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MAROCCO, PROVINCIA DEL SAHARA OCCIDENTALE
Un viaggio epico da Tan Tan a Nouakchott
Questo itinerario è parte della Grande Spedizione da Marrakech a Cotonou. Marrakech, moderna destinazione internazionale e antico terminal carovaniero, è il punto di partenza ideale per la nostra spedizione. Nel Sahara occidentale non arrivano altri viaggiatori e le tribù nomadi di allevatori di cammelli sono autentiche.
ESPERIENZA. IL CUORE DEL DESERTO. Nel Sahara occidentale non arrivano altri viaggiatori e le tribù nomadi di allevatori di cammelli sono autentiche. Percorrete le infinite spiagge di Rio de Oro per scoprire un paesaggio sorprendente dove l’oceano si riversa nel deserto: colline e dune rocciose, durante l’alta marea, diventano isole temporanee. Vivete l’esperienza della traversata nord-sud del Sahara, il più grande deserto del pianeta, guidando fuori dai sentieri battuti su catene di dune di sabbia vergini. Scoprite oasi remote e cittadelle di pietra risalenti al XIII secolo.
CLIMA. Le date di partenza sono state scelte per godere del clima migliore. Il tardo autunno (e la primavera) sono le stagioni perfette per viaggiare nel Sahara; le temperature sono miti e piacevoli, le notti sono fresche ma non fredde e le giornate sono calde ma non bollenti.
La sicurezza è la nostra principale preoccupazione. La spedizione si basa sulla nostra lunga esperienza della zona ed è guidata da capispedizione esperti. L’itinerario è sicuro, la nostra rete locale lo monitora costantemente grazie a una presenza permanente sul campo che fornisce informazioni aggiornate.
14.11.2026
Arrival at Tan Tan or Guelmime airport and transfer to the charming and comfortable Ksar Tafnidilt hotel, built using local material in a beautiful Saharan architecture. The hotel is managed by our friends, Guy and Magali, a French couple. Magali is a desert expert; she won the “Rally des Gazelle,” the most challenging off-road competition reserved to female teams. Ksar Tafnidilt is a meeting point for passionate Saharan travellers, that exchange the latest news on track condition, border formalities and more. The hotel will be our base for two nights.
15.11.2026
Once left Tafnidilt, we cross a steep range of dunes to reach the Dra estuary region, visited only by brave travellers who dare to find their way on the sandy tracks between the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we will discover tiny temporary settlements of fishermen, ghost colonial military posts, dunes and camels in a virgin landscape, and if lucky with the tide, we will drive for miles on a wild beach where the high dunes meet the ocean.
We will leave the coastline, following a riverbed (Ouadi) in a large canyon: the only possible path between the high dunes, cliffs and ocean.
Evening return to our comfortable base.
16.11.2026
From Tan-Tan, the road follows an exciting itinerary through a crag on the edge between the Sahara and the ocean. The Naila salt lagoon, separated from the ocean by rows of dunes, with an estuary on the sea, is the largest Salt Lake in Morocco (100 square Km). A protected area of great natural beauty is an important resting point on the birds’ migratory journey, it can host up to 20,000 individual species such as flamingos, cormorants, gulls, herons and more.
We will board local fishing boats to explore the emerald water enclosed in a wide frame of yellow dunes and brown escarpments in an astonishing beautiful landscape.
Late afternoon arrival at the tiny town of Tarfaya on the Juby Cape, less than 100 km away from the Canary Islands. Tarfaya is a former “Aeropostale” base, pioneered airmail from Europe to Africa and Latin America. Interesting museum and the remains of colonial Spanish architecture. In Tarfaya, Saint Exupéry the famous aviator and writer, author of “Le petit prince” (The little Prince), was familiar.
17 e 18.11.2026
In Laayoune we will meet our local guide, a nomad from a Sahrawi tribe who will lead us through a three- day total off-road expedition crossing the Western Sahara from north to south.
The former Spanish Sahara colony has been the site of a long war between the Polisario Armed Front and the Moroccan army. Nowadays, it is part of Morocco. Since the second half of the seventies, due to this long “sand war,” this region has been off-limits to travellers. Until today no peace treaty has been signed, but it’s been decades since any fighting has occurred in the strip we cross. We are proud to be the “first” to bring intrepid travellers to the vast, sandy regions of Saguia El Hamra, Tiris Zemmour, ending with the spectacular Rio de Oro sea-look. In this Saharan expedition, we will cross large dunes to discover wells frequented by long lines of camels belonging to the legendary Reguibat nomads.
Days 4 and 5 we will camp under the stars in the immensity of the Sahara.
19.11.2026
Morning continuation of our Trans-Saharan expedition, through a region of dunes, wells and nomadic camps. In the afternoon, a road will bring us to the ocean. Arrival at the hotel, which will be our base for the next two nights
20.11.2026
The astonishing beauty of Dakhla peninsula landscape makes it a unique place. The Rio de Oro is a 25-mile-long sea loch between cliffs and dunes. Pastel colours paint the scenery: the blue ocean, yellow sand, emerald seaweed fields and dark rocks. Experience a unique event: during the high tide the ocean will flood the desert: a white dune and rock hills will become temporary islands.
The small town of Dakhla was founded by Spanish navigators in 1502 as “Villa Cisneros.” Visit to the colourful fishing harbour, lunch in an oyster farm. Driving along the shore to discover where the waves lap the sand dunes. Dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight return to our four-star hotel.
21.11.2026
Our way run on the spectacular cliff between the desert and the ocean. We follow the only open road going south. A signboard indicates that we are “on” the Tropic of Cancer. At Guerguerat military post we will cross the southern border post of Morocco, the only open route between Maghreb and Black Africa, a sensible site. We will travel a few miles into no-man’s land. The boundary is a theoretical line in the desert that “divides the sand from the sand”, on the other side, the military post of Mauritania. Evening arrival in Nouadhibou.
22 e 23.11.2026
A day of driving between road and trail will take us to the mining town of Akjoujt. After Akjoujt an absolute “out of any track” long itinerary will find the way through high dunes. To cross long ranges of dunes, we will decrease the tire pressure, GPS, maps and compass will assist our land-navigation in an untouched geological universe. Erg Amatlich is one of the most beautiful dune basins in Mauritania. The Sahara can make a traveller feel like the first person on a planet. We will be able to discover traces of thousand-year-old human presence such as stone tools and shards of potteries. When some rare graze appears, we will find nomadic settlements. These human encounters, after the deep silence of the desert, are intense. We will go into the scenic landscape of the Adrar massif: valleys, high mountains, yellow sand dunes, peaks of dark and red rock. We will enjoy remote oasis and tiny adobe villages.
After a long and intense day, evening arrival in Chinguetti where we will spend two days visiting the region.
24.11.2026
We will spend the day discovering the unique atmosphere of Chinguetti considered the “jewel” of the Mauritanian Oasis. This stone citadel dates to the 13th century and is a cross-point of different trans-Saharan routes linking the Mediterranean coasts to Black Africa. The atmosphere of the old stone town, the architecture, some ancient manuscript collections from the Middle-ages, including Ould Habott, the largest in Mauritania. The oasis with their “green miracles” of palm tree gardens are surrounded by large chains of yellow dunes, the western boundary of the town that “fights” not to be covered by the sand.
The main Mosque and the stone minaret: Chinguetti minaret is believed to be the second oldest still operating in the entire Muslim world.
25.11.2026
We will drive to Ouadane in an absolute “out of any tracks” itinerary that follows a Ouadi (dry creek), discovering tiny oasis hidden in the high dunes. Experience Ouadane the remotest oasis in Mauritania, an outpost in the emptiness of the desert. Ouadane was founded in 1147, while most of it fell into ruin, some of its stone houses, perched on a rocky hill, are inhabited. Back in time, this town was an important caravan trading point. Trading was so flourishing that, in 1487, Portuguese built a fortified counter in the region.
Return to our comfortable base in Chinguetti.
26.11.2026
The landscape will never cease to amaze us. Leaving the main track, we will reach a region of spectacular mountains, gorges and canyons. Infinite space dominated by the ochre of the earth and the blue sky. At the horizon the ruins of Fort Saganne, built to set the namesake film: Fort Saganne with Gérard Depardieu e Catherine Deneuve.
The Agrour site, located at the top of the Amogjar pass, hides prehistoric Roc Art.
After a short visit of the Atar market, we join Terjit, one of the lushest oasis of Mauritania. After walking through a dense palm grove protected by a gorge and following a tiny stream, we discover a vast rock shelter where spring water flows. An unexpected atmosphere disconnected from time and from the harshness of the desert.
27.11.2026
From the desert to the ocean, from Sahara to black Africa.
As resume of Mauritanian history and culture, visit of the interesting National Museum which displays archaeology, artifacts, costumes and textiles from prehistory to the present days. Unique pictures taken during the excavations of Aoudaghost, the northern trading town and better conserved site of the legendary Ghana Empire. Ghana was the oldest Empire and Kingdom known in Black Africa. Dated from the 6th century, the empire was in the southern east of Mauritania. At that time the caravan transporting gold to North Africa departs from Aoudaghost and passes through Ouadane and Assa, which we had discovered during our Sahara crossing.
Lunch in a restaurant managed by Ivory Coast women that will introduce us to the tasty cuisine of West Africa.
Hundreds of colorful pirogues lined the beach on Nouakchott fishing harbor will leave us amazed. Our eyes, accustomed to sand and dunes, will be reflected in tumultuous waters, in which wind, waves, brightly painted pirogues and sub-Saharan (mainly Senegalese) fishermen selling the abundant catches to the market. Mauritania processes more than 1,800,000 tons of fish each year.
Hotel in day-use until 6:00 p.m. and transfer to the airport.
TOUR LEADER: With long experience in leading off the beaten track in West Africa and the Sahara, and an excellent understanding of African culture and traditions.
EXPLORATORY ITINERARY: This itinerary is an expedition; participants must be flexible and ready to enjoy unique encounters, as well as some unexpected situations that are part of the African experience.
VISAS: After booking, please contact us and we will send you our advice and suggestions on how to obtain electronic visas and when Letters of Invitation are required.
VACCINATIONS:
BAGGAGE: Given the nature of the trip, please limit your baggage weight to no more than 20 kg (45 lbs) per person. In order to optimize space during transfers, the use of soft duffel bags or holdalls is highly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: NOT INCLUDED BUT it is mandatory to purchase an insurance policy that guarantees coverage for medical assistance, medical repatriation, and third-party liability for damages. The organization disclaims all liability for any injuries, accidents, material damages, or health issues occurring during or after the trip, regardless of the triggering cause or the parties involved. It is recommended to keep a copy of the insurance policy together with your identity documents for the entire duration of the trip.
TRANSPORTATION: 4×4 vehicles and minibuses. All vehicles are carefully selected and equipped to handle local routes, ensuring maximum comfort thanks also to the presence of air conditioning. Boat transfers include the use of speedboats for ocean navigation and traditional boats for exploring the Naila lagoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Properties are carefully selected for their excellent service and, where possible, architectural merit. In capitals and major locations, overnight stays are provided in 4-star hotels, while in the interior we guarantee the best possible solutions, always equipped with air conditioning. In case of necessity, the tour leader reserves the right to propose alternatives of the same category. Twin rooms with separate beds are very limited. Please check availability with TransAfrica at the time of booking.
Safety and Accessibility in the Properties: Please be advised that, due to the architectural layout of some properties, staircases may feature irregular steps or uneven surfaces. Maximum caution is therefore recommended when moving around inside the buildings.
MOBILE CAMP: Two nights in a mobile camp in the remotest part of the Western Sahara. Camping in the immensity of the Sahara is an unforgettable experience. Large equipped tents, mats, and chairs. In case of wind, a large restaurant tent will be set up for dinner. Portable “facilities” will be installed.
MEALS: The meal plan is structured as follows: lunches feature dynamic options such as cold buffets, outdoor picnics, or stops at local restaurants with tourist menus; dinners are served at the hotels (tourist menu). Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
During transfers, we provide mineral water in 5L recyclable containers to minimize plastic waste. We recommend bringing a personal water bottle.
TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY AND SPIRIT OF ADAPTATION: The itinerary is designed to explore fascinating places where international visitors are still a rare sight. Given the uniqueness of the experience, participants are required to have a collaborative, tolerant, and flexible spirit to fully enjoy the expedition and appreciate the unique nature, as well as the spontaneous hospitality of the local populations, the African magic and mystery, the metaphysics, the ceremonies, the life philosophies, and the beliefs that people are willing to share with their traveling friends.
The Organisation and the Tour Leader reserve the exclusive right to make changes or adjustments to itineraries, visits and accommodations, should it become necessary due to local conditions or force majeure, in order to ensure the smooth running of the expedition.
Included:
Not included:
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