An Epic Odyssey Adventure to Discover the Best of Mauritania
This tour is the perfect choice for those looking to experience all the best of Mauritania in as short a time as reasonably possible for appreciation.
From exploring UNESCO sites to camping in the natural beauties of the Sahara and Atlantic coast, this tour promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect during your private tour.
- Private Transportation
- Private Driver
- English-Speaking Guide
- Accommodations
- Outdoor Camping Equipment
- Bottled Water Throughout the Tour
- Airport Transfers
- All Entrance Fees (Per Itinerary)
- Chef-prepared meals each day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from your departure from Nouakchott until your return to Nouakchott
- Meals in Nouakchott on Day 1
- Dinner in Nouakchott on Final Day
- Airfare
- Visas Costs
- Travel Insurance
- Budget for Extra Snacks and Beverages
- Personal Spending
- Souvenirs
- Tips
Tour Map
This map shows you all the remarkable destinations you will visit on your private tour circuit.
Itinerary
Here are a few highlights of what you will see and experience on this tour:
- Experience the Beauty and Serenity of the Sahara
- Explore the Ancient Cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane Along the Trans-Saharan Trade Route
- Marvel at Neolithic Rock Paintings and Other Historical Wonders
- Embark on a Boat Excursion at the Banc d'Arguin National Park
Touch down in Mauritania’s capital where you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.
If you have an early arrival, you can opt for a city exploration to visit the Al Khaima City Center, the bustling Fish Market, or the Artisan Souvenir Market.
Meals are not included on this day, but can be arranged at hotels or restaurants as necessary.
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse
After breakfast, you will begin your Odyssey Adventure with a scenic drive to Akjoujt’s seldom-visited ancient caves. Enjoy a chef-prepared al fresco lunch in the wilderness.
Continue your journey into the Sahara desert to the sweeping dunes of Azoueiga for a sunset climb and panoramic views. Our team will prepare your campsite at the base of the Azoueiga dune. Enjoy a freshly cooked meal and then spend the night under the starlit Sahara sky.
Accommodation: Outdoor Nomadic Tents
While breakfast is being prepared and the campsite is packed away for you, you will have some free time to enjoy the breathtaking tranquility of the Sahara desert.
Leave the Sahara and traverse through the awe-inspiring White Valley towards the oasis of Mhairith. This is one of the largest oases in the Adrar region, and arguably the most beautiful with surrounding palm groves against a backdrop of rocky terrain and sand dunes. Here you will have free time to swim in the oasis or relax while lunch is prepared in the oasis.
After lunch, continue your journey to the ancient city of Chinguetti. Here you will drive to the top of a massive sand dune in time to watch the sun slowly descend while casting its warm hues over the desert.
Dinner and night will be at a nearby basic guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse
After breakfast, you will embark on an exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chinguetti. This ancient city holds significant historical importance as a prominent trading post, a renowned Islamic scholarly centre, and a former gathering place for pilgrims on their way to Mecca.
Visit the Old Town Library where ancient Islamic texts are stored and preserved. You can also visit the Old City Mosque that was built in the 13th century.
Next, you will journey along the ancient trans-Saharan caravan trade route, leading you towards the oasis of Tanouchert. Here, you will have the opportunity to partake in a leisurely lunch in a nomadic tent.
After lunch, continue along the caravan trade route towards Ouadane. Continue your journey toward the Richat Structure, commonly referred to as “the Eye of Africa”. This is a a massive, circular geological formation that is visible from space.
Upon your arrival in Ouadane, you will be treated to dinner and subsequently spend the night in a guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse
After breakfast, you will journey through the dramatic Canyon of Amogjar in the Adrar plateau for a spectacular panoramic view of the canyon. Next, travel to the nearby Agrour Amogjar to marvel at a rare collection of neolithic rock art.
Next, travel to Atar, capital of the Adrar region where lunch will be served.
When you are ready, travel to the colossal Ben Amera monolith. This is Africa’s largest monolith, and the world’s second largest monolith after Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. Walk along the base of the nearly lesser Ben Aisha to discover many remarkable rock carvings and sculptures created by a dozen international artists in 1999 to commemorate the millennium.
As the day winds down, you will experience the magic of watching a gorgeous sunset against the Sahara backdrop. Spend the night in your nomadic outdoor campsite at the base of the monolith.
Accommodation: Outdoor Nomadic Tents
If you decide to wake early, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise that will emerge from behind Ben Amera, casting its radiant rays upon the landscape. After breakfast at Ben Amera, continue your journey through the Sahara until you arrive at Banc d’Arguin National Park. Lunch will be served en route.
Upon arrival at the Banc d’Arguin National Park in the evening, you will travel to Cape Tafarit where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night camping here on the pristine Atlantic shoreline.
Accommodation: Outdoor Nomadic Tents
After breakfast, depart for Iwik where you will embark on a traditional sailboat for an Atlantic ocean excursion. The sailboat will transport you to nearby islands, where you will have the opportunity to observe migratory and breeding birds, including pink flamingos, pelicans, and terns. The sailing duration is approximately two to four hours, subject to weather conditions.
Return to Cape Tafarit to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free time to relax on the shoreline and admire the sunset from the cape. The day will conclude with dinner and camping under the stars.
Accommodation: Outdoor Nomadic Tents
After breakfast at Cape Tafarit, you will make a brief visit at Nouamgar for a chance to observe the pink flamingos. Lunch will be provided en route to Nouakchott.
Dinner is not included in this day’s itinerary but can be arranged at a restaurant in Nouakchott as needed.
You will be transferred to the Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport for your departure flight.
