Are you curious about nomadic culture and life in sand dunes? Then join us on a tour to the north of Senegal and to the touristically undiscovered Mauritania. While Senegal is a Sahel-influenced country, Mauritania offers an impressive geographical and cultural transition from Arab Africa to the sub-Saharan part of the continent. En route, there are fascinating scenic gems such as the colourful Lac Rose, lush oases with green palm groves, well-preserved rock paintings and breathtaking desert landscapes. Animal and bird watching in the Bandia Reserve and Djoudj National Park, historical sites such as Ile de Gorée, Saint Louis, Chinguetti and Ouadane as well as the archaeological excavations in Azougui make our tour an unforgettable experience.

Day 8: Chinguetti: excursion to the oasis Kemkemt Chinguetti is a small city with an important past. It was founded in the 11th century by Berbers. The old city is characterized by mud and stone constructions with patios, which are grouped around the mosques. Chinguetti was long a famous seat of Islamic learning and has a library with manuscripts of inestimable value. During our tour of the old town you can take a look at old manuscripts. Later today you‘ll visit a clay pit, which once provided the basic material for the construction of the city. The well-preserved ruins of the trading post (Arabic Ksar) have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. In the late morning you drive to the oasis Kemkemt, which is located about 5 km outside the city. Here you have your picnic under date palmtrees and spend a leisurely afternoon. After the heat of midday has died down, there is the possibility of a camel ride through the wadi. In the evening you return to Chinguetti. (B/P/D), overnight at a guesthouse Day 9: Chinguetti - Ouadane This morning we will depart Chinguetti to begin our journey to the  ancient town of Ouadane. Our drive hrough beautiful sand dunes will take 2 to 3 hours. On the way, you will be the guest of nomads in the Tenochert oasis, who will welcome you with a tea ritual typical of the area. Around noon you will reach Ouadane. Lunch at the guesthouse. This afternoon you visit the old city and the city walls. Founded by Berbers in the 12th century, the city has long been an important trading hub for gold, dates, and salt. Like Chingetti, the well-preserved ruins of the trading post have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Ouadane also contains valuable old manuscripts in predominantly private libraries. In the evening you will experience an unforgettable sunset over the old town and then drive back to your guesthouse. (B/P/D), overnight at a guesthouse Day 10: Ouadane - Terjit After breakfast you will drive to the Terjit Oasis with its hot and cold springs. On the way there you will pass through the largest oasis in the Adrar region, Mheirith. Depending on the season, there are also natural pools here where you can swim until our chef has prepared lunch. After a refreshing swim, you will have a packed lunch in the shade of lush date palms. Another three hours‘ drive will bring us to Terjit via the town of Aodjaft and the beautiful oasis of Toungad. You cross a sea of sand to reach the fantastic viewpoint of Tivoujar. Enjoy a rest under an impressive acacia tree! Then continue your journey through the breathtaking desert and mountain landscapes towards Terjit. a wonderful place framed by a magnificent environment. (B/P/D), overnight at Gamal‘s campsite in Terjit Day 11: Terjit - Atar - Azougui - Ben Amira This morning, you will visit the natural springs of Terjit. A hot and a cold spring rise from the rock here and fill the natural swimming pool with pleasantly temperate water. This is where the city dwellers of Atar and Nouakchott like to relax at the weekend. Along the way today we will visit the archaeological excavations of Azougui, the ancient capital of the Almoravids at the gates of Atar. It was from here that they began their conquests in the 11th century, which stretched from Ghana to Spain. After the visit, we continue our journey for around 3 hours to Ben Amira. Near this small village stands the second largest monolith in the world. We pitch our tents at the foot of the impressive rock. (B/P/D), overnight in a tent Day 12: Ben Amira - Nouadhibou After breakfast, a special sight awaits you. You will see the longest train in the world. The train, over 2 km long, transports iron ore, people and animals over 700 km to the port of Nouadhibou. Every day there are several trains going to the port or are on their way back, but only in three places on the route is there more than one track so they can pass each other. Our journey along the tracks is exciting. Only 90 km before Nouadhibou we reach the tarred road. (approx. 7 hours‘ drive). (F/P/A) overnight in Nouadhibou, Hotel Aljazira oder ähnlich Day 13: Nouadhibou - Nouakchott The city of Nouadhibou, situated on a peninsula, is Mauritania's largest port and the country's economic centre. In the morning, a short excursion to the sea awaits you. At the picturesquely situated Cap Blanc you can observe numerous birds and with a bit of luck you will see the rare monk seals. Afterwards, you will drive back to Nouakchott on a good tarred road. (approx. 6 hours‘ drive). (B/P/D), overnight in Nouakchott, Auberge K or similar Day 14: Nouakchott - End of tour This morning, you will visit Nouakchott, an urban refugee camp of settled nomads, a settlement without a historic city centre. You will gain an insight into all aspects of cultural change in the country during a visit to the National Museum. You will also visit the central market and the picturesque fishing port "Port de Peche". (approx. 10 km). (B), day use rooms Please note that from time to time our itineraries may be amended.

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