Day-by-Day Itinerary
Land in Mauritania's capital and get your first taste of its mix of Saharan and Atlantic influences with a visit to the active port and markets.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Transfer
Arrive at
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC). Complete visa formalities (ensure you have a visa arranged in advance) and transfer to your hotel in the city center to rest and acclimatize.
1-2 hours
$30-50 (taxi)
Pre-book a hotel with airport pickup for ease.
Lunch
Le Pilier
French & Mauritanian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Port de Pêche & Marché Capitale
Visit the chaotic and photogenic artisanal fishing port to see colorful pirogues unload their catch. Then, explore the large Marché Capitale, the city's main market, for a sensory overload of spices, fabrics, and crafts.
3 hours
$5-10 (tips/guides)
Hire a local guide at the market entrance for about $10 to navigate and negotiate.
Evening
Dinner with Local Flavors
Restaurant Marrakech for a classic Mauritanian meal like 'thieboudienne' (fish and rice).
Where to Stay Tonight
City Centre near Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser (Hotel Monotel Dar El Barka or similar)
Central location with reliable amenities, good for first-night recovery and exploration.
Exchange currency at official bureaux de change in the city center for better rates than at the airport.
Day 1 Budget: $180
Begin the desert journey north, preparing for an overnight adventure on one of the world's most unique rail experiences.
Morning
Drive to Atar
Depart early by private 4x4 with driver/guide for the long drive north towards the Adrar region. Stop in Akjoujt, a former mining town, for a break.
5-6 hours
$100-150 (shared 4x4 cost)
This 4x4 and guide should be pre-booked for the entire Adrar loop (Days 2-7).
Lunch
Picnic lunch en route
Simple sandwiches & fruit
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival in Choum & Train Boarding
Arrive in the remote settlement of Choum. Prepare for the Iron Ore Train: pack goggles, a scarf, warm layers, and water. Board an empty ore car in the late afternoon for the journey into the desert.
2 hours (preparation and boarding)
$5-10 (symbolic fee)
No formal booking; your guide will assist. Secure your luggage in a dedicated passenger carriage if available.
Evening
Overnight on the Iron Ore Train
Experience sunset and a impressive night sky from the train as it crawls across the desert. Sleep on a mattress in an ore car (basic but memorable).
Where to Stay Tonight
On the Iron Ore Train (Camping on the train)
This is the core experience. You'll disembark near Zouérat in the early morning.
Wear old, dark clothing you don't mind getting covered in fine iron ore dust. Use a heavy-duty scarf to cover your face completely.
Day 2 Budget: $160
Arrive from the train journey and travel back in time to the seventh holy city of Islam, a UNESCO-listed desert library town.
Morning
Train Disembarkation & 4x4 Meet-up
Disembark the train near Zouérat in the early hours. Meet your pre-arranged 4x4 and driver. After a basic breakfast, begin the scenic drive south towards Chinguetti.
4-5 hours driving
Included in 4x4 tour
Lunch
Local guesthouse in Chinguetti
Mauritanian tagine or pasta
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Old Chinguetti
50-75 words
3 hours
$5-10 (library donation)
Your guide will arrange access to a library.
Evening
Sunset Dune Walk
Walk from the town into the encroaching Erg Amatlich dunes for a magnificent sunset over the desert.
Where to Stay Tonight
Chinguetti (Auberge Dar Ahmed or similar traditional guesthouse)
Authentic stay within the historic town, often with rooftop terraces for stargazing.
Bargain respectfully for fossils and handicrafts sold by locals near the libraries; it's part of the cultural interaction.
Day 3 Budget: $120
Discover the lush, hidden life of the desert with visits to impressive oases and ancient rock art sites.
Morning
Visit the Oasis of Terjit
Drive to Terjit, a impressive canyon oasis with a natural pool and freshwater spring. Take a refreshing dip, walk through the dense palm grove, and see how locals cultivate dates in this micro-climate.
3 hours
$2 (entry/parking)
Lunch
Picnic at Terjit
Pre-packed lunch from guesthouse
Budget
Afternoon
Ancient Rock Engravings at Agoueïlil
Hike to the site of Agoueïlil to see well-preserved Neolithic rock engravings of giraffes, cattle, and other animals, proof of the Sahara's greener past.
2 hours
Small guide tip ($5)
A local guide from a nearby village is essential to find the site.
Evening
Return to Chinguetti
Enjoy a traditional Mauritanian tea ceremony at your auberge and a simple dinner under the stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Chinguetti (Auberge Dar Ahmed or similar)
Good base for exploring the central Adrar region.
Bring a towel and swimwear for Terjit. The water is cool and a sublime contrast to the desert heat.
Day 4 Budget: $110
Journey to the other ancient ksar and witness the geological wonder of the Richat Structure from the ground.
Morning
Scenic Drive to Ouadane
Travel by 4x4 through dramatic desert landscapes to Ouadane, another UNESCO-listed ancient trading post and fortified village (ksar) perched on a plateau.
3-4 hours
Included in 4x4 tour
Lunch
Auberge in Ouadane
Local lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Explore Ouadane & Richat Viewpoint
Walk through the haunting ruins of old Ouadane. Then, drive to a viewpoint on the outer rim of the Richat Structure (Guellb er Richat). This vast, circular geological formation is best appreciated from the ground before a potential flight.
3 hours
Included
Evening
Desert Night
Stay in a simple auberge in Ouadane and enjoy the profound silence of the desert.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ouadane (Basic Auberge (e.g., Auberge Ben Amer))
The only practical option to visit the Richat and explore Ouadane deeply.
The best light for photographing the Richat is in the late afternoon. The scale is deceptive, so use a wide-angle lens.
Day 5 Budget: $110
Travel to the regional capital, Atar, exploring fertile palm valleys and a historic town along the way.
Morning
Drive via the Amogjar Pass
Start a spectacular drive through the Amogjar Pass, a dramatic mountain route with impressive rock formations and narrow canyons. Stop for photos and short hikes.
2-3 hours
Included
Lunch
Local stop in a village
Simple Mauritanian fare
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Azougui & Arrive in Atar
Stop at the historic site of Azougui, an early Almoravid capital. Continue to Atar, check into your hotel, and explore its lively market, a hub for the Adrar region.
3 hours
Free
Evening
Atar Market & Dinner
Wander the Atar market as it cools down, then have dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant like Café Restaurant El Hadj.
Where to Stay Tonight
Atar (Hotel El Hadj or similar)
More comfortable lodging with private bathrooms, a welcome respite after days in basic auberges.
Buy high-quality dates, Atar's specialty, from the market. They make excellent gifts and snacks for the rest of your journey.
Day 6 Budget: $120
Get a bird's-eye view of the Sahara's greatest mystery before flying back to the capital.
Morning
Scenic Flight Over the Richat Structure
Take an optional but highly recommended charter flight from Atar Airport to see the full, awe-inspiring scale of the Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) from the air. The one-hour flight reveals its perfect concentric circles.
2 hours (including transfer)
$250-300 per person (min 2-3 pax)
Must be arranged in advance through your tour operator or hotel in Atar.
Lunch
Hotel El Hadj in Atar
Mauritanian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Atar Airport for a scheduled domestic flight back to
Nouakchott on Mauritania Airlines. This saves a full day of driving.
1.5 hours (flight)
$150-200
Book this flight well in advance as schedules are limited.
Evening
Enjoy a seafood dinner at Le Calypso restaurant near the beach.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouakchott (Plateau district) (Hotel Semiramis or similar)
Comfortable, well-located hotel to recharge after the desert expedition.
If the scenic flight is beyond budget, consider the long drive back to
Nouakchott (8+ hours) or an extra night in Atar.
Day 7 Budget: $480
Travel up the Atlantic coast to Mauritania's second city, a unique place where desert meets ocean and ships go to die.
Morning
Drive North via the Coastal Road
Depart early by private car or shared taxi for the 4-5 hour drive to Nouadhibou. The route passes fishing villages, salt flats, and dunes that spill onto the road.
5 hours
$60-80 (private car)
Arrange through your hotel. Shared taxis ('sept-place') are cheaper (~$20) but less comfortable.
Lunch
Roadside stop in a village
Grilled fish or chicken
Budget
Afternoon
Settle in & Visit the Ship Graveyard
Check into your hotel. Then, take a 4x4 tour to the infamous ship graveyard on the city's outskirts, where hundreds of rusting hulls lie beached in the shallow bay.
2-3 hours
$30-50 (for 4x4 tour)
Arrange with your hotel or a local driver at the port.
Evening
Port City Dinner
Dine on incredibly fresh seafood at Restaurant Baie du Levrier or Snack El Amane.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouadhibou City Center (Hotel Atlantique or Hotel Mouna)
Basic but clean and centrally located options in this functional port city.
The ship graveyard is on sensitive port land. Always go with a local driver who knows the protocols and can get permission.
Day 8 Budget: $180
A full-day boat trip to a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the world's most important wetlands for migratory birds.
Morning
Boat Excursion to Banc d'Arguin
Depart from Iwik or Tidra island with a local Imraguen fisherman guide. Sail through serene waters, spotting dolphins and seeing vast sandbanks and islands that make up the park.
4-5 hours
$80-120 per person (includes park fee & guide)
Must be organized through an accredited tour operator in Nouadhibou or
Nouakchott. Requires a permit.
Lunch
Picnic on a sandbank
Freshly caught fish grilled on the boat
Budget
Afternoon
Birdwatching & Imraguen Culture
Observe massive flocks of flamingos, pelicans, terns, and migratory waders. Learn about the unique Imraguen people, traditional fishermen who still use nets and collaborate with dolphins.
3 hours
Included in tour
Evening
Return to Nouadhibou
Relax after a long day on the water with a simple dinner at your hotel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouadhibou (Hotel Atlantique or Hotel Mouna)
Return to the same hotel for convenience after the long park day.
Bring strong binoculars, a telephoto lens for photography, and seasickness medication if prone. The park is only accessible by boat.
Day 9 Budget: $200
See the start of the iron ore train's journey before traveling back to the capital.
Morning
Visit Cansado & the Iron Ore Port
Drive to the mining company town of Cansado and see the massive port facilities at Point Central where the 2.5 km-long train is loaded with ore. View the endless trains from a distance.
2 hours
$20-30 (taxi/guide)
Access is restricted; view from designated areas. A local driver is essential.
Lunch
Restaurant in Nouadhibou
Seafood
Budget
Afternoon
Begin the return journey to
Nouakchott via the coastal road. Look for wildlife like ostriches and monitor lizards along the way.
5 hours
$60-80 (private car)
Evening
Farewell to the Sahara
Enjoy a final Mauritanian dinner at Restaurant Le Bedouin in
Nouakchott, known for its traditional atmosphere and food.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouakchott (Sea front) (Hotel Tfeila or similar)
A change of scenery, offering sea views and a more relaxed vibe.
If you have extra time, visit the Nouadhibou 'Marché aux Poissons' (fish market) in the morning for a active, smelly, and fascinating spectacle.
Day 10 Budget: $170
Explore the accessible desert landscapes and unique ecological sites south of the capital.
Morning
Drive to Lac Rose (Pink Lake)
Take a 4x4 excursion south to Lac Rose, a shallow, pink-hued salt lake near the coast. Its color is caused by algae and it's a site of traditional salt harvesting.
1.5 hours each way
$80-100 (for half-day 4x4 hire)
Arrange through your hotel or a tour agency in
Nouakchott.
Lunch
Picnic by the lake
Pre-packed lunch
Budget
Afternoon
Dunes of Trarza
Continue to the rolling sand dunes of the Trarza region. Enjoy a short camel ride (optional) and try sandboarding down the golden slopes.
3 hours
$10-20 (camel ride/sandboard)
Evening
Visit the artisan cooperative 'Maison des Artisans' for last-minute souvenir shopping of silver jewelry, leatherwork, and textiles.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouakchott (Hotel Tfeila)
Base for day trips south of the city.
The best time for photography at Lac Rose is midday when the sun is high and the pink color is most intense.
Day 11 Budget: $150
A deeper dive into the capital's museums, mosques, and contemporary culture.
Morning
National Museum & Grande Mosquée
Visit the National Museum of
Nouakchott for a compact but excellent overview of Mauritanian history, archaeology, and nomadic culture. Then, view the striking modern architecture of the Saudi-funded Grande Mosquée (exterior only for non-Muslims).
3 hours
$5 (museum entry)
Museum is closed on Fridays.
Lunch
Café du Musée
Light meals & pastries
Budget
Afternoon
Marché aux Khaimas & Silver Souk
Explore the 'Market of Tents' (Marché aux Khaimas), a vast market selling everything from electronics to livestock. Focus on the silver souk section to see craftsmen making traditional Moorish jewelry.
2-3 hours
Variable (shopping)
Go with a guide if you're serious about buying jewelry to help with quality and bargaining.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Splurge on a final dinner at the upscale Restaurant Al-Mourabitoune for refined Mauritanian and international cuisine.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouakchott (Hotel Tfeila)
Consistent base for your final days.
At the silver souk, look for pieces made with 'argent de Mauritanie' (local silver). The heavier and more intricate the piece, the better the quality.
Day 12 Budget: $140
A relaxed day enjoying the Atlantic coast, local beach culture, and final reflections.
Morning
Stroll along the expansive beach south of the city. It's a working beach with fishermen, but also a leisure spot. Take a short camel ride along the shore for a classic Saharan-Atlantic photo.
2 hours
$10-15 (camel ride)
Negotiate the camel ride price and duration clearly before mounting.
Lunch
Beachside grills
Freshly barbecued fish
Budget
Afternoon
Relaxation & Souvenir Finale
Enjoy some downtime at a beach club like 'Plage du Sultan' for a swim in a pool and a cold drink. Make any final purchases at fixed-price craft shops like 'Boutique de l'Artisanat'.
3-4 hours
$10-20 (beach club entry/drink)
Evening
Sunset Stroll & Casual Dinner
Watch the sunset over the ocean, then enjoy a casual pizza or pasta at the popular Italian-run Pizzeria Romana.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nouakchott (Hotel Tfeila)
Proximity to the beach area for a relaxed final day.
Swimming in the open Atlantic here can be dangerous due to strong currents. Opt for a hotel or beach club pool if you want to swim.
Day 13 Budget: $100
Final moments in Mauritania before your flight home.
Morning
Last-Minute Market Visit or Relaxation
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final coffee, take a last walk, or do some final shopping for dates or spices at a local supermarket.
1-2 hours
Variable
Lunch
Hotel or nearby café
Light meal
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport
Check out of your hotel and transfer to
Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) for your departure flight, allowing plenty of time for check-in.
1 hour (transfer)
$30-50 (taxi)
Pre-arrange airport transfer with your hotel for reliability.
Evening
Departure
Board your international flight home.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Confirm your flight time a day in advance. Airport services are basic, so have snacks and water for the wait.
Day 14 Budget: $80