Lupine Travel

Nestled beside the Atlantic Ocean and consumed by the Sahara Desert, Mauritania is the land of endless dunes and stunning coasts. Though rarely visited, this country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, authentic desert life, and the famous Iron Ore Train.

Itinerary

Day One
Arrive into Nouakchott
• Arrive in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott. Transfer to the hotel and spend the day at leisure.
• Overnight in Nouakchott.
Day Two
Kiffa
• Morning visit to see the fishermen at Port Due Peche. Then we head to see the panoramic views of the city from Kheima Hotel.
• Drive to Kiffa; the biggest town in the south of Mauritania. We’ll visit the market famous for its powder glass beads and experience local culture and daily life.
• Overnight in a local guesthouse in Kiffa.
Day Three
Oualata
• Head off deeper into the region, driving along the Road of Hope which goes all the way to Mali!
• Arrive at Oualata; the first UNESCO site of the tour. Oualata was a very prominent caravan centre of the Trans-Saharan trade route in the 13th and 14th Century. Here we will get to explore the colourful architecture of the town.
• Overnight wild camping in Oualata.
Day Four
Al Makhrougat
• Today we head to Al Makhrougat, visiting nomadic families and desert villages en route.
• We’ll drive up through mountains and over seas of sand to get to the beautiful rock formations at Al Makhrougat.
• Overnight wild camping alongside the rock formations.
Day Five
Tichit
• As we leave Al Makhrougat, we will visit more desert nomads before we stop for a break in the small town of Akreijit.
• Once we depart, we head for the UNESCO town of Tichit. This is known as a forgotten town, sitting isolated at the foot of the Tagant region.
• Overnight wild camping in Tichit.
Day Six
Tidjikja
• Today we head for the capital of this region, Tidjikja; founded in 1680.
• We’ll see vernacular architecture nestled between palm trees and visit the bustling market and mosque in the old town.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Tidjikja.
Day Seven
Al Khatt
• Our first stop of the day is at Matmata, an oasis where we can hike to see desert crocodiles.
• Afterwards, we’ll drive through Al Khatt which lies on the line between the Tagant and Adrar regions. We will see beautiful desert scenery before setting up camp for the night.
• Overnight wild camping amongst the dunes.
Day Eight
Terjit
• Drive to Terjit; an oasis unlike any other that was discovered by pilgrims going to Mecca. We’ll have time to explore this green paradise and bathe in the natural pools.
• Next, we move onto Chinguetti; the 7th holiest place in Islam and a UNESCO site. We’ll visit the library to share stories with the local librarian, before watching the sunset atop the dunes.
• Overnight at a guesthouse in Chinguetti.
Day Nine
Ouadane
• Drive deeper into the Sahara, passing through dusty canyons and crumbling fortresses in the endless desert until we reach the UNESCO site of Ouadane.
• We will visit the old abandoned town then drive over the dunes to the mysterious Eye of the Sahara; believed to be the location of the lost city of Atlantis.
• Overnight at a hotel in Ouadane.
Day Ten
Ben Amera Monolith
• In the morning we head to Ben Amera Monolith; the second largest in the world and the largest in Africa!
• We will explore the area before settling down to camp for the night and if we are lucky we may see shooting stars.
• Overnight camping near monolith.
Day Eleven
Nouadhibou
• We leave the camp to head for Nouadhibou; Mauritania’s second largest city.
• Visit Cap Blanc to hopefully spot Munk seals before having a farewell meal at a local restaurant.
• Overnight at a hotel in Nouadhibou.
Day Twelve
Tour Ends
• Today the tour ends, transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.