Mauritania
Mauritania is a land of endless golden dunes, ancient trade routes, and timeless traditions. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the vast Sahara Desert, this West African country is a hidden gem for those seeking adventure and authentic cultural encounters. Here, the desert whispers tales of nomadic life, ancient kingdoms, and resilient communities.
Famous for its sprawling desert landscapes, Mauritania is home to some of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Chinguetti, once a major stop on the trans-Saharan trade route, offers a glimpse into Islamic heritage with its centuries-old libraries and mosques. In Ouadane, the remnants of a once-thriving trading hub stand as a testament to the country’s rich history. And then there’s the breathtaking Guelb er Richat, also known as the “Eye of the Sahara” — a natural geological wonder visible even from space.
But perhaps the most legendary experience in Mauritania is riding the Iron Ore Train. Stretching across the desert for hundreds of kilometres, this 3-km-long train offers a rugged, unforgettable journey through the heart of the Sahara. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek the extraordinary.
Beyond the sands, the coastal city of Nouadhibou offers views of shipwreck-strewn shores, while Banc d’Arguin National Park teems with migratory birds — a paradise for nature lovers. Meanwhile, the warm hospitality of the Mauritanian people, the rhythms of traditional music, and the flavors of desert cuisine will make your journey even more memorable.
Mauritania is not your typical tourist destination — and that’s exactly why it’s worth exploring. Ready for an adventure like no other? Let’s discover the beauty, resilience, and stories of Mauritania together.
- Trip dates: 25 October, Saturday - 02-04 November, Sunday
- 8 -10 days
- 8-10 nights
Itinerary
Day 0
- 25.10.25 , Saturday . Fly from your country to NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania
Arrival in Nouakchott (capital of Mauritania) in the evening or at night. Transfer and night at the hotel.
Day 1
- 26.10.25 - . NOUAKCHOTT - THE LARGEST DUNE OF AZUEGA
In the morning we begin our adventure in Mauritania. We will have a short tour of the capital: Port de Pech, where we will see hundreds of boats and a camel market.
After that, we leave the capital through the northern desert of the Adrar region. The Sahara is advancing south of the continent at a speed of up to 10 km per year, and the areas east of Nouakchott are gradually being buried under tons of sand.
Along the way we will see many interesting small villages just off the road, showing the diversity of cultures and the variety of ethnic minorities in the country.
We will have lunch on the way and then continue to Azuega, one of the highest sand dunes in Mauritania. Here we will set up camp.
Night under the stars.
Day 2
- 27.10.25 - DUNE AZUEGA - OASIS OF TERJIT AND MKHAIRET
After a night under the stars, we will cross the Adrar region, a beautiful combination of landscapes from rocky deserts to sandy ones, with vegetation and water. Here we can see the whole country in its natural state, from the very harsh, dry but beautiful sandy desert and canyons to oases with flowing natural springs of water.
We arrive at the beautiful oasis of Terjit. We will find out where the water comes from, have a rest and continue our journey to another oasis of Mhairet where we will spend the night in traditional Moorish tents.
Day 3
- 28.10.25 – OASIS MHAIRET – OUADANE
Arrival in the city of Ouadane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the streets that once glorified this beautiful country as a whole.
We will also go to explore the Mysterious Eye of the Sahara – a huge circular geological object with a diameter of 40 km, visible from space.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
- 29.10.25 - CHINGUETTI – CAMEL TRIP
Today we will take an interesting trip to the historic city of Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the 7th holiest place in Islam. This city is being buried more and more under the sands of the Sahara each year. We will see a mosque (non-Muslims are not allowed to enter) and visit one of the functioning libraries, where ancient manuscripts are kept.
We might be lucky enough to meet some locals to take atmospheric photos and buy some authentic souvenirs. After that we will also take a short camel ride through the Chinguetti dunes.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
- 30.10.25 - АТАR - BEN AMIRA MONOLIT - AICHA
We drive from Chinguetti to Atar, the capital of the region, where we explore this bustling city. Then we continue to Ben Amira, the second largest monolith in the world, but the largest in Africa! In this area we will also see Aicha, another monolith. Visit the sculptures at the monolith.
We will set up camp in the open air. Warning: our sleep may be interrupted by trains that pass in the middle of the night, but they will be far away.
Day 6
- 31.10.25 – CHOUM (THE LONGEST TRAIN IN THE WORLD) - NOUADIBOU
Today is our big day – we are heading to Choum town and getting ready for the train which can arrive anytime between 8pm and midnight. This will be one of the most adventurous experiences we will have. The “Desert Train” is one of the longest and most extreme in the world at 3km long!
Consisting of 300 carriages, it carries iron ore across the Sahara, as well as passengers who are not afraid of difficulties. It is quite an adventurous experience! Bring warm clothes and prepare for a not very comfortable but very fun night (it will take about 14 hours before we reach Nouadhibou station).
Probably, this trip is not suitable for everyone. Those who do not want to go by train can go with the drivers and spend the night near Nouadhibou. General meeting the next morning at the station in Nouadhibou.
Before the train arrives, we also visit an abandoned railway tunnel. Night on the train.
IMPORTANT: for those who do not want or cannot travel by train, you will need to pay an additional 150 euros and you will be taken directly to Nouadhibou, where we will meet in the morning.
Day 7
- 01.11.25 - NOUADIBU
Arrive in Nouadhibou and take the most well-deserved shower of your life! Rest and relax for the rest of the day after a long train journey.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8
- 02.11.25 – FLIGHT HOME or DAKHLA (WESTERN SAHARA)
On this day our trip ends and we either say goodbye to the other group members who are going to Nouakchott (transfer is not included in the price), or all together we go to the Western Sahara city of Dakhla. The distance from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott is 480 km or from Nouadhibou to Dakhla is 430 km. About 5 hours of driving.
IMPORTANT: since the tour is over, from today onwards all expenses are your responsibility. I can only advise on transport and hotel.
Transfer to Nouakchott 120 USD($) per car, (max 3 people) or local transport 16 USD($) per person. Transfer to Dakhla 50 euros per person. For 2 nights for 2 people, the cost of a hotel in Dakhla is about 170-250 euros. This is with a rating of 8+.
We arrive in Dakhla and check into a hotel of your choice.
Day 9
- 03.11.25 – DAKHLA (WESTERN SAHARA)
We need to find out at the hotel if we can take an excursion. If not, then a free day.
Dakhla is on the Atlantic coast. It is a completely different world – more like an Atlantic seaside resort. It is home to the nomadic Sahrawi people, and despite living on land that Morocco has claimed as part of the country, most of the real Sahrawis dream of independence and their own republic.
The short stretch between Moroccan Western Sahara and Mauritania actually belongs to the Sahrawi people and is called the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic or SADR (not recognized by the UN).
Overnight at the hotel of your choice.
Day 10
- 04.11.25 – FLIGHT HOME
Dear travelers!
Thank you for choosing me as your organizer. Mauritania and Western Sahara are not overcrowded with tourists. I am sure you will enjoy this trip and the train ride will remain in your memory forever – there is no other country like it! You will visit 1 UN country and 1 UN+ territory (for those who will go to Western Sahara).
If you are ready to go on this unforgettable wild journey – you need to make a deposit of 500 USD($). The final balance of 1300.00 USD($) must be paid by September 25, 2025.
All expenses in Western Sahara are your responsibility.
Returns and Cancellations
- All deposits are non-refundable, as well as payments made less than 30 days before the trip.
- If you wish to cancel the trip due to personal circumstances, please notify me personally in advance.
- If the client decides to cancel the trip after paying the remaining amount:
- 90-45 days before the trip: full refund minus the deposit
- 44-30 days before the trip: 50% refund
- 30 days or less: no refund.
Neither I, Natalia Hussain, nor any of our Mauritania tour guides are responsible for any accidents or losses that you may have before, during or after the tour. You join this tour at your own risk and if anything happens, you must have travel insurance.
Have a great trip!
Natalia
TOTAL PRICE PER PAX
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Deposit $500 (To Book Your Space)
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Trip Lenght - 8-10 days
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Double room (with breakfast)
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Accommodation in 3* hotels/tents
Services Included
All 4×4 transfers along the route, including from the airport,
3* star hotel/tents on double occupancy,
Full board, except for Nouadhibou and Nouakchott (the capital),
Professional local English-speaking guide (if you don’t understand English, I will translate)
Drinking water
All permits and entrance fees.
Services NOT included
– international flight to Nouakchott and back from Dakhla (or Nouakchott),
– visa to Mauritania (fee is about 55 euros),
– visa to Western Sahara, depending on your passport (check with me personally),
– international medical insurance,
– transfer from Nouadhibou to Dakhla (around 50 euros),
– transfer from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott (120 USD($) per car, max 3 people) or local transport 16 USD($) per person,
– hotel in Western Sahara – surcharge for single occupancy: 250 USD($)