Mauritania 4wd

Open Registration August 1 – August 29, 2026 / October 24 – November 20, 2026 (also customized)

Discover the pristine Mauritanian Sahara!
Embark on an unforgettable 4x4 off-road expedition through Mauritania. From magical dune landscapes to rock canyons and hidden caravan towns. A journey for true adventurers, where nature and culture collide in Africa's most rugged and pristine places.

Brief

DATES: 
​August 1 – August 29, 2026 / October 24 – November 20, 2026
Participants: Minimum 10
Autonomy: 1,000 km on asphalt
Duration: 28 days
Difficulty: average
Total kilometers: Approx. 5,000 km in Morocco and 3,000 km in Mauritania

​MAURITANIA 4wd
The land of many deserts! A country with an arid climate, where the sands of the dunes sharply contrast with the maritime rocks.
A dream for all 4x4 enthusiasts, lovers of the Sahara, and of journeys where the power of nature always takes center stage. Between sea and sand, you will feel as though you are at the end of the world.
An adventure trip in Mauritania by 4x4, right in the “heart” of the country with our own hearts, along the most remote and unspoiled routes, behind the wheel of our off-road vehicles.
Mauritania is geographically part of the Western Sahara, and its arid climate prevents the population from expanding too much. Perhaps this is why Mauritanians are so attached to their rich and deep traditions. A country that will delight hikers and lovers of authenticity alike.
The climate in August ranges from warm temperatures mitigated by the ocean’s humidity at the start, to dry, scorching heat in the deserts and highlands. Inside the country, there is little temperature difference between day and night, allowing for fantastic nights under an immense blanket of stars.
From a technical point of view, it is an interesting trip where we will have the chance to test all our driving techniques. We will cross Mauritania through its various morphological landscapes: from the shoreline of the tide track — seemingly easy but treacherous — to vast plains, sometimes sandy and sometimes dotted with shrubs, from large sandy ergs to dunes sprinkled with acacias, from rocky and arid mountain passes to sections of fine “fech-fech” dust.
Without a doubt, the best route you can take in Mauritania!

On the way through Morocco to Mauritania

PROGRAM

Day 1 to 3: Departure from Genoa & TangierDeparting from  Genoa  with  GNV , we'll arrive in  Tangier on the evening of the 3rd. After disembarking and clearing customs, we'll head south for our first night in Africa.
Those who wish to leave earlier or come by land will have the option of meeting directly in Tangier, or even further south.

Days 4 to 6: Morocco & Mauritanian Border
A quick drive along Moroccan roads and highways. The craving for sand is overwhelming, so we head south. Free breakfasts and dinners along the way. We arrive at the  Mauritanian border  where, after crossing no-man's land, we'll arm ourselves with patience to complete the border formalities. Our first bivouac.

Days 7 to 9: Banc d'Arguin & Tide Track
Approaching the capital, we pass through the Banc d'Arguin , one of the world's leading natural parks for migratory birds. It extends over 200 km of coastline and encompasses numerous islands. By carefully timing the tide, we'll experience the thrill of riding a magical trail that runs along the ocean waves, the famous "tide trail." Fields among the dunes and the beach.

Day 10: Nouakchott & Hotel
Arrival in  Nouakchott , completion of formalities and various supplies, the rest of the day free. One of the world's youngest capitals,  Nouakchott  was built on a fertile, grassy expanse upon its independence in 1960. When it was founded, the city was several days' march from the desert; now it is in the heart of the Sahara. In the landscape, sand piles up against the walls and fences. Built for 200,000 inhabitants,  Nouakchott  already has five times that number. The outskirts are nothing but shantytowns made of corrugated iron shacks and tents.  Today we will also meet those who have decided to join us by plane . Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.

Days 11 to 14: Mauritanian Desert & AtarWe enter the desert, which will take us about 700 km from the capital to Atar , passing through the abandoned Bou Naga mine . This route, rarely frequented even by locals, winds through enchanting and ever-changing landscapes, past wells and nomads on fast-flowing sandy plains in the first section, before moving on to dunes, soft sand wadi, scree slopes, and fantastic rocky passes. We stop for camp and spend the last night camping in Atar.

Day 15 to 16: Atar & Chinguetti
From Atar to Chinguetti via the evocative Amogjar Pass . A day dedicated to "the pensive, softly resting on its pink sands," as Chinguetti has been described , a World Heritage Site and Islam's seventh holiest city. Camp.

Days 17 to 20: Chinguetti, Guelb er Richat & Atar
From Chinguetti, we move towards Ouadane, the ancient caravan capital and center of thought, the city of two ouadis, once believed to be a source of wisdom and wealth. We then continue to Guelb er Richat , nicknamed the "Eye of Africa," whose origins have never been definitively explained. We then head towards El Ghallaouya and El Beyyed , where a striking valley of incredible beauty awaits, with dunes dotted with acacia trees. We then continue through the Sebka Chem Cham towards Atar , where we will complete the approximately 800 km loop. Campi.

Day 21 to 22: Atar & Nouadhibou
From Atar to Choum , a major railway hub, through the spectacular N'tarazi Pass . The world's longest train, 4 km long, passes through here, transporting iron ore from Zouerate to the port of Nouadhibou . We'll first make a detour and head for the striking Ben Amera monolith, which towers over 400 meters high and has long been a landmark for nomads and travelers. We then head east and travel approximately 450 km to Nouadhibou , along the railway line, where we're expected to arrive in the evening at a campsite. Those departing by plane will be transferred to Nouakchott. Camps and camping are available.

Days 23 to 26: Ascent to Tangier
Begin the ascent northward to reach  Tangier  for boarding. Free breakfasts and dinners along the way. Campsites and campsites.

Days 27 to 29: Boarding & Genoa
Boarding in Tangier and sailing to Genoa, with arrival scheduled for the 29th.

Prices

Registration

• Driver + own car  €2,650.00
• Passenger own car  €1,400.00
• Additional passengers in own car, in addition to the first  €900.00
• Vehicle passenger organization €2,450.00 

 Transfer

• Ferry: The car and passenger ferry will be quoted at the time of booking. The cost will vary based on cabin type, vehicle size, and the speed of seat reservation.
• Airfare: The flight price will be quoted at the time of booking. The cost will vary based on the departure/arrival city and the speed of seat booking.

The Price Includes

• All overnight stays in campsites and hotels included in the program
• Hot evening meals and breakfast are provided during your stay in Mauritania. For passengers in the organization's vehicles, midday meals are also included, where provided at the bivouac.
• The Desartica kitchen will provide: BREAKFAST with tea, coffee, biscuits, jam, Nutella, and honey; DINNER with a hot dish (usually a delicious pasta dish or risotto)... and dessert! Therefore, 4x4 crews will have to make their own arrangements for a midday snack!
• The catering service is provided for the days in which the Organization's vehicles are actually followed. If the crew is traveling independently, either partially or fully, for the outward or return journey, they will be responsible for their own food during this period and will not be entitled to any deductions.
• Tables, chairs, plates, glasses and cutlery for vehicle passengers and for motorcyclists.
• Drinking water, usually mineral water, only for passengers on organization vehicles
• Italian escort in tow.
• Completely free use of the satellite phone in case of emergency.
• Medical baggage insurance policy
• Border assistance
• Technical assistance (extraordinary maintenance and unexpected repairs, depending on the weather, the severity of the breakdown and the spare parts available) and logistics throughout the trip with teaching of the basic notions of orientation and navigation using a compass and satellite.

Note: The services provided are calculated for a minimum of 10 participants. If the trip is confirmed with fewer participants, the organization reserves the right to eliminate some services. This will be communicated to registered participants via email, without altering the spirit of the trip.

Extra Inclusions (for organization vehicle passengers only)

• Transport of passengers by off-road vehicles with drivers/guides;
• Tables, chairs, plates, glasses and cutlery for dinners when not provided in structures;
• Midday snack, when packed lunch is provided;
• Mineral water to drink throughout the tour;
• Transport of camping equipment and luggage transport (max 60 litre bag).

The price does NOT include

• Everything not expressly indicated in the previous paragraphs and in particular:
  
• All types of drinks
• fuel for your own vehicle and motorway tolls
• Entrance tickets to museums, excursions, natural parks, etc. if not included in the program
• Routine maintenance and spare parts for your vehicles, although there will always be someone to teach you how to do it.
• Mandatory green card (if not available, it can be obtained at the border)
• Tables, chairs, plates, glasses and cutlery for 4x4 vehicles will NOT be provided
• All overnight stays and meals on both return transfers in Morocco
• Visa and customs procedures for Mauritania​