Premium 12-Day 4x4 Journey: Mauritania’s Hidden Desert Treasures
4x4 tour, duration 12 days
Discover Mauritania’s Legendary Caravan Cities: Aoudaghost, Koumbi Saleh & Oualata
Embark on a journey through Mauritania’s historic caravan cities that once thrived as vital hubs of trans-Saharan trade. This expedition unveils the fascinating legacy of these ancient metropolises that connected sub-Saharan Africa with the Arab world.
Begin in Aoudaghost, a caravan city founded between the 8th and 14th centuries by nomadic tribes. Explore active archaeological sites revealing medieval ruins, including the country’s oldest mosque (recently restored). Discover remnants of a grand northern settlement that testify to Aoudaghost’s commercial prominence.
Continue to Koumbi Saleh, the legendary capital of the Ghana Empire, where stone ruins of palaces and mosques whisper tales of West Africa’s first great kingdom. Conclude in Oualata, a UNESCO-listed town famed for its ochre architecture and exquisite Arabic manuscript traditions.
This voyage through Mauritania’s caravan cities offers a rare opportunity to connect with the region’s multicultural heritage, where Berber traders, Soninke kings, and Islamic scholars once converged beneath the desert stars.
Itinerary: 
Arrival in Nouakchott
The Start of Your Mauritanian Adventure
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 relax 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 begin your journey in tranquility, preparing you to explore the country’s breathtaking natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Nouakchott - Boutilimit - Sangrava: A Journey Through History & Dunes
Route Highlights:
Boutilimit: Discover this historic town dominated by its colonial-era fort, birthplace of two legendary figures:
Cheikh Sidiya – Renowned Islamic scholar whose influence reached Timbuktu, founder of a prestigious manuscript library
Mokhtar Ould Daddah – Mauritania’s founding father and first president
Trarza Erg: Traverse vast golden dunes in this quintessential Saharan landscape
Aleg’s Ghost Lake: Witness the surreal expanse of a dried salt lake
Traditional Villages: Pass through Makta-Lihjar and Sangrava, where ancient ways endure
Night Under the Stars
Sleep in a nomadic tent or open-air bivouac, immersed in the desert’s profound silence – just as caravan travelers did for centuries.
Guerou Oasis – Kiffa – Tamchakett: Following the "Route of Hope"
An authentic journey through Mauritania’s transitioning landscapes
Highlights of the Day:
The Route of Hope: Travel this vital artery connecting nomadic past with modern life
Cultural Insight:
Watch the desert transform as we pass through:Echerame – A settlement where former nomads maintain traditions in fixed homes
Oases of Douk & Guerou: Emerald jewels where date palms shade crystal-clear springs
Kiffa: Bustling regional capital known for:
Traditional Kiffa beads (rare glass jewelry made using ancient techniques)
Gateway to Aoudaghost ruins (8th-century caravan city)
The night takes place in a bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent, for an authentic immersion in the silence of the desert.
Tamchakett – Aoudaghost: Journey to a Forgotten Caravan Capital
Where desert tracks reveal medieval splendor
Route Highlights
Tamchakett
Founded in 1927 as the administrative heart of Afella region
Key stopover 130km northwest of Aïoun el-Atrous
Witness the blend of colonial planning and nomadic traditions
Aoudaghost Archaeological Site
Located 45km northeast in the Rkiz region
Excavations confirm its 8th-century role as a:
🐫 Crossroads linking North-South & East-West trade routes
🏰 Almoravid capital during their 11th-century expansion
🏺 Gold trading hub with advanced metalworking
The night takes place in a bivouac under the stars or in a nomadic tent, for an authentic immersion in the silence of the desert.
Tamchakett – Aioun el-Atrous
We join the famous Route de l’Espoir about 800 km from Nouakchott, heading towards Aioun el-Atrous. Located in a vast basin in the Hodh region, this city is surrounded by the majestic cliffs of Assaba, Tagant, Tichit, and Oualata.
The rock formations sculpted by the wind, particularly those of the Affolé cliff, offer a spectacular landscape that deserves a stop.
The night is spent camping under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent, providing a full immersion in the unique atmosphere of the desert.
Timbedgha – Koumbi Saleh: Journey to the Lost Capital of the Ghana Empire
A Crossroads of Civilizations
• From Timbedgha to Ruins: Travel 60km south to one of Africa’s most significant archaeological sites
• 3rd Century Origins: First established by the pagan Mandé tribes controlling trans-Saharan trade routes
• Islamic Golden Age: Transformed in the 11th century under Almoravid rule into:
Political capital of the Ghana Empire
Home to 30,000+ residents (Africa’s largest city for centuries)
Center of Islamic scholarship and gold trade
Rediscovering a Lost Metropolis
🔍 Archaeological Revelations:
1914: First excavations by French paleontologist Bonnier de Maizière
1939/1950: Major digs uncovering:
• Distinctive Islamic architecture
• Evidence of thriving craft industries
• Trade goods from as far as Mesopotamia
🌵 The Great Abandonment:
By the 15th century, successive droughts emptied this once-great city, leaving:
Silent streets where scholars and merchants once walked
Crumbling walls that witnessed the rise and fall of empires
We spend the night camping under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent, for an unforgettable immersion at the heart of history.
Oualata: The UNESCO-Listed Desert Masterpiece
A Preserved Gem of Saharan Architecture
The Caravan City That Defied the Desert
🏜️ 7th-Century Origins: Strategically built as a crucial waystation for:
Gold and salt caravans crossing the merciless Sahara
Muslim pilgrims en route to Mecca
Scholars transporting precious manuscripts
🎨 Architectural Wonder:
Distinctive painted houses adorned with intricate geometric patterns
Traditional wall techniques: Polished with local clay mixed with egg whites
UNESCO designation: Recognized for its “exceptional earthen architecture”
Unique Experiences
🖌️ Living Art Tradition:
Meet female artisans maintaining centuries-old mural painting techniques
Learn the symbolic meaning behind triangular and zigzag motifs
📜 Manuscript Legacy:
Visit private collections preserving 14th-century scholarly works
Observe the unique blend of Maghrebi and Sub-Saharan calligraphy styles
Authentic Accommodation
• Historic Residence: Stay in a carefully restored 18th
Return to Nouakchott: Journey Along the Route of Hope
Mauritania’s 1,100km Lifeline from Desert to Capital
The Nation’s Vital Artery
🛣️ Essential Facts About Route de l’Espoir:
Connects Nouakchott to Néma (capital of Hodh El Chargui region)
Built to unify the country and serve remote communities
Total length: 1,100 km
🌄 Landscapes & Key Stops:
Aleg: Crossing the Surreal Space of Lake Aleg
Boutilimit: A fortress of knowledge and historic Islamic schools
Kiffa: Discover famous glass bead artisans
Aioun El Atrous: Gateway to the Hodh region’s cliffs
Final Night on the Road
⛺ Authentic Desert Camp:
Sleep under the stars near a nomadic encampmentReflect on your journey across Mauritania
Nouakchott Final Day: Culture & Camels
A Perfect Farewell to Mauritania
Morning: Camel Market Immersion
🐪 Africa’s Largest Livestock Auction:
Witness the vibrant trading of prized Saharan camels
Photograph Berber herders in traditional blue robes
as well as the National Museum, which immerses us in the history and culture of the country.
Dinner in the city marks the end of this day, before transferring 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
✔ 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
