Visit Mauritania: Where the Sahara Meets the Ocean

Nestled on Africa's Atlantic coast, Mauritania is a land of empty desert, wildlife-filled wetland and intrepid travel. Mauritania is a land of desert and ocean. The main attractions are the desert in Adrar and the Tagant areas (around Atar), and the ocean in Banc d'Arguin (a natural reserve with dunes ending in the sea, full of millions of birds and protected by UNESCO). The desert is exactly how you've always imagined Sahara: endless dunes and rocky areas with tabular small mountains. Mauritania is also a country of strong historical interest, with a sprinkle of World Heritage - listed caravan towns, all testifying to ancient civilisations. The country offers striking combinations as a part of its appeal - with population of Moors of Arab descent and black Africans, this is a Muslim country with a black African twist. Join us to feel the real Sahara with endless empty beaches and no roads!

Highlights:
- Banc d'Arguin - major breeding site for migratory birds, including flamingos, broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans and terns, UNESCO Site
- The oasis of Terjit
- The ancient towns of Chinguetty and Ouadane

View Full Itinerary

Itinerary:

Day 1. Nouakchott
Arrive Nouakchott. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2. Nouakchott - Chinquetty (510 km – 7 hours)
Drive to Chinguetty, UNESCO world heritage site . The city was founded in 777, and by the 11th century had become a trading center for a confederation of Berber tribes known as the Sanhadja Confederation. Overnight in motel.

Day 3. Chinquetty - Ouadane (100 km - 3 hours)
Drive to Ouadane, another UNESCO world heritage site and staging post in the Trans-Saharan trade for caravans transporting slabs of salt from the mines at Idjil. Overnight in motel.

Day 4. Ouadane - Terjit (250 km - 4 hours)
Drive to Terjit - a lush green oasis with hot springs and mountains sandwiched between Mauritánidas. The place looks like something out of "Arabian Nights" with a fantastic pool to swim in and an extensive palm grove area for shade. Overnight in motel (tented camp).

Day 5. Terjit Oasis - Arguin park (500 km - 9 hours)
The Banc d'Arguin is one of the most important zones in the world for nesting birds and Palearctic migratory waders. Located along the Atlantic coast, this Park is formed of sand dunes, areas of coastal swamps, small islands and shallow coastal waters. The austerity of the desert and the biodiversity of the marine area results in a land and seascape of exceptional contrasting natural value. Overnight in simple motel with simple tents. 500 km – 9 hours

Day 6. Boat trip to Tidra Island
Sail in traditional boat observing dolphins and thousands of black terns and flamingos. Overnight in simple motel (tented camp).

Day 7. Back to Nouakchott (250 km - 4 hours)
Return to Nouakchott . Day use in hotel, transfer to the airport in evening.

Practical information:
Recommended period of travel: December to March.
Mauritania is generally one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly the capital and the main tourist region of the Adrar. Although there have subsequently been a small number of incidents, these have been restricted to remote areas unvisited by foreigners.
Mauritania is a conservative Muslim country, but it is by no means the most extreme in this regard. Still, it is recommendable for women to dress modestly, covering the upper legs and arms and avoiding shorts or skimpy T-shirts.

Visas: Most nationals need visa to enter Mauritania.

Price Includes:
transfers airport-hotel-airport
accommodation as mentioned above in twin room / tent
transport as per itinerary
English-speaking guide
all meals from day 2 to day 6 and breakfast & lunch on day 7
visits as per itinerary
local assistance.

Not Included:
International flight tickets
Meals not mentioned above
Visa costs
Tips
Personal expenses

Additional Services:
Supplement per person at 3 p. - 160 EUR
Supplement pp. at 2 p 280 EUR

Vacation Extensions:
Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

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