How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

When are the next departures?

The next available departures are 22 November 2026; 7 February 2027; 21 November 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure airport transfers; Services of a knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide throughout; Private 4×4 transport in well-maintained vehicles (maximum 3 guests per vehicle); and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits Mauritania. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

Mauritania9 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly

Mauritania – Desert Discovery

Nine days crossing the Adrar by 4x4 — ancient caravan routes, UNESCO-listed desert cities, and nomadic camp fires under Saharan stars.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

Vast, remote, and deeply evocative, Mauritania is a land shaped by shifting sands, ancient cities, and timeless nomadic traditions. This immersive
Mauritania small group journey takes you deep into the Adrar region, where centuries-old caravan routes wind past oases, crumbling medieval towns, and dramatic desert landscapes. Along the way, you’ll swim in natural pools, dine under Saharan skies, and witness life in traditional nomadic communities. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane, the geological wonder of the Richat Structure, and camel rides across golden dunes at sunset. Travelling by 4×4, this adventurous tour offers a rare chance to explore one of West Africa’s most untouched and culturally rich corners.

The journey

Mauritania – Desert Discovery

Key moments

What makes this trip special

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

Big Dunes of Azoueiga at Sunset
Drive to the Big Dunes of Azoueiga with scenic stops along the way, arriving in the late afternoon to watch the sunset from the dunes. Camp staff prepare a desert camp where dinner is served around a campfire under the stars. The night is spent in comfortable desert tents.
Mherith Oasis Swimming Pools
The route through the White Valley leads to Mherith Oasis, where natural pools sit surrounded by dunes, greenery, and rocky outcrops. Lunch is taken here before continuing toward Chinguetti. Nomadic families are encountered in the White Valley along the way.
Chinguetti Ancient Quarter and Manuscripts
A guided walking tour of Chinguetti's ancient quarter visits a historic library housing centuries-old Islamic manuscripts. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reached at sunset on Day 3. Day 4 includes a camel caravan trek through the dunes timed for the evening light.
Intkemkemt Oasis Camel Caravan
After the Chinguetti walking tour, the route continues to nearby Intkemkemt Oasis for lunch beneath date palms beside a small natural pool. A late-afternoon camel caravan trek through the dunes is timed to coincide with sunset. Dinner and overnight follow at the traditional guesthouse.
Nomadic Family Stay at Tenochert Oasis
An ancient caravan route through dramatic desert scenery leads to Tenochert Oasis, where the afternoon is spent with a nomadic family whose home serves as a modest guesthouse with bathrooms and showers. Daily traditions are observed and the evening ends with music by the fire. The overnight is at the oasis.
Ouadane and the Street of Forty Scholars
The ancient trans-Saharan trade route leads to Ouadane, a second UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploration of old town ruins includes the famous Street of Forty Scholars. Sunset is watched over the ancient city before returning to the guesthouse for dinner.

Full itinerary · 9 days

Free — no sign-up

Dates & prices

Choose your departure

Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.

Departs	Returns	Status	Price pp	Single supp.
22 Nov 2026	30 Nov 2026	Guaranteed	£2,750	+£200	Book now
7 Feb 2027	15 Feb 2027	Guaranteed	£2,750	+£200	Book now
21 Nov 2027	29 Nov 2027	Guaranteed	£2,750	+£200	Book now
6 Feb 2028	14 Feb 2028	Guaranteed	£2,750	+£200	Book now
19 Nov 2028	27 Nov 2028	Guaranteed	£2,750	+£200	Book now

Departure
22 Nov 2026 → 30 Nov 2026
Guaranteed
From
£2,750 pp
Single supp. +£200
Book now
Departure
7 Feb 2027 → 15 Feb 2027
Guaranteed
From
£2,750 pp
Single supp. +£200
Book now
Departure
21 Nov 2027 → 29 Nov 2027
Guaranteed
From
£2,750 pp
Single supp. +£200
Book now
Departure
6 Feb 2028 → 14 Feb 2028
Guaranteed
From
£2,750 pp
Single supp. +£200
Book now
Departure
19 Nov 2028 → 27 Nov 2028
Guaranteed
From
£2,750 pp
Single supp. +£200
Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Mauritania journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

What's included

What your tour price covers

Included in the price

Arrival and departure airport transfers
Services of a knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide throughout
Private 4×4 transport in well-maintained vehicles (maximum 3 guests per vehicle)
All fuel and ground transport
All accommodation in private rooms (single or double occupancy as requested)
All meals listed
Bottled mineral water provided throughout the tour
Professional desert chefs for meals while camping
All entrance fees and scheduled visits as per the itinerary

Budget separately for

International flights
Any applicable airport taxes
Travel insurance (a requirement for booking)
Visa fees (issued on arrival in Nouakchott – approx. €55)
Drinks (alcohol is rarely available outside the capital)
Items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, souvenirs, snacks)
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers (discretionary, but appreciated)

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

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.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme — Mongolia, Madagascar, the Silk Road and beyond. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

Bernice Hird

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

Gustavo Musto

Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

Traveller from the UK

“London to Istanbul by train - great trip from concept to execution. Very glad to have participated. Mark was an excellent and empathetic leader. ”

Ken Nathanson

Hong Kong

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

Adam Choonara

“Jason was outstanding, patiently answering my many questions about the Senegal trip, particularly regarding accessibility. He was professional, supportive, warm and friendly, giving me the confidence to book. I truly appreciate his exceptional service and support.”

Ramnit Bassi

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

Patricia Taylor

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

Judith Hoyle

“I am very satisfied with every trip that I have doe with you since you match my interests in culture and tribal peoples.”

Eric Ferkins

“Jason was incredibly helpful and efficient in getting us booked last minute on this trip when our trip with another company was cancelled with no notice.”

Sarah Keir

Want to customise this tour?

Make Mauritania – Desert Discovery your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

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