7 Days Mauritania Tour – Ancient Cities, Oases, Rock Art & Desert Culture

Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport, where a local guide will meet you and assist with customs and baggage. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. After a rest, begin a half-day guided city tour.

You’ll first visit the Port de Pêche (fishing harbor) during the afternoon rush as hundreds of wooden pirogues return from sea with their catch. Walk along the beach to observe the organized chaos of the fish market.

Next, head to the National Museum for an overview of Mauritania’s history, archaeology, and nomadic traditions. End the day at the central market (Marché Capitale), where locals trade in spices, fabrics, and camel leather products.

Accommodation: Hotel Semiramis or similar
Meals: Dinner included
Activities: City tour, museum visit, fish market, local market exploration

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Atar (if operating), or take a 6–8 hour overland transfer through the desert interior. Upon arrival in Atar, stock up on supplies before beginning the scenic drive to Chinguetti.

Pass through the dramatic Amogjar Pass, stopping to view prehistoric rock art at Agrour. This region contains ancient carvings depicting giraffes, cattle, and human figures etched into sandstone.

Arrive in Chinguetti in the late afternoon. Settle into a traditional guesthouse built from local stone and take an evening stroll around the ksar (fortified old town).

Accommodation: Auberge La Gueila or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Rock art stop, scenic drive, ksar introduction walk

Begin the day with a full tour of Chinguetti, once a prominent center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage. Visit one of the famous manuscript libraries, where 12th–19th century Arabic texts on religion, science, and philosophy are preserved by families.

View the exterior of the iconic Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the oldest in Mauritania, built from hand-hewn stone and mud mortar. Explore the old residential quarters, learning how water scarcity and sand encroachment affected the community.

In the afternoon, walk into the surrounding dunes for a desert experience and sunset tea atop a ridge. Optional camel ride available.

Accommodation: Auberge La Gueila or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Historic tour, manuscript library, desert walk, optional camel ride

After an early breakfast, set out on a 90 km desert track toward Ouadane, a 12th-century town once vital to the salt and gold trade. The road is sandy and rough but filled with desert vistas.

Arrive mid-morning and explore the extensive ruins on foot. See remnants of mosques, homes, and trading structures built from stone and clay. Walk up to the higher part of town for wide views over the surrounding desert basin.

Picnic lunch will be served near the oasis below the ruined city. In the afternoon, visit the newer part of Ouadane to meet locals and explore date palm groves before returning to Chinguetti.

Accommodation: Auberge La Gueila or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Archaeological ruins, desert track driving, palm oasis visit

Depart Chinguetti and drive southward to Terjit, one of Mauritania’s most beautiful oases. Located in a narrow canyon framed by cliffs, Terjit is a lush refuge with natural springs, shaded palm groves, and traditional tent shelters.

Upon arrival, walk through the oasis trail and take a refreshing dip in the spring-fed pools (modest dress required). Relax under the palms with a cup of Mauritanian mint tea.

Enjoy a traditional nomadic lunch with fresh dates, couscous, and goat stew. Spend time learning about Saharan hospitality, including tea rituals and how oasis settlements are managed.

In the afternoon, drive to Atar for overnight.

Accommodation: Auberge Azougui or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Oasis walk, spring bath, traditional lunch, cultural exchange

After breakfast, visit the ruins of Azougui, an ancient Berber capital and former Almoravid stronghold. Climb to the top of the fortress hill for panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Stop at a nearby nomadic encampment (seasonal) where you may be welcomed into a tent for tea and a discussion on desert survival, camel herding, and seasonal migration.

Later, begin the drive or transfer to Atar Airport for your return flight to Nouakchott. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.

Accommodation: Hotel Semiramis or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Fortress visit, nomadic tent visit, overland return

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a short visit to the local artisan center or return to the central market for last-minute souvenirs. If time allows, take a final stroll along Nouakchott's Atlantic coast for photos of camels, fish sellers, and the unique fusion of desert and sea.

Your driver will transfer you to Nouakchott International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Souvenir shopping, optional beach visit, airport transfer

Included highlights:

Chinguetti manuscript libraries and old mosque

Ouadane archaeological ruins

Terjit Oasis springs and palm groves

Rock art at Agrour

Azougui Fortress and nomadic visits

Port de Pêche and Nouakchott markets