AITO 4.9 Excellent Rating
Mauritania Tours & Holidays
Mauritania holidays open one of the Sahara’s most untravelled corners, where caravan cities and nomadic life still shape the rhythm of the desert. Few destinations reward the curious so completely.
Mauritania remains one of West Africa’s last genuinely uncrowded countries, a Saharan giant where the dunes simply 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.
Our Mauritania tour packages head deep into the Adrar region, taking you from Nouakchott’s Atlantic markets to the UNESCO caravan cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane, the towering dunes of Azoueiga, and the otherworldly Eye of the Sahara. Every journey moves at a measured 4×4 pace, with time to share meals with nomadic families and sleep beneath the desert stars, on either a small-group itinerary or a fully bespoke private trip.
Explore our Mauritania Tours
Undiscovered Destinations creates thoughtfully designed Mauritania tours that go beyond the usual highlights, combining iconic sights with rewarding lesser-known experiences. Our route takes you from the Atlantic coast at Nouakchott to the ancient libraries of Chinguetti, the trans-Saharan ruins of Ouadane and the lush palms of Terjit Oasis, with detours to the Eye of the Sahara and the rock art of Amogjar Canyon along the way.
Our Mauritania holidays are operated in small groups, allowing for a more personal and flexible experience with expert local guidance throughout. For travellers drawn to off-the-beaten-path desert landscapes and authentic nomadic culture, our escorted small group tours offer the right balance of adventure, depth and quiet hospitality. Private and tailor-made options are also available.
Mauritania Tour Overview
1. Mauritania – Desert Discovery
9 days, from £2,750 per person Beginning in Nouakchott, this immersive 4×4 journey heads deep into the Adrar region along the ancient trans-Saharan trade routes. You’ll watch the sun set from the Big Dunes of Azoueiga, walk the centuries-old library streets of UNESCO-listed Chinguetti, and reach the haunting ruins of Ouadane and its famed Street of Forty Scholars. A picnic inside the Richat Structure, a camel trek through Intkemkemt Oasis, and a stay with a nomadic family at Tenochert add the kind of moments that define the trip. Departures run in November and February, when the desert is at its coolest and clearest. View full itinerary →
What to see on our Mauritania Group Tours
Ancient caravan towns of Chinguetti and Ouadane, once important Saharan trading posts, with centuries-old mosques and manuscript libraries.
The Sahara Desert with endless sand dunes, including the dramatic Azoueiga and Erg Amatlich.
The Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure) – a striking circular geological formation visible even from space.
Nouakchott’s fishing port and markets – colourful pirogues lined up on the beach and lively local souks.
Nomadic culture – meeting herding families and experiencing traditional desert hospitality.
Adrar Plateau – rugged landscapes dotted with oases, caves, and prehistoric rock art.
Terjit Oasis – a palm-fringed valley with natural springs and pools, offering respite from the desert heat.
Atar – the gateway town to the Adrar region, with vibrant markets and local crafts.
Desert camping under the stars – enjoying Mauritania’s vast skies and silence of the Sahara.
As featured in
With a 97% satisfaction rating from over 250 independent reviews on AITO, our travellers consistently praise the unique experiences and exceptional service provided by Undiscovered Destinations. From exploring the vibrant cultures of West Africa to uncovering hidden gems in the Caribbean, our carefully curated tours offer unforgettable adventures off the beaten path.
A wonderful opportunity to explore and experience a string of Caribbean islands. Although the pace of the trip was fast, we still managed to see behind the glitz and glamour of the holiday industry and get to grips with local history and culture.
Noggin
Simply amazing!
Our 9-day small-group Mauritania holiday starts from £2,750 per person. For full details of what’s included and excluded, please refer to our tour itinerary page or contact us directly for more information. Tailor-made and private trips are also available and priced individually based on your travel dates, duration, and route.
Yes. Most travellers, including British, US, Australian and many other nationalities, require a visa to enter Mauritania for tourism or business purposes. Visas can typically be obtained on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport or applied for in advance as an eVisa, depending on current regulations. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before you travel, and we can provide supporting documentation if required for your application.
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