12 Days
4×4 Trip
Oasis with thermal baths, Azougui capital of the Almoravides, panoramic view at pass of Amogjar, cave paintings, ruins of Ouadane, caravan city, ancient manuscripts, “blue” mount of Zarqa, Aouelloul meteorite crater, Ruins of Kunta, palm grove of Tidjikja, crocodiles in the Guelta of Matmata, views of the pass of Achetf, Sahel zone villages along the Senegal river, Natural Park of Diawling with migratory birds, warthogs and monitor lizards, Atlantic Beach, market, fish port
Depending on the tide, we drive along the coast to the fishing village Tiouilit. We leave the beach behind and head for Benichab, an oasis with fossil water at 90 m deep, that is bottled for drinking water. Camping.
Gradually, the sand dune desert is replaced by rocky desert. Akjoujt is a mining town that extracts copper and gold. After a short part along the paved road, we enter a valley surrounded by a magnificent scenery. At the end of the valley is located the village of Terjit, where we can enjoy a bath in the thermal water under a palm grove. Guesthouse accommodation with “Haima”.
First we visit the village of Azougui, the ancient capital of the Almoravids. Through Atar and the Pass of Amogjar with its cave paintings and a breathtaking panoramic view over the mountains, we arrive directly at the Middle Ages in Ouadane. This ancient city reflects the incredible isolation of the desert cities, considering its glorious past. Camping.
Chinguetti is the 7th holy city of Islam, declared World Heritage by UNESCO. We slender through the old town to visit a private library that holds manuscripts of more than 800 years. Hostel accommodation.
On a large area of sand dunes, we head towards the “blue” mountains of Zarqa. The Aouelloul crater, caused by a meteorite impact, served for thousands of years as shelter for the inhabitants of the region. Later we will go through some nomadic settlements, but gradually the area becomes uninhabited. Camping.
We cross mountains, sand dunes, Hamada areas, rocks and boulders and endless plains, where nature is practically untouched. Rachid is also a caravan city, which was built in 1723 by Kunta and is located in a charming landscape. Camping.
After this unforgettable experience, we reach Tidjikja, which was founded in 1680 by the Moorish tribe “Idawali”. It is characterized by a very special architecture with geometrical designs. Passing the small village of N’Beïka, we reach the Guelta of Matmata. Matmata is a canyon that leads all year enough water to ensure the survival of the last crocodiles of the Sahara. We will search for them in an extraordinary landscape. Camping.
Taking advantage of this fascinating landscape, we will make an excursion to other Gueltas in the area. Those who want, can enjoy a rest day and stay in the camp. Camping.
After Matmata, we first join the pass of Achetf above Moudjeria with beautiful views over endless dunes. We cross the “Road of Hope”, which links Nouakchott with the city of Nema. Bogué is a city on the banks of the Senegal River, where the difference between Arab culture, experienced so far and the African black culture draws our attention. Hostel.
The trip continues along the Senegal river to the border town Rosso. Gradually, landscape is much flatter, we pass on a dam through a marshy area, which is known as a hunting ground for warthogs and birds. Hotel.
In the morning we visit the natural park of Diawling, known for its migratory birds, monitor lizards and warthogs. After lunch we head north to set up for a last time our tents. Camping.
We arrive at Nouakchott in the early morning to visit the craft market, the museum, and the bustling Capital market. In the afternoon, we spend one last time at the Atlantic Ocean to experience the atmosphere of the fishing port with its colorful canoes on the beach. Hotel.
Accommodation:
• 12 days
• 2 hotel nights, 5 in guest houses, 7 camp nights
Minimum group:
• 2 Persons
Includes:
• Airport transfer
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner (no alcoholic beverages)
• Camping gear (Haima (nomad tent), igloo tent, matresses)
• Transport in 4×4
• Guide
• Cook
• Entrance fees
NOT included:
• Air Ticket and fees
• Visa for Mauritania (120, – Euro at Nouakchott Airport)
• Travel insurance
• Tip
• Any other unspecified cost
Itinerary:
Due to the special nature of the trip, the itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the guide if there are justified grounds to do so. Travelers must be aware that conditions during the itinerary are not always predictable. Potential delays at border, mechanical problems and the poor state of the highways can give rise to undesirable adventures. We will, of course, do everything within our power to minimize any possible inconveniences. .
Accommodations:
The itineraries include descriptions of four types of accommodations:
– hotels, in which you will always be in double occupancy tourist class rooms,
– guest houses with collective rooms, where we try to have maximum two persons
– guest houses with haimas (the typical nomad tents) which are the typical guest houses found in small cities with collective haimas where people sleep in sleeping bags,
– camping in the haimas we take along as part of our equipment or in igloo tents.
The guesthouses generally have common bathrooms and the provision usually includes enough water for a daily “shower” except on long trips where the guide will indicate the scarce water days.
Meals:
Breakfast consists of coffee or tea and bread with jam or cookies. Lunch is picnic style with sandwiches, salads and fruit. In the cities, dinners will be at restaurants where we sample typical dishes such as couscous and rice with fish. On the camping trips, there will be rice, pasta, etc. with vegetables, fresh fruit and of course the typical “mechoui”, roasted lamb.
Guide:
The guide will provide orientation and information throughout the trip as to what is most interesting to see and visit. He will organize the trip and resolve any unexpected events related to the route that may occur.
Group:
The make-up of the group can be quite varied. There may be people of very different ages, experienced and inexperienced travelers, people traveling alone, couples or groups of friends.
Due to the nature of the trip, we suggest having a certain spirit of camaraderie and cooperation in specific tasks such as setting up and taking down tents, clearing up camping equipment, etc.
09.10. – 22.10.2016
26.12. – 08.01.2017
05.03. – 18.03.2017
08.10. – 21.10.2017
25.12. – 07.01.2018
07 – 09 persons: 1.980, – Euro per person
10 – 12 persons: 1.870, – Euro per person
Single room supplement: 150, – Euro
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