Adrar Tour Extended | 14 Days

After breakfast, we set off for Terjit, a tranquil oasis just outside of Atar. Surrounded by
towering cliffs and palm trees, this serene spot offers a much-needed escape from the arid desert.
We’ll swim in the cool, natural pools, savoring a delicious Mauritanian lunch as dates and local
delicacies are served. Afterwards, we continue on to Atar, the regional capital, where you can
soak in the atmosphere of the local market and stock up on supplies for the desert adventures
ahead.

Our exploration takes us to Azougui, a forgotten gem that was once the capital of the mighty
Almoravid dynasty. Nestled amidst stunning sand dunes, this ancient village holds secrets of a
bygone era. After lunch, we leave the tarmac behind and head into the heart of the Adrar
Plateau. Our first stop is Jraif, a small desert village known for its religious school and priceless
Arabic manuscripts. Here, we’ll find an oasis of knowledge in the midst of the endless Sahara.

Today, we cross Sebkha Chemchane, a dried lakebed that offers a stark, mesmerizing
landscape. The hardened earth allows us to make swift progress towards El Beyyed, where we’ll
visit a small, yet fascinating prehistoric museum filled with arrowheads, ancient tools, and
more. Nearby, nomadic life continues as we explore the green valley where a well nourishes both
animals and humans alike. The night will be spent under the stars in this remarkable desert
scenery.

We rise early and head east to the historic Bir Ziri and El Ghallaouiya forts. These French
colonial strongholds, still remarkably intact, offer an insight into Mauritania’s complex history.
After wandering through these centuries-old walls, we take a short detour to Trig Choauil,
where rock engravings from ancient civilizations await discovery. The landscapes here are
rugged and awe-inspiring, and the prehistoric art tells stories that have been etched into these
stones for millennia.

After an early morning exploration of the Trig Chouail rock engravings, we journey towards the
most iconic sight of the Sahara: Guilb er Richat. Known as the Eye of the Sahara, this massive
geological formation is as mysterious as it is mesmerizing. Theories range from a meteorite
impact to volcanic origins, but no one really knows for sure. We’ll spend several hours soaking
in the enormity of the Richat Structure, marveling at its symmetry and vastness, before heading
to the nearby ruins of Fort Agouedir—a 15th-century Portuguese fort that still stands as a
testament to past colonial ambitions.

We now make our way to Ouadane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a key trading hub
along the Saharan caravan routes. As we explore the ruins of the ancient ksar, we’ll walk the
same streets that traders and pilgrims once did. The atmosphere is ethereal, with the remnants of
its grand architecture juxtaposed against the vast desert. We’ll spend the night in Ouadane,
reflecting on its rich history.

Our adventure continues with a stop at Tanouchert, a hidden oasis nestled between the dunes.
This peaceful haven provides a break from the arid expanse around it, and the perfect spot for a
lunch surrounded by palms and flowing water. From here, we head to Chinguetti, the iconic
desert city that has long been a center of learning and spirituality. The journey to Chinguetti,
mostly off-road, offers stunning desert vistas and a real sense of the Sahara’s immensity.

Chinguetti is one of the most renowned ancient desert cities in the world. We’ll spend the day
wandering its historic streets, visiting the famous libraries that house priceless, centuries-old
manuscripts. The iconic Chinguetti Minaret is one of Mauritania’s most recognizable
landmarks, and we’ll take time to admire it up close. In the afternoon, a camel trek through the
desert will take us to the serene Entkemkemt Oasis, where we can relax and enjoy the desert’s
silence.

After breakfast, we set off to Mhaïreth, an oasis nestled between sand dunes and rocky
landscapes. On the way, we’ll visit Agrour, a striking hill that hides ancient rock paintings
depicting animals and human figures from a time when the Sahara was far greener. We’ll also
explore Fort Saganne, a film set turned historic relic, and spend the night in the peaceful
surroundings of Mhaïreth

Today, we venture north to the colossal Ben Amera, the largest monolith in Africa. Towering at
nearly 700 meters, it’s a sight to behold. Its sheer size and dramatic presence are nothing short of
awe-inspiring. Nearby, we’ll also visit the smaller Ben Aisha, known for its rock sculptures and
international artwork. From here, we make our way to Choum, where the adventure continues
with an unforgettable train ride.

Our most thrilling experience awaits: a 12-hour journey aboard the world-famous iron ore train.
Stretching 2.5 km long, this incredible train crosses the vast Sahara, offering an experience like
no other. As we ride across the dunes, you’ll have the chance to witness the desert in all its raw,
unfiltered beauty.

After the wild train ride, we arrive in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second-largest city. The Port
Artisanal offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of fishermen as they haul in their catch. After
a much-needed shower and hearty breakfast, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore
the city’s unique charm. Whether you choose to return to Nouakchott or head towards Morocco,
we’ll be here to help you plan your next step.