Mauritania V
Oct 18th, 2025 – Oct 23rd, 2025
6 days · 5 nights
Wander Expeditions
5+ years group traveling
Mauritania is the definition of a desert adventure. It has some of the best oases in the World, with natural pools and forests of palm trees which give tasty dates and a cool shade where you can sip some delicious mint tea. Experience local hospitality, stunning desert landscapes and an ancient history that survives amidst the dunes. It's an Expedition for thrill seekers, with an insane train ride and our most affordable one! And as always, the most fun family you could hope to share these memories with!
IMPORTANT: This expedition has been designed in combination with our West Africa and Ghana, Togo, Benin itineraries to provide you with the opportunity to explore all West African countries from Mauritania to Benin. You can combine this expedition with the West Africa and Ghana, Togo, Benin expeditions in the following weeks! (If you apply for 2 or 3 of these expeditions, your applications will receive preference for selection.)"
Itinerary
Day 1: Nouakchott
We start the Expedition visiting the old administrative district of Nouakchott, the Saudi Mosque and the handicraft market. We will also visit the Camel market, enjoy our first lunch together and finish the afternoon exploring the famous fish market.
Overnight in Nouakchott.
Day 2: White Valley
We will s tart very early in the morning and travel to the Adrar region. Along the way, we’ll stop at Vallée Blanche (the White Valley), a breathtaking expanse where bright white sands create a stunning contrast with black rock formations and lush green vegetation. Our day concludes with a night under the stars, camping in the desert and soaking in the beauty of the night sky.
Overnight: Desert camp.
Day 3: Ouadane - Eye of the Sahara
After breakfast, we'll embark on an adventure to Agrour, where we'll discover the awe-inspiring Cave, filled with ancient rock paintings of men and animals that date back thousands of years. Our next stop is Ouadane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Mauritania. From Ouadane we’ll set off to see the Richat structure, also known as the Eye of Africa.
Overnight in Ouadane.
Day 4: Tanouchert Oasis - Chinguetti
Today, we’ll head to the charming Tanouchert Oasis, a halfway point between Ouadane and Chinguetti, known for its stunning desert scenery and palm trees. Finally, we’ll arrive in Chinguetti, the seventh holiest city of Islam and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Chinguetti.
Day 5: Iron ore train
We'll firstly visitthe Terjit Oasis, where we'll take a break for lunch and explore the palm grove and cool flowing waters. Finally, we'll head to Choum, where we'll embark on the Iron Ore train.
Overnight at Iron Ore Train.
Day 6: Nouadhibou
After arriving at the train station in Nouadhibou, we’ll transfer to the Hotel for a refreshing shower. Then, get ready to explore this bustling port city and take in all the sights and sounds it has to offer. This is the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable adventure in Mauritania.
Overnight in Nouadhibou.
Day 7: Return to Nouakchott and Fly out
After breakfast, return from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott and then the saddest day of any Expedition: we fly out of Nouakchott and head back home! Or you can join our West Africa Expedition.
What this expedition offers
Things to know
Our selection process
Takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
Absolutely unforgettable. Traveling through Central America was so much more than a trip. It was an experience built around connection and shared adventure. From volcano hikes to pyramid sunrises, every destination was stunning, but what truly made it special was the group I shared it with. I’ve come home with a head full of memories, several crazy stories, and a few friends for life.
The best introduction to this part of the world. West Africa is sometimes called "Africa for beginners". I can see it. Mostly laid back, beautiful coast, incredible sightseeing and smiley locals. Add in the mix the Vodun culture, the colourful dances and thrilling rituals and you have an adventure to remember. Benin has quickly rose to being one of my favourite countries and the expedition family some of my favourite people.
History, history, history! Wow, is all I can say. Libya's recent history has created an isolation from tourism, and made this a relatively untouched Mediterranean gem. The Roman and Phoenician ruins are just mind-blowing. The trip out to the Algerian-Libyan border of The Sahara Desert is long, but well worth it to see Ghadames. Definitely say, "Yes"!
What a hilarious group of explorers who made the long drives fun! The guys were great dancers,too, when faced with rejection by the local females at the bar/dance hall, they had no problem dancing with themselves! Music, song and "car dancing" kept the mood going the whole time. Views were outstanding in The Pamir region.
I really cherish the people I met on my 1st "YES", I said to Afghanistan. It was a small group of very empathetic and adventurous people. We were all nervous at first, until we settled into the pace of our Expedition led by Elena. The people, the lead, the guide and drivers, and the shop keepers were so welcoming and professional. Kindest and most generous people I've met in recent years. I highly recommend everyone visit Afghanistan.
Such a beautiful place with very beautiful people. Patagonia is a very unique and must see place. The crew is what makes it happen.
Wander Expeditions
Details
Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.
To help protect your payment, always communicate and make payments through our official channels.