Circuit in 4x4, Duration 12 days,
Historic Caravan Cities: Aoudaghost, Koumbi Saleh, & Oualata
Discover the Historic Caravan Cities: Aoudaghost, Koumbi Saleh & Oualata
Embark on a journey to explore the iconic historic caravan cities of Mauritania: Aoudaghost, Koumbi Saleh, and Oualata. This tour will immerse you in the fascinating history of these ancient metropolises, which played a key role in trade across the Sahara.
Start your adventure in Aoudaghost, a caravan city founded between the 8th and 14th centuries by nomads. Visit the archaeological sites of this historic location, where you can admire remnants from the medieval era, including the oldest mosque in the country, which has been recently restored. Explore the ruins of a large metropolis located north of the city, highlighting Aoudaghost’s significance in trans-Saharan trade.
Nearby, don’t miss the chance to see the numerous rock paintings nestled in a cliff shelter. These prehistoric artworks feature horse-drawn chariots, giraffes, and Arabic inscriptions, offering a unique insight into the life and culture of ancient populations.
This journey through the historic caravan cities of Mauritania presents a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich and diverse heritage while connecting to the history of trade between sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world.
The route:
Arrival in Nouakchott
Arrival in Nouakchott. Reception at the airport, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
Nouakchott – Boutilimit – Sangrava
Departure to the town of Boutilimitte dominated by its fort, a vestige of the colonial era. It is the city of Cheikh Sidiya, founder of the library, recognized scholar of Timbuktu in Mali, and of Mokthar Ould Daddah, father of the independence of Mauritania, we cross the great erg of Trarza, Boutilumite, Aleg, and its immense dry lake, the villages of Makta-lihjar, Sangrava,
Bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Oasis Guerou – Kiffa – Tamchakett
Continuation by the road of hope crosses villages, where the nomads have settled, Echerame…, from where one can reach the oases of Douk, guerou, and about 600 km, Kiffa the capital from the region of assaba, from here, one can go to the ruins of the ancient caravan city Aoudaghost.
Bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Tamchakett – Aoudaghost
Departure by the track to the town of Tamchakett was founded in 1927 and is the capital of the Afella region.
Tammishket is located at a distance of one hundred and thirty kilometers northwest of the city of Aioun el-Atrous, the capital of Houd Elgharbi.
Aoudaghost:
After Tamchakett, we head towards the archaeological city of Audagost, located in the “Rkiz” region, 45 km northeast of the town of Tamchaket.
Archaeological excavations have identified the city of Aoudaghost, as it was a center for trade caravans coming from the north and heading south and those coming from the east or west.
The archaeological site dates back to the 8th century, until the arrival of the “Almoravid State”, which took Aoudaghost as its temporary capital.
The excavations showed the development of architecture and human life, which led to the discovery of very important things in the gold trade and industry.
Bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Tamchakett – Aioun el-Atrous
you will join the “Road of Hope” 800 km from Nouakchott, Aioun el-Atrous is located in a huge bowl of hodh surrounded by the cliffs of Assaba, Tagant, Tichit and Oualata, sculpted rocks by the wind of the crazed cliff are worth the detour.
Bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Timbedgha – Koumbi Saleh:
We continue to Tambagh, where we reach the ruins of Kombi Saleh, which are located 60 km to the south.
It dates back to the 3rd century when the pagan Mandia tribes controlled the caravan trade routes between Kembe Salih, Audaghest and Timbuktu.
Islam:
Islam entered the city of “Kimbi Saleh” in the 11th century after the arrival of the Almoravids in the desert region of West Africa.
The history of the city’s influence began when the Ghana Empire made it its political capital. The city experienced the height of its prosperity and was truly a dominant superpower in the region, with a population of around 30,000, it became the largest city on the African continent for several centuries.
The disappearance of the city:
In the 15th century, the city of “Kimbi Salih” began to lose its importance due to successive years of drought and the departure of the inhabitants of “Kimbi Salih” until it later became a discolored and deserted city.
The first excavations:
“The French paleontologist Bonnier de Maizière conducted extensive excavations in 1914, followed by other expeditions which took place in 1939 and 1950, and these excavations revealed the ruins of the Islamic city and its unique architecture.”
Bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Oualata
Built in the 7th century, Oualata constitute an important stage on the caravan route.
Its pretty oasis is home to wasteland houses in pastel colors, the doors feature harmonious geometric designs
Oualata is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Accommodation in a hostel.
Back to Nouakchott
towards the Route de l’Espoir, 1000 km which will take you through the towns of Aleg, Boutilimit… and several nomadic villages
Bivouac with tea under the stars or in a nomadic tent
Nouakchott
and then Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, visit the brightly colored market, sunset on the beach where the artisanal fishermen are active.
Dinner in town. and transfer to the airport.
To request information, reservations and prices: Contact us
* 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.
