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 "Pick 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 12Solo-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

The story behind the route

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

The moments that define this trip

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

Pick your departure

Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.

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

Everything covered — and what's not

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.

“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!”