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.

Itinerary

Overview

Included

Day 01 :

Day 1: Arrival at Atar

Reception at Atar Airport.
Transfer to campsite in the Atar region towards Chinguetti.
- Transfer: 4×4 (Duration: 0h30 to 1h)
- Accommodation: Tent

Day 02 :

Day 2: Atar to Chinguetti, then on to Erg Ouarane

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: 4×4 (Duration: 0h30 to 1h)
- Accommodation: Tent near the Hassi Ould Magaïa well.

Day 03 :

Day 3: Exploration of Erg Ouarane

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

Day 04 :

Day 4: Further Exploration of Erg Ouarane

Early morning trek to enjoy the coolness of Erg, picnic, and camp near Tinouarderit.

Day 05 :

Day 5: Erg Ouarane to Zerga Chain

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

Day 06 :

Day 6: Exploration of Zerga Chain

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

Day 07 :

Day 7: Zerga Chain to Atar

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: 4×4 (Duration: 1h30 to 2h, 65 Km)
- Accommodation: Hostel

Day 08 :

Day 8: Departure from Atar

Transfer to Nouakchott Airport for return flight.
- Transfer: 4×4 to Nouakchott Airport

Day 09 :

Day 9: End of Expedition

Arrive in Nouakchott and depart.

This is a private Mauritania tour package. Upon booking this Mauritania tour, please be informed that visa processing may require some time, thus it’s prudent to plan accordingly. Visa requirements may vary by nationality, so it’s vital to stay updated with the latest guidelines and allocate sufficient time for processing. Your tour initiates in Nouakchott, Mauritania. We can orchestrate a pickup at a location of your preference in Nouakchott, either at your hotel in the morning or directly from the Nouakchott International Airport arrivals gate. Tailoring your expedition to cater to your preferences is our priority, so feel free to engage in discussions for any personalized arrangements with us.

Mauritania is a secure country to explore, brimming with historical and natural vistas awaiting your discovery. The itinerary encompasses travel to various towns and regions, offering a diverse spectrum of experiences.

Most nationalities would necessitate a visa to enter Mauritania, and it’s advisable to scrutinize the latest visa regulations well in advance of your travel dates. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Mauritania.

It’s recommended to exchange some currency (Euros or Dollars) for Mauritanian Ouguiya before or upon arrival. Your driver can aid you with this task, ensuring a smooth transition for your travel expenditures.

Budgeting for personal expenses such as souvenirs, lunches, and dinners, anticipate spending in the range of 100 – 200 dollars, depending on personal inclinations.

This tour is a standalone experience, but should the wanderlust beckon for more exploration, we can assist in arranging extended tour packages to neighboring countries or other regions within Mauritania.

Our devoted team has meticulously curated this tour, with our destination manager having recently traversed Mauritania to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for you. We endeavor to provide reliable, updated information and the pinnacle of service to make your Mauritanian adventure truly unforgettable.