Mauritania Desert Expedition: The Sahara Express & Ancient Oases
Duration
08 Days / 07 Nights
Language
English / Hungarian
Location
Mauritania
Run
10 -17 October 2027
About the trip
Discover the hidden treasures of Mauritania on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! This journey takes you deep into the Sahara, where you will explore UNESCO World Heritage oasis towns, ride the world's longest desert train, and stand in awe before the desert’s massive, mythical monoliths.
🗓 Full Itinerary
Day 1: Budapest – Casablanca – Nouakchott – Azougui
Flight from Budapest to Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania (via Casablanca). Upon arrival, transfer towards Atar and Azougui. Your local guide will welcome you and take you to Azougui, a peaceful oasis that served as the Almoravid capital in the 11th century, where the Arki fortress was built among 20,000 palm trees. Check-in at your guesthouse. • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Hostel • Transportation: 10 km by vehicle.
Day 2: Azougui – Choum – Zouerate (The Desert Train Experience)
Morning transfer by 4x4 or air-conditioned minibus to the scenic Choum railway station to board the legendary desert train. This unique railway line hauls iron ore between the Zouerate mines and the port of Nouadhibou. Enjoy lunch on board during a 4-to-5-hour journey through the Mauritanian Sahara to Zouerate, a mining town built at the foot of an iron ore mountain. Arrival in the late afternoon, check-in at the hotel, and dinner. • Accommodation: Hotel • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle and train (approx. 3.5 hours drive, 130 km).
Day 3: Zouerate Open-Cast Mine – Train to Ben Amira Monolith
In the morning, visit one of the world's largest open-cast iron mines accompanied by a mine guide, exploring both the old abandoned works and the active mining sites. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the acacia trees in the dunes. In the afternoon, visit the Zouerate Museum (featuring rooms dedicated to prehistory, contemporary Mauritanian culture, and the mine) and stroll through the traditional market. Late afternoon, board the train towards the Ben Amira site. Dinner and overnight stay on board the train. • Accommodation: On board the train (sleeper carriage)
Day 4: The Mythical Monoliths of Ben Amira & Aisha
Before dawn, the train stops in the middle of the desert at Ben Amira, the world's third-largest monolith. After breakfast, travel by foot, camel, or 4x4 to the neighboring Aisha monolith. These two massive rocks, located 5 km apart, are steeped in local legends of a ancient separation. Explore ancient rock paintings and the Aisha open-air museum, featuring sculptures carved by 20 international artists for the millennium. Picnic lunch on-site, return to the camp, and relax. • Accommodation: Desert bivouac (tents equipped with beds, mattresses, and blankets) • Activity: Light hiking and safari (1 to 3 hours).
Day 5: Desert Life in Ben Amira
After breakfast, travel by foot (approx. 1.5 hours) or 4x4 to the village of Ben Amira to meet and converse with the locals over traditional tea. Lunch on the train. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional trek through the Ben Amira dunes to explore the surroundings and capture new photographic perspectives of the monolith. Dinner and overnight at the camp. • Accommodation: Desert bivouac (tents equipped with beds, mattresses, and blankets) • Activity: Cultural experience and desert trekking (1 to 3 hours).
Day 6: Ben Amira – Choum – Chinguetti
Morning departure from the campsite to Choum station, crossing a stunning desert landscape of dune ridges and black sandstone rocks. From Choum, transfer by 4x4 or minibus to Chinguetti, crossing a vast desert plateau carved by deep canyons. Picnic lunch en route. The journey rewards you with a breathtaking view of Chinguetti rising from the stony desert and resting upon the golden sands. • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Hostel • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle / minibus (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours).
Day 7: Chinguetti (The Holy City of Islam) – Atar
Explore the holy city of Chinguetti, renowned for its 12th-century dry-stone houses. Admire the exterior of the ancient library, which holds illuminated manuscripts (interior access is restricted for preservation). Afterward, head towards Atar, stopping at the Amogjar Pass for breathtaking views and to see the famous Fort Saganne, featured in the 1984 film starring Gérard Depardieu. Picnic lunch in the canyon, followed by an afternoon visit to the Atar Museum and local market. • Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: Atar – Nouakchott – Casablanca – Budapest (Return Flight)
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Budapest via Nouakchott and Casablanca.
Tour Price
Price Includes
✓ Ground Transportation: Complete ground logistics in 4x4 vehicles or air-conditioned minibuses, including experienced drivers, fuel, and airport transfers.
✓ Desert Train Journey: Train tickets and logistics for the legendary Mauritanian iron ore train experience.
✓ Luggage Handling: Secure transport of your baggage throughout the tour.
✓ Expert Local Guiding: Services of experienced local Ahli Glaib guides, drivers, and a professional camp cook.
✓ Permits and Entrance Fees: All national park entry fees, museum tickets, and required local travel permits.
✓ 24/7 Assistance: 24-hour emergency phone assistance and support throughout the entire duration of the trip.
Price Does Not Include
❌ Entry Visa: Mauritanian visa fee, payable upon arrival at Nouakchott airport (approx. EUR 55)
❌ Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and beverages outside of the included tea and water
❌ Personal Gear: Personal sleeping bags for the desert nights
❌ Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips for the local crew (drivers, guides, cook), and comprehensive travel insurance
Important Information
• The order of activities may change due to local conditions or weather
• Booking is confirmed upon payment of the deposit
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