Saturday 17th January – Nouakchott

• Arrival at your convenience into Nouakchott – the capital city of Mauritania which is well connected from flights between Algiers, Paris, Casablanca, Istanbul and Tunis. Visa on arrival in Mauritania is €55 or $60.
• For those coming from Algiers on our Algeria tour we can recommend a flight to connect you to Nouakchott.
• Meet our driver as you exit the airport terminal and transfer to the comfortable Hotel Flora
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Sunday 18th January – Nouakchott – Tergit – Atar – Chinguetti

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of Hotel Flora at 8:00am to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Board our 4x4s and depart for our 400 kilometres drive to the Tergit Oasis within the Sahara Desert – Mauritania’s most picturesque location. Located within a gorge, this the perfect spot to cool down and relax after our drive as well as getting stunning desert photos.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a camp in Tergit Oasis
• Another two-hour drive later, we’ll pass through the city of Atar before arriving in the historic town of Chinguetti.
• On arrival, we’ll witness a spectacular sunset from the massive sand dunes of Chinguetti – a magical moment you won’t forget.
• Arrive at our motels in Chingguetti
• Dinner at a nomadic campsite in tranquil palm oasis.
• After our meal, you’ll see a music and dance performance by the local women nomads of Chinguetti – a great way to learn about the region’s rich traditions, and dance with locals!
• Overnight in Chinguetti

Monday 19th January – Chinguetti – Choum – Iron Ore Train

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chinguetti, founded in the 13th century and considered to be one of Islam’s holiest cities. It served as an important center for Islamic scholarship, attracting students and scholars from across North Africa.
• You’ll discover its fascinating history as you visit one of the ancient libraries and iconic landmarks, including the beloved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania. Built of dry stone and wood, it is considered one of the oldest mosques still in use in the Islamic world.

Afternoon

• We’ll visit Azoughi Oasis and village for a tea stop and experiencing how locals live 
• On the way, we’ll stop at the stunning Amogjar Pass to see prehistoric rock paintings dating back 5,000 years and showing elephants, giraffes, humans,… We’ll also enjoy the view of the striking lava formations that define the region’s unique landscape.
• Prepare for Mauritania Iron Ore Train – we’ll stop at Atar Market to ensure the group is stocked up on plenty of water, fruits, and snacks for the train journey. Here you can buy traditional Mauritanian clothing and face coverings which are most ideal for riding the Iron Ore Train to shield your face from the sand and iron ore dust.
• Arrive at the town of Choum, the departure point for the Iron Ore Train
• Tour highlight – Board the world-famous Mauritania Iron Ore Train, the longest and heaviest train in the world. You’ll be sitting in open-top cars, so ensure you’re equipped with warm clothing, goggles, and other protective gear to protect yourself from the sand and the cold at night. The train does not have a fixed departure and can leave anywhere between from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.
• Overnight on the train

Tuesday 20th January – Nouadhibou

Morning

• Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the vast Saharan Desert, an unforgettable start to the day.
• The train will arrive in Mauritania’s second-largest city, Nouadhibou, between 8:00am and 11:00am. Upon arrival, we’ll head to our hotel for a refreshing shower and some rest before heading out to explore the city.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant in town
• Visit Cape Blanc, a peninsula shared between Mauritania and Western Sahara. This historic site was once the focal point of Spanish fishing expansions from the Canary Islands to the African coast. This is where the biggest ship graveyard used to be located until it was broken down into pieces and the steel sold by Chinese companies a few years ago.
• Cape Blanc is also home to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, which you may have the chance to spot. You’ll also have the chance to go for a swim on the beach.
• Dinner at a family restaurant with a wide menu of delicious local dishes.
• Overnight at Hotel Al Jezira

Wednesday 21st January – Nouadhibou – Nouakchott

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel before boarding our 4x4s for the long drive back to Nouakchott (480km)

Afternoon

• On arrival, we’ll have lunch before exploring the city.
• Depending on the time we have, we’ll do the following sightseeing:
• Head straight to the lively Atlantic fish market. Every evening hundreds of fishermen bring in the day’s catch on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls. The catch is then brought by donkey cart to the city’s markets. Take a walk along the beach here too.
• On the way back, into the city you’ll pass massive embassies of the main players of the region – USA, China, France, and Russia
• Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are on view
• Visit the local craft market where locals specialise in camel wool rugs
• Quick photo stop by the Great Mosque of Nouakchott, funded by Saudi Arabia and built in 1982.
• Farewell dinner at the Sun House restaurant, the best in the country!
• Tour concludes – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights out as the majority of airlines depart from the evening onwards.

Read More