Senegal - Mauritania Combo
4x4 Expedition – Duration: 12 days
This journey invites you to explore Senegal, from Dakar to Mauritania, crossing a stunning diversity of landscapes. You’ll discover the majestic peaks of Adrar, breathtaking cliffs, the golden dunes of Amatlich – a true ocean of sand – as well as spectacular canyons and lush palm groves that add a touch of magic to this unforgettable adventure.
The itinerary: 
Arrival in Dakar – Welcome and Check-in
A warm welcome awaits you at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) or Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport. A private transfer will then take you to your hotel, located either by the seaside or in the city center. Enjoy a delicious Senegalese-flavored dinner before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay
Crossing into Mauritania – Desert Adventure Begins
Early morning departure by 4×4 towards the Mauritanian border.
Stop at Diama Dam for customs and immigration procedures.
Journey through Sahelian landscapes, where arid plains stretch endlessly, until reaching Nouakchott, the desert-edged capital.
Hotel check-in, dinner featuring local flavors, and overnight stay under Mauritania’s starry skies.
Desert Adventure – Amatlich Dunes & Graritte Livrasse Oasis
Pre-dawn departure by 4×4 to Akjoujt, a former mining town with moonlike landscapes and ochre hues.
Journey through rugged trails to the Amatlich massif—a realm of wind-carved golden dunes and ancient sandstone canyons.
Discover the Graritte Livrasse and Azoiga oases, emerald jewels where palm groves sway around hidden springs.
Magical bivouac in the dunes: feast on nomadic flavors (slow-roasted lamb, mint tea) under a sky ablaze with stars, or sleep in a traditional Mauritanian tent.
Exploring El Gleïtat and El-Meddah Oases
Early morning departure across desert landscapes to El Gleïtat oasis, a green haven surrounded by golden dunes. Continue to El-Meddah oasis, Mauritania’s largest palm grove where thousands of date palms rise majestically between sand waves.
The afternoon features an awe-inspiring crossing of the Amatlich dune belt, an endless sea of sand with colors shifting under the sunlight. The day concludes with setting up an authentic bivouac: enjoy a wood-fire roasted lamb or camel tagine before spending the night under starry skies or in a traditional nomad tent.
From El Meddah to Oujeft – Journey Through Historic Oases
We start at dawn towards Oujeft, an ancient caravan hub where stone walls still whisper tales of Saharan traders. Along the way, we cross El-Maden oasis, a sudden burst of greenery where hidden springs feed unexpected gardens.
The adventure continues to Tounqade and M’harth oases, the latter famous for its sprawling palm grove where century-old date trees bend under golden fruits. Here, every well and path tells the story of nomads’ resilience.
The day culminates with an exceptional bivouac:
Chinguetti – Dive into Saharan History
The morning begins with a final stroll through M’harth oasis, where shaded gardens provide a cool respite from the desert heat. The intricate irrigation channels beneath the palm groves whisper tales of ancient caravan engineers.
Then onward to Chinguetti, the 7th holy city of Islam, emerging from the sands in the 11th century as a beacon of knowledge. Its ochre stone alleys, unchanged for centuries, transport us to the golden age of trans-Saharan trade.
Historical highlights await:
The Friday Mosque, a UNESCO-listed Saharan architectural gem with its unique square minaret
The Caravan Museum displaying ancient astrolabes and gazelle-skin maps of desert routes
Private libraries safeguarding 12th-century manuscripts (astronomy, medicine, Quranic studies) in vaulted stone chambers
The day ends at a centuries-old guesthouse, where thick walls keep the Sahara’s night chill at bay.
Deep Desert Adventure – From Chinguetti to Ouadane
An early dawn departure kicks off this extraordinary expedition. We tackle a legendary 120 km desert track, winding through untouched dunes where only nomads and their camels know the hidden paths. Here, the silence is broken only by the wind and the crunch of stones under our 4×4 tires.
Arrival in Ouadane, a UNESCO-listed legendary city whose ochre ruins whisper tales of its 12th-century golden age as a hub for caravans carrying gold, salt, and precious manuscripts.
Today’s highlights include:
Caravan Museum visit, displaying ancient maps of trans-Saharan trade routes
Exploration of the Guelb er Richat, the enigmatic “Eye of the Sahara”: 40 km of concentric rings puzzling geologists (some believe it’s Atlantis!)
Wander through the abandoned medina, where stone houses seem frozen in time
The day ends at a guesthouse in the heart of the old town, where a time-honored meal (caravan lentil stew, wood-fired bread) is served under starry skies. Night in vaulted rooms, lulled by desert legends
From Ouadane to Atar – Where History Meets Oasis Bliss
Morning: Canyon Whispers
Sunrise departure to Amogjar Canyon, a geological wonder with pink sandstone towers. Amid its cliffs, we’ll decode 6,000-year-old rock art depicting giraffes and elephants – relics of a green Sahara. Movie fans will spot locations from “Fort Saganne” (1984), forever etched in these mineral landscapes.
Noon: Atar’s Pulse
Arrival in Atar, the Adrar’s vibrant soul, where the bustling market (Tuareg silver, saffron, desert spices) contrasts with the serenity of Azougui. This Almoravid capital safeguards the tomb of Imam El-Hadrami, a pilgrimage site framed by ochre mountains.
Afternoon: Desert Mirage
Relaxation at Terjit Oasis, a palm-fringed miracle:
Thermal springs (82°F) under a canopy of rustling date palms
Hidden grottoes with whispering waterfalls
Nap on reed mats to nature’s lullaby
The day ends with an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp.
Return to Nouakchott & Seaside Relaxation
Morning: Through Changing Landscapes
Early departure on a scenic drive from the last desert outcrops to the first shrubby savannas. Watch the gradual shift from dunes to acacia groves, dotted with nomads herding their camels. Arrival in Nouakchott by noon, where the salty breeze heralds the nearby ocean.
Afternoon: Atlantic Calling
Immerse yourself in the unique vibe of Nouakchott’s shoreline, featuring endless beaches (among Africa’s longest!) where you’ll find:
fishermen hauling in their catch in colorful pirogues, Fish market visit
Overnight in a comfortable hotel
Saint-Louis, Senegal – Where History Meets Wilderness
Morning: Journey to a Colonial Gem
Early departure for Saint-Louis (~3h drive), with stunning landscape shifts : after border formalities, desert sands yield to green savanna and villages painted in vibrant blues and ochres. Arrival in this former French West Africa capital, where UNESCO-listed colonial architecture whispers tales of the 1900s.
Afternoon: Culture & River Adventure
Must-see highlights :
The colonial quarter : pastel façades with wrought-iron balconies
Governor’s Palace, a relic of French colonial rule
Photography Museum (historic West African portraits) or cultural center
Magical river cruise :
Pirogue ride on the Senegal River, stopping at bird islands (pink flamingos, pelicans)
Guet Ndar fishing village, where rainbow-colored boats create a photogenic mosaic
Evening: Flavors & Sunset Serenade
Gourmet dinner
Overnight in a comfortable hotel
Back to Dakar & Gorée Island – Memory and Urban Pulse
Morning: Journey Through Time
Scenic drive to Dakar with stops at rural markets (taste accara bean fritters) and ancient baobabs.
Ferry to Gorée Island (UNESCO World Heritage):
Sobering visit to the Slave House and its “Door of No Return”.
Fort d’Estrées Museum with its colonial-era cannons.
Wander through pastel streets lined with bougainvillea.
Noon: Oceanfront Farewell Lunch
At Le Bougainvillier:
Seafood platter (grilled thiof, Yassa shrimp)
Terrace views of fishing pirogues
Afternoon: Dakar’s Beat
City highlights:
Sandaga Market: Wolof carvings, wax fabrics
African Renaissance Monument (panoramic views)
Corniche drive: Photo stop at Ngor Beach (surf haven)
Evening: Last Moments
Farewell dinner before airport transfer,
* The price includes: 
✔- Reception and transfer to the airport
✔- Accommodation
✔- Full board
✔- Camping equipment (Nomad tent.)
✔- Transport in 4×4 Vehicles
✔- 4×4 fuels
✔- spear fees
✔- French-speaking guide
✔- To cook
✔- Entrances to sites and museums and libraries.
* Not Included in the price: 
✗- Fly and cool
✗- visa fees
✗- Travel assistance insurance
✗- drinks and personal expenses, tips
✗- All charges not specified.