Mauritania in Depth: Adventure, Culture & Nature in 30 Days
4x4 tour, duration 30 days
30-Day Journey – A Complete Exploration of Mauritania & Saint-Louis
Immerse yourself in a timeless adventure along the legendary routes of the trans-Saharan caravans. This exclusive 30-day circuit, designed by Amatlich Tours, invites you to explore Mauritania and Senegal’s hidden treasures—from vast deserts and ancient cities to breathtaking landscapes.
A Journey at the Rhythm of the Nomads
Follow in the footsteps of the caravan traders who, for centuries, crossed the Sahara to exchange gold, salt, and knowledge. Your expedition will take you through the emblematic regions of Adrar and Tagant, home to the legendary ancient cities of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata—all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These mesmerizing architectural gems still echo the spirit of the scholars and merchants of old.
Untamed Nature & Unique Biodiversity
Discover the Banc d’Arguin National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise where thousands of migratory birds find sanctuary. This extraordinary site, where the desert meets the sea, offers a rare spectacle for nature lovers.
The Senegalese Escape: Saint-Louis, a Colonial Jewel
Your odyssey continues in Senegal with a visit to Saint-Louis, the former capital of French West Africa. Stroll through its vibrant alleys, admire its preserved colonial houses, and soak in its multicultural ambiance—where history and modernity intertwine.
A Rich and Diverse Itinerary
From the golden dunes of the Sahara to the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, through bustling markets and forgotten ksars, this journey is a deep dive into West Africa’s cultures and landscapes.
Ready for Adventure? Let yourself be guided along the legendary caravan trails, where every stop tells a story…
The Itinerary: 
Arrival in Nouakchott
The Start of Your Mauritanian Adventure
Upon your arrival in Nouakchott, Mauritania’s 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 port city nestled between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean, offers your first immersion into Mauritania’s unique culture and atmosphere. This first night at the hotel will allow you to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.
A carefully curated welcome experience to start your trip in calm and serenity before setting off to explore the country’s natural and cultural wonders.
Nouakchott → Akjoujt → Erg Amatlich → Azouga Oasis
From Mining Town to the Kingdoms of Sand
Our adventure begins on the road to Akjoujt, a historic copper city with metallic landscapes, where rust-colored hills whisper tales of 3,000 years of mining. We leave civilization behind to follow the Saharan tracks, racing toward the golden vastness of Erg Amatlich—its wind-sculpted dunes like frozen waves.
A mythical arrival at Azouga Oasis, crowned by its great dune (120m), standing sentinel over the palm groves. Here, under nomadic tents pitched against infinity, we share the caravan tea ritual—three pours as sweet as dawn, as strong as noon, and as bitter as dusk—while stars ignite one by one above the erg.
Foum Tizigui Pass – Tenemrerout – El Meddah Oasis
Between Legendary Dunes and Life-Giving Oases
An early departure toward Foum Tizigui, the iconic gateway carved into the dune ridges of Amatlich. This mythical pass, once a feared stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally, marks the entrance to a mineral desert where sands stretch 400 km, sculpted by winds into motionless waves.
Onward to Tenemrerout, revealing a lesser-known Sahara:
Rain-fed fields: Vast expanses transformed into ephemeral farmland when the skies grant water
Adaptive nomadic life: Herders become cultivators, sowing beans and white watermelons using ancestral methods
Rhythm of the seasons: After harvests, families migrate to oases for date picking, perpetuating a cycle as old as the desert itself
Arrival at El Meddah, the queen of palm groves, where the Sahara’s life forces converge:
An endless forest of date palms, nourished by a hidden network of foggaras (ancient irrigation channels)
Intrusive dunes scaling garden walls, a reminder of this delicate balance
Encounters with the orchard guardians—nomads turned stewards
Starry Night Between Erg and Oasis:
Nomadic bivouac at the foot of dunes, lulled by palm whispers
Dinner infused with Saharan flavors
Tifoujar – Terjit – N’Tourvine Pass – Toungad Oasis
A Journey Through Vertiginous Canyons, Hot Springs & Secret Gardens
Tifoujar Pass: Gateway to the Desert
We ascend toward the dizzying heights of Tifoujar Pass, where the earth splits into a spectacular rift:
200-meter cliffs plunging into Wadi El Abiod like a giant staircase carved by the elements
Conquering dunes scaling the walls, blending golden sand with red rock faces
A breathtaking vantage point revealing the ancient, now-dry riverbed—a ghost of its former self
“This canyon whispers tales of violent geology: here, the earth cracked open to let the caravans pass.”
Terjit: The Sahara’s Spa
Descent into the miraculous oasis of Terjit, a sanctuary of coolness:
Thermal springs (28°C) cascading into natural rock pools
A cave-garden where palm trees grow upside down, their fronds reaching for tunnel light
Lunch under rose laurels, with mint tea made from locally harvested leaves
N’Tourvine Pass: Balcony Over Infinity
Climb the secret N’Tourvine Pass, less traveled but equally magical:
A winding path snaking between precariously balanced boulders
Lunar landscapes: sandstone plateaux streaked with mineral veins
Absolute silence, broken only by the flight of lanner falcons
Toungad Oasis: Hanging Garden
Evening arrival at Toungad, a hidden gem clinging to the plateau:
Nomadic tent bivouac with traditional tea under the stars
Toungad Oasis – Oujeft – El Berbara Oasis – Mheirth Oasis
In the Footsteps of Forgotten Caravans, From Stop to Stop
Oujeft: Gateway to the Adrar
We leave Toungad, its hanging gardens and golden cliffs, to reach Oujeft—an ancient caravan crossroads now evolving into a modern town:
Transitional architecture: Dry-stone houses blend with ancient ruins.
Date market where harvests from surrounding oases are traded.
Historic wells dug by the first inhabitants, guardians of the Salt Route.
El Berbara Oasis: A Millennial Stopover
Journey to El Berbara, one of the historic stops along the caravan route:
El Berbara’s palm grove is a stunning site, featuring a garden of date palms stretching like a ravine, shielded by an 80-meter-high rocky wall. This natural design protects the palms from harsh winds and climate, maintaining productivity and enhancing the landscape. Explore this oasis to discover the region’s biodiversity and experience local culture.
Mheirth Oasis: The Ultimate Refuge
Arrival at Mheirth at dusk, where the desert reveals its generosity:
Overnight bivouac under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent.
Mheirth Oasis - Chinguetti
From Secret Oasis to the Sacred City of Manuscripts
Arrival in Chinguetti: The Desert Pearl
After crossing the plateau from Mheirth, we discover Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 7th holiest city in Islam:
Founded in the 11th century, it was the intellectual and spiritual heart of caravan routes
Dry-stone architecture: houses with carved doors, narrow alleys winding between ochre walls
Iconic 13th-century mosque with its square minaret, the oldest intact Islamic monument in West Africa
Treasures of the Ancient Libraries
Immersion in the millennial knowledge of scholarly families:
Private libraries: manuscripts from the 12th to 19th centuries (astronomy, Quranic law, medicine) illuminated with gold and indigo
Accommodation in a traditional inn
Vaulted rooms with thick walls, naturally air-conditioned
Chinguetti - Guelb er Richat - Ouadane
From Sacred Manuscripts to Geological Mysteries
Departure from Chinguetti: Farewell to the City of Scholars
Before leaving Chinguetti, a final stroll through its ochre alleys to:
Breathe the history-laden air of ancient libraries
Soak in architectural details: studded doors, manuscript niches
Purchase souvenirs: manuscript page replicas or engraved leather tea boxes
“One doesn’t leave Chinguetti – one carries away some of its silence in their luggage.”
Ouadane
Arrival at Ouadane, a UNESCO site and former trans-Saharan trade hub:
Old town visit:
✓ Slanted-wall houses (storm-proof technique)
✓ 16th-century granaries that stored gold and salt
✓ Mysterious Mecca-oriented cemetery steles
Rare Knowledge:
Ouadane means “two valleys”: one of knowledge, one of palm trees. This perfectly captures the city’s dual heritage – both a great center of learning (famous for scholars and manuscripts) and a lush palm valley essential for desert survival. This intellectual/natural duality still defines the city today.
Guelb er Richat: The Eye of Africa
Journey to the Sahara’s most enigmatic geological wonder:
40km-wide crater visible from space
Scientific theories: collapsed dome? meteorite impact? fossilized volcano?
Stay in a traditional inn
Amogjar Canyon - Atar - Azougui - Yaghraf
We continue our journey to Amogjar Canyon, an impressive site where we’ll admire prehistoric rock paintings and discover relics from the famous film Fort Saganne, among other curiosities.
Next, we head to Atar, current capital of the Adrar region, hosting the largest and most vibrant market in the area. This colorful market overflows with exotic goods, showcasing intense Saharan trade activity.
We then visit Azougui, former capital of the Almoravids – the dynasty that ruled Spain in the 11th century. Today, Azougui remains a place of worship, housing the revered tomb of Imam El-Hadrami.
Finally, we end the day with a starlit bivouac or, for greater authenticity, in a traditional nomadic tent, surrounded by peaceful serenity.
Benichab
Leaving the rocky Adrar desert behind, we journey toward Akjoujt to reach Benichab,
with its grand fossil water well plunging 90 meters deep.
Overnight under starry skies or in a traditional nomadic tent.
Arrival at Banc d'Arguin
We reach Banc d’Arguin after passing through Imraguen fishing villages: Tiouilit, Nouamghar, Iwik. We visit one of the world’s most important natural parks for migratory birds. Stretching nearly 200 km, you can observe vast colonies of aquatic birds from across the globe (Africa, Greenland, Europe and Siberia), including several endangered species. Banc d’Arguin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at the lodge.
Island Exploration
We board a launch boat to the islands, where we’ll witness the impressive bird colonies inhabiting these wild lands. After this unforgettable experience, we return in the evening.
The night is spent at the park lodge, providing a serene setting to conclude this exceptional day.
Cape Tafarit
This stunning location near the village of Arkeiss features a rocky promontory with a 180-degree panoramic ocean view. The campsite here is the most tranquil in the park and also makes an excellent sport fishing spot.
Overnight at the park lodge.
Return to Nouakchott
We begin our journey back to Nouakchott. Upon arrival, we enjoy a beachside stroll as the harbor comes alive with the return of traditional fishermen.
The evening concludes at our hotel, providing a comfortable setting for the final night of our adventure.
Diawling National Park: The Resurrected Delta
From Nouakchott to the Kingdom of Migratory Birds
Crossing to Keur Macène
Morning departure from Nouakchott for a 170 km journey through:
Shifting landscapes: from the aridity of stony regs to the first patches of greenery
Arrival at Keur Macène, gateway to West Africa’s largest ornithological sanctuary
Diawling National Park: Symphony of Wings
Exploration of this biodiversity haven (15,600 ha), restored in the 1990s:
Migration spectacle: thousands of pink flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, and royal terns
Guided walk through the wetlands
Encounter with local fishermen practicing traditional techniques
Night at Keur Macène Camp
Stay in an eco-lodge overlooking the delta:
Stilt bungalows inspired by traditional Wolof architecture
Dinner featuring fresh river flavors
Saint-Louis
Arrival at the Diama Dam for border formalities before entering Senegal’s Saint-Louis.
Visit this historic city, the former capital of Mauritania before independence.
Enjoy a pirogue ride on the Senegal River.
Overnight at the hotel.
Rosso – R’kiz: Between River and Desert
Final Stop at the Gates of the Senegal River
Rosso: The Living Border
Arrival in Rosso, a vibrant border town where Moorish and Wolof cultures blend:
Colorful market: Here, every step crosses an invisible frontier – where desert yields to river.
R’kiz: Guardians of Tradition
Journey to R’kiz, a former colonial outpost turned nomadic crossroads:
Encounter with nomadic communities settled along the routes.
Nomadic tent bivouac under the stars.
Boutilimitte
We set off towards Boutilimitte, a town steeped in history, dominated by its colonial fort and marked by the legacy of two great Mauritanian figures: Cheikh Sidiya, a revered scholar and founder of a prestigious library, and Mokhtar Ould Daddah, the father of the country’s independence.
Overnight in a nomadic tent at the Grand Erg of Trarza.
Moudjeria, N’Beika & Matmatah Guelta
Journey to N’Beika Oasis, renowned for its vast palm grove—a true natural treasure. After lunch on-site, we’ll explore the sprawling palm plantations and Matmatah Guelta, a mesmerizing site where a few surviving crocodiles (recently spotted) create a rare spectacle in the heart of the Mauritanian desert.
The day ends with a starlit bivouac or in a traditional nomadic tent, for total immersion in Mauritania’s wild landscapes.
Ksar El Barka
We depart for Gasr el-Barka, an abandoned ghost town. Founded in the 17th century by the Kounta people, Gasr el-Barka was built in the steep El-Ebiad wadi, at the heart of one of Tagant’s most remarkable hydrographic networks. Before its destruction in 1822, this small city thrived through caravan trade and date palm cultivation.
Gasr el-Barka features extraordinary architecture, with thick walls made of precisely cut sandstone blocks mortared with banco clay. The facades are adorned with beautiful triangular alcoves, showcasing the craftsmanship of its ancient builders.
After this immersion into history, we spend the night under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent, sipping tea in the heart of the desert.
Tidjikja & Rachid
We set off for Tidjikja, the capital of Tagant, where you’ll explore its bustling market, traditional old houses, and the unique atmosphere of this historic town. After the visit, we continue toward the oasis of Rachid, where the new town and the old town face each other, separated by a valley. The ruins of the old town, a national heritage site, stand as a silent witness—completely destroyed after being shelled by French colonial forces in 1908.
We’ll spend the night under the stars or in a traditional nomadic tent, sipping tea in the heart of the desert for an unforgettable experience.
Rachide – Lekcheb
Rachid – Lekcheb
The Trail of Forgotten Wells
We depart from Rachid, crossing a desert pulsing with hidden life:
Ephemeral campsites: Circles of stones blackened by fire, tents pitched near wells
Fleeting encounters: Shepherds guiding their camels toward invisible pastures
Overnight under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Lekcheb – Zig Well – Tichitt
Crossing Two Deserts
Farewell to the Tagant Plateau
Our trail leaves the stony expanses of Tagant and plunges into the first waves of sand:
Spectacular transition: The hard reg gives way to the shifting erg, grain by grain
Last glimpse of the plateau’s ochre cliffs, striated like pages of geology
New silence: The crunch of tires replaces the clatter of stones
“Here, the desert changes its face: it sheds its bones, keeping only its golden skin.”
Zig Well:
A magical stop at Zig Well, a strategic nomad site:
A natural gateway between two cliffs marks this vital passage
Rare, guarded water, surrounded by twisted rock formations
Timeless atmosphere, where you can almost see caravans drinking from the cool hollow
Nomadic well system: Wooden pulleys and goatskin buckets
Tichitt: The City That Defies the Sands
Arrival at Tichitt (12th century), a UNESCO site rising like a mirage:
Architecture of survival:
✓ Dry-stone houses stacked without mortar
“Tichitt wasn’t built against the desert, but with it. Every stone is a challenge to the wind.”
Night of Historical Immersion
Overnight in a historic auberge within the ancient city.
Akreijit – Makrougat – Aratane
Departure from Akreijit: The Forgotten Village
We leave Akreijit, its dry-stone houses and prehistoric mysteries, to venture deeper into an increasingly mineral desert. The trail winds through:
Sandstone plateaus eroded into eerie shapes
Ancient dried-up wadis dotted with ghostly acacias
“Here, every stone is an open book—written in a language only geologists and nomads understand.”
Makrougat: The Elephant Rock
A stop at one of the Sahara’s geological wonders:
A sandstone colossus carved by the wind into the shape of a recumbent elephant
Es Sba: The Fingers of the Desert
Exploration of the otherworldly site of Es Sba (“the fingers” in Hassaniya):
Forest of rocks standing like giant fingers thrusting from the sand
Unique formations: Basalt columns striated and polished by sandstorms
Acoustic phenomenon: Wind produces eerie sounds whistling through fissures
“Nomads say these rocks are the buried fingers of a giant. At night, they claim to hear them scratching beneath the sand…”
Aratane Well: Water of the Nomads
A pause at the millennial Aratane Well, still used by caravans:
Ancient techniques: Drawing water with goatskin buckets and acacia-wood pulleys
Encounter with Azawagh herders watering their camels
Magical Bivouac
Under the stars or in a nomadic tent.
Oualata: The Ocher Jewel of the Desert
The City of Painted Walls
Arrival at the Pearl of the Sahara
After kilometers of endless erg, Oualata emerges like a mirage:
Nicknamed “the city of seven colors” for its ochre, indigo, and white facades
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated as one of the finest examples of Sahelo-Sudanese architecture
“Here, every house is a painting, every alley an open-air art gallery.”
Treasures of the Caravan City
Discovery of the secrets of this ancient intellectual capital (12th century):
Artist workshops: Hand-painted facades with symmetrical geometric patterns
Hidden library: 14th-century manuscripts preserved in tamarisk wood chests
Mosque of 100 niches: Its pyramidal minaret, unique in Mauritania
Night in a Scholar’s House
Stay in a restored traditional residence:
Vaulted bedroom adorned with original frescoes (star and diamond motifs)
Panoramic terrace overlooking the flat rooftops of the old town
“To sleep in Oualata is to close your eyes in a living museum.”
Oualata – Ayoun el Atrous: From the City of Knowledge to the Mysteries of the "Route de l’Espoir"
Farewell to Oualata, the Sleeping Beauty
A final morning in the city of painted walls:
Last golden light on ochre and indigo facades
Final stroll through labyrinthine alleys, past blacksmith workshops and carved doors
The “Route de l’Espoir”: A Desert Lifeline
Journey toward Néma, starting point of this legendary paved road crossing Mauritania east to west:
Saharan paradox: This 1,100 km straight line is both a vital artery and a desert of solitude
Ayoun el Atrous: Gateway to the Hodh
Arrival in this regional capital, an urban oasis surrounded by mysteries:
Strange rock formations on the city’s outskirts:
✓ Sandstone eroded into giant mushroom shapes
Night on the Edge of the Sahara
Bivouac in a sandy hollow near the fantastical rocks.
Departure from Kiffa: Pearl of Assaba
We leave Kiffa, famous for its “billahs” (traditional glass beads), taking the legendary Route de l’Espoir (“Road of Hope”) – this lifeline crossing Mauritania east to west.
Changing landscapes: From Assaba’s arid hills to the first hints of greenery heralding oases.
“This road is a thread stretched between desert and hope, as its name suggests.”
Guerou & Douk Oases: Water Miracles
The Forgotten Erg Letvatar
Evening arrival in this lost sea of sand:
Frozen waves of dunes sculpted by wind into perfect ridges
Light play: At magic hour, the sands shift from pink to violet
“These dunes are like pages of sand slowly turned by the wind.”
Nomadic Bivouac
We settle in the hollow of a mother dune, sheltered by nomadic tents.
Erg Letvatar – Nouakchott: Return to Modernity
Final Crossing on the “Road of Hope”
Farewell to the Dunes of Letvatar
A last morning in the forgotten erg, where the sand seems to cling to us:
Final climb up a dune for a blazing sunrise
Vanishing traces: Our campsite already disappearing under golden grains
Sacred silence: Only the wind singing along the ridges bids us farewell
“You never truly leave the desert – it stays with you like a grain of sand in your shoe.”
The “Road of Hope”: Sahara’s Red Thread
A long drive to the capital, marked by lively stops:
Sangrava
Makta Lahjar
Aleg
Boutilimit
Arrival in Nouakchott: Clash of Worlds
Return to the chaotic capital, where the Sahara meets the Atlantic.
A comfortable night at the hotel.
Nouakchott
We begin with a visit to the camel market, a lively and iconic local hub, followed by the National Museum, immersing us in the country’s history and culture.
The day concludes with a farewell dinner in the city before transferring to the airport.
* The Price Includes: 
✔ Airport welcome and transfer
✔ Accommodation
✔ Full board (all meals)
✔ Camping equipment (nomadic tents)
✔ 4×4 vehicle transportation
✔ Fuel for the 4×4
✔ Professional guide
✔ Cook
✔ Entrance fees to sites, museums, and libraries
* Not Included in the Price: 
✗ Flights and related fees
✗ Visa fees
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Drinks and personal expenses, gratuities
✗ Any unspecified costs
