Mauritania's Sahara Desert Villages

Mauritania's Sahara Desert Villages

adventure travel & photography

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The story

The country of Mauritania lies in the vast expanse of the Sahara desert, characterized by stunning natural beauty - vast sand dunes and a nomadic way of life. However, for those living in remote villages, poverty is an everyday reality.

The harsh desert climate, coupled with a lack of basic necessities such as water, electricity, and healthcare, make life in these villages an uphill battle.

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In February 2023, I traveled through the country with a few friends. I was struck by the sharp contrast between the magical nature and the dramatic poverty in populated areas. The poverty in the villages is not solely due to the harsh climate. Societies have different levels of development, with some more advanced than others. History does not move forward and upward, but in a wave-like fashion, with one society thriving while another is in decline. Mesopotamia, the cradle of ancient civilization, is a prime example of this. Today, the region in modern-day Iraq is sinking in poverty, corruption, and backwardness. Palmyra in Syria, once a symbol of the highest form of civilization, was until a few years ago the scene of public beheadings on the ancient theater stage organized by ISIS fighters.

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Although non-governmental organizations are operating in the region in an effort to alleviate the situation of the people, real change will not occur until local communities themselves take the initiative to move forward and upward.

We can only observe this reality.

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Mauritania's Sahara Desert Villages

Travel to Mauritania

Join us on a unforgettable journey to Mauritania, one of the most fascinating and captivating countries in West Africa. Our tour will take you through the country's rich history and culture, from the ancient city of Chinguetti, one of the largest and most important centers of learning in the Muslim world, to the bustling capital city of Nouakchott. Along the way, you'll explore the stunning natural beauty of the Sahara desert, with its towering sand dunes and breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the traditional way of life of the country's nomadic tribes. You'll also have the chance to try some of the delicious local cuisine, including dishes made from traditional ingredients like millet, couscous, and camel meat. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, our tour of Mauritania is the perfect way to discover all that this amazing country has to offer.

We usually have one or two small groups (max 7/8 participants) per year traveling to Mauritania. If you are interested in joining a group setting out from Europe, please drop me a line. We will provide more information, like dates, a program, and other details.

I organize and lead small groups to Mauritania through my licensed travel agency "Thousand Voyages" Ltd. You can find out more about the guided tours here.