Guetna Tours

Tour Planned Date
2nd July 2026 -TO- 8th July 2026
8 Days

Overview

The date season, affectionately known as El Guetna in Mauritania, unfolds like a vibrant tapestry from late summer to early autumn, transforming the desert landscape into a paradise of abundance and celebration. Here, amidst the swaying palms and golden sands, each moment is infused with the essence of tradition and joy. As the season begins, the ripening dates beckon like jewels hanging from the palms, ripe for the picking. Picture the scene: families and friends gathering beneath the shade of the towering trees, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves as they pluck the sweet fruit from the branches. With each bite, they savor not just the succulent flesh of the dates, but the timeless connection to their land and heritage. For tourists, the oasis shade offers a sanctuary from the desert sun a respite amidst the arid expanse. Beneath the canopy of date palms, they find refuge, their senses awash with the soothing rustle of fronds and the earthy scent of the oasis. Here, amidst nature’s embrace, they discover a sense of serenity and wonder unlike any other.

Your Itinerary

Pick up from the airport by one of our guides.

Transfer to the hotel for a night.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning drive to Azouega Oasis (Approx. 6- 5hours).

Arrival & Oasis Walk: Explore the date palm groves.

Activity: Participate in date palm care, learning how to clean and prune the trees.

Evening at the Oasis: Relax under the palm trees with fresh dates and camel milk.

Traditional Dinner: A Mauritanian feast under the stars.
Overnight: Camping in Azouega.

Morning drive to Terjit (1.5-hour drive).

Oasis Walk & Hot Springs: Explore the lush green oasis and freshwater pools.

Activity: Join local farmers in the harvesting process, picking ripe dates from the palm trees.

Lunch: Enjoy fresh dates and local dishes made with oasis-grown ingredients.

Sunset Tea Ceremony: Learn how to prepare Mauritanian mint tea.
Overnight: Camping in Terjit.

Drive to Mheireth (40 munites).

Explore the Oasis: A peaceful and less-visited date farm area.

Activity: Learn about traditional date storage and drying techniques used to preserve dates for the rest of the year. Swim in the oasis natural pools

Meet Local Families: Engage with villagers and experience their daily life.

Lunch with a Nomadic Family: Traditional Mauritanian meal.

Afternoon Rest & Cultural Exchange: Relax in the shade with date-based snacks and tea.
Overnight: Traditional lodge or desert camping.

Drive to Chinguetti (3-hour scenic journey).

Guided Tour of the Old Town:

Visit the Great Mosque of Chinguetti.

Explore the ancient libraries with centuries-old Islamic manuscripts.

Walk through the old stone alleys.

Activity: Learn how to prepare Zrig (a traditional drink made from dates, milk, and water) and other date-based desserts.

Camel Trekking: Ride camels into the Eguiti dunes for 1 hour.
Sunset in the Desert: on the top of Iguiti dunes
Overnight: Guesthouse or desert camp near Chinguetti.

Early departure to Ouadane (3-hour drive).
Stop on the way at Tenewchert Oasis, a nomad village that thrives in the desert.
Explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ouadane:

Walk through the ancient stone-built town.

Visit the old mosque, a former Islamic learning center.

Activity: Learn about the historical date trade in Ouadane, where caravans carried dates across the Sahara.

Lunch in a Traditional House: Taste dishes made with locally grown dates.

Sunset Over the Desert: Enjoy tea and dates while overlooking the vast Adrar region.
Overnight: Guesthouse or camping near Ouadane.

Breakfast in Ouadane.

Visit the Cave Paintings, ancient Saharan rock art.

Stop at Amogjar Canyon, a scenic and historical site.

Drive to Atar Market:

Buy traditional date-based products like date paste, syrup, and dried dates.

Overnight Camping in Azougui.

After breakfast, drive to Nouakchott.

Visit the Camel Market to observe Mauritania’s famous camel trade.

Visit the Fish Market, a vibrant and bustling coastal marketplace.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Airport Transfer for Departure.

Included

  • 4x4 Private Jeep With Working A/c
  • Standard hotels and camping.
  • Well expert English or French speaking local guide and driver.
  • All transport to complete the itinerary.
  • 3 Full board meals per day & water are included from the beginning of the tour till the end.
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary unless otherwise stated.
  • Visit and entrance fees for all activities.

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • E-Visa payment

Key Highlights of Your Tour

Important Things Bring

  • Experience Mauritania’s traditional date harvest
  • Visit Azouega, Terjit, Mheireth & Tenewchert; swim in natural pools.
  • Discover Chinguetti’s ancient libraries & Great Mosque, Ouadane’s ruins, and cave paintings.
  • Join local farmers, prepare date-based dishes, and enjoy nomadic hospitality.
  • Sunset camel trek, tea ceremony, and stargazing feasts.
  • Visit Atar’s date market, Nouakchott’s camel & fish markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Visa requirements for Mauritania?

Mauritania’s visa used to be available on arrival, but it must now be obtained online. You can apply for it at https://Anrpts.gov.mr.
The visa Is typically processed within three working days. If you do not receive an email notification, do not be frustrated—you can return to the website and enter your application details to check the status. Approval is highly likely.
To make your journey hassle-free, we will apply for the visa on your behalf when you travel with us. However, the e-Visa payment (55 Euros or 60 Dollars) will still be paid by you upon arrival.

The best time to visit Mauritania is from November to May, when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for travel and outdoor activities. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), providing a more comfortable climate for exploration.

For Mauritania, vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic area) are recommended. If you take specific medications, be sure to bring enough for your trip and keep them in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. Certain medications can be difficult to find in Mauritania, and ordering them may take several days. To avoid any inconvenience, ensure you have an adequate supply with you.

Mauritania is a secure destination for tourists. Although it is wise to remain cautious as you would in any unfamiliar country, the warm hospitality of its people and the generally low crime levels make it an appealing place for visitors.

The local currency in Mauritania is the Ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially outside major cities like Nouakchott. It is advisable to carry cash for most transactions, and you can exchange foreign currency at banks or authorized exchange offices. ATMs are available in larger cities but may not always be reliable, so it is a good idea to plan accordingly.

Photography is permitted in Mauritania, but respecting local customs and regulations is essential. When taking photos of individuals, always ask for permission beforehand to show respect for their privacy and cultural values. This is particularly important in rural areas or when photographing religious sites, military facilities, or government buildings, as these locations may have specific restrictions.
For larger projects such as filming movies or documentaries, obtaining all necessary permits and documents from the appropriate authorities is required. This ensures compliance with local laws and helps avoid potential complications. Proper planning and research are crucial to respecting both legal guidelines and cultural sensitivities.

Thieboudienne – Often considered the national dish, this is a flavorful fish and rice dish cooked with vegetables like carrots, eggplant, and cabbage. It is seasoned with spices and tomato sauce, giving it a rich and savory taste.
Méchoui – A whole roasted lamb or goat, typically prepared for special occasions. The meat is slow-cooked over an open fire, resulting in tender, smoky, and flavorful meat.
Couscous – A staple in Mauritanian cuisine, couscous is often served with meat (such as lamb or chicken) and vegetables, accompanied by a savory sauce.
Lakh – A sweet dish made from millet or couscous, mixed with milk, sugar, and sometimes yogurt. It is a popular dessert or snack.
Bissap– A refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers, often sweetened and served cold. It is a popular beverage to accompany meals.
Dates – Dates are a significant part of Mauritanian culture and cuisine, often served as a snack or dessert. They are also commonly paired with milk or tea.

Feel free to reach out to us, and we will gladly cater to your needs by providing vegetarian food throughout your entire trip. We are committed to ensuring your dietary preferences are met, so you can enjoy your journey in Mauritania without any concerns. Let us know your requirements, and we will arrange delicious and satisfying vegetarian meals for you every step of the way.

Book Your Tour

Booking early makes your trip easier and more comfortable.

To book online, please send

€1735

to this accounts.

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📧 mousambarek71@gmail.com

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Upcoming Tours for Solo Travelers & Small Groups

Join our exciting group tours, designed for independent travelers and small groups looking for a shared adventure. Enjoy meeting fellow explorers, sharing stories, and experiencing Mauritania’s wonders—all while benefiting from cost-effective group pricing.

How Our Group Tours Work:

  • Guaranteed departures with at least 1 guest
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner included—no hidden costs
  • Private 4×4 transportation with an expert guide and driver
  • Maximum of 3 guests per vehicle—ensuring a window seat for everyone
  • Comfortable hotel and guesthouse stays included
  • Standard double occupancy; single room available for a €295 supplement
  • Secure your spot with a 45% deposit upon booking confirmation.

Payment Options and Timelines:

We accept payments through PayPal, bank transfer, or cash.

When booking a trip with us, we make reservations on your behalf. To secure the booking, we require a 45% prepayment upon confirming the tour. The remaining 55% is due on or before the first day of the tour.

Cancellation Policy:

– If cancellation is made at least 25 days before the tour starts, we will refund 22.5% of the total tour cost (half of the prepayment).
– If cancellation is made within 25 days of the tour start date, the tour can be rescheduled without any loss of payment. However, if cancellation is necessary, we cannot refund the 45% prepayment as we have already booked services on your behalf.

Let us know if there are any questions!