This 9-day expedition in the desert of Mauritania is an immersive experience that takes you through some of the region’s most stunning and historically rich locales. The journey kicks off with your arrival in Atar and sets up camp en route to Chinguetti. Day 2 advances through the beautiful desert landscapes towards Chinguetti, a city significant for its Islamic heritage. As you venture further, days 3 and 4 take you across the grand dunes of Erg Ouarane, offering 360° vistas and tranquil solitude amidst the endless sands.
The adventure continues through days 5 and 6 as you traverse from Erg Ouarane to the Zerga Chain, discovering ancient cave paintings and the eroded sandstone formations of Zerga, reminiscent of the Algerian Tassilian landscapes. The journey back to Atar on day 7 brings the desert trekking part of the expedition to a close, with a scenic descent from the summit of Zerga.
Day 8 marks the return journey to Nouakchott Airport from Atar as you reflect on the majestic and timeless landscapes you’ve traversed over the past week. This expedition, balanced between trekking through the serene desert and exploring historical and geological sites, offers an enriching exploration of Mauritania’s desert and its heritage.
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Nouakchott
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Nouakchott
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3-4 star hotels
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Included
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SUV or Car
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Nouakchott, Boutilimit, Sangrave, Guelta Matmata, Tidjikja, Tichit, Akreijit (Petroglyphs), Elephant Rock/Finger Rock Es Sba, Oualata, Néma, Timbédra, Ayoun el Atrous, Guelta Metraucha, Kiffa, Aleg, and Diawling.
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Included
9-day Mauritania itinerary
- Reception at Atar Airport.
- Transfer to campsite in the Atar region towards Chinguetti.
- Transfer: 4x4 (Duration: 0h30 to 1h)
- Accommodation: Tent
- Early morning departure towards Chinguetti via a scenic route passing through fields of stromatolites and the Ould Ebnou Pass.
- Explore the historical city of Chinguetti, admire its ancient library from the outside.
- Afternoon trek southward to Erg Ouarane, with a picnic at Mghaleg Hmir.
- Hours of Walking: 4h30 to 5h
- Transfer: 4x4 (Duration: 0h30 to 1h)
- Accommodation: Tent near the Hassi Ould Magaïa well.
- Trek across the dunes to Lagueïla, refuel at the well, then camp near Ould Tahle.
- Hours of Walking: 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Accommodation: Tent
- Early morning trek to enjoy the coolness of Erg, picnic, and camp near Tinouarderit.
- Trek towards Guelb Er Raoui in Zerga Chain, explore the cave paintings and set up bivouac.
- Hours of Walking: 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Accommodation: Tent
- Trek through the sandstone formations, picnic, and meet the nomadic population near the Arouetine well.
- Hours of Walking: 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Accommodation: Tent
- Half-day hike to the summit of Zerga, descend to meet 4x4s, transfer to Atar for a free city tour.
- Hours of Walking: 3h30 to 4h
- Transfer: 4x4 (Duration: 1h30 to 2h, 65 Km)
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Transfer to Nouakchott Airport for return flight.
- Transfer: 4x4 to Nouakchott Airport
