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MauritaniaFrom £2,750

Mauritania Tours & Holidays

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.

  • Best timeNovember and February
  • Time zoneGMT+0
  • CurrencyMauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
  • LanguageArabic (official), French (widely used)
Overview

An introduction to Mauritania

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.

Richat-structure
Big-Dunes-of-Azoueiga
Explore

Mauritania

Why visit

What makes Mauritania worth the journey

UNESCO-World-Heritage-site-of-Ouadane
A place apart

One of the Sahara's least-visited countries

Mauritania sees very few foreign visitors, meaning genuine solitude and unscripted encounters throughout.

01

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one tour

Chinguetti and Ouadane are among the oldest surviving cities in West Africa, their libraries still holding medieval Islamic manuscripts.

Richat-structure
02

The Eye of Africa up close

The Richat Structure is one of the world's most extraordinary geological formations, and this tour reaches its interior by 4×4.

Richat-structure
03

Real nomadic immersion

An overnight stay with the Chighali family at Tenochert Oasis offers authentic desert hospitality, not a performance

See itineraries
Highlights

The moments that make Mauritania unforgettable

Ancient caravan towns of Chinguetti and Ouadane

UNESCO World Heritage Sites with centuries-old mosques and manuscript libraries

The towering dunes of Azoueiga

Vast golden Sahara sand sculpted by the wind, perfect for sunset camel rides and desert camping

The Richat Structure (Eye of Africa)

A striking circular geological formation visible from space, explored on foot from its dramatic crater

Mherith Oasis

A natural swimming pool set among dunes, greenery and rocky outcrops, reached on the road to Chinguetti

Nomadic life at Tenochert Oasis

An overnight stay with a Mauritanian nomadic family, including traditional music and dinner by the fire

Amogjar Canyon

Ancient rock art and dramatic desert canyon scenery on the route from Ouadane

Terjit Oasis

A lush palm-fringed valley with natural springs, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding desert

Nouakchott's fishing port and artisan markets

colourful pirogues, lively souks and fresh Atlantic seafood

Mauritania rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

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.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.

Steve

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.

Steve

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
Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your perfect Mauritania trip?

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.

Your dates
Travel when it suits you
Private group
Just you, family or friends
Your pace
Linger longer, skip the rest
Bespoke extras
Private guides, rare access

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

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How it works
  1. 1Tell us what you have in mind
  2. 2We build an itinerary + quote
  3. 3Refine until it feels right
Est. 2004
20+ years of
bespoke travel
Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Mauritania?

  • 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.

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.

Ready when you are

Start planning your Mauritania adventure

Join a small-group departure, or let our Mauritania specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.

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