Explore Banc d’Arguin National Park, Adrar, and Tagant: An Adventure in the Heart of Mauritania
4x4 tour, duration 14 days
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Mauritanian desert with an unforgettable journey through Banc d’Arguin National Park, the towering Adrar mountains, and the vast plains of Tagant. Each destination offers breathtaking landscapes and a unique cultural heritage, inviting you to discover the untamed beauty of this extraordinary region.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banc d’Arguin National Park is a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity. Witness thousands of migratory birds and diverse marine life on a traditional pirogue trip through its shimmering lagoons.
Next, head to Adrar, where golden dunes meet dramatic canyons. Explore hidden oases—lush green havens amidst the arid expanse—and savor local flavors in these tranquil retreats.
Finally, discover Tagant, a land steeped in nomadic history and traditions. Wander through timeless villages, meet skilled artisans, and listen to ancient tales under a starry sky.
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Mauritania, where every moment brings you closer to the soul of the land. Book your journey today and be enchanted by its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
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.
Banc d’Arguin
Kick off your journey with a trip to Banc d’Arguin National Park, passing through the Imraguen fishing villages from Nouamghar to Iwik. This route offers a glimpse into the nomadic way of life, where ancient traditions and the rhythms of the ocean intertwine.
Along the way, witness the Imraguen fishermen’s age-old techniques, still practiced today to harvest the sea’s bounty. Upon reaching Iwik, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking coastal landscapes where golden dunes meet the Atlantic waves.
The day ends with an overnight stay at a lodge, where you can savor local dishes and listen to stories shared by the people who call this UNESCO-listed paradise home
Banc d'Arguin - Birdwatching Adventure and Desert Night
Our Banc d’Arguin experience continues with a traditional lanche boat trip to the park’s islands, true sanctuaries for migratory bird colonies. Witness thousands of pink flamingos, white pelicans and royal terns in their natural habitat – a unique spectacle for nature lovers.
As evening falls, we’ll head to the Akchar massif where wind-sculpted dunes create a lunar landscape. We’ll set up camp for a magical night under the desert stars, either sleeping directly under the open sky or in a traditional nomadic tent (your choice). The desert silence and starry vault will guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Erg Amatlich - Golden Dunes and Hidden Oases
Our journey continues to Akjoujt, gateway to Mauritania’s mineral landscapes, before reaching the hidden oases at the foot of the Amatlich massif. This true sea of dunes, among the highest in the region, offers breathtaking views with its wind-sculpted golden waves.
At sunset, we’ll set up our desert camp atop Amatlich dunes for an authentic experience:
Savor traditional mint tea brewed over the fire
Choose between sleeping under the stars or in a nomad tent
Enjoy local flavors under a sky full of stars
Magical sunrise awakening over endless sands
Desert Route: Foum Tizigui & El Meddah Oasis
Our journey begins at dawn towards Foum Tizigui, a legendary passage through the Amatlich dune corridor. This iconic site, etched in Paris-Dakar Rally history, stretches across 400 km of wind-sculpted golden sands – a mineral spectacle where silence and infinity reign.
Next, we head to El Meddah Oasis, Mauritania’s largest palm grove. Like a mirage made real, this emerald sanctuary blooms amidst the dunes, where date palms have thrived for centuries. A living testament to humankind’s resilience in harmony with nature.
As night falls, we settle into a nomadic camp under the stars. Around a crackling fire, we share mint tea .
Tifoujar, Terjit & Hidden Oases
1. Tifoujar Pass: Desert’s Edge
Atop Tifoujar’s 200m cliff, the swallowed pass tells a geological epic. Wind-drifted sands have reclaimed this ancient corridor, creating a frozen sea of golden waves under the relentless sun.
2. Terjit: Emerald Mirage
The descent to Terjit reveals thermal springs (82°F) cascading into natural pools. Bathe in mineral-rich waters shaded by date palms – a sensory rebirth where desert meets jungle.
3. N’Tourvine: Gateway to Infinity
Ascending N’Tourvine’s switchbacks, the plateau explodes into view: a Mars-like landscape of eroded mesas and fossilized seabeds whispering prehistoric secrets.
4. M’heirth: Timeless Sanctuary
The hidden oasis of M’heirth unfolds with terraced gardens fed by ancient falaj systems. A living museum of nomadic hydraulics.
Celestial Night
Camp options:
Stargazing on traditional woven beds
Bivouac Under Nomads tent Around the fire, tasting Mauritanian dates.
M’heirth – Ouadane – The Eye of Africa: Journey Through Time
1. M’heirth: Living Oasis
We begin with a walk through M’heirth’s oasis, where ancient irrigation channels and date palms tell a 1,000-year story of human adaptation. The last green refuge before the mineral kingdom.
2. Ouadane: Desert Atlantis
Next, UNESCO-listed Ouadane – a 12th-century trading hub clinging to cliffs. Explore:
The old mosque with its geometric miracles
Crumbling alleys where gold and salt caravans once passed
360° desert views from the eroded battlements
3. Richat Structure: Earth’s Enigma
The afternoon unveils the Eye of Africa, a 30-mile-wide geological wonder:
Marvel at the perfect rings (visible from space!)
Debate its origins: volcanic remnant? Cosmic crash? Nature’s artwork?
Sunset spectacle as rock layers glow like embers
4. Lodge Night: Desert Comfort
Return to Ouadane’s lodge for:
Traditional feast
Chinguetti & Amogjar Canyon: Where History Meets Wilderness
1. Chinguetti: Desert Scholar’s Haven
Return to Chinguetti, 7th holy city of Islam (11th century), where:
Wander the old town’s crumbling sandstone lanes
Admire the UNESCO-listed mosque, a masterpiece of Saharan architecture
Explore private libraries safeguarding ancient manuscripts (astronomy, Quranic texts)
2. Amogjar Canyon: Earth’s Canvas
Journey to Amogjar Canyon, a natural wonder featuring:
Neolithic rock art (elephants, chariots carved by early Berbers)
Movie set ruins from Fort Saganne (1984)
Dramatic Ould Ebnou Pass, a gateway through time
3. Atar & Azougui Oasis
Evening return to Atar via Azougui Oasis:
Stroll through date groves fed by underground springs
Sample fresh dates with Bedouin-style tea
4.Accommodation in a traditional inn in Azougui
El Aiene Safra & l'Oasis Rachide : Réveil Saharien
El Aiene Safra and Rachide Oasis: Desert Dawn
El Aiene Safra: Stone Village
At sunrise, we will head to El Aiene Safra, a traditional village where:
The dry-stone houses blend harmoniously into the desert.
After the visit, we will continue our journey to the Rachide Oasis.
The new town and the old town currently face each other and are separated by the valley. The ruins of the old town are listed as a national heritage site.
The town was completely destroyed after being bombarded by artillery by the French colonial army in 1908.
We will spend the night bivouac under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent, enjoying tea in the heart of the desert, for an unforgettable experience.
Tidjikja - N'Beika - Matmata : Journey to Tagant's Soul
1. Tidjikja : Gateway to Tagant
Morning departure to Tidjikja, the historic capital of Tagant:
Explore the vibrant market with spices and local crafts
Discover old stone houses showcasing Hassaniya architecture
Meet local nomads preserving ancestral traditions
2. N’Beika : Oasis Kingdom
Continue to N’Beika oasis, a green paradise:
Traditional lunch under date palms
Walk through vast palm groves (some trees over 200 years old)
Ancient irrigation systems still in use
3. Matmata : Desert Crocodiles Sanctuary
Afternoon at Matmata guelta:
Spot rare desert crocodiles (last survivors in Mauritania)
Protected natural reserve with stunning cliffs
Sunset photography opportunity
4. Sahara Night Camp
Authentic desert bivouac:
“Adventure” option: Sleep under the stars
“Comfort” option: Nomadic tent with beds
Dinner with local specialties
From N'Beika to Ksar El Barka: Echoes of a Lost Trading Hub
After Matmatah’s crocodile oasis, we discover Ksar El Barka – a ghost town frozen in time. Established in the 1600s by the Kounta people along the El-Ebiad wadi, this once-thriving date palm cultivation center and caravan hub met its abrupt end in 1822.
The ruins reveal precision-cut sandstone walls, triangular-patterned facades, and time-worn banco mortar showcasing sophisticated Saharan architecture. As dusk falls, mint tea in your nomadic tent or under the stars becomes a ritual bridging past and present.
From Ksar El Barka to Letvetar Dunes: Where History Meets Golden Sands
From Ksar El Barka to Letvetar Dunes: Where History Meets Golden Sands
Leaving behind the whispering stones of Ksar El Barka, we head to Moudjéria – a former French military outpost whose ruins whisper tales of colonial times. This desert stronghold, once strategically vital, now stands as a silent sentinel over the surrounding valleys.
As afternoon fades, we journey north to the Letvetar dunes, where perfect sandy ridges stretch toward the horizon. Here, mint tea tastes sweeter as the sun sets the golden crests ablaze. Your magical camp awaits: either directly on the sand under a star-studded sky, or snug in a traditional nomadic tent.
A day blending human history with the timeless beauty of the desert.
From Letvetar Dunes to Nouakchott: Journey to Civilization
We leave the golden sands of Letvetar to travel along the legendary Route de l’Espoir, passing through Aleg and Boutilimit, where modernity blends with nomadic traditions. Gradually, the desert gives way to the shifting landscapes of the Sahelian savanna.
By evening, we reach Nouakchott, Mauritania’s bustling capital. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to sample Mauritanian specialties , followed by a comfortable hotel stay
A transition from Saharan vastness to urban energy.
Nouakchott
Enjoy a stroll along the lively beaches, where the local atmosphere comes alive with the return of fishermen to the port. We will also visit the museum and the market, true reflections of the city’s cultural vibrancy.
To end the day, a dinner in town will allow you to savor local specialties before your transfer to the airport for your departure.
- 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
