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
Port Du Peche / Megtaa Lehjar

• After breakfast, we’ll head out for the morning around Nouakchott, where we’ll visit the El Kheima Hotel for a panoramic view of the city, see the wild stock being sold at the camel market and watch as the fishermen come in at Port du Peche.

• In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Megtaa Lehjar; a small town in the Brakna region of south Mauritania. Here we’ll have dinner together and relax for the evening before continuing our journey across the country tomorrow.

• Overnight camping in Megtaa Lehjar.
Day Three
Nema

• Head off deeper into the region, driving along the Road of Hope which goes all the way to Mali!

• We’ll reach the town of Nema, which marks the end of the long road from Nouakchott. See the hustle and bustle of the markets as people go about their daily lives.

• Overnight in a guesthouse in Nema.
Day Four
Oualata

• Drive to Oualata, the first UNESCO site of the tour. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Oualata was a prominent caravan centre on the Trans-Saharan trade route. Here, we will see the town’s colourful architecture.

• We’ll continue exploring the area before settling down to camp for the night and if we’re lucky we may see shooting stars!

• Overnight camping near Oualata.
Day Five
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 including the “elephant rock”.

• Overnight camping in the desert amongst the stones.
Day Six
Tichit

• As we leave this area we will visit more desert nomads before we stop for a break to see the small town of Akhreijit, which has been partially restored.

• Next we head for the UNESCO town of Tichit, which is known as a forgotten town, sitting isolated at the foot of the Tagant province.

• Overnight camping in a palm grove near Tichit.
Day Seven
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 in a hotel in Tidjikja.
Day Eight
Matmara

• 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 camping amongst the dunes.
Day Nine
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.

• After lunch, we’ll drive through Mheirith Oasis, which is the largest and most productive in the whole country, before arriving at Chinguetti; known as the 7th holiest place in Islam and another 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 Ten
Ouadane / Ben Amera

• Drive deeper into the Sahara, passing through dusty canyons and crumbling fortresses in the endless desert until we reach Ouadane; the final UNESCO site of our tour.

• We will visit the old abandoned town and then drive over the dunes to the mysterious Eye of the Sahara; believed to be the location of the lost city of Atlantis.

• In the afternoon we head to Ben Amera Monolith; the second largest in the world and the largest in Africa!

• Overnight camping near the 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.