Culture and adventure in the Sahara 4 days in the Adrar

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Nouakchott
4 stops
1
Port de Peche
Port de Pêche in Nouakchott is a traditional fishing port in the Sebkha district and is one of the most authentic places in the city. In the afternoon, hundreds of colorful wooden boats return from the Atlantic Ocean, fishermen pull their nets ashore and sell fresh catches like barracuda and squid right on the beach. The market is noisy and lively, the work is done almost exclusively by hand. Photography is possible, but with consideration. The port offers an intensive insight into the everyday life of Mauritania off the beaten track.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
2
Toujounine
The camel market of Toujounine in the east of Nouakchott is considered one of the largest of its kind in West Africa and is a fascinating place for travelers who want to get to know the rural life of Mauritania. Already in the early hours of the morning the bustle begins: Traders bring dromedaries, goats and cattle from all parts of the country to the market on pickup trucks, trucks or even car roofs. Animals are inspected, traded and loaded here – often accompanied by loud negotiations. Particularly impressive is the variety of animals and the artful way they are transported. In addition to the actual market, there are also tanneries where leather is processed for export. For the participants of the four-day tour of Mauritania, the market offers an authentic insight into the regional animal and trade culture, but you should be prepared for smells, dust and an intense experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
Saudi Mosque
The Saudi Mosque in Nouakchott is located close to the presidential palace and is one of the largest and most famous mosques in the city. Built in the 1970s with Saudi support, it impresses with its sand-coloured facade and two striking minarets that serve as landmarks. The architecture is simple but imposing and blends harmoniously into the surroundings. Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter the building, but can take a look through the entrance gates. Especially at sunset, the mosque offers a beautiful photo motif. Here you can get an insight into Islamic architecture and religious life in Mauritania.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
Plage de Nouakchott
A traditional tea drink on Nouakchott beach is a relaxed, cultural moment that many locals celebrate every day. In small groups, men sit on carpets or plastic mats in the sand, often overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The green mint tea is poured three times and artistically poured, each glass having a different strength sweet, stronger, then tart. Drinking tea is more than pleasure It is a social ritual accompanied by conversation, laughter and sometimes music from a mobile phone or small speaker. Be prepared for a slow pace and a lot of hospitality, especially at sunset, a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere is created, which offers an authentic insight into the Mauritanian way of life.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Terjit Oasis - Mhaireth Oasis - Chinguetti
4 stops
5
Terjit Oasis
The Terjit Oasis is located about 45 km south of Atar in the Adrar Mountains and is one of the most beautiful natural places in Mauritania. Nestled in a narrow gorge, it offers a green oasis in the middle of the desert with its date palms, rock faces and a clear spring stream. Here you can walk along shaded paths, refresh yourself in the shallow natural pool and enjoy the peace and quiet. The oasis was once a place for religious ceremonies and coronations and is still a popular destination for locals and travelers. Terjit is ideal for nature lovers looking for an authentic desert experience.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Atar
A visit to the Atar Market offers you an authentic insight into the everyday life of the Adrar region. The central square is lined with arcades and houses numerous small shops selling local products such as dates, spices, fabrics and crafts. The atmosphere is vibrant, with traders loudly touting their goods. Negotiating is part of the shopping experience. The market is most active in the morning, and visitors should be prepared for dust, heat and many impressions. Atar has been an important base for travelers of all kinds for centuries.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Mhaireth
The Oasis of Mhaireth is located about 30 km from Atar in the Adrar Mountains and is one of the largest oases in Mauritania. Nestled in a wide river valley, it impresses with thousands of date palm trees, traditional palm huts Tikits, mud houses and a mosque. After the rainy season, small lakes form in the south of the oasis, forming a green landscape. Here you can enjoy peace, shade and a lunch in simple hostels often with tea, dates and the opportunity to cool off in the pool. The view from the surrounding rocks into the valley is particularly impressive. Mhaireth is ideal for drone shooting and as a stopover on tours of the Adrar. The oasis offers an authentic nature experience off the beaten track.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Chinguetti
Chinguetti is located in the Adrar Mountains and is one of the oldest cities in the Sahara. Founded in the 8th century, it was once a major caravan base and center of Islamic scholarship. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic old town with mud houses, narrow streets and the famous Friday Mosque with one of the oldest minarets in the Islamic world. Centuries-old manuscripts are preserved in the libraries, providing insights into religion, astronomy and medicine. The city is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. Explore the old town, discover local craftsmanship and enjoy the desert landscape at sunset. This is also where the second night of your trip will take place.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Chinguetti - Choum - Train ride
2 stops
9
La Gare ,Train Station Services
A visit to Choum, a small town in the Adrar Mountains of Mauritania, often begins with patience The iron ore train, one of the longest freight trains in the world, has no fixed timetable. There are no official platforms, but a simple tea room under palm trees where you can exchange ideas with locals and drink tea. As soon as the train whistles, hectic movement begins: People throw luggage at the wagons, climb ladders or directly onto the iron ore-filled wagons. Entry is not without danger, especially at night.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
10
End station Iron Ore Train
The journey on the iron ore train to Nouadhibou takes about twelve hours and leads through the Sahara to the Atlantic coast. With ChingiTours, you will receive a ticket to ride in the passenger car. Some travelers choose jedcoch for a ride directly on the iron ore wagon, protected by mats, blankets and often with ski goggles and turbans against dust and wind. There is no comfort, no toilets and no food – everything must be brought. The night is cold, the morning brings spectacular sunrises over the desert. Conversations with fellow passengers, the rhythmic chatter of the train and the view of the endless landscape make the journey an intense experience. Once in Nouadhibou, you can take a shower and recharge your batteries at an on-site hotel – exhausted but filled with one of Africa’s most unusual adventures.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Train journey - Nouadhibou - Nouakchott
4 stops
11
End station Iron Ore Train
After about 12 hours of night driving on the iron ore train, you will be sweaty, dusty, tired and deeply impressed by this unforgettable experience. It's an adventure trip. Before the journey continues, you will have the opportunity to free yourself from the dust in a hotel with a shower and recharge your batteries for your last leg.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Port Artisanal
The Port Artisanale in Nouadhibou is a lively fishing port used primarily by Mauritanian and Senegalese pirogens. Hundreds of colourful wooden boats are close by, while fishermen usually sell their catch of tuna, sardines or shrimp directly on the quay. Visitors can experience the bustle of the local fish trade, boat repairs and the tying of nets. The port seems chaotic, but is a fascinating example of efficient use of every available space. Goats roam between the boats, and the atmosphere is rough but authentic. The Port Artisanale offers an in-depth insight into the economic heart of Nouadhibou and the way of life of the coastal inhabitants.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
13
.
Cap Blanc, also known as Ras Nouadhibou, is a striking cape on the Atlantic coast of Mauritania and a highlight for nature lovers. The steep cliffs offer spectacular views of the sea, especially at sunset. Cap Blanc is known for its rare colony of monk seals with a bit of luck you can watch individual animals from the vantage point. It used to be home to the famous ship's cemetery, most of whose wrecks have now been removed. An early 20th century lighthouse marks the cape and is still used for navigation. The area is quiet and secluded, ideal for walks and bird watching. Cap Blanc offers an impressive natural experience and a contrast to the bustling port city.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Nouakchott
After exploring Nouadhibou, you will be back to Nouakchott. Enjoy the view of the vast Mauritanian landscapes for one last time before you take off back to your home country.
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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