Mauritania is the Sahara in its purest form. Endless dunes, ancient caravan cities and oases where time seems to stand still. With almost no tourist infrastructure, it offers a rare chance to travel like the desert nomads – remote, raw and authentic.
We show you Mauritania’s hidden treasures – personally curated and with an experienced guide who knows the desert like the back of their hand.
Highlights at a Glance
Our Programme
The Sahara as It Once Was (8 days)
„8 days through a country hardly anyone knows and almost no tourists see: UNESCO desert cities, the Eye of the Sahara, nomad tents and an Atlantic coast full of flamingos.“
The programme is displayed without fixed prices. Every journey is tailored individually to your wishes and travel dates. Get in touch – we will create a personal proposal for you.
Arrival in Nouakchott
Arrival in Nouakchott – one of Africa’s youngest capitals, shaped by nomads and desert sand. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner featuring local Mauritanian cuisine: Thiéboudienne (fish and rice) or Mechoui (open-fire roasted lamb).
Nouakchott → Akjoujt → Erg Amatlich → Oasis of Azoiga
Drive north into the desert. The Erg Amatlich welcomes us with towering dunes in orange and gold – hardly any tourists, no marked paths. The Oasis of Azoiga is a green wonder amid the sand: date palms, spring water, nomad tents. First night under the Saharan starry sky.
Tifoujar Pass → Terjit → Chinguetti
Drive through the dramatic Tifoujar Pass with views over gorges and rock formations. Stop at Terjit: a hidden oasis with natural springs – a desert swim. Continue to Chinguetti.
Chinguetti → Guelb Errichât → Ouadane
Morning exploration of Chinguetti – once the seventh holiest city in Islam and the most important gathering point for pilgrims on their way to Mecca. The ancient libraries preserve thousands of medieval manuscripts. Drive to Guelb Errichât – the „Eye of the Sahara“: a 50 km wide circular geological wonder visible from space. Continue to Ouadane (UNESCO).
Amogjar Canyon → Atar → Azougui
The Amogjar Canyon holds prehistoric rock art – engravings thousands of years old. The canyon also served as a filming location for the desert film „Fort Saganne“. Atar Market: spices, indigo fabrics, handcrafted Tuareg silver jewellery. Desert bivouac near Azougui.
Azougui → Almoravid Citadel → Ben Amira Monolith
Visit the Almoravid Citadel of Azougui – birthplace of the Almoravid dynasty, which ruled North Africa and Spain in the 11th century. Ben Amira Monolith: Africa’s largest freestanding granite rock rises 633 metres from the desert – a solitary giant.
Banc d’Arguin (UNESCO)
Drive to the Atlantic coast. Banc d’Arguin is one of the world’s most important bird sanctuaries (UNESCO) – millions of migratory birds rest here each year on their journey between Europe and Africa. Flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills. Overnight in a nomad tent. Dinner: fresh fish grilled over an open fire, caught by Imraguen fishermen.
Birdlife → Imraguen Fishermen → Nouakchott – Departure
Early morning: birdwatching at sunrise. Visit the Imraguen fishermen – a nomadic people who for centuries fished with the help of dolphins: the dolphins drove shoals of fish to the shore, the fishermen cast their nets. Return drive to Nouakchott, transfer to the airport.
Important Notes
- Mauritania requires a visa – marktravelz assists with the application.
- Best season: October–March. Summer is extremely hot (over 45 °C).
- Accommodations range from simple to comfortable – this is not a shortcoming, but the character of this journey.
- An experienced local guide is essential and included in the programme.
- We recommend taking out travel cancellation and interruption insurance for all journeys.
Mauritania has captured your imagination?
Let’s plan your Sahara journey together. Write to us – we’ll reply personally.
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