How To Get To Chinguetti?

Are you ready to embark on an adventure to Chinguetti? This historic and mystical town, nestled in the heart of Mauritania’s desert, is truly a gem worth visiting.

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, Chinguetti sounds cool, but how the heck do I even get there?” And that’s where this article comes in handy. Knowing how to get to Chinguetti is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey. Trust us, you don’t want to get lost in the middle of the desert! But before we jump into the fun stuff, let’s start with the basics.

Why You Should Go To Chinguetti?

Chinguetti is hands down one of the coolest places on the planet! I mean, we’re talking about a town that’s been around since the 13th century! That’s like, way before iPhones and TikTok were a thing.

Let’s discuss about the architecture first. Probably the first time you’ve ever seen anything like it. The tall, square-shaped buildings in Chinguetti are constructed of stone and mud. Similar to a smaller version of Stonehenge, only in the middle of the desert! The fact that these structures are still standing after so many years is a testament to the extraordinary talent and creativity of those who constructed them.

However, Chinguetti is exceptional for reasons other than just its design. History and culture also play a role. Chinguetti is a hub for Islamic learning in West Africa, with some of the region’s oldest libraries and mosques. Therefore, if you like history or are just curious about other cultures, this is the place to be.

And let’s not forget about the natural beauty! Chinguetti is smack dab in the middle of the Sahara desert, surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes and dunes that stretch for miles. It’s like being on another planet! If you’re looking for adventure, this is the place to be.

How To Get To Chinguetti?

Alright, buckle up because we’re hitting the road! If you’re up for a good old-fashioned road trip, then driving from Nouakchott to Chinguetti is a great option. You’ll get to see some amazing landscapes and maybe even stop for some delicious local food along the way.

Read more: How To Get From Mauritania To Senegal Overland?

By Public Transportation

Okay, so let’s talk about traveling around Mauritania using public transportation. I won’t sugarcoat it – it can be a bit of a wild ride. But, if you’re up for a challenge, it can also be an adventure!

Now, here’s the situation. It’s not always reliable to use Mauritania’s public transit. In fact, there are moments when it’s downright erratic. However, that’s all in good fun, right? Make sure you have plenty of patience and a sense of humor, though.

Oh, and did I mention the military stops? Yeah, those can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to provide your private information and reasons for traveling at every single one. But, hey, it’s all for your safety and security, so it’s worth it in the end.

To get to Chinguetti you first need to go to the city of Atar. Numerous minibuses travel between Nouakchott and Atar, but they aren’t always the most dependable. In reality, timing can be a little tricky, so be careful to find out ahead of time what time you need to arrive at the station. Who knows, you might get fortunate and board a minibus that is actually on time!

Once you get to Atar, you can take a local pick-up to Chinguetti or Ouadane. It’s a bit of a wait, but it’s all part of the adventure, right? And, hey, you might even make some new friends while you’re waiting!

By Private Car

Now, if you’re not the kind of person who wants to deal with the unpredictability of public transportation, I totally get it. And, lucky for you, there’s another option – private tours!

Yes, they might cost a little more (between 500 and 1000 EUR for 5 nights), but trust me when I say they are well worth the extra cost. You’ll not only travel in comfort, but you’ll also gain the benefit of having a private guide.

These local guides are absolute pros at taking care of all your paperwork and planning a full itinerary, so you don’t have to waste any time waiting for buses or filling out personal details at military stops. And, let’s be real, who wants to waste time when there are so many amazing things to see and do in Mauritania?

Read more: The Ultimate Mauritania Travel Guide

What Can I Do In Chinguetti?

The Libraries

Now, I’m not exaggerating when I say that one of the absolute coolest things you can do in Mauritania is visit the libraries of Chinguetti. I mean, we’re talking five libraries located in the old quarter of the city that contain some of the most important Quranic texts in history, as well as papers about astronomy, mathematics, and science dating all the way back to the middle ages!

The Desert

Alright, picture this: you’re out in the middle of the largest desert on the planet, surrounded by nothing but sand dunes as far as the eye can see. And what better way to experience all of this amazingness than by hopping on a 4×4 and heading out into the Sahara?

Not only is this one of the coolest things you can do in Mauritania, but it’s also the most interesting way to travel between Chinguetti and Ouadane. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Along the way, you’ll pass by camel caravans, stop at nomad villages, and maybe even lend a hand to your driver as they try to navigate the tricky sand dunes.

Camel Safaries

Alright, let’s talk about one of the most iconic experiences you can have in Chinguetti: camel safaris! If you’re looking for a truly unique adventure, then hopping on the back of a camel and heading out into the desert is an absolute must.

First of all, can we just appreciate how cool camels are? These amazing creatures are built to survive in the desert and have been used for transportation for centuries. And let me tell you, riding on the back of a camel is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It will seem as though you are in a whole different universe as you walk across the sand dunes. There are no adequate words to convey the tranquility of the desert. The best thing, though? Along the way, you’ll get to see some incredible sights, including breath-taking sunsets and amazing rock formations.

Bottom Line

There you have it, everyone! We’ve looked into all the options for getting to Chinguetti, from the daring camel safaris to the cozier private tours. There is a method for you to get to this enchanted desert city, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a luxury-lover.

But the journey doesn’t end there! Once you arrive in Chinguetti, there are endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. From the ancient libraries to the stunning sand dunes, there’s something for everyone.