Welcome to Mauritania

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• Day 1: Arrival in Nouakchott
  Arrive in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, where you’ll meet the group and settle into a local guesthouse. Spend the evening preparing for the expedition ahead and experience your first taste of Saharan culture.

• Day 2: Journey to Chinguetti
  Travel deep into the desert to the ancient caravan town of Chinguetti, one of the Sahara’s most historic settlements. Explore the old stone mosque, wandering alleyways, and centuries-old libraries that once served traders crossing the desert.

• Day 3: Camel Caravan Begins – La Gueila Oasis
  Meet the camel caravan and begin trekking into the vast desert landscapes surrounding Chinguetti. Hike alongside the camels through rolling dunes and rocky terrain before arriving at the peaceful La Gueila Oasis.

• Day 4: Ancient Wells of Mogueuya
  Continue deeper into the Sahara, linking together remote ancient wells once used by nomadic traders and caravans. Experience the silence and scale of the desert while travelling through ever-changing landscapes with the camels.

• Day 5: Singing Dunes Expedition
  Journey through a spectacular network of enormous dunes, including the famous ‘Singing dunes’ where the shifting sand creates an eerie natural sound. Learn to navigate the terrain alongside the camel handlers while crossing some of the most dramatic desert scenery in Mauritania.

• Day 6: Trek to the Zarga Mountains
  Leave the high dunes behind and head towards the rugged Zarga Mountains. Trek with the caravan through remote desert valleys and rocky outcrops, camping far from civilisation beneath clear Saharan skies.

• Day 7: Return to Chinguetti & Terjit Oasis
  Exit the dune network with the camels and return to Chinguetti before transferring to the lush Terjit Oasis. Hidden among canyon walls and palm trees, Terjit offers a refreshing contrast to the open desert. Spend the night relaxing beside natural springs.

• Day 8: Terjit Oasis & Iron Ore Train
  Enjoy a slow morning swimming and relaxing in Terjit Oasis before driving to Choum. Here, board the legendary Iron Ore Train for an unforgettable overnight journey across the Sahara towards Nouadhibou. Watch the desert landscape roll by beneath a sky full of stars.

• Day 9: Sunrise on the Iron Ore Train & Return to Nouakchott
  Wake to sunrise in the Sahara as the train approaches Nouadhibou. After arriving in the coastal city, there will be an opportunity to shower and freshen up before beginning the journey back to Nouakchott, bringing the expedition to a close.

• Accommodation: 2 nights in guesthouses, 5 nights in nomadic desert camps, and 1 overnight journey on the Iron Ore Train
• Sleeping Equipment: Nomadic desert camp setup including mattresses, blankets, and communal camping equipment
• Meals: 3 meals a day
• Transfers: All transfers required by the itinerary, including 4x4 transport to and from remote desert areas
• Guides: Local nomadic guides and foreign expedition guide trained in camel handling and desert travel
• Camel Caravan: Full camel support throughout the expedition
• Luggage Transfer: 4X4 transport for expedition equipment and luggage
• Entrance Fees: Historic site entrance fees in Chinguetti
• 24/7 Support: Local emergency contact and on-ground assistance throughout the trip

Not Included: 

• International Flights 
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for guides and support team 
• Visa
• Personal Sleeping Bag 
• Snacks and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary 

• Good Hiking Shoes or Trail Shoes
  Backpack / Duffel Bag (12kg Max) 
• Day Bag
• Lightweight, Loose Desert Clothing
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Lightweight, Breathable)
• Quick Dry T Shirts
• Lightweight Trousers
• Warm Fleece or Jumper (for cold desert nights)
• Lightweight Down Jacket
• Socks and Underwear
• Sandals or Camp Shoes
• Sunhat or Shemagh
• Sunglasses
• Ski Goggles (essential for Iron Ore Train)
• Face Mask / Buff / Scarf (for dust protection on the train)
• Sun Cream and Lip Balm
• Personal Sleeping Bag
• Reusable Water Bottles (minimum 3 litres capacity recommended)
• Power Bank
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• Wet Wipes
• Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
• Personal First Aid Kit / Medications
• Microfibre Towel
• Reusable Mug 
• Plastic Bags / Dry Bags (to protect belongings from iron ore dust)
• Passport Copy

Optional 

• Trekking Poles
• Light Blanket for the Iron Ore Trai
• Ear Plugs
• Eye Mask
• Bandana / Extra Scarf
• Camera and Accessories
• Portable Charger
• Book / Cards / Small Games for train journey
• Whistle
• Luggage Tags and Locks
• Medication / Sanitary Products

For the Iron Ore Train specifically, expect extreme dust, cold night temperatures, and no facilities. Old clothes, ski goggles, a face covering, and protecting electronics with plastic bags are strongly recommended.