Embark on an 8-day expedition across Mauritania’s hidden wonders — from wild Atlantic fishing villages to Saharan dunes, ancient oases, and a thrilling ride aboard the iconic iron ore train. A rare journey through time and nomadic tradition.
Excursion info :
What's included :
What's not included :
Our very special Mauritania tour will showcase all that this nomadic & tribal land has to offer. A place that once suffered from security issues and foreign office bans, Mauritania is roaring back with its unique blend of wild Atlantic fishermen mixed with traditional desert nomads of the Sahara. This huge and sparsely populated nation has attractions and wonderful towns waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveller.
We’ve put together the perfect itinerary that will cover all the must-sees and more in the space of 8 days – including a ride on the famed irontrain ore express.
Where? When? Visa?
Thankfully it’s super easy to get a Mauritania visa. Most nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival for $60USD or €55.
Arrival in Nouakchott at your own convenience.
Transfer to your hotel for the pre-tour discussion and meeting of your fellow travellers.
In the afternoon we will venture out to the huge Camel Market and explore some of the city.
Head to the Port de Pêche – the capital city’s largest and most vibrant fish market.
See the Great Mosque of Nouakchott.
Dinner and overnight in Nouakchott.
Breakfast at our hotel.
Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are exposed.
Afternoon :
Drive 4 hours to the stunning Azoueiga sand dune. We’ll set up camp here in this incredibly peaceful setting.
Climb the nearby sand dune in time for sunset.
Dinner and overnight camping.
Drive towards Terjit – arguably Mauritania’s most naturally beautiful location. It’s an oasis in the middle of the Sahara desert.
Relax in the pools after a long drive.
Continue our off-road driving adventure to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chinguetti – one of the holy cities of Islam. You’ll visit the library and other historical monuments and landmarks including the much-loved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania.
Evening sunset watched from the huge sand dunes surrounding Chinguetti.
Dinner and overnight at our guesthouse.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Begin the 80km drive through nothing but desert and sand dunes: on the way stopping in the village of Tanounichert for tea with the locals.
Afternoon :
Arrive in World Heritage-protected Ouadane and explore the streets that once glorified this beautiful country as a whole.
Get close to the Richat Structure or “Eye of the Sahara“ – This is an enormous 40km in diameter circular geological feature visible from space.
Traditional dinner and overnight in our Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Choum – the departing point for the iron ore train.
On the way stopping at Agrour – here’s your chance to see pre-historic paintings left here 5000 years ago!
Visit the Mheirith Oasis – an incredibly picturesque place where Mauritanians like to come and relax during the date growing season.
Afternoon :
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Prepare for the Mauritania Iron Ore Train – stop at local shops and stores to ensure the group is stocked up on plenty of essentials.
Board the world-famous Mauritania iron ore Train – at over 2km this is the longest and heaviest train in the world. Make sure to bring a warm blanket, warm clothing and a scarf to protect yourself from the dust. The train will depart anywhere from around 6 pm – 10 pm.
Overnight on top of iron ore in an open-top train carriage.
On arrival in Nouadhibou city, we head straight to our hotel for a very well-earned bed and shower!
Take a break and relax in this distinctive city on a peninsula that directly borders the vast expanse of the Western Sahara.
Today has been set aside for some well-deserved leisure, a necessary break after the demanding journey aboard the Iron Ore Express.
Overnight at our hotel.
An early rise for breakfast and the long drive back to the Mauritanian capital city of Nouakchott.
Afternoon :
On the way stopping for lunch.
Visit the Zein Art Gallery where you can pick up some amazing locally made souvenirs.
Overnight in Nouakchott.
Transfer to the airport.
End of Mauritania tour.
Meeting point :
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel / Riad in Marrakech at the time agreed upon at the time of booking.
If you have any problems: please email us or call us on the numbers displayed on the contact banner.
Easy Reservations: Accepted until 6:00 PM the day before (Marrakech time), If you have any difficulty booking or need any other service, please contact us .
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DESERT ROOM TRAVEL is a Moroccan travel company based in Marrakech that specialized in planning your best Morocco tours, travels, holidays to Morocco & excursions with local insider knowledge.
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