with road and desert conditions.
7 Days in Mauritania: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nouakchott
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport and transfer to your hotel, about 35 km away (around 40 minutes). After check-in, rest and refresh. Then, depending on your arrival time, you can visit the National Museum or the lively markets of Nouakchott. Finally, enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Mauritanian cuisine at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Nouakchott.
Day 2: Nouakchott to Atar
Leave at 7:30 AM and drive northeast to Atar, about 450 km away (around 5 hours), with a tea stop in Akjoujt. After check-in at your hotel, spend the afternoon at the local markets and the nearby Azoueiga dunes.
Overnight stay in Atar.
Day 3: Atar to Ouadane and the Richat Structure
- Leave Atar at 7:30 AM and drive to Ouadane, about 180 km away (around 3 hours). Enjoy a traditional Mauritanian lunch on arrival. Then drive about 45 km (1.5 hours) across the desert to the Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of the Sahara, and return to Ouadane. Afterwards, explore the old town, known for its well-preserved historic architecture, and visit the nearby sand dunes.
Overnight stay in Ouadane.
Day 4: Ouadane, Tanouchert Oasis and Chinguetti
- Leave Ouadane at 7:30 AM and drive about 30 km (around 1 hour) to the palm oasis of Tanouchert, stopping for photos along the way. Then continue about 60 km (around 2 hours) to Chinguetti, one of the oldest towns in Mauritania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch and tea at your hotel, then explore the old mosque and the ancient manuscript libraries. In the evening, watch the sunset from the dunes and have dinner at a local guesthouse.
Overnight stay in Chinguetti.
Day 5: Chinguetti, Amogjar Pass and Terjit Oasis
- Leave Chinguetti at 7:30 AM for the Amogjar Pass (about 35 km, around 1 hour), known for its sweeping views over the desert. Then continue about 60 km (around 1.5 hours) to Terjit Oasis. Spend the afternoon swimming in the natural pools and enjoying a picnic lunch. In the evening, camp under the stars.
- Overnight stay in a tent at Terjit Oasis
Day 6: Terjit to Banc d’Arguin
- Leave Terjit at 7:30 AM and travel to Banc d’Arguin National Park, about 550 km away (6 to 7 hours on paved roads, tracks and desert). On arrival, explore the park’s coastal wetlands and sandy beaches, and take a boat tour to see flamingos, herons and pelicans. Enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the lagoon, then relax on the beach in the afternoon.
- Overnight stay in a camp at Iwik in Banc d’Arguin.
Day 7: Banc d’Arguin to Nouakchott
Leave Banc d’Arguin at 7:30 AM and head back to Nouakchott, about 340 km (4 to 5 hours on desert tracks and paved roads). Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints and local villages along the way. Finally, arrive in Nouakchott and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
What’s Included in Your 7 Days in Mauritania
- Transportation in a 4×4 vehicle with driver and fuel.
- Experienced tour guide.
- Accommodation for 6 nights in hotels and guesthouses.
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.
- Admission to listed sites.
What Travelers Say About 7 Days in Mauritania
Ready to go? For prices and dates, see the 7-day Mauritania expedition or message us on WhatsApp at +222 27 27 27 59.
We spent 10 beautiful days in Mauritania thanks to Mohamed and its staff. They took care of us (3 italian women) and provided us an amazing experience towards desert, nature and archaeological and ethnographic beauties of
Mauritania. Strictly recommended. Thanks
Mohamed
We spent 10 beautiful days in Mauritania thanks to Mohamed and its staff. They took care of us (3 italian women) and provided us an amazing experience towards desert, nature and archaeological and ethnographic beauties of
Mauritania. Strictly recommended. Thanks
Mohamed
Con Mohamed, ho partecipato al tour completo della Mauritania. E’ stata una bellissima esperienza e Mohamed si è dimostrato una guida molto attenta ad ogni mia esigenza. Molto serio, affidabile e professionale.
Mi sento di consigliarlo vivamente.
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure guiding you, and I’m glad you enjoyed the experience.
Amazing ten days tour in Mauritania. It was a great experience and the tour was well planned. Mohammed our guide was very nice and took care of us. The driver was expert and safe.
I highly recommend this tour agency and guide!!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted you had a great experience and appreciated our team’s efforts. We hope to welcome you back to Mauritania soon!