Mauritania Off-Road Adventure: Discover Adrar & Banc d’Arguin by 4x4
4x4 Tour, Duration 12 Days
The Adrar & Banc d’Arguin: From Desert to Shores
Explore the incredible tour “The Adrar & Banc d’Arguin,” which takes you from the arid landscapes of the Adrar Desert to the stunning shores of Banc d’Arguin. During this adventure, you will encounter natural wonders such as dolphins, turtles, and the fascinating golden jackal, which are the hallmark of this protected region.
This tour invites you to discover a surprising territory where bays and beaches blend with authentic encounters with local inhabitants. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their traditional way of life and enjoy their warm hospitality.
But this journey is not limited to the sea. You will also experience a total immersion in the Mauritanian desert, with the famous Amatlich dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you will explore the sand-covered town of Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a witness to Islamic history.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive into the wild beauty of Mauritania, between golden dunes and pristine shores, for an unforgettable experience.
The Itinerary: 
Arrival in Nouakchott
Begin Your Adventure in Mauritania
Upon your arrival in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s vibrant capital, our team will warmly welcome you at the airport. A private transfer will take you directly to your hotel, where you can settle in comfortably and unwind after your journey.
Nouakchott—a bustling port city nestled between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean—offers your first glimpse into Mauritania’s rich culture and unique atmosphere. This first night at the hotel allows you to rest and recharge before the adventures ahead.
A seamless and welcoming experience to start your journey in tranquility, preparing you to explore the country’s breathtaking natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Nouakchott – Akjoujt – Erg Amatlich – Azoiga Oasis
A journey through Mauritania’s breathtaking landscapes
Our adventure begins in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s vibrant capital, as we set off toward Akjoujt, a historic mining town surrounded by vast desert scenery. After a brief exploration, we hit the rugged trails leading to the towering dunes of Erg Amatlich, a natural wonder of staggering beauty. These majestic dunes—among the tallest in the region—offer awe-inspiring panoramic views and an unforgettable immersion into the Sahara’s endless expanse.
Along the way, we pause at the Graritte Livrasse Oasis, a tranquil haven nestled in the golden sands. Then, we continue to the legendary Azoiga dune, the crown jewel of Erg Amatlich. With its wind-sculpted curves and dramatic silhouette, this iconic landmark is a dream for desert explorers and photographers alike.
As the sun sets, we settle into an authentic desert bivouac—either under a sky ablaze with stars or in a traditional nomadic tent. Savor the silence of the Sahara, sweet mint tea in hand, as the desert whispers around you. This magical experience blends adventure with serenity, creating memories that last a lifetime.
This route is your gateway to Mauritania’s natural wonders: towering dunes, hidden oases, and nights filled with stars. Perfect for travelers seeking escape, adventure, and a deep connection with nature in one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Foum Tizigui Pass – El Meddah Oasis
Where desert legends meet timeless beauty
We set off at dawn toward Foum Tizigui, a legendary gateway carved through the towering dunes of the Amatlich. This iconic pass—etched into history by the Paris-Dakkar Rally—stretches nearly 400 km, offering a surreal landscape of wind-sculpted golden waves. Here, the silence of the Sahara speaks volumes, immersing you in Mauritania’s raw, untamed majesty.
Next, we journey to El Meddah Oasis, the largest palm grove in Mauritania. A miraculous emerald jewel amidst the sands, this oasis embodies nature’s resilience. Thousands of date palms rise defiantly along the dune corridors, their lush fronds dancing against the desert’s harsh beauty. This sacred haven also marks the start of the breathtaking Amatlich dune belt—a scene so dramatic it steals your breath.
As twilight falls, we retreat to a traditional nomadic bivouac. Sip steaming mint tea—a ritual of Mauritanian hospitality—as the Milky Way ignites overhead. This is more than a night under the stars; it’s a soulful reconnection with Earth’s primal rhythms and the ancient wisdom of desert cultures.
Tifoujar – Terjit – N’Tourvine Pass – M'heirth Oasis
From dizzying heights to hidden desert sanctuaries
The adventure begins at Tifoujar Pass, where a heart-stopping 200-meter vertical drop plunges into the El-Abiod wadi below. Once a vital route, this passage is now swallowed by advancing dunes—a dramatic testament to the Sahara’s shifting power. Stand atop the ridge as golden waves stretch endlessly, their crests glowing like embers at sunset.
Next, we descend into Terjit, a miraculous thermal oasis. Here, natural rock pools filled with mineral-rich waters invite you to soak surrounded by palm groves. It’s nature’s spa—where desert travelers have rejuvenated for centuries.
The journey crescendos at N’Tourvine Pass, revealing landscapes of surreal beauty. As we traverse the plateau, the route unfolds like a living painting: rust-colored cliffs, wind-carved arches, and finally, the M’heirth Oasis—a secret garden of date palms where nomads still water their flocks.
As night falls, surrender to the Sahara’s magic. Choose between sleeping under a galaxy of stars or in a traditional nomad’s tent. The only sounds? The crackle of a campfire, the whisper of palm fronds, and the distant call of desert foxes. This is raw, unfiltered Mauritania.
M'heirth – Ouadane – The Richat Structure (Guelb er Richat)
Where ancient history meets Earth’s mysteries
After a peaceful stroll through the palm-fringed M’heirth Oasis, we journey toward the timeless desert jewel of Ouadane. Here, the ancient ksar (fortified village) whispers stories of trans-Saharan caravans, its crumbling Berber architecture standing sentinel over 12th-century trade routes. Wander through labyrinthine alleys where merchants once traded gold, salt, and manuscripts.
Then, nature’s grand spectacle awaits: the Richat Structure, known as the “Eye of Africa.” This 50km-wide geological wonder—visible from space—defies explanation with its concentric rings of volcanic rock. Local legends speak of celestial origins, while scientists marvel at its eroded dome. Walk its rust-colored ridges and feel the pulse of our planet’s deepest history.
As dusk falls, retreat to a comfortable desert auberge, where thick-walled rooms offer cool respite. Savor Mauritanian mint tea on a rooftop terrace as the Richat’s silhouette glows in the last light—a perfect finale to a day spanning millennia.
Journey to Chinguetti: The Desert's Sacred Library
Walking through 1,000 years of Islamic scholarship
We set course for Chinguetti—the 7th holiest city of Islam, founded in the 11th century as a beacon of Saharan knowledge. This UNESCO World Heritage site rises from the dunes like a sandcastle mirage, its distinctive dry-stone architecture and iconic minaret standing unchanged since medieval times.
Upon arrival, we step into history:
📜 Explore the Old Town’s labyrinth of ochre buildings, where geometric patterns whisper of Andalusi influences
🏛️ Visit the historic library safeguarding priceless 13th-century Qur’anic manuscripts—some written on gazelle parchment
🕌 Stand in awe at the ancient mosque, whose solar alignment still guides worshippers today
The day ends with accommodation in a hostel, where comfort and friendliness will be the order of the day.
Amogjar Canyon – Atar – Azougui – Yaghraf
Where prehistoric art meets living Saharan culture
Our journey continues to the dramatic Amogjar Canyon, a geological masterpiece where:
• 6,000-year-old rock paintings whisper stories of ancient pastoral life
• The crumbling set of Fort Saganne (1984) stands as a ghostly tribute to cinema’s desert epics
Next, we dive into the sensory explosion of Atar, the beating heart of Adrar region:
🛍️ Navigate its legendary market – a kaleidoscope of Saharan trade with:
Then, step into medieval history at Azougui:
⚔️ Walk the ruins of the Almoravid dynasty’s first capital (11th c.) – whose warriors later conquered Andalusia
As stars emerge, we settle into our final desert bivouac:
Benichab – Tiouilit – Iwik: Journey to the Edge of Land and Sea
A passage through coastal wilderness and ancient fishing traditions
Leaving behind the desert’s embrace, we strike out toward Benichab, As we traverse this geological frontier, the landscape transforms:
🐚 Discover the Imraguen fishing villages of Tiouilit and Iwik, where:
Wooden pirogues rest on pearl-white beaches
Centuries-old techniques of net-fishing persist unchanged
The air carries the salt-kissed scent of drying mulet jaune (golden mullet)
🌅 At day’s end, we retreat to the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin’s lodge:
Fall asleep to the murmur of Atlantic waves
Spot flamingos wading in tidal flats at dawn
Island Expedition: A Voyage to Mauritania’s Avian Kingdoms
Where the sky and sea dance with wings
At dawn, we board traditional lanche boats toward the Banc d’Arguin archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with life:
🦩 Enter a twirling galaxy of birds where:
30,000+ flamingos stain the sky pink
Endangered red-billed tropicbirds perform aerial ballets
The world’s largest colony of Caspian terns deafens with their cries
🐚 Walk untouched islands where:
Sun-bleached whale bones mark the tideline
Fishermen’s ancient shell middens reveal 600 years of Imraguen heritage
As the sun dips low, our lanche glides homeward past:
• Dolphins surfing the bow wave
• Sandbars where monk seals bask
🌌 Back at the park lodge.
Cap Tafarit: Where the Sahara Meets the Sea
A hidden gem of coastal majesty
At Cap Tafarit, near the timeless village of Arkeiss, nature stages its grandest spectacle:
🌊 Climb the iconic rock promontory for:
A 180-degree ocean panorama where desert dunes dissolve into Atlantic waves
The campground here is the most peaceful in the park, and it’s also an excellent spot for sport fishing.
Overnight stay in the park camp
Arkeiss – Nouakchott
We set off back to Nouakchott. Upon arrival, we enjoy a stroll along the beach, where the activity picks up again with the return of artisanal fishermen to the port.
The evening ends at the hotel, providing a comfortable setting for the last night of our adventure.
Nouakchott
We begin with a market tour, where we explore the lively and characteristic camel market, as well as the National Museum, which immerses us in the country’s history and culture.
Dinner in town marks the end of the day, before a transfer to the airport.
- Included in the Price:
✔ Airport welcome & transfers
✔ All accommodation (hotels + desert bivouacs)
✔ Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔ Camping equipment (traditional nomadic tents)
✔ 4×4 transportation (with experienced driver)
✔ All vehicle fuel costs
✔ National park fees (all access permits included)
✔ Expert guide (local Saharan specialist)
✔ Dedicated cook (authentic Mauritanian cuisine)
✔ All entrance fees (museums, libraries, historic sites)
* Not included in the price: 
✗ Flights & related fees (airfare, baggage, etc.)
✗ Visa fees
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Beverages & personal expenses
✗ Gratuities (guides/drivers appreciated but optional)
✗ Any unspecified costs
