Mauritania Desert Expedition
Trip Overview
Join us for the absolute adventure of a lifetime through Mauritania as we traverse in a convoy of 4x4s through the Sahara Desert, discovering oasis' an ancient towns along the way. Then tick off one of the greatest things any traveller can have on their bucket list - riding atop the infamous iron ore train under the stars, from the depths of the Sahara Desert back out to the coast.
Trip Highlights
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​Ride atop the infamous iron ore train throughout the night
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Traverse the Sahara Desert in a convoy of 4x4s
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Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites of Chinguetti and Ouadane
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Discover (and swim in) hidden oasis' in the middle of the desert
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Make friends for life on this crazy adventure of a lifetime
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nouakchott​
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Arrival: Arrive in Nouakchott and transfer to your accommodation.
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Rest: Spend the day resting and acclimating after your journey.
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Accommodation: Stay at a guesthouse, hotel, or apartment.
Day 2: Journey to the Great Dune of Azoueiga​
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Morning: Depart from Nouakchott and begin your journey to the Great Dune of Azoueiga.
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Afternoon: Arrive at the dune, set up camp, and explore the surrounding area.
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Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars and spend the night camping at the dune.
Day 3: Oasis Visit and Chinguetti Home Stay
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Morning: Depart from the Great Dune of Azoueiga and head towards a nearby oasis.
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Midday: Arrive at the oasis for lunch, relax, swim and enjoy the serene environment.
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Afternoon: Continue your journey to Chinguetti, a historic town and UNESCO world heritage site.
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Evening: Experience local culture and hospitality with a home stay in Chinguetti.
Day 4: Explore Chinguetti and Ouadane
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Morning: Explore the ancient libraries and architecture of Chinguetti.
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Midday: Travel to Ouadane, another historic town, and explore its ruins.
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Afternoon: Set up a desert camp near Ouadane.
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Evening: Enjoy dinner and a peaceful night under the desert sky.
Day 5: Journey to Choum and Iron Ore Train Experience​
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Morning: Depart from the desert camp and travel to Choum.
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Midday: Arrive in Choum and prepare for the Iron Ore Train experience.
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Afternoon: Board the Iron Ore Train, a unique and adventurous journey.
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Evening: Travel overnight on the Iron Ore Train, experiencing the vast Mauritanian landscape.
Day 6: Return to Nouakchott and Departure​
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Morning: Arrive into Nouadhibou from the train and travel back to Nouakchott after the Iron Ore Train journey.
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Midday: Freshen up with a shower and relax.
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Afternoon: If time permits, visit the Fish Market in Nouakchott to experience the local culture and cuisine.
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Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
The itinerary of this trip has been carefully constructed and is provided in good faith and whilst we hope that we will stick to it, it could be subject to change if necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of guests.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
accommodation
All accommodation included. We will be staying in a range of desert camps, guesthouses and homestays.
Activities
Swimming in Oasis'
4x4 desert adventures
Exploring ancient cities
Riding the iron ore train
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TRANSPORT
Cars
4x4 vehicles
Iron Ore Train
FOOD
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner everyday
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
THESE BITS YOU'LL HAVE TO DO YOURSELF BUT WE'LL BE ON HAND TO HELP AND ADVISE!
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
You are responsible for arriving in Mauritania anytime on 1st December and travelling back to your home country (or onwards) afterwards. (please make sure your flight is not before 7pm on the 6th December).
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
You will need to obtain your own travel insurance for the duration of the trip in Mauritania. This is mandatory and a copy of your policy will be required for submission along with a waiver form.
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VISA
Mauritania usually requires a visa on arrival for most entering countries. This costs around 55EUR which you should bring in cash. You are responsible for doing your own research as to what visa you require and obtaining this visa.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
✓ You are keen to explore new cultures.
✓ You don't need a high quality internet connection 24/7 or other western luxuries​
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✓ You love the outdoors, being in nature and adventure activities
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✓ You're sociable. (You're going to be with a lively group for 6 days making friends for life!)​
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✓ You're 20-40, team player, looking for an escape (it's no problem if you're outside of this age range but expect the majority to be within this age bracket).
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TRIP LOGISTICS
Itinerary
ARRIVE NOUAKCHOTT: Sunday 1st December 2024
DEPART NOUAKCHOTT: Friday 6th December 2024
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PRICE?
£1,590 (£400 deposit required to secure your space).
The remaining amount will be due by 1st October 2024.
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BOOKINGS FOR THIS TRIP ARE NOW OPEN. Click below to secure your place
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Booking deposits will be non-refundable once made. Any cancellations made over 60 days before departure date will result in a loss of deposit cost. Any cancellations made within 60 days or under of the departure date will result in loss of total cost of the trip.
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If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to us at trips@backpackingbananas.com