There's no doubt that Mauritania has some of the continent's grandest scenery. Driving through the vast, sun-bleached landscape of Mauritania, you'd be forgiven for expecting to see a tricked-out post-apocalyptic hot rod from Mad Max: Fury Road on the horizon. Instead, a solitary, turbaned figure tending a herd of goats tells the story of survival amid millennial-old geological forces. Millions of migratory birds winter along the coast at Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, and the expanding capital Nouakchott is where modernity takes root in the desert. Mauritania, with one of the world's lowest population densities, is almost equally divided between Moors of Arab-Berber descent and black Africans, a striking cultural combination that is part of its appeal. he Saharan Adrar region, with its World Heritage–listed caravan towns, is currently off-limits for security reasons, but the desert is a constant presence elsewhere, pushing hard up against the Atlantic Coast.
Day 1: Arrival at Nouakchott
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Night in hotel 3*.
Day 2: Nouakchott – Atar – 430 km- 6h
Departure to Atar ,capital of Adrar region , Mauritania’s most beautiful region with the country’s most impressive dunes, rock paintings, stunning oases and nomadic culture at its best , visit Azoughi Site , the ruins of Azougui,the ancient capital of the Almoravids, a group of Muslim warrior monks who conquered Morocco, Spain and sub-Saharan Africa in the eleventh century. See vestiges of the fortress that was built in the cover of 20,000 palm trees and the mosque among a maze of rocks. Night in hotel
Day 3: Atar – Pass of Amogjar – Eye of Africa - Ouadane – 280 km- 3h
Drive over the stunning Amogjar Pass with its steep hairpin bends. Visit eye of Africa , guelbe richat structure ,Continue to the historic town of Ouadane , Ouadane is an incredibly atmospheric place on the southern edge of the Adrar plateau. Founded in the 12th century the town is a fascinating collection of old houses and mosques and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have plenty of time to explore the historic quarter.night in hotel
Ouadane: The city founded in the 12th century and which counted 40 scientists per street, today it remains only some ruins of its prestigious mosque, of its library which jealously safeguard a part of its inheritance. Ouadane was used as Portuguese commercial counter in 1487.
Day 4: Ouadane – Tenewchert Oasis – Chinguitty - 100 km- 3h
Drive to Chinguitty, stopping at the oasis of Tenewchert on the way. Continue to the historic town of Chinguetti, one of Islam’s holiest cities and a real gem of Mauritania. With its collection of historic buildings, this is a real contender for the Sahara’s most impressive city, with a sense of history that is almost tangible. Spend time exploring the city and visiting its collection of ancient Islamic manuscripts. Visits in Chinguitty , having tour in its libraries , Historical buildings and monuments, mosque and its oases , drink tea with local family , Enjoy the sunset from the big dunes of Chinguitty, Night in Hotel.
About Chinguitty - It was founded in(13th century). Classified world heritage of humanity by the UNESCO, the city of Chinguitty was important cultural and religious headlight and place of meeting of the Ouest-africains pilgrims in departure for Mecca. It played also a very dominating economic part (relay the caravans of the Trans-Saharan trade).Today conserves in its libraries and museum rich manuscripts and writings.
Day 5: Chinguitty – Mheirith Oasis – Passe of Tivoujar- Tergit Oasis – Atar - 250 km- 4h
Drive to Tergit Oasis , Stop at Mheirith Oasis , Explore some of the Adrar’s most impressive scenery. We drive through the White Valley and across Tivoujar Pass, beautiful gazebo on the white valley. Offers a beautiful contrast between sand and rock. Where we enjoy a panoramic view, Arrive Tergit, reaching the pretty oasis of Tergit, with its lush palm groves and warm springs nestled amidst a picturesque gorge. Arrive Atar, night in Hotel.
Tergit: the most known oasis and most impressive of Adrar; Palm plantation located at the bottom of the throat of a plate, cascades of and udder spring water of rock where the source of curative hot water, surrounded of luxuriant vegetation, present magic feelings and images in this desert context. The oases are particularly appraisals at the time of the period of Guitna: gathering of dates.
The Passe of Amogjar is a beautiful canyon, where we will see some amazing prehistoric paintings and the “Fort Saganne”, built by the French.
The pass of Tivoujar: beautiful gazebo on the white valley. Offers a beautiful contrast between sand and rock. Where we enjoy a panoramic view of the white valley.
Day 6: Atar – Benichab – Arguin Park – 490 km – 9h
Departure to Arguin Park, We visit one of the major parks in the world with regard to migratory birds. It extends about 200 km of coastline and includes many islands. Night in local motel with tents in Cap Tafarit village.
Day 7: Sailing in the park
Sailing in the traditional boats with the fishermen to discover the islands and migratory birds, we also observe the different colonies of birds that inhabit these islands, we can maybe also observe the dolphins, return to land at 03.00 pm, visit fishermen’s villages, Night in local motel with tents in Cap Tafarit village.
Day 8: Arguin Park – Nouakchott – 270 km- 4h
Return to Nouakchott, Visit the main mosque, the local markets, craft markets, the fishing port, day use in hotel, and transfer to Airport.