Small Group Experiential Travel

1-800-665-3998

Mauritania & Western Sahara Discovery Tour

A Journey Into the Sahara with Martin Charlton

Tour Code

MCMA

When To Go

Start

Agadir (AGA)

End

Nouakchott (NKC)

Countries Visited (2)

Mauritania, Mo...More >

Overnight In (8)

Nouakchott, No...More >

Activity Level

2 - Moderate?

Tour Type

Cultural?

Tour Type

Off The Beaten Path
History

Overview
Info & Inclusions
Itinerary
Map & Hotels
Photos
Reviews
Extend
Dates & Prices

Highlights

16 Days
Max Group Size 16
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chinguetti - a historic caravan town and trading center
Traveling along the desolate but beautiful Atlantic coastline
Ouadane - practically deserted and perched on the edge of the Adrar plateau - a UNESCO protected collection of ancient mosques, houses and private libraries
The Western Sahara - characterized by rocky landscapes, expansive sand dunes, mountains, plateaus and ravines
Discover Mauritania’s enchanting Adrar region with its diversity of desert features, including rolling sand seas, sculpted rock, scorched plains and deep green oases
Port de Pêche in Nouakchott, one of the busiest fish markets in West Africa
Terjit - the only oasis in the Adrar region where there is natural flowing water
Sipping tea under the stars in the remote Sahara desert
Singles friendly
(view options for single travellers)

Description

This is a true adventure - an expedition through the Western Sahara and Mauritania - offering a mix of real adventure and refined cultural discoveries. This is the ideal expedition for passionate travelers and lovers of the Sahara.

Accompanied by our local team and following a carefully planned itinerary, we explore this 'off-the-beaten-track' region. Desert crossings, genuine encounters with nomadic tribes, remote oases, stone citadels and prehistoric rock art sites. Experience fascinating places where the arrival of foreigners is an exceptional event.

Our journey starts in the coastal town of Agadir, in the south of Morocco. From here we venture south, heading first to the former Spanish enclave of Sidi Ifni and the magical landscapes of the Draa Valley, encountering huge dunes and semi-nomadic people living in the desert. We then cross through the Western Sahara before entering Mauritania. We discover the wild and untamed lands of southern Morocco and the forgotten lands of the Western Sahara, where nomadic traditions, picturesque Kasbahs and the raw beauty of the desert combine. This is a region infused with magic and mystery, a place of rolling dunes, desert townships and idyllic fishing lagoons. The territory of the Western Sahara is a land of emptiness and few tourists explore this desert region.

A journey from Western Sahara to Mauritania is often described as 'crossing an ocean of dunes'. Expect to encounter remote nomadic camps of camel herders, and enjoy Mauritanian tea under a tent at night. Spend a whole day experiencing the magical atmosphere of Chinguetti, one of the best-preserved oases in the whole Sahara and an ancient caravan center. Stroll through traditional alleys between stone buildings, travel by 4x4, and enjoy sunset from the top of a dune while experiencing the silence of the desert. The immensity of the Adrar mountains will welcome us.

We will cross virgin sands to reach Ouadane - the most remote oasis in Mauritania and the last outpost before the total emptiness. Beyond Ouadane we find the Guelb er Richât or Richat Structure - also known as the 'Eye of Africa'. This circular geological structure is approximately 40 km in diameter and really only properly visible from space. Hidden in the sand we will discover the ruins of Azougui, a town that in 1150 AC was considered the capital of the Almoravid empire that extended from Mauritania to Morocco and to Spain. In the shade of a narrow canyon, we will follow a stream crossing a palm grove to discover Tergit, the oasis par excellence. In the Adrar region we will discover tiny oases hidden in canyons, with gardens shaded by palm groves and conical grass-roof adobe villages. Our expedition will end with Nouakchott where we visit the national museum and the fishing harbour: a spectacular slice of Africa at the southern edge of the Sahara - with hundreds of wooden pirogues ready to defy the Ocean, brave fishermen selling the catch of the day at the market.

Price Includes

Meals
Savour authentic flavours with included daily breakfasts, some lunches, and dinners at hotels or handpicked local restaurants—immersing you in local cuisine without worrying about reservations or budgets.
Transport & Logistics
Private air-conditioned coaches and included internal ferries and flights—ensuring hassle-free travel so you can focus entirely on the discoveries ahead.
"Adventures Abroad tour leader's management and guest services managed the tour with great skill and dedication. The tour leader was on top of every move and transfer. We have not experienced any issues with logistics and had a great time."
~ JULIA O
"The tour leader did an excellent job coordinating some difficult travel logistics, power outage issues and resolving problems and dealing with guests who had unrealistic expectations."
~ CYNTHIA COLLINS
Expert Guidance
Unlock insider secrets at every landmark with your full-time Tour Leader and expert local guides , all gratuities covered—no hidden tipping surprises—so you immerse fully in your destination's stories, worry-free. (Except for the tips to your tour leader at the end of your tour.)

"Amazing tour guide. Our tour guide was very well organized, Her passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm completely transformed the travel experience into something truly unforgettable..."
~ MELANIE LEMAIRE
"Highly recommend every trip with Adventures Abroad. It's a well organized and well thought out adventure. The tour leaders are friendly, knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Highly recommend this company."
~ SUSAN WALL
Sightseeing & Entrances
All entrance fees for sites visited as per the itinerary—no hidden costs—so you can explore ancient ruins and excursions with complete peace of mind.
Accommodations
Unwind in clean, well-located 3 to 4-star hotels with private en suite facilities—handpicked for comfort and convenience after each day's discoveries—so you can rest easy knowing your stay supports the real adventure, not steals the spotlight.
Small Group
Discover the world in small groups of up to 16 travellers plus your expert Tour Leader—unlocking spontaneity, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and genuine connections at a relaxed pace, free from crowds.

"Looking Forward to My Next Adventure The best feature of the Adventures tour was the small size that allowed the group to quickly load up, let everyone get acquainted within the first 24 hours, capitalize on unplanned surprises along..."
~ PHILIP BLENSKI
"Good value for a great time I have traveled with Adventures Abroad for over 20 years now. Well thought out, interesting itineraries and the other travelers congenial and friendly. The price always seems fair and overall a..."
~ Trusted Customer
Airport Transfers For Land & Air Customers
We handle hassle-free airport transfers for all our land and air tour customers—plus early arrivals or late departures when you book extra hotel nights directly with us for added peace of mind.

Exclusions

International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, drinks, personal items (example: laundry), international air taxes (if applicable), and visa fees.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Trip cancellation and medical insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory for this tour, including emergency medical evacuation / repatriation protection as well as insurance that covers for physical and material damage. Our local partners cannot be held responsible for any material and/or physical damage that occurs during or in consequence of the tour.

Trip Info

Seasonality and Weather:
For the most comfortable temperatures for any Saharan adventure, the best time to travel is spring or autumn. This way one not only avoids the intense summer heat, but also the very chilly night time temperatures one can experience in winter. Any rainfall will come in December and January. March is good for possible wildlife sightings as the cooler weather means animals are more active in the day.

The desert is certainly the hottest region in the Western Sahara and Mauritania. The climate here is typically hot and dry throughout the year with no wet season. On this tour you can expect temperatures of around 28°C / 82.5°F during the day and 13°C / 55.5°F at night. But, one must always be prepared for the possibility of temperatures rising to 30-35°C / 86-95°F during the day. As the nights can be cool 15-20°C / 59-68°F you should keep this in mind when preparing your clothes and luggage.
Transport and Travel Conditions:
This is a tour for the hardy!

The itinerary has been designed to be as comfortable as possible, but many areas visited are still largely undeveloped. Many road journeys will be long and rough and sometimes dusty!

The principal mode of transport throughout the tour will be in 4x4 vehicles with A/C.

In general, this is a tour with a lot of variables at play. Things can "go wrong" -- routes wash out, tires go flat, hot water simply stops (or never starts), air-conditioning is weak, and travel journeys can take longer than anyone expects. One must be open-minded, patient, and focused on the task at hand: enjoying the region's myriad cultures, sights, and sounds, and its friendly hospitable peoples.

The itinerary includes time spent in remote destinations and a fair bit of moving around, and some full days of travel and touring, with some challenges to your comfort and health -- bad and rough roads and tracks, heat, early starts, remote locations. If you have a weak constitution, compromised immunity, or any pre-existing medical conditions that could call for readily accessible, modern medical care, you should very carefully consider your suitability.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.

To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation:
HOTELS:
The properties we will use have all been carefully chosen. Please appreciate that once we leave Agadir in Morocco the availability of accommodation becomes very limited. In many locations we will simply be in the 'best available' hotels or guest houses that can accommodate a small group like ours. You rooms will always be clean and comfortable. You will stay in a mix of hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms, though given the accommodation limitations it is possible that you may face shared toilet/shower facilities.

MOBILE CAMPS:
2 nights will be spent in mobile camps in the most remote part of the Western Sahara. Camping in immensity of the Sahara is an unforgettable experience. Comfortable Moorish style tents with mattresses, chairs and carpets are provided. Dinner under the stars is part of the desert experience. In the rare case of sand-storm the staff will put up a restaurant tent.

Hotel porterage will be available on occasion (see inclusions) though you must still be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited in number and will likely be smaller than twins.

Please click on 'Map & Hotels' link for full information.
Staff and Support:
Tour Leader throughout, local guides, drivers.

This 2026 departure will be led by senior Tour Leader, Martin Charlton.

Please note: Any advance notice/advertising regarding tour leadership assignation was accurate as of tour publish date. Factors such as unforeseen placement challenges, illness/injury, personal/family obligations, and other logistical considerations may necessitate adjustments without notice or compensation.
Group Size:
Maximum 16 plus Tour Leader

View / Print Itinerary

Regions Visited: North Africa and West Africa
Countries Visited: Mauritania and Morocco

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Mauritania | Location: Akjoujt, Mauritania

Excellent

Overall Rating

4.7

Extend Your Trip

This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.

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Book your unforgettable adventure today! For any questions or advice, don't hesitate to contact us.

Have questions?

1-800-665-3998

Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 CAD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)

Choose your departure date:

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.

Please Contact Us for future dates

01:
Can Adventures Abroad book my flights?
Yes! We have full-service in-house air department with years of experience booking our passengers to far-flung places around the world from any place that has an airport. Travelling from Los Angeles to Rome? No problem. Travelling from Deer Lake, Newfoundland to Antananarivo? Also not a problem!
- 01:
  Can Adventures Abroad get better deals than I can online?
  Here’s the clear answer: Usually, no.
  
  Booking your flights with us is super convenient—it’s like one-stop shopping! Plus, we’ll take care of you if something goes wrong, like a canceled flight or missed connection. We include airport transfers at your destination when you book flights through us. Some routes to less common destinations can be hard to find on your own or through online search engines. Which usually only show popular routes. Let us make it easy for you!
- 02:
  Why should I book my flights with Adventures Abroad?
  - Included airport transfers: Enjoy a smoother trip with airport transfers provided when you book flights with us.
  - Peace of mind: Feel confident knowing we’ve got you covered during your trip.
  - Help with disruptions: If your travel plans change, we assist with rebooking flights and updating our partners and staff at your destination.
  - Avoid stress and confusion: Booking with us means you won’t have to deal directly with airlines or ticket sellers if issues arise.
02:
Does the group fly together on a set route and airline?
Unlike with some companies, you are not obliged to fly with a particular airline on "bulk" group flights. Because our travellers are coming from (usually) across North America, everyone who flies with us receives a custom air quotation that best serves their situation and preferences—we do not have "set" routings on only a limited number of airlines.

While fare and convenience are always at the top of the list of criteria, we can work with you to find the option that suits you best.
03:
When should my flights be quoted / booked?
Everyone wants to know their flight details early. To get the best fares and routes, book your tour and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This helps us confirm the tour early. Booking 8-12 months ahead takes some trust, but it’s the best way to plan with so many factors involved. We can’t always provide exact flight costs more than 6 months out or before the tour is confirmed. But we almost always find a solution that works for our travellers.

If you are booking more than one person with different addresses and separate billing, please book each person individually.

Number of Travellers

7 or more travellers - Please contact us to book.
Single Travellers -

(View options)

Reserve Your Spot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.

A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).

Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.

Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.

This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.

The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.

On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.

Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Please note that should we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge.