Mauritania

The Adrar Desert and the Land of a Million Poets

Hunak Journeys move through vast desert landscapes, ancient caravan cities and oasis settlements across Mauritania’s Adrar region.

We carefully design small-group desert expeditions combining moderate walks and hikes, 4x4 travel and nights under canvas.

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Hunak, in Mauritania

Hunak journeys focus on the Adrar, a region where dunes, rocky plateaus, canyons and oases meet centuries of human history: ancient caravan cities such as Ouadane and Chinguetti, traces of earlier settlements and cultures, and communities that continue to live across this desert environment.

Mauritania remains little known to many travellers. Yet venturing into its desert reveals an extraordinary combination of vast landscapes, ancient history and communities whose ways of life have long been shaped by the Sahara. It is a place that can still awaken a genuine sense of exploration and discovery.

Our itineraries are designed to bring travellers closer to both the landscape and the people who inhabit it. We combine 4x4 travel with walking each day: vehicles allow us to cross the enormous distances of the Sahara, while travelling on foot gives us the time to slow down, observe and engage more closely with what surrounds us.

Through extensive fieldwork with our local partners, we have built a route that goes beyond simply seeing the desert — creating opportunities to learn, encounter and be surprised by the many layers of life and history found within it.

*You can send us a message and request your brochure in French, Spanish and Italian.

View our Mauritania Brochure

Upcoming Group Journeys

Bab al-Sahara
October 11 – 18, 2026

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Quiet Sahara 1
November 8 – 15, 2026

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Through vast desert landscapes, ancient caravan towns and oasis settlements, Hunak organises small-group expeditions combining moderate hikes, 4×4 crossings and camping nights.

All Mauritania departures currently follow the same core itinerary, with departures scheduled across different dates during the season.

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Reserve

Quiet Sahara 2
November 22 – 29, 2026

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Reserve

New Year’s Tour: December 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027

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€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Reserve

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days

Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Changing Dunes
January 17 - 24, 2027

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€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Desert Waters
February 7 - 14, 2027

Sand & Rocks
February 28 - March 7, 2027

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

Reserve

White Rivers
Mars 28 - Avril 4, 2027

€1680 - 7 nights / 8 Days
Max 7 Participants - Spots available

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Ask your questions

Access and Visa Requirements
Mauritania is accessible via international connections through Casablanca, with regular flights from major European cities. Alternative routes may include connections via Istanbul or other regional hubs. A tourist visa is typically issued on arrival at Nouakchott airport (approx. USD 50–60, subject to change).

Key Practical Information

Physical Level
Expeditions involve moderate daily walking combined with 4x4 transfers. The rhythm is carefully balanced to allow progression through the landscape without technical difficulty. No previous trekking experience is required, but participants should be comfortable walking and camping in the desert.

Safety Info
The Adrar region is a well-established travel area within Mauritania, regularly visited by international travellers. Expeditions are operated with experienced local partners and structured logistics to ensure a safe and well-managed journey throughout.

Best Season to Visit
The ideal season is from October to March, when daytime temperatures are generally mild (around 22–30°C) and nights cooler.

Small Group Policy
For all its journeys and private experiences, Hunak maintains a small-group approach to preserve the quality and rhythm of the expedition. Group departures in Mauritania are limited to a maximum of 7 participants.

Required Camping Gear
During desert crossings, travellers sleep in traditional Mauritanian tents (khaimas), spacious Bedouin-style shelters typically shared by small groups. Individual tents and mattresses can also be arranged upon request. Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bag suitable for cool desert nights. A detailed packing and equipment list is shared with confirmed participants prior to departure.

International Flights
Flights to and from Nouakchott.

What is Included

Accommodation
Carefully selected guesthouses, auberges and desert camps throughout the expedition.

Not Included

Local Team & Guides
Experienced local expedition staff, including French-speaking guides and English-speaking support.

Meals & Transport
All your meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and transport from arrival to departure.

Activities
All activities and visits included within the expedition programme.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants.

Visa
Tourist visa issued on arrival at Nouakchott airport (USD 55)

Personal Expenses & Tips
Personal purchases, optional tips and other individual expenses. Tips for drivers and camp staff are appreciated according to local customs but remain entirely at the traveller’s discretion.

Design your Expeditions

For travellers seeking different dates, longer crossings or a more personalised expedition rhythm, Hunak also organises private desert journeys across the Adrar region.

Flexible Timing & Expedition Pace

Private expeditions can follow the same framework as our group journeys while allowing greater flexibility in duration, pace and travel dates.

Extended Exploration

Depending on the season and expedition objectives, journeys may include additional desert regions and geological sites such as Ben Amira, the Richat Structure, remote salt mines and extended crossings through the Adrar.

Field Expertise & Local Operations

All private expeditions maintain Hunak’s operational philosophy: movement through the landscape, small expedition teams, vetted local partners and carefully structured desert logistics.

Plan your Journey

Frequently asked questions

What does Hunak mean?

Hunak in Arabic means "there" or "over there". It is our invitation for you to step outside and join us in those places that feel remote.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining a Hunak expedition in Mauritania. Policies should include medical coverage, trip cancellation and emergency assistance.

Several international providers offer suitable coverage, with average costs generally ranging between EUR 30–40 per person for the duration of a standard group expedition. Hunak can provide guidance to participants during the reservation process.

Is Mauritania safe for travellers?

Mauritania is a vast country, approximately twice the size of France. While some remote border areas in the far south-east remain affected by instability in neighbouring Mali, the Adrar region in the north-west is widely regarded as one of the country’s most established and regularly visited travel areas.

The Adrar has welcomed international travellers for decades and tourism in the region continues to grow steadily. Prior to departure, confirmed participants receive a detailed expedition briefing covering local customs, practical guidance, safety considerations and emergency procedures.