
One of the Sahara's least-visited countries
Mauritania sees very few foreign visitors, meaning genuine solitude and unscripted encounters throughout.

Mauritania holidays that open one of the Sahara's most untravelled corners — ancient caravan cities, sweeping golden dunes and nomadic life barely changed in centuries.
Mauritania remains one of West Africa's last genuinely uncrowded countries — a Saharan giant where the dunes outnumber the people. Stretched between the Atlantic and the Sahel, it carries the weight of trans-Saharan trade routes and a nomadic culture that has barely shifted in centuries. From the UNESCO caravan cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane to the geological wonder of the Richat Structure, the country offers the kind of unhurried, unscripted travel that is increasingly hard to find.
Our small group Mauritania tour packages head deep into the Adrar region by private 4×4, taking you from Nouakchott's Atlantic coast to the ancient libraries of Chinguetti, the medieval ruins of Ouadane, the natural pools of Mherith and Terjit oases, and the prehistoric rock art of Amogjar Canyon, with time spent with nomadic families along the way. Groups are small — a maximum of 12 — for a personal, flexible experience with expert local guidance throughout. Private and tailor-made options are also available.


Mauritania
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
Mauritania rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.
From the field
Sweet spot: Feb · Nov
Our Mauritania tours depart in November and February — the two coolest, most comfortable months for desert travel. Daytime temperatures in the Adrar region are warm but manageable during these periods, while nights in the desert can be cold, especially in February. The Mauritanian summer (June–September) brings extreme heat across the Sahara. The Atlantic coast at Nouakchott is milder year-round thanks to ocean breezes, but the interior desert regions can be bitterly cold after dark in winter.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
Every one of our Mauritania journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
If you'd prefer to explore Mauritania on your own schedule, we can create a private itinerary built entirely around your interests. You might spend longer in Chinguetti exploring its manuscript libraries, take an extended camel trek across the Azoueiga dunes, or add time at the Richat Structure or Amogjar Canyon. Accommodation can be upgraded and pacing adjusted to suit. You may also wish to extend into the Ouadane region or spend more time with nomadic communities at Tenochert Oasis. Tailor-made departures are available on dates of your choosing with a dedicated English-speaking guide and private 4×4 transport throughout. Contact our team to begin planning your Mauritania holiday.
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Our 9-day small-group Mauritania holiday starts from £2,750 per person, with a single room supplement of £200. The price includes all meals, accommodation, private 4×4 transport, entrance fees, English-speaking local guide, and airport transfers. International flights, visa fees (approximately €55, payable on arrival), travel insurance and gratuities are not included. See the tour page for a full inclusions list.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mauritania along the borders with Western Sahara, Algeria and Mali. However, these areas are entirely outside the regions visited on this tour. The itinerary covers Nouakchott, the Adrar region, Chinguetti, Ouadane, Terjit Oasis and Atar — none of which are subject to FCDO 'against all or all but essential' travel advisories. We monitor FCDO guidance closely and will inform all clients of any changes. Please visit foreign-travel-advice for the latest information.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Mauritania specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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