Day 1: Arrival in Nouakchott
Morning:
- Arrival at Nouakchott International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel: Choose a hotel like Nouakchott Hotel or Hotel Iman for comfort.
- Relax and acclimate after your flight.
Afternoon:
- Nouakchott City Tour: Visit the National Museum of Mauritania, which houses archaeological and ethnographic collections showcasing the country’s history.
- Explore the Nouakchott Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the region, where you can observe local fishers unloading their fresh catch.
- Visit Port de Pêche, the bustling port area, to witness the city’s commercial life and the vibrant atmosphere.
Evening:
- Dinner at Restaurant Le Bivouac: Enjoy Mauritanian dishes like mechoui (roast lamb) and thieboudienne (fish and rice).
Day 2: Nouakchott to Atar (Adrar Region)
Morning:
- Breakfast at the hotel, then take a flight or drive to Atar, the capital of the Adrar Region (around 8 hours by car).
- Along the way, stop at local villages and enjoy scenic views of the Mauritanian desert.
Afternoon:
- Check into a local guesthouse or Hotel Kasbah Atar.
- Explore Atar: Walk through the town and explore the ancient Atar Market, where local handicrafts, textiles, and spices are sold.
- Visit the Ksar of Atar, a historical mud-brick settlement, offering insight into the traditional architecture of the region.
Evening:
- Dinner at Hotel Kasbah: Enjoy traditional Mauritanian cuisine such as camel meat and lamb couscous.
Day 3: Explore the Desert and the Ancient City of Chinguetti
Morning:
- Drive to Chinguetti (about 2 hours). Chinguetti is one of Mauritania’s most famous desert towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the ancient libraries of Chinguetti, some of which house important Islamic manuscripts dating back centuries.
Afternoon:
- Take a camel ride into the desert, where you can visit the Sand Dunes of the Adrar and experience the vast, tranquil beauty of the Sahara.
- Explore the Chinguetti Mosque, one of the oldest in the region.
Evening:
- Dinner in Chinguetti: Traditional desert camp-style dinner under the stars, featuring grilled meats and local stews.
Day 4: Return to Nouakchott via the Banc d’Arguin National Park
Morning:
- Drive back towards Nouakchott, stopping at Banc d’Arguin National Park on the Atlantic coast (about 4 hours from Atar).
- Birdwatching tour: The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and other seabirds.
Afternoon:
- Visit Nouadhibou, a port city close to the park, and explore its unique desert-meets-sea landscape.
- Visit Iwik Village, a fishing village where you can witness traditional Mauritanian coastal life.
Evening:
- Return to Nouakchott in the evening and enjoy dinner at Le Méditerranée restaurant, which serves a mix of Mediterranean and Mauritanian cuisine.
Day 5: Nouakchott and Surroundings
Morning:
- Visit La Place de l’Indépendance, the central square of Nouakchott, where you’ll find the Mauritanian government buildings and a few cafes where you can sit and relax.
- Explore the Nouakchott Grand Mosque, an important religious site.
Afternoon:
- Day trip to the Oases of Terjit (approximately 2 hours from Nouakchott). Terjit is an oasis village surrounded by palm groves and rocky cliffs, offering a beautiful, tranquil setting to relax.
- You can also visit the Aoujeft Oasis for a slightly less touristy experience.
Evening:
- Return to Nouakchott, where you can enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Wok with fusion Mauritanian-Chinese cuisine before heading to the airport for your departure.
